My New Tattoo...

I've wanted a tattoo since I was a junior in high school. I've always known what I wanted (a butterfly outline) and where I wanted it (on my leg)...I was just too chicken to ever actually get one. Now I realize that it was good I couldn't bring myself to do it because my hubby absolutely hates tattoos. And since he'd see it more than I would, his vote counts.

But with pregnancy, my inhibitions leave me and I got tattooed this morning. Okay, it's just henna and will be gone in about 6 weeks (plus really ugly as soon as the baby is born) but for now, I think I'm cool. And that is all that matters!

But I will take an opportunity to try to convince everyone I konw who is getting pregnant or is now, to get a tatoo on their bellies. The thing about pregnancy that I don't understand is that all pregnant women are truly beautiful to all other pregnant women. But when I am pregnant I'm a fat cow. I know it's partly just feeling like a blob of poo when we get to full term, but our self-image is pitiful. And this little tattoo, this symbol, makes me feel cute and a little fun. Even with my pathetic stretch marks. (I don't recommend you blow this photo up any more!)

Our first real snow

They had a great time digging through and throwing the snow all over the place!

Chocolate Meringue Pie

Well, we all have to be good at something. Since my hubby's a baker (and I hate baking) I'm a lousy baker. It has something to do with following precise directions that trips me up every time. However, I can make the very best chocolate chip cookies. They're fabulous cookies. My pastry chef husband has even asked me for the recipe.

So now I'm on to make the best Chocolate Meringue Pie ever. Actually, my grandmother makes the very best pies and I'm out to emulate her. This pie tased gerat but the meringue fell so it wasn't pretty, anymore.

Camping

Bug begged my dad to take him on a camping trip and while it wasn't too hard of a sell, Dad did go to some effort to get these great photos! Have I told you all lately that I have the best Dad in the entire universe? Well, I have the best Dad in the entire universe. Truly.

Horseback Riding...

We took the kids out to our friend's house in the country. And I mean in the country. They live about 45 minutes from our house. But they had a ball. Not only did they have barn cats Peanut could hold and enjoy (Bug wasn't allowed to even go near them due to past experiences), but they have horses. They were ponies, actually, that the kids were allowed to ride and fully enjoy. Both of the kids had a ball on those horses. It was wonderful!

Grandma's Birthday

Our town...

I just wanted to quickly say that we live in the absolutely coolest town ever. It truly is a paradise (defined by breathtaking scenery, no humidity, and no bugs). But the cheap entertainment around here really beats all. I took the family out for a rare dining out experience (I love to cook and my husband prefers to eat in) and we spent $8 for ALL 4 of us to eat our fill. Mind you, I didn't say $8 each, I said $8 TOTAL! We have this great little hole in the wall Chinese food place where everything on the menu is $1.49 and it's great food (no MSG). Plus, we have a $1 theater (yes, the movies are old but we don't care) that on Tuesdays sell all tickets for 50 cents. The four of us can see an older movie for $2. If I wasn't married and a man, I'd take all my dates out on Tuesdays and do that deal. With prices like those, we can buy a popcorn and soda.

I love my town!

The Name Game

We are still not inspired. Granted, we only have about 2 months to come up with a fantastic name for our baby and we just can't seem to get it together.

• Dreese (a Dutch name with spelling changed--it should be Dries)
• Elias
• Micaiah (kind of like Michael or Micha)
• Francis (Hubby likes this one because of Francis Shaffer--it's a no go for sure)

Any GOOD suggestions? Keep them coming!

8 Months and Counting...

We're Going on a Moose Hunt...

As of this very Labor Day weekend, I have a new found respect for all those who accomplish the fine art of landscape and wildlife photography. I will admit that I'm decently good at getting cute photos of the kids. They may not always be smiling but they're usually full of the natural character of my children. However, I diligently tried (we had 83 pictures total) to get a GOOD picture of a moose this weekend. The one above was the very best of the bunch and it's overexposed. My husband is actually a fabulous photographer. The photos he took on safari in Africa several years back attest to that fact. But we just got a new digital camera and we're having a hard time making it work with the old telephoto lens. Something to do with aperture. Anyway, I think I'll buy a postcard.

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We did have a great time with our friends and with nature. I miss the potty and a warm shower when we go camping but it really is worth the filth to have such fun with the kids. Bug is an incredible camper. He doesn't complain and can poop with a great squat. That is no small feat for a 30 year old let alone my little 4 year old! In one day he walked 1.6 miles to a lake and Peanut walked 1.2 of those same miles (Papa carried her a bit of the way downhill). They both have this great "I can do it myself" attitude and just love camping. We have the best kids ever!

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And we saw 7 moose!