31 weeks, still unnamed, and I kick up the crazy a notch.

Well being 31 weeks pregnant the fourth time around is... exhausting. This is the first pregnancy where the level of exhaustion is just unbelievable. I don't know if it's because I'm older, because it's my fourth pregnancy, or the fact that I'm busy in general chasing a toddler around but by noon I feel shot for the day. It's not practical for me to be taking a nap, mostly because then I don't sleep well at night, but man.

A nap would be SO nice.

Nesting is in full swing and I forgot to take a picture of the newly painted dresser but rest assured it's painted and in the room Fetus Four will be sharing with Penelope. It turned out so well. And yes, Fetus Four is still unnamed. We've got it down to Lucy Louise James or Eloise Barbara James (or maybe Eloise James Kay) but honestly, nothing jumps out at me. I hate leaving things to last minute but it seems to be the trend with this pregnancy so... yeah.

Another thing that's been bothering me? This constantly feeling that it's not really a girl. The ultrasound technician was only "pretty sure" it was a girl at 20 weeks, and that is just not good enough for me. I'm a planner through and through and I need to know, am I dealing with a penis or not? It's been SO hard to get a follow up ultrasound and at this point I'd rather not pay the added expense so I opted for the next best thing.

Yes, I made a special trip to a pharmacy 20 minutes from my house to buy a $40 gender prediction kit which has mixed reviews. Sometimes you just have to go with the crazy because it's easier for us all.

It said I had to use the first morning urine, but I decided my second morning urine would be just fine because I'm 31 weeks along and surely whatever turns this test either way would be able to be picked up in whatever pee I use. Basically, you pee in a cup and use the syringe to suck it up and squirt it into the bigger container, which looked like it had weird crystals in it. You swirl for a few seconds and wait five minutes. And whatever color your pee turned would determine the sex. Orange was girl, green was boy.

Clearly, mine came out orange. So if I end up with a little boy I will have a panic attack like no other folks. LIKE NO OTHER.

Other than that, week 31 is... week 31 I guess. I can't sleep. I feel like a beached whale. I feel MUCH larger this time around than any other, and the Braxten Hicks contractions are no joke. None. I got them with every pregnancy but it was just a "hey- my stomach is rock hard, that's cool" type thing and very random and I basically stopped noticing it at all. This time around I have thought perhaps I was in actual labor but then no, I fell asleep and all was well. So that freaks me out- am I going to go way early?? I'm not ready. I'm not ready at all.

I need to get ready.

Just in case.

What's on the menu? Plus Raspberry Coffee Cake recipe!

I have seriously slacked off on my menu planning, coupon clipping, and it's really taken a toll on our monthly budget. Part of it is because it's really tough for me to find time to go grocery shopping alone, I really hate dragging three kids with me. But the other part is that being 31 weeks pregnant, I'm just too tired to cook by the time Matt comes home so it's like- yeah, go get a pizza.

Also? We're going through a lot of cereal. The kids have asked that we not have cereal this WHOLE week and I don't think they understand that this means I have to rally and cook something every day.

EVERY DAY.

Feels kind of unreasonable yet here we are.

This week though, I'm going to try to limp through what we have for groceries because I don't want to go shopping considering next week we'll be gone for two days and coming home the third kind of late so that day will for sure be cereal.

Take THAT, children.

So here's what I came up with for this week:

Monday: Crockpot chicken tacos
Tuesday: Pork chops, mixed vegetables, potato side dish
Wednesday: Crockpot cheesy chicken and rice
Thursday: Sloppy joes, pasta salad
Friday: Crockpot beef stew with rice
Saturday: Spaghetti
Sunday: Eat Out

I know, I kind of cheated for Sunday but truly, I'll be packing that night with the kids and we are going to be busy with some yard work so I know full well I won't be in the mood to cook. And that's OK.

Each week my goal is to try making a new baked good because as it turns out, I prefer baking and cooking in the summer versus the winter (it makes no sense, I get it) so I'm back on that. A few weeks ago I mentioned I was going to make some Raspberry Bars on Facebook and several friends mentioned they wanted the recipe. When I dug it out, I realized I call them Raspberry Bars, but it's really a Raspberry Coffee Cake.

Whoops. So here it is:

Filling:
2 cups raspberries
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons corn starch

Cake:
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
4 tablespoons of butter cut up
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla

Topping:
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons of butter (it's a lot, but I like butter)

So first thing is first, I use frozen raspberries. We're fortunate enough to get a ton of blueberries and raspberries from Matt's parents each summer so I've made this with both of those, or strawberries, basically whatever I have that needs to be used up. I had one last package of raspberries I froze last summer so I figured I'd use them up in preparation for more to come soon.

Preheat your oven to 350. I use an 8x8 dish because I like a thick cake, but if you have a 9x9 that works, too. But spray the hell out of your pan.

In a medium saucepan, put your fruit in, water, sugar and corn starch. Stir it up, cook on medium heat until it basically becomes a sauce, stirring periodically. I usually get this started and then work on the cake to save time.

While your fruit is simmering, get yourself a bowl and whisk your flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda together. You'll put the butter in, but cut it in so it gets kind of crumbly.

In a measuring cup, whisk your egg, buttermilk and vanilla together- pour it into the dry ingredients.

Mix it all together- it'll be pretty sticky.  You are going to use HALF of this to line the bottom of your baking pan.

Meanwhile, make sure your fruit sauce looks amazing. This clearly does.

So we lined our pan with HALF of the batter. Be patient, it's a super sticky batter so it can get frustrating.

Pour your fruit sauce all over it.

Now take the other half of your cake batter and dollop it all over. It will mostly bake over and you won't see so much fruit, so don't freak out if you feel like you don't have enough covering the fruit.

Now you have to make your crumble that goes on top. Mix your flour and sugar together, cut in the butter. I use at least 6 tablespoons of butter but if you want less or more, go for it. Once you get it fairly crumbly, cover the top of your fruit and batter. I also sprinkle cinnamon sugar across the top for an added sweetness, but it's optional.

Bake it for about 45 minutes or until your sauce appears bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Isn't she pretty?

She knows it, too.

Let it cool for a bit and then cut up into squares. This is PERFECT for summer breakfast, potlucks, whatever you need to bring a dish to. It's nice and soft, it's the perfect balance of fruit and cake and it's super easy. That and your house will smell amazing. I've been making this since Matt and I had our first home, so 11 years now, and it's still a favorite.

Defender

I know I mentioned last week that my June reading list is kind of nuts, but it's nice to say I've got the first book done.. only a ton more to go. HA!

Defender - Diana Palmer

The man who shattered her trust is back to protect her… New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer delivers a breathtaking story of second-chance love. 

When Paul Fiore disappeared from Isabel Grayling's life, he told himself it was for all the right reasons. She was young and innocent, and he was her millionaire father's lowly employee. Three years on, Paul is the FBI agent assigned to Isabel's case. Too late, he realizes what life in her Texas mansion was really like back then—and how much damage he did when he left. 

Once love-struck and sheltered, Isabel has become an assistant district attorney committed to serving the law, no matter how risky it gets. But right now, the man she can't forgive is the one thing standing between her and a deadly stalker. She knows Paul won't hesitate to protect her life with his own. But if she can't trust herself to resist him, how can she trust him not to break her heart all over again?

I have to tell you that I'm a newer fan of Diana Palmer, having only read a few of her books. Fortunately at my local library's spring book sale I was able to pick up a bunch more by her so hopefully I'll be able to get to those soon. So when I saw this one pop up on a review list, I jumped at the chance because romance is my favorite genre and I already knew she's a pretty dependable author with solid reads.

While this book comes out at the end of June and comes in at 304 pages, it felt like a quick read for me, but most romance novels are. My main issue with this book that I haven't found to be true in her other books is how so many things are repeated. The main characters, Sari and Merrie, are essentially hostages in their own home. They are in early adulthood but you'd think they were 14 and 15 with the level of their maturity and naivete due to their father's extreme possessiveness. Neither can date boys, let alone talk to them, and they don't have friends. Sari basically falls in love with Paul, hired on as private security for her dad and he has a troubled past with the murder of his wife and daughter and mob connections. A whole bunch of stuff happens (see how I didn't give you a spoiler there?) and Sari and Paul are still interested in each other but the fact that she's rich and he isn't is a problem for him (dumb). But some of the conversation exchanges are so... bizarre, people don't actually speak like that and it didn't feel like natural conversation. Some of the romantic moments feel awkward and cheesy, but you're rooting for them nonetheless.

The story isn't totally concluded, it's basically set up as the start of Merrie's story, yet to come. Overall? I would give this book 3/5 stars. Is it awful? Definitely not, if you are looking for a more modest, traditional romance then this is absolutely for you. If you're spoiled by E.L. James, Sylvia Day, Katy Evans, etc- then this isn't going to be your jam. It's definitely not the romance novel that will get you pregnant, if you know what I mean. Ha!

You can purchase your own copy of Defender on Amazon, keep in mind it's on pre-order until the end of June. In the meantime, you can peruse her other books on her website, and catch up with her on Facebook. There is also a fun giveaway for a $25 gift card, head over HERE to enter!

Crafty Saturday: One Sheet Wonder- win for lazy people

I really like to do crafts, specifically scrapbooking and card making, but considering I'm always exhausted while being pregnant and having three kids running around, I have little time to really be creative. So when I do get in the mood for such things, my go-to project is and always will be a One Sheet Wonder.

This is literally the easiest thing to tackle if you feel like you aren't creative enough to make your own cards. You can crank out 8-12 cards in less than a half hour. If you know me at all you know that I absolutely hate buying store bought cards. A little piece of me dies every time I do. I have a hard time justifying $3 or more on something that most people throw out. With $3, I can make a set of these and bam- I have a quick gift, I have enough birthday cards to last me a few months, whatever. If you are trying to cut money out of your budget, considering getting into this because truly, it's inexpensive.

I should also note, this is a GREAT project for kids to make thank you cards for birthday and holiday gifts. I'm a big believer in teaching kids the value of sending an actual thank you versus just saying it, and this is something my kids like doing. Give them a pack of cards, help them pick out paper and assist with cutting and leave the rest to them. You'd be surprised at what they come up with!

To get started, go on Pinterest and look for some free templates. HERE is a great page of endless templates. It doesn't really matter which one you pick out, but if you're a beginner I would suggest picking one with the least amount of cutting.

I've had this one on my desk for awhile that I printed out so I figured I'd just use this versus wasting time looking for a different one. The easiest way to start, for me, is to pick out a piece of 12x12 scrapbooking paper, preferably something with an all over print. Then I look at my template and figure out the easiest way to cut. Obviously, this one is divided into four columns, so I started by cutting out the far left column, then cutting that strip into the sizes it tells me, and repeating for the rest of the paper.

So now I have a bunch of super cute pieces of paper all cut out. Will I use all of these? Not for this project, but with most templates you'll find on Pinterest, people show their finished cards so you can essentially just copy their layout and change the embellishments to fit your project.

Another thing I use for these projects are these little packs of cards, normally $1 at Michaels. They aren't always cut perfectly, but if you're looking for a quick gift or inexpensive project, this is the route to go.

My paper had citrus fruits all over it so I found these two stamp pads and this little stamp set to use. I'm making thank you cards, and I just like the font on these stamps.

I didn't have any citrus embellishments, so I opted for these flowers which also come in $1 packs at Michaels and they are the perfect something to put on the card. Some cards got ribbon, some didn't. I decided to layer a piece of matching card stock under my cut up pieces so it stands out more from the card, stamped my sentiment on, and done. You'll notice some of the cards have more than one pattern paper piece on them, some only have one- it's really up to you how you want them done. They are super simple, super easy. I'll share another One Sheet Wonder set I made next Saturday using a different template and different paper. Stay tuned!

And of course, if you are in need for some fun stamp colors (that last a LONG time), or inexpensive and cute stamps, embellishments, or paper packs- head over HERE and shop! Check out the Clearance Rack (link on the top left column)- there are some SUPER good deals on stamps, paper, punch sets, etc. You can order from this demonstrator online, have it shipped to your house, and sign up for the email alerts to get the good deals!

Happy crafting!

All Summer Long

I say this every year, but it isn't summer until I've read the latest by Dorothea Benton Frank, and it's true for this year. Her books are the start of my summer and I always enjoy them.

All Summer Long - Dorothea Benton Frank

Filled with her trademark wit, poignant themes, and rich characters, the perennial New York Times bestselling author returns with a sensational novel that follows the travels of a one couple though a tumultuous summer.

Dorothea Benton Frank’s magical stories take us deep into the heart of her beloved Carolina Lowcountry. In her novels, this lush landscape comes alive in all its vibrancy and color. She ignites all of our senses with her vivid descriptions of landscape and atmosphere. In her novels you hear the ocean washing the shore on different islands so profoundly that you can nearly hear the sea gulls squawking too. 

This is a story of people whose lives are changing—a southern gentleman returning home to lead a more peaceful life and his talented New York wife who is not quite sure she is ready to make the transition. They are moving north to south, fast pace vs slow pace, downsizing. And while they are doing this, they are getting glimpses into other people’s lives over the course of a summer, holidays that will amuse, shock and transform them.

This irresistible story is home to captivating characters as funny, complicated, and real as our best friends—husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, friends and family who wrestle with the complexities, pain, and joys familiar to us all.

Finally, we’ll come to recognize the face of love, the kind that deepens and endures but only because one woman makes a tremendous leap of faith. That leap changes them all.

I absolutely adore this author because every time I read her books I wonder to myself why am I not living in the Carolina Lowcountry? Probably because I'm poor and have responsibilities like the loser adult that I am. But someday, the Lowcountry is on my travel list because it is the epitome of the south, summer, lemonade and sweet tea.

Anyways.

So this book gives you the same feel as all of her others, and it's full of fun characters (some of which are hard to like), an amazing setting, humor, and the kind of story you can see yourself telling your best friend about this one time you went on vacation in the Lowcountry. Olivia is so hard to like, mostly because we meet her first and it's clear she's keeping some pretty big secrets from her husband, mainly their lack of income. Her husband, Nick, is blissfully oblivious and probably more so because he is going back to his roots as he and Olivia downsize and move back to the south as far away from their fast paced, overfull lives in New York City. He knows that the move is a lot for Olivia, it means she's making big sacrifices for him, but he's confident that once she's there she'll see the positive of the move.

But the move doesn't take place until an over the top, lavish vacation with clients of Olivia's, where we meet a whole slew of nut job characters. We have the rich undercover playboy married to a former southern waitress, that waitress is now the mom of a very demanding child but also oblivious that her husband is cheating on her with the nanny. The nanny, who can't stand the mother who is sure if only she'd get out of the picture, playboy who be faithful to her, and so many others who have their own agendas, are rude, but give you the absolute best stories to take back to your friends about your vacation. This leads to all kinds of absurd and obscene behavior, as if the guests have to one up each other in outrageous behavior, all the while Nick and Olivia maintain their normal relationship (despite Olivia not being totally truthful about their actual financial situation). It's funny, it's touching, and I would bet some of you could personally relate to Nick and Olivia's relationship, if not for the financial situation, but for the need to downsize and transition into a new stage of life with your partner.

It's a fun read, I got through this in a weekend and I adored it, just like I've adored all of Dorothea's books. It's a solid summer read and I suggest it because Dorothea will never leave you disappointed! You can find your own copy of All Summer Long on Amazon as well as Barnes & Noble. In the meantime, follow Dorothea on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! And if you're more of a visual person, here's a super fun video of Dorothea talking about her books! This just makes me love her even more, which I didn't think was even possible.



Enjoy!

30 weeks

I don't know if you realize this, but I am in the midst of the longest pregnancy ever, that also makes me get the tingly feeling in my armpits because holy crap- I only have, at best, 10 weeks left.

Let us all just marvel at the fact that unlike my other three pregnancies, I am nowhere near ready for this baby. Not joking.

30 weeks

I don't have a name picked out yet. I don't have clothes sorted at all. I have stuff on my to-do list and vague train of thought that I should maybe do it but yeah... it hasn't happened. I do keep having dreams that leave me feeling like at the bare minimum I should get a hospital bag packed. I have no plans for my other kids when I do go into labor, I kind of feel like I'll just wing it? 

Let's be honest- I've been winging this entire pregnancy so may as well finish with that theme, right? 

I am very slowly coming around to being excited about Fetus Four's arrival. I think having SO many friends and family go into labor recently has helped that along. I don't feel a whole lot of movement, which is so reminiscent of my pregnancy with Jackson that I have this fear this is really a boy and not a girl. I was going to ask if I could just get another quick ultrasound to make absolutely SURE because I am not that person who wants to be surprised. I do not do well if I can't be 100% prepared before. 

Well, that ultrasound didn't happen at my appointment this week because my doctor is on vacation so I had to see a midwife within the same practice. Normally, I really don't care who I see, I am not picky about my health care provider at all. I'm pretty reasonable and flexible. This midwife though? 

It was easily the weirdest appointment I have ever been to in all of my life. 

First, she sounds exactly like a munchkin from The Wizard of Oz. Exactly. It threw me off for a second but I came to when she immediately came in and hugged my stomach. Now, I'm not that person who gets weird when someone wants to touch my belly, it really doesn't bother me. I get it, people hope to feel a kick, or the hardness of it is alluring, whatever. But I have never had my stomach hugged, much less by a medical professional. 

Then she started talking to my stomach, not even addressing me. Telling my stomach how beautiful it was, how it was doing such a great job growing and thriving, and how excited the world is to meet it, etc. It was so strange. I honestly didn't know if I should join the conversation, just sit there and nod my head, whatever, so I settled for awkward silence. Then she tells my stomach she's going to talk to mama now and asked if it was OK. 

I honestly don't know if she thought a response would come but I'm telling you, this baby doesn't move much and it doesn't make sounds at all, so you know, she was maybe disappointed. 

But we go through my appointment and she is looking at my file and is like, "Oh- I see your doctor mentions you've had some depression, and I don't believe in that, so we're going to do a little exercise.", which threw me for such a loop so I find myself standing in the middle of this room as this lady is trying to teach me breathing exercises to connect with my inner warrior and my baby, and this weird hip circle thing to move with the baby in unison, and then these repeat-after-me things to "build my confidence". It was at that point I had to let her know I actually have three other kids so it's really not a confidence issue but more of an actual depression issue. She apparently didn't think I was very appreciative of her efforts because after measuring my stomach and listening to the heartbeat, I was out the door. 

I don't think I have ever hustled down that hallway that fast ever. Thankfully, my next appointment is with my doctor so it'll be fine. But you can bet I'm going to say something to her because this was just weird. 

Anyways. 

So yeah. Fetus four is still nameless. I have a pretty good idea what we're leaning towards but it's like I want to know for sure that this is in fact, a girl. I don't know what I'm going to do if they won't just check one more time. I just need a penis or vagina confirmation. If it's a boy, I'm going to probably freak out, just saying. I mean, YAY for boy, but holy hell- I have not one thing for a boy. Nothing. Nothing at all. 

Oh- and my next thing. Obviously, I don't need a shower for this baby since Penelope was literally just a baby and I have pretty much what I need. But I'm debating on doing a "Sara's Last Hurrah" lunch or something, where I just get friends together at a restaurant just to do something fun? Everyone buys their own lunch and I get to get out of the house without kids and see my friends I've neglected this last year and will likely neglect for the next year. I'm debating on that or a "Meet Fetus Four" BBQ at my house where we cook and all of that, people can come and see the baby and then I get to see my friends and they get to see this thing I grew and birthed. Or should I get CRAZY and do both?! You know I'm crazy, I'll do it, too. 

I'm just not sure what would be better? Is it tacky to ask people to go to lunch with me but buy your own meal, because I really just need to get out of the house and socialize? I don't know. I feel like every baby deserves some kind of a party, you know? But maybe the meet baby thing after is just easier and people would like that better? My brain is so foggy I can't even think most days so I'm not sure. 

Out with May, in with June

Man alive. It feels like I was literally just telling you about my reading plans for May and yet here we are, talking about June. Insanity. Before we get to June, let's recap what I read in May, shall we?

We shall!

So many good books, just get your credit card ready.

Whisper If You Need Me - Dina Silver: This was a book I received in my Bookworm Box months ago, but it was pretty decent. I'd call it a YA novel, about a girl who goes to summer camp against her will, learns to like it, and falls for a boy.

The Outliers - Kimberly McCreight: Already optioned for a movie and the first in a series, this book was so bizarre but in the best way possible. It's a YA novel (kind of) about a girl who learns her family isn't quite what she thought, she isn't quite what she thought, and everyone is out to get her. It's fast paced and you won't be able to put it down.

The Summer of Me - Angela Benson:  Totally a great summer read! A woman with two kids faces a summer alone after her kids go to spend time with their dad and his new wife. She isn't sure what to do but she knows this is a pivotal moment for the rest of her life. She finds love, discovers scandal, and comes to realizations about herself. Feels very much like a Dorothea Benton Frank book.

A Series of Catastrophes & Miracles - Mary Elizabeth Williams:  It's a true story about one woman's journey through skin cancer. This is an absolutely excellent must read, and it's written SO well. It's funny, it's real, it feels like you're talking with your friend, and it has real information in it. I absolutely loved this book and the frankness of it.

Father's Day - Simon Van Booy:  An unexpected gem. A girl who finds herself an orphan at a young age goes to live with her uncle, though he isn't excited about it. They build a life together, it changes his life completely, and as an adult, she makes a startling discovery about her beginnings. A really great book.

Connected Underneath - Linda Letgers: I'm telling you to put this on your list because it's so short, you'll fly through it and feel like you're kicking ass at your reading list. You'll feel like a dirty spy as you go through this book but in a really unexpectedly great way, if that makes sense. HA!

Out Rider - Lindsay McKenna:  Yay for romances!! I'm not reading near enough and I apologize, I will certainly correct that! But another solid book by Lindsay McKenna about a woman escaping a nightmare coworker who attempted to attack her, only to unexpectedly find love at a new job. But all isn't easy when coworker continues to stalk her in order to exact revenge.

Little is Left to Tell - Steven Hendricks: The book I am not smart enough to love or understand. Truly, if you love a literary challenge and something that will make you think long after, definitely snag this beauty up.

I had plans to finish Drowning to Breath by A.L. Jackson and Pearl by Deidre Riordan Hall but I just didn't. Whoops. Hopefully I can add them to June. We'll see. But here's what IS on the agenda for June!

SO MANY BOOKS. I know, I have maybe bitten off more than I can chew, but I'm going to get through them. A few of these have been on my want-to-read list since I saw they were coming out, so I'm excited that I actually get to review them. But the downside to so many reviews for June is that my fun reading pile won't get touched at all. Whomp, whomp. But maybe in July I can really dig into that pile since I don't think I have a whole bunch of reviews. If I remember right, I kind of tapered off a bit knowing full well I could give birth mid-July and beyond. So there's that.

OK, so that's how we'll close out May and look to June. What are YOU reading this month?