What a Blessing!

How was everyone's Mother's Day? Our was nice. Low key. And at home. It was really nice! Both my family, and Mike's came down for a visit. Which made it an extra special weekend for us. :) If you read Monday's post, you can tell...it's getting warm around here.

Our moms cooked all the food! And it was so good. I'm still stuffed! But I wanted to contribute something too. That's when I tried a new recipe. For cheesecake cookies. Um, hello! If the name of the recipe didn't interest you, well I'm not sure what will! But they were amazing!

And we just enjoyed a lot of time, with our family. Everyone melted over Mikey and Danny...in their little suits. And Savannah, had everyone, wrapped around her little fingers. :) We don't get to see our families much. It's really unfortunate! But Mike's family lives 4 hours away. And mine, well they're a plane ride away!

It was a nice little visit. Everyone was so happy. Life was going well. And we were just enjoying life. It's nice to be spoiled by my momma, and momma-in-law! In some ways, it made me feel like a little girl again. To have my momma, make me a yummy breakfast in bed. The only difference was, I'm now nursing a sweet little girl. With 2 little guys, who couldn't decide if they wanted to eat with their momma, or daddy.

This was the kind of weekend, that we all needed! Low key. Surrounded by our loved ones. Unfortunately, before our families even left, Mike was called out to work. And with that, "Fire Season" has begun. We were all sad, to see him go. But I know, my husband is good at his job. And he enjoys it. Believe me, we're all praying. For Mike's fast, and safe return!

♥Rach♥

We NEED One!!

Not even going to lie here. It's already insanely H-O-T! The rest of the world, is excited about summer. I'm well, not so thrilled that the temps are already in the 90s. Years ago, when I was in college, it was great! Welcomed actually. But these days, with 3 kids, it's tough. My boys want to be outside. 24/7! Never mind that it's 110 degrees. They don't care!

And I feel bad. I don't want my kids to be stuck inside. Not when our summer pretty much begins in May. And ends at the end of September. I want them to enjoy the summer months. And the nice weather.

But we need some activities that will keep us cool. And I'm not just talking swimming. So I took to Pinterest for some inspiration. Look what I found!

It's a sprinkler! Made out of PVC pipe. It might have taken me a week, to track down the original post. But I did! Mike told me, that he could make one. He's calling it the "Kid Car Wash." And after Mikey happened to spot it on the computer, I was writing down the supply list. Well it is essentially set in stone! Mike can't get out of it now. :)

I do have to say, we're blessed. Not only is Mike the kind of guy, that enjoys DIY projects. But the firefighters, are always excited to help us out. Especially when it comes to our kids. So guess what's on tap, for their next day off? This bad boy! My boys are so excited! They keep calling this, the "wimmin wower." If you didn't get that, it's the swimming shower. :) How cute! This momma might even have to run through it too!

♥Rach♥

Who Would Have Thought?

Mike and I, have been looking for some DIY projects to tackle. Outside. For our boys. They are very curious, and active. My boys, are totally the typical "boy." Their days include chasing our dog, hunting lizards, and digging in the yard. Nightly baths, are not optional in our home.

We have a nice playset for them. That they love! I tell you, I've got 2 little monkeys here. :) But we're always looking for something new. Something to keep the boys active. And to keep their sense of exploring going on.

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this. On I Heart Naptime. Which happens to be one of my favorite blogs! Who would have thought? A tire...into a sandbox. :)

We happen to have a friend, who has a Ranch. And I'm tempted to call him, and ask him if he has any old tires. I think this would be a fun project to tackle with the boys. Something that they've helped their daddy build.

♥Rach♥

Trying Something New

Sometimes I feel like I get in food slump. I'm not the best cook around. Especially not in Mexican food. But I try. Every time that we go to visit Mike's family, I try to learn 1 more thing. Sometimes, it's simple things. Like beans. Or Spanish rice. And I have to say this, I have a very patient husband. Who endures it. Endures the same food every week. Who happily smiles, at the 10 or so dishes that I've mastered.

But even I get tired of it. And go hunting out simple and new recipes. Things that I can tackle. With success. And that we'll enjoy eating. Tonight, I'm feeling a little stuck. Like I can't endure the same tacos on Tuesdays, and Spaghetti on Wednesdays. So I went to hunt out a new recipe. And I found this one. For Shrimp & Garlic Pasta. Yum! It already sounds AMAZING!

We're also blessed, with sweet boys. Who aren't picky eaters. That will try, just about anything. At least once! :) That is truly a blessing. Ask any mom. But honestly, this is going to be a home run for our family. I already know it.

My sons adore pasta. I'm sure, all kids do! And shrimp, that's another favorite around here. I just showed Mike the recipe. And he asked if I can make it tomorrow. I can't wait for dinner. Do you have any other good resources for recipes? I'd love to hear about your favorites. :)

♥Rach♥

What a Sweet Peach!!

I'm starting to think that God, reads my blog. That he's been listening to little 'ol me. Praying that our last baby, will be a girl. Today, I'm 20 weeks, 1 day pregnant. And we had our gender ultrasound. I wanted to be 100% sure. Being our last baby and all.

Listening to our babies' heartbeats, long before we meet them, is the most AMAZING thing in the world! I still can't believe, that Mike and I, made these gorgeous little souls. With our love. Wow! It is amazing.

With every pregnancy, I've totally embraced every second. Every small kick, movement, and even morning sickness. But there's something about this pregnancy. Maybe because I know, this baby is our last. But I've embraced every second. I'm trying to record it all. So that years from now, I'll have these little memories. Of "growing" my sweet babies.

And with our amazing appointment, came our great news! In March, we'll be welcoming a sweet little girl!! Can you believe it? Even our boys are excited. "A sisa? We gonna have a gurl? When her come home?" They are excited! We are excited!!

Before we had kids, Mike and I agreed on 2 very important things. 1. He'd name our sons. I'd name our daughters. 2. Whoever named our baby, had to pick our baby's Godparents. Oh boy! It's all on me now!! :)

Actually, I've had 2 girl names picked out. Since I was a little girl. Now I just need to decide between Georgia and Savannah. Before you think I've completely lost it, I'm originally from Georgia. And I knew, I always wanted my daughter to have a connection to my home state. Especially since now, we live in the southwest.

And Godparents...I've known for years, who'd I pick. Now, we just need to get them in 1 place, at the same time. :) I'm really excited about this too!

Oh, and since we're having a sweet girl, I want to do something a little different. Especially when it comes to her nursery. I'm thinking, I want to use the theme "Georgia Peach." I've been looking everywhere, for the perfect crib bedding. But haven't had much luck. But I am positive, that I'm going to use peach, with a little bit of pink, for our daughter's nursery.This picture, is my inspiration!

There's so much to do, in the next few months. But I'm so excited! This is going to be such a fun chapter in our lives. And our daughter, is going to completely change our home. Right now, I'm totally outnumbered! There's my hubby, our 2 sons, and our little dog. All boys!

Mike and I, are planning a little shopping trip. Probably Wednesday. I now realize, we don't really have anything for our daughter. With Danny, we had lots and lots of "hand-me-downs" from Mikey. But honestly, I think Mike is super excited! On the way back from our doctor, who is an hour away from where we live, we stopped at Target. Each of our sons got a new little car. Our daughter, her first Barbie doll! How cute! Yes, we are so excited to be adding a little girl, to our little family!

♥Rach♥

Bad News

I should have known. When I saw the news yesterday. And there was another fire. Mike is heading up to the fire. He should be there no later than 9AM today. I feel so bad for the people up there. They are already evacuating the area.

But we miss Mike. It's been weeks since we've seen him. Mikey asks about Mike every single day. And I feel just like him. I can't wait until Mike is safe at home. But we know, as a firefighting family, that sacrifices have to be made. And we're OK with that. Because we know, Daddy is doing good work.

We just ask that everyone keeps Mike and all the firefighters in your prayers. They need all the support they can get. We love them all. And we hope that they are able to get their work done quickly and safely. Because they all have families who are waiting for them at home.

♥Rach♥

Ugly Animals!

I'm pretty sure, my boys and I are hooked on PBS' Nature Show. It's amazing. And the boys honestly enjoy watching all the animals. I'm always learning something interesting. It's just a "Win-Win Situation."

This week was about the world's ugliest animals. Which of course, my boys were so into! This pig thing, Mikey wants one. What the heck?! I'm sure Spot wouldn't enjoy this guy.

Let's just say, I'm happy these animals are on TV. And not anywhere near me. :) Oh, and we're super excited! Mike is supposed to be coming home, sometime Tuesday. I'm so excited! He's been gone for what feels like forever! I can't wait until our family is back together again. :)

♥Rach♥

Cars 2 Date

I'm not even going to lie. I had a blast with my boys today! I just wish that Mike was around. To be part of our "Family Date." The boys had a great time. But I also knew, they were missing their daddy. I was too!

We started out our adventure with a late lunch. Pizza at the mall. Nothing too special. But we had a blast. Mikey just loves the pizza at our mall. Is it funny that he asks for it often? We don't have it very often. But he will ask me for it more than he asks for toys. Yes, I know my son is funny!

But after lunch, we got to see Cars 2. Mikey was cracking up. He laughed so hard, he made me laugh. I enjoyed the movie, just because he was having so much fun. Danny slept through part of the movie. He watched the more exciting part at the end. He really seemed to "get it." I'm so glad the boys enjoyed their movie.

And after the movie, we went out and had a fun dinner. The boys giggled and laughed. We shared lots of yummy finger foods. It was just a lot of Family Fun! Just what we needed. It's so tough when Mike is gone. We're so proud of him and the work he does. But we miss him so much when he's gone.

On the way home, I thought both boys had fallen asleep. I was quietly singing with the radio. When I heard Mikey. "Mommy tank you. We have so mush fun! I wuv you." It melted my heart. I teared up. My boys mean so much to me! I'm so glad that we had a fun day out!

♥Rach♥

Welcome to Our Family Danny!

Mikey has a new baby brother! Daniel (Danny) waited for his Daddy to come home! Mike was able to come home for a week. And he arrived early on July 14th. The night before, I had begun having some fierce contractions. And I labored well into the morning of July 15th. But it was all worth it. Just to meet our little man! Danny we love you so much. Our family was definitely not complete without you. I see an entire lifetime of fun ahead for our family! But for now, I'm going to be spending lots of time with my boys!

♥Rach♥

Crying Like a Big Baby

I've been really down today. I just can't shake it. And I don't know why I'm feeling this way. I'm thinking, It's because Mike is away fighting the wildfire in CO. And I'm due later this month. I miss Mike so much. It feels like he's been gone for months.

Poor Danny. I hope his daddy doesn't miss his birth. He went north a few weeks ago. I was so stressed out. But he had to fight this fire. Now, he's in CO. Maybe Mike might get to come home just for a few days. Or Danny can wait a few more. Or maybe, I'm just dreaming.

My parents are in LA. That's where I'm originally from. And my in-laws live 4 hours north of here. But I have great friends. I just miss my husband. My in-laws are supposed to be planning to come down here and stay with us for a while. My FIL has agreed to watch Mikey when I go into labor. And my MIL is going to be with me at the hospital. My parents are going to come after Danny gets here. Because last time, they didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with Mikey. We're trying something new here.

But I'm still sad. The gloomy and stormy weather we've been having in the afternoon/evenings/nights isn't helping either. But there's not much you can do about that. I've been crying at commercials, pictures, songs. I'm a little emotional these days. But right now, I'm going to go snuggle up with my napping boy. I feel like I need a nap too!

♥Rach♥

He's Not Coming Home

About a week ago, we thought Mike would be coming home. Instead, his team is headed to CO. To help with that fire. I'm really starting to freak out! I'm less than a month away from my due date. And it looks like Mike won't make it home before Danny is born.

Worst of all, my in-laws can't come until July 20th. I'm praying that my boy stays put until then. And my parents are visiting my sister in GA for the long holiday weekend. An extended week. Because my sister just had my niece! Yesterday! Little Madelyn Grace is a sweety pie! I wish I could be there too.

But my parents will be coming after Danny is born. I'm so excited! Maybe they will bring my little sister and her darling family. :) But I'm still scared and nervous. We have great friends here. But it's not the same without our families. Especially Mike. I hope it all works out. Because I want Mike to be here for Danny's birth. :)

♥Rach♥

Nearby Fire

We have a big fire right outside the city limits. A wildfire! It's ridiculous! None of our "Hot Shot" teams are around either. Most of the ones from the southern part of our state, are up north. Fighting the big wildfire. Worst of all, this fire was started by the fire academy! Yes, they were doing training for the new recruits. I can't believe it!

Our fire department has requested that some fire fighters from AZ come. And they're on their way. With a plane too. I can't believe this! Isn't this nuts?

In other fire related news, Mike is still up north. It makes me so sad. But there's not much else I can do. Besides taking care of my little man, our pup, and the house. And of course, the little man growing in my belly!

♥Rach♥

Another Fire

Mike is headed north. Remember, he's part of the "Hot Shot" team that fights wildfires. The fire house where Mike works, almost all the guys are on the team. Everyone left today. I'm sad. I'm exactly 1 month from my due date.

There is a big fire up north. I'm hoping that it isn't too bad. I really don't want Danny to be born without his daddy being here. Let's just hope that no other fires begin either. Because I'm not sure how good I'm going to handle Mike not being here for the birth of our son.

♥Rach♥

Happy Memorial Day

We had a pretty amazing day today. And none of it could have happened without all the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Thank you all!



We took Mikey to the park. Mike wanted to take the wagon. So we loaded it up and left early. You know, before it gets hot out here.



When we got back home. Mikey napped. And Mike got to grilling. Can I say it? My hubby is an amazing cook! He didn't just grill all the meat. But he made some amazing food too!



And of course, Memorial Day is all about remembering those people who sacrificed so much for us. For our freedom. And just to allow us to be safe. Thank you!

♥Rach♥

2 vs 1

Lately, I've been stressing a little bit. About going from 1 little boy, to 2. You know, this is a big adjustment. I was almost in a panic by this time during my 1st pregnancy. But we had a ton of support! And I did OK. Mostly because of Mike.

Now, I'm really stressed out. 2 little boys. Am I in over my head? Fine time to think about that. I'm a nut! Mike keeps telling me to just breathe. That it's going to be OK. I know he's right. But I also know it's going to be a little challenging.

For one, we're definitely not going to sleep. That's not new. All new parents lose tons of sleep! My worry is whether or not we are going to have enough time with each of our kids. You know, will Mikey feel neglected? Will we pay enough attention to the baby? I always feel like parents don't take the same amount of pictures of 2nd and 3rd babies. They forget to document all those things that they did with their 1st baby.

I want to be a good mom. But most of all, I want for my kids to feel loved. To feel special. And know that we love them so very much! I just hope I'm ready for everything in our future.

♥Rach♥

Just Like Dad

I had to go exchange some shorts for Mikey that my mom sent him. And while we were in line at Old Navy I saw this shirt...



I just had to get it for him. I know it's long sleeved. And it's a million degrees out. But I bought it big so he can wear it this fall. Mike really liked it too! He wanted to know where his "Hunk" shirt was too! :)

♥Rach♥

Clothes Shopping with Mike

Recently Mike and I went shopping at Target. He wanted to get me some summer clothes. When I was pregnant with Mikey, well in the summer I wasn't this big. So lots of my summery clothes don't fit. Here I thought that Mike was saving money to get himself his new TV. Really, he was saving up to take me shopping. What a sweetheart!

Here's some of what I picked up.



These cute denim shorts. For only $18! I like the dark wash. I got 2 pair. :)



And a couple of these t-shirts. I got them in purple, aqua, white, blue, and yellow. They were $13.



And some of these tanks for $10. In pink, teal, grey, black, and a striped red one.



I got a pair of these crops. For $25. On me, they hit a little under the knee. And I really like them for when we go to the park.



I also got this cute top! For $17.



And my favorite find was this dress. For $35. Isn't it cute?

My husband is a sweetheart! I can't believe he did that for me! Now, not matter what season we get pregnant next time, I should have the clothes that I need. Unless our baby is due in the dead of winter. But we're not going to think about that now. No we're not! instead, I'm going to go wash my new clothes so I can wear them. :)

♥Rach♥

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! We had such a nice day. The Easter bunny definitely spoiled Mikey this year. And he really enjoyed his Easter much more than last year. :)

We started out with church. Which was a lot of fun. We all got dressed up. And then they had an Easter egg hunt for the kids. Lots and lots of fun! Then we headed out for breakfast. Where we met up with some of the guys from the fire house. They had this for Mikey!



Thanks guys! I don't know if he needed another Easter basket. But he loved it! He got a total of 5 baskets this year. Spoiled little guy, huh?

The guys come over with some of their families. Most of the guys are still single. And we had a nice dinner and Easter egg hunt for the kids. It was really a lot of fun! And before he went to bed, Mikey asked to his Jesus stories. :) We read from his Children's Bible in the morning and we usually read a book at night. I guess he just knew today was about Jesus. :)

♥Rach♥

Guess What

We're expecting baby #2! I've hinted about it. I mentioned something here. And tweeted something back in November. But no one really said anything. I think they thought I was joking. Or maybe slightly crazy. Probably more of the later to be honest.

But after Mikey was born, I was told that it was going to be tough to get pregnant again. For lots of reasons I don't want to bore you with. But soon after Mike went to fight the wildfires last year, I found out we could start trying for baby #2. Ya, I know. At the time, Mikey was not even a year old. But it was good news for us. Because we want to have our kids close together. We want them to grow up together.

I didn't think I would get pregnant so quickly though. ;) By the time Mike got back from the wildfires out west, I was off of my birth control. And we honestly thought it might take a few months. No way! I was pregnant right away. We should have remembered how quickly I got pregnant with Mikey. ;)

Yup, that's our news! I'm actually 12 weeks today. Pretty cool if you ask me! Mike insists that we're having a girl. I don't know where that is coming from. But I would be happy with either a boy or a girl. As long as our baby is healthy.

♥Rach♥

Lots...

I'm so exhausted! But it's great to have Mike home. :) And today was moving today. Lots and lots of stuff! How did we fit all this in our apartment? I still have no clue. But all the guys from the fire house came to help. Thanks so much!

Our house is in shambles. Complete shambles. But some new furniture was delivered today. :) And all we really cared to put up was our bed and Mikey's crib. Which looks adorable! It's nice that Mike got the painting done yesterday. That way we could start putting Mikey's room together.

Oh, and it's been raining. A lot. It's ridiculous! But there's nothing we could do. But get our stuff from our apartment to our house. And we did that. The next few days, I'm going to have to work hard to get our house in order. You know, I have 4 days...

But we have some good news. Our friend Jose is back from Iraq. He has been out there forever! And he is going to be getting out of the military soon. He was so happy to be home. And his wife Jelly, she was so excited to have him home. We all enjoyed a big "Welcome Home" dinner. So much fun!

Well, I'm falling asleep here. And I have so much to do the next few days. Please send me all your positive thoughts. I'm going to need them. :)

♥Rach♥