My sister turned me on to this site, so I thought I should share for all you who love free stuff. (And don't we all?!) I don't check it on a daily basis, but I have already signed up to receive a FREE Scrubbing Bubbles Shower Caddy. So check it out! You'll be sure to find something of interest.
FREEBIES4MOM
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Cocoa-Vegas Vacation Part 2
On Monday (4.6) Tom, Tennyson, and I went to The Outlets at Hershey. It was cooler and windier than I thought, but I didn't want to stay indoors because I do that at home most of the time anyway. The highlight was the Disney Store (a shock, I know), where we bought Tennyson a Mickey Mouse placemat, bowl, and fork and spoon set, all for under $10. He was very excited about those!
He even got to sit in the Life Lion!
Driving the tractor
Playing with Cheeto
Mmmm, fondue! Complete with pound cake,
strawberries, bananas, and pretzels for dipping!
On Tuesday we mostly stayed around the house, knowing that the next day we had a 3-4 hour trip ahead of us. We thought it best to keep Tennyson out of the car. Well, I honestly can't remember what else we did that day besides make a great dinner that night. Tom and Lynley made a fire in the fireplace, since it was a chilly night, and once Tennyson went to bed and Dan got home, we sat around the fire eating chocolate fondue and playing games. It was such a special way to end our vacation! The next morning we packed up, I threw a load of sheets and towels in the washer, and we met Lynley and Dan for lunch at The Hershey Pantry. It's such a quaint little eatery, and we somehow always end up eating there, too! (Yes, we ate LOTS of good food in Hershey!)
Thanks Lynley and Dan for having us! We really enjoyed our visit, and we are looking forward to coming back with Baby Boy Bates in the fall!
We headed back to Chocolate World for lunch and of course we couldn't resist one more ride. It turned out not to be such a great idea. Tennyson was fussy and tired and refused to eat. So we cut things short and went back home to put him down for a nap. (We did manage to get in another ride though, and Tennyson was much more animated this time around.)
That night Lynley, Dan, and our little family went to Red Robin for dinner. We always go when we're in Hershey cuz I loves me some RR! We kind of rushed through dinner though because my sister had arranged an awesome surprise for Tennyson, a chance to see the Penn State medical helicopter, the Life Lion. Lynley's co-worker is dating one of the guys who works for the emergency transport. As soon as we got out of the car we heard the helicopter getting ready to take off. So Dan grabs Tennyson and goes running with him across the field. Meanwhile, I amtrying to grab the camera yelling, "Um, Dan wait. I need a photo!" Tom caught it on video, which Tennyson still wants to watch every day, over and over again. Tennyson was so cute hanging on to Dan saying "Opter! Opter!" Then we went into the hanger to see the other Life Lion. Tennyson was SO excited to see it up close and also to see a riding lawn mower, too! Ha ha ha!!
It was great to see his big, blue eyes light up, and his excitement made us all excited! Thanks, Lynley, for giving Tennyson such a great memory from our visit! It was the highlight for sure!
With Uncle Dan (and Lynley in the background)
watching the helicopter taking off
watching the helicopter taking off
He even got to sit in the Life Lion!
Driving the tractor
Playing with Cheeto
Mmmm, fondue! Complete with pound cake,
strawberries, bananas, and pretzels for dipping!
Thanks Lynley and Dan for having us! We really enjoyed our visit, and we are looking forward to coming back with Baby Boy Bates in the fall!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Revised Baby Tally
I just remembered the baby tally I started a few weeks ago and was wondering how things were shaking out. So in case you are curious, like me, here is an updated baby tally (of the 10 pregnant ladies I know):
Boys - 5
Girls - 2
To Be Determined - 3
Hmmm, I have a feeling it might be the year of "the boy." My brother and sister-in-law found out last week they are expecting a boy, so that will make 8 grandsons for my parents! I LOVE it!
I will be working on finishing up the Cocoa-Vegas Part 2 post and a detailed one about our visit to UVA this afternoon. Hopefully I'll get those done this weekend, in between bookkeeping, lunch with a friend, and cleaning out the closets in Tennyson's bedroom. I am purging BIG time in prepartion for a Memorial Day yard sale at my sister's, and his closets are the last stronghold. Baby Boy is my motivation. I must get ready for his arrival in a few short months!
Boys - 5
Girls - 2
To Be Determined - 3
Hmmm, I have a feeling it might be the year of "the boy." My brother and sister-in-law found out last week they are expecting a boy, so that will make 8 grandsons for my parents! I LOVE it!
I will be working on finishing up the Cocoa-Vegas Part 2 post and a detailed one about our visit to UVA this afternoon. Hopefully I'll get those done this weekend, in between bookkeeping, lunch with a friend, and cleaning out the closets in Tennyson's bedroom. I am purging BIG time in prepartion for a Memorial Day yard sale at my sister's, and his closets are the last stronghold. Baby Boy is my motivation. I must get ready for his arrival in a few short months!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Cocoa-Vegas Vacation Part 1
I am a little behind in the world of blogging because the day after we got back from our vacation we had scheduled my 20-week ultrasound. So I have been mentally.....preoccupied. But I find myself with a few moments here to catch up on what we did over our spring break. (Tom's school was closed and I didn't keep any kids the whole week!!!!) It's so nice to have family that lives in a tourist destination, so we can go on a vacation for practically nothing.
We left for Hershey, PA on April 3rd to stay with my sister, Lynley and her husband, Dan. The trip there was almost uneventful. Tennyson threw up about an hour from our destination. Tom pulled over to the side of the road, but I didn't like the idea of stopping there for too long. I had to get Tennyson cleaned up though. So we pulled off at the next rest stop, where only a rundown gas station and not one, but two, strip clubs were. It was like something in a bad movie, let me tell you. So it was not a difficult decision where we would park so I could tend to Tennyson. Thankfully, there was another family there doing much the same thing. So long story short, it was cold, Tennyson was crying, and it was practically windy enough to blow me over (hence the door of our tank-like Maxima closing on my head). It was not fun.
So we finally got to my sister's and settled in for the night. As I expected Tennyson didn't have a great first night there, but every other night he slept like a champ and took no less than a 3-hour nap every day we were there! I can't blame him. I never sleep well the first night in a new place either.
Saturday we headed to Wegman's, or as I like to call it, The World's Most Awesomest Grocery Store. Going there makes grocery shopping enjoyable! Not only is it spotless, but they have tons of selection in every category, from Kosher to flowers to a seafood bar. They have an eat-in area, too, so that's where we ate lunch that day. They had pizza, subs, a salad bar, Chinese food, hot food, soup, etc. And it is gooood food, too! If you get the chance to stop in a Wegman's, do it, but be forewarned you may not want to leave.
I can't remember what we did Saturday night, but Sunday was probably the best day of our trip for me. At 9:00AM my dear friend, Lisa, and had made us appointments at The Chocolate Spa (in The Hotel Hershey) for chocolate pedicures! Oh...my....word. They were amazing! It was great to relax, be pampered, and spend hours talking, uninterrupted. After our pedicures we headed to the Quiet Room. We sat in front of the fireplace eating muffins and drinking tea and hot chocolate. Then we walked around the Oasis Dining Room and some of the hotel grounds. The flowers had bloomed yet, but it was still lovely and peaceful. Thank you Lisa for a memorable time!
The courtyard off the Oasis Dining Room
The Oasis Dining Room, where a light lunch was $25/person
I so wanted to lie down on those oversized, leather seats and take a nap!
I thought the window treatments were beautiful
Sunday afternoon Tom, Tennyson, Lynley, and I went to Chocolate World where we, of course, bought chocolate and rode the little ride that tells you how chocolate is made. (I won't post any photos since it hasn't changed since the last time we went.) But this time around Tennyson could really enjoy it. The first time we went on it he wasn't so sure and I don't think he moved or blinked the entire time! It was so cute! (We went on it again a couple days later and he was a little more animated.)
That evening Tom, Tennyson, and I went to see Scott, Lisa, and the kids, and to eat at Pizzatown. We always try to go there when we're in town. Scott and Lisa introduced it to us during a weekend visit to their home in the summer of 2006 and we have been hooked ever since! Afterwards we went to the playground at Messiah College so the kids could burn some energy. Lisa took a few photos of us to remember the day by.
I will post more later on Monday and Tuesday's adventures in Chocolatetown, including Tennyson's upclose encounter with a helicopter! He was one happy little boy thanks to his Aunt Lynley! Check back later....
We left for Hershey, PA on April 3rd to stay with my sister, Lynley and her husband, Dan. The trip there was almost uneventful. Tennyson threw up about an hour from our destination. Tom pulled over to the side of the road, but I didn't like the idea of stopping there for too long. I had to get Tennyson cleaned up though. So we pulled off at the next rest stop, where only a rundown gas station and not one, but two, strip clubs were. It was like something in a bad movie, let me tell you. So it was not a difficult decision where we would park so I could tend to Tennyson. Thankfully, there was another family there doing much the same thing. So long story short, it was cold, Tennyson was crying, and it was practically windy enough to blow me over (hence the door of our tank-like Maxima closing on my head). It was not fun.
So we finally got to my sister's and settled in for the night. As I expected Tennyson didn't have a great first night there, but every other night he slept like a champ and took no less than a 3-hour nap every day we were there! I can't blame him. I never sleep well the first night in a new place either.
Saturday we headed to Wegman's, or as I like to call it, The World's Most Awesomest Grocery Store. Going there makes grocery shopping enjoyable! Not only is it spotless, but they have tons of selection in every category, from Kosher to flowers to a seafood bar. They have an eat-in area, too, so that's where we ate lunch that day. They had pizza, subs, a salad bar, Chinese food, hot food, soup, etc. And it is gooood food, too! If you get the chance to stop in a Wegman's, do it, but be forewarned you may not want to leave.
I can't remember what we did Saturday night, but Sunday was probably the best day of our trip for me. At 9:00AM my dear friend, Lisa, and had made us appointments at The Chocolate Spa (in The Hotel Hershey) for chocolate pedicures! Oh...my....word. They were amazing! It was great to relax, be pampered, and spend hours talking, uninterrupted. After our pedicures we headed to the Quiet Room. We sat in front of the fireplace eating muffins and drinking tea and hot chocolate. Then we walked around the Oasis Dining Room and some of the hotel grounds. The flowers had bloomed yet, but it was still lovely and peaceful. Thank you Lisa for a memorable time!
The ceiling in part of the spa
The courtyard off the Oasis Dining Room
The Oasis Dining Room, where a light lunch was $25/person
I so wanted to lie down on those oversized, leather seats and take a nap!
I thought the window treatments were beautiful
Sunday afternoon Tom, Tennyson, Lynley, and I went to Chocolate World where we, of course, bought chocolate and rode the little ride that tells you how chocolate is made. (I won't post any photos since it hasn't changed since the last time we went.) But this time around Tennyson could really enjoy it. The first time we went on it he wasn't so sure and I don't think he moved or blinked the entire time! It was so cute! (We went on it again a couple days later and he was a little more animated.)
That evening Tom, Tennyson, and I went to see Scott, Lisa, and the kids, and to eat at Pizzatown. We always try to go there when we're in town. Scott and Lisa introduced it to us during a weekend visit to their home in the summer of 2006 and we have been hooked ever since! Afterwards we went to the playground at Messiah College so the kids could burn some energy. Lisa took a few photos of us to remember the day by.
I will post more later on Monday and Tuesday's adventures in Chocolatetown, including Tennyson's upclose encounter with a helicopter! He was one happy little boy thanks to his Aunt Lynley! Check back later....
Tasty Tuesday ~ Choc-Oat-Chip Cookie Bars
CHOC-OAT-CHIP COOKIE BARS
This is straight off the Quaker Oat's website and they tasted exactly they way I was hoping they would! I do love nuts in cookies, but I left them out of this recipe. We didn't even miss 'em.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) margarine or butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
2-1/2 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Make It:
1) Heat oven to 375°F. Beat margarine and sugars until creamy.
2) Add eggs, milk and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda and salt; mix well.1 cup (2 sticks) margarine or butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
2-1/2 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Make It:
1) Heat oven to 375°F. Beat margarine and sugars until creamy.
3) Stir in oats, chocolate chips and nuts; mix well.
4) Press dough onto bottom of ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely; cut into bars. Store in tightly covered container.
4) Press dough onto bottom of ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely; cut into bars. Store in tightly covered container.
Variations
Substitute 1 cup of any of the following for 1 cup chocolate chips: candy-coated chocolate pieces, candy-coated peanut butter pieces, white chocolate chips, peanut butter & milk chocolate chips or butterscotch chips. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 9 to 10 minutes for a chewy cookie or 12 to 13 minutes for a crisp cookie. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered. Makes about 5 dozen.
Substitute 1 cup of any of the following for 1 cup chocolate chips: candy-coated chocolate pieces, candy-coated peanut butter pieces, white chocolate chips, peanut butter & milk chocolate chips or butterscotch chips. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 9 to 10 minutes for a chewy cookie or 12 to 13 minutes for a crisp cookie. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered. Makes about 5 dozen.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The BIG Announcement and an Urgent Request for Prayer
Last Thursday was the day, the big day, when we went for that 20-week ultrasound (and my 4th for this pregnancy)! We put Tennyson down for a nap, left him with my sister-in-law, Hannah, and headed out to the doctor's office. It was especially exciting because we had invited my parents to come along. Since my youngest sibling is 20 years old, I figured my parents would love to see how much ultrasound technology has changed and what a fun way to tell them what their next grandchild would be.
The ultrasound went well, and since I drank a soda on the way there the baby was very active! The ultrasonographer asked if we were finding out what we were having and we confirmed that we were. Well, she had literally just put the probe on my belly and said..........
IT'S A BOY!!!!!
Apparently he was more than happy to show it off! Hahaha!!! Of course, Tom and I could not have been more excited! It's SO great that Tennyson and his little brother will be almost exactly 2 years apart and they will share that special bond as they go through life together. Aside from it simplifying things (clothes, long-term living arrangement, etc.) it will be so nice to say "the boys" instead of "the kids." We would have been fine either way, but we are beyond thrilled that Tennyson will have a little brother!!!
The little guy has his arms AND his feet over his head most of the time, so that made it difficult for her to get some great shots of his face. The most adorable part was when he yawned and we could see his little tongue moving! AMAZING! He also tried his best to suck his toes!!! What a personality already! We saw his little heart beating away, his fingers, his 1o little toes, and his sweet little face. I laid there crying, thinking about what an amazing gift we'd been given in this baby boy.
Once the ultrasound was over and my parents went on their way we went for the routine doctor's visit. Of course, since we waited a few minutes we made a few hurried phone calls to share the big news! The doctor came in and said that everything looked fine, but..... (Now at this one little word my heart jumped into my throat.) "there was one little problem." A little problem!!!! Are you kidding me?! When it comes to my unborn baby no problem could possibly be "little." I looked at Tom sitting across the room and looked back at her, waiting, waiting for what she would say next. She proceeded to tell us that there was a white spot on his heart. That it could mean nothing or it could mean a chromosomal problem, such as Down's. She assured us that everything else looked fine, and that it was just that one issue, but still my heart was breaking. I don't know HOW I kept it together. She didn't make it sound urgent, by any means, but offered us the chance to go to UVA and get a more in-depth ultrasound, which I immediately responded that I wanted to do that.
While we waited for the girl who coordinates all the UVA appointments I broke down in the hallway and then again after we left the office. (Later that day they did call to confirm the appointment. We have to wait TWO weeks because they don't do the type of ultrasound we need until 22 weeks.) I spent most of Thursday crying and Friday in shock. Today was the first day I started to feel somewhat hopeful that everything was going to be okay. I know we serve a big God, an Almighty God, a God who can do ALL things, but I am still human. I am worried sick about my precious baby boy. I am trying to trust, but still find myself saying, "But what if he's not alright?"
So I am asking for anyone reading this to please pray. Please pray first and foremost for our little one. That he is okay and that the spot is GONE when we go to UVA. And pray for peace for Tom and I. Tom is "handling" it better than me. The blessings of a calmer, and perhaps more trusting in our God, husband. We will keep you all posted, but won't know anything until April 23rd. Thank you in advance for your prayers!
As I sit here typing I feel his strong kicks within me, and I like to think he's telling me, "It's okay, Mommy, I'm fine."
Psalm 139
13 For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
AMEN.
PS- For all you on Facebook, please do not comment on our baby's gender, as Tom wants to tell his fellow teachers when school is back on Tuesday. Thank you!
The ultrasound went well, and since I drank a soda on the way there the baby was very active! The ultrasonographer asked if we were finding out what we were having and we confirmed that we were. Well, she had literally just put the probe on my belly and said..........
IT'S A BOY!!!!!
The little guy has his arms AND his feet over his head most of the time, so that made it difficult for her to get some great shots of his face. The most adorable part was when he yawned and we could see his little tongue moving! AMAZING! He also tried his best to suck his toes!!! What a personality already! We saw his little heart beating away, his fingers, his 1o little toes, and his sweet little face. I laid there crying, thinking about what an amazing gift we'd been given in this baby boy.
Once the ultrasound was over and my parents went on their way we went for the routine doctor's visit. Of course, since we waited a few minutes we made a few hurried phone calls to share the big news! The doctor came in and said that everything looked fine, but..... (Now at this one little word my heart jumped into my throat.) "there was one little problem." A little problem!!!! Are you kidding me?! When it comes to my unborn baby no problem could possibly be "little." I looked at Tom sitting across the room and looked back at her, waiting, waiting for what she would say next. She proceeded to tell us that there was a white spot on his heart. That it could mean nothing or it could mean a chromosomal problem, such as Down's. She assured us that everything else looked fine, and that it was just that one issue, but still my heart was breaking. I don't know HOW I kept it together. She didn't make it sound urgent, by any means, but offered us the chance to go to UVA and get a more in-depth ultrasound, which I immediately responded that I wanted to do that.
While we waited for the girl who coordinates all the UVA appointments I broke down in the hallway and then again after we left the office. (Later that day they did call to confirm the appointment. We have to wait TWO weeks because they don't do the type of ultrasound we need until 22 weeks.) I spent most of Thursday crying and Friday in shock. Today was the first day I started to feel somewhat hopeful that everything was going to be okay. I know we serve a big God, an Almighty God, a God who can do ALL things, but I am still human. I am worried sick about my precious baby boy. I am trying to trust, but still find myself saying, "But what if he's not alright?"
So I am asking for anyone reading this to please pray. Please pray first and foremost for our little one. That he is okay and that the spot is GONE when we go to UVA. And pray for peace for Tom and I. Tom is "handling" it better than me. The blessings of a calmer, and perhaps more trusting in our God, husband. We will keep you all posted, but won't know anything until April 23rd. Thank you in advance for your prayers!
As I sit here typing I feel his strong kicks within me, and I like to think he's telling me, "It's okay, Mommy, I'm fine."
Psalm 139
13 For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
AMEN.
PS- For all you on Facebook, please do not comment on our baby's gender, as Tom wants to tell his fellow teachers when school is back on Tuesday. Thank you!
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