Just when my pants started to fit again...

So I decided to head out for a girl's night...We were supposed to be enjoying a night on the town... which in the mommy world is code for an early movie and then rushing back home to your pjs so you can watch "How It's Made" with hubby before calling it a night.

On the way to meet my friend, I just didn't feel right...I felt totally weird...So I decided to stop at Wal-greens and buy a pregnancy test. Why? Because I felt so weird that I thought THAT could be the only explanation. The dates didn't add up...there's no way it could be possible...well, not really...I mean...we weren't even really trying...whatever that means...and oh my goodness, who talks about that kind of thing on their blog? Annnnnyway...I felt so odd that I didn't know what else it could possibly be.

You know what it was? The most horrid stomach bug I have had in years...seven years to be exact, and with all that goes along with pregnancy, can I just say that I would much rather be 15 months pregnant than have a 12-hour stomach bug that I truly thought was going to take my very life?

And then my husband got it...Heaven help us. I can't even bear to relive those hours...

Fast-forward to New Year's Eve when three...yes, three...pregnancy tests told us the news that we were expecting! I will tell you that I am typically just a one-test kind of gal...Two lines on that stick and I'm good to start picking out nursery decor. So why three tests, you might ask? Well, I was terrified that it was another stomach bug...

...just kidding...I actually didn't start to feel any symptoms until the week hubby had to go out of town for work. Awesome. Totally awesome.

When this last-minute news of hubby's came shortly after the life-changing news that baby #3 was on the way and for the next 6 weeks I would feel like a tractor trailer had mowed over me, I did the only reasonable thing a girl can do. I started texting the babysitters...."Uh, are you free Tuesday, Wednesday, AND Thursday?" Unfortunately, no one was available all three days - as I had so desperately hoped; but I was planning to rotate them through these doors in an effort to survive until hubby's plane landed...BUT THEN I woke up with the most.horrible.sore.throat I've ever had...so the babysitters had to be cancelled...everything had to be cancelled...and I did my best to survive until hubby's plane landed at 6:17pm on Thursday evening.

Thankfully, after two days, the sore throat went away - I'll blame it on the change of weather.

The "hit like a semi" feeling...well, that has not gone away...still working through that.

We have received various responses to our news! We loved this response from one of David's best buddies: "Well, Congratulations to the Duggars!" Cracked us up~ But the one that took the cake was David's 90+ year-old grandmother - The conversation went something like this:

David: "Grandma, we're going to have another baby."

Grandma: "So did you get pregnant on that cruise?"

David: "No, grandma - I don't think so."

Grandma: "So then when DID it happen?"

This sweet lady is always full of surprises~

Now...on to more important details that I know will have you on the edge of your seat.

You see, I swore I wouldn't try for baby #2 until I had lost my baby weight from baby #1...and though my body never went back to "normal", I didn't have too much trouble taking off the weight.
When I say didn't have too much trouble, I mean that by Caleb's first birthday, I was back to normal (for the most part). I'm not one of those back in my size 2's the next month kind of post-partum woman...who am I kidding? I have never worn a size 2...not in my whole entire life.

This time around, I made myself the same promise about losing the weight...but with baby number two, the weight came off more slowly. I've been told it's "due to my age". What in the world? I'm still 18 - Why would someone say something like that? And might I add that I'm only about 2 minutes older than I was when I gave birth to my oldest? (My oldest is three.)

Moving on...so there's been about 7.83 lbs. right there in my belly that has decided to hang around for the rest of my life. However, I have learned how to strategically squeeze down in some of my pre-baby jeans. Ladies, it's not been pretty; and I will tell you right now, it's not been comfortable. My muffins tops have turned in to a rather large spare tire; and if you've seen me over the past handful of months, I will tell you, I have been uncomfortable and hardly able to breathe...unless you saw me in my pajamas....then I was probably breathing more normally.

So you may be wondering, "How much weight do you gain anyway, lady?" Well, with my first baby, I gained about 60 lbs. & with my second baby, I gained about 5 more than that - That would be 65 lbs...just in case you weren't sure.

As you pick your jaw up off the floor, I will say:
[Number One] My first baby was 9 lbs. 6 oz. and my second baby was 10 lbs. 4 oz.
[Number Two] I carry very high levels of amniotic fluid.
(Sure, go right ahead and send me an award for this accomplishment.)
[Number Three] I - for some reason - end up very pregnant in the summer, so I swell up from the heat and....well, anyway, let's just say I spend a lot of time in the pool.
[Number Four] When not pregnant, I eat low-carb (not no-carb but low-carb). However when pregnant, carbs are the ONLY thing that keep my stomach settled....and I would rather be big than sick.

Sure, here and there I have a Cookout Milkshake and indulge in various other "Excuse me, I'm pregnant!" treats; but when pregnant, my body simply goes crazy absorbing those carbs that it's missed so terribly, and I pack on the weight...even with just a few "here and there" treats. Thankfully (both times), I've lost about 30-35 lbs. at the hospital (10 lbs. of that being the baby...who comes home with us in a carseat...) - and nursing for a year each time has also helped tremendously. For the first few months after having my babies, I am asked "When are you due?" (What is wrong with people?) I typically smile and point to the NEWBORN BABY quietly sleeping in the carrier I am holding. (Once again, what is wrong with people?)

Here's a little glimpse in to all the sweet comments people make to big pregnant girls (and when I say people I mean friends...family...STRANGERS): Diary of a Big Pregnant Girl

So how am I handling things this third time around? Just like with Baby #1 and Baby #2, my sickness is only curbed with carbs...so, I've found myself eating them...I've been keeping a little diary of how I've been feeling - I'll share that with you soon. It involves weird food cravings and odd outbursts of crying. Thank the Lord that I am married to the most patient man on earth.

...So just when my pants started to fit again...We found out that our family was growing...and we are thrilled...

...Look for me at the pool...I'll be the big mama sitting in the baby pool...

[Non-Candy] Valentine's Day Cards for Kids

Are you looking for some unique Valentine's Day ideas?
Check out these [Non-Candy] Valentine's Day Cards for Kids!

'Doh You Want to Be My Valentine?

I think you are just write!

Miniature Cereal Box Valentines

Check out these free printables that can be used when sharing these homemade heart crayons.

You are "dino-mite"!!

Looking for another great boy-friendly idea? How cute is this? I can't get enough!

36th Avenue is THE PLACE to find all kinds of great [FREE] printables! 

This sweet little valentine is the perfect way to show someone how much they meant to you! 

My kids are crazy over goldfish crackers! They would love this valentine as well as this one!

I am in love with this ingenious idea: 

"I dig you!"

Be sure to check out my Valentine's Day Party Round-Up! 

It is full of great ideas for party games, decor, snacks, and favors~

While you're at it, be sure to hop over to my new blog to check out The Cutest Valentine's on the Internet!

How to Thrive on One Income

These days, it can be a challenge for many families to survive on one income, but let me assure you, it is possible! With a little effort and creativity, I can promise you that living on one income is possible and by following the guidelines that I'm going to share with you today, it is possible for your family to thrive!

How to Thrive on One Income

Disclaimer: This post was not written for families that have faced loss/tragedy and are experiencing exceptional financial circumstances. On another note, this post was not written for families who seek to maintain a certain lifestyle that requires additional income. This is a general post intended for those who are looking for creative ways for their family to thrive on one income. I know first-hand that [whether you find yourself in plenty or want] in most situations, thriving is possible!

*All of the underlined highlighted words/phrases in the post are links to other related posts that will give you more information on that topic! There's a lot here, so let's get started!*

My Number One Piece of Advice:

Say no to debt! Avoid it at all costs. 

If you have it, do everything in your power to pay it off - yes, even if it means canceling the cable, downsizing your home, selling your second vehicle, etc.

When you are released from debt, you feel the freedom to give and the confidence to save. 

Our priorities...Our goals...should go beyond tangible...beyond the here and now.

 Dave Ramsey has a lot of great tips for individuals wanting to live debt-free!

My Second Piece of Advice:

Someone...somewhere has sold us a bag of lies by telling us that we should live within our means; In order to thrive financially, it is important to live well below our means. 

Of course this will look different for every family; but may I encourage you to avoid the temptation to make impulse purchases...to buy things just because the money is there to do it...to live in an effort to keep up with other people around you? 

I would challenge anyone reading this post to look beyond the moment and solely focus on what you can do to help your family thrive...no matter what onlookers might think of you. 

I can not tell you how many eye rolls I get when I hand my coupons over to the cashier...and yes, I've received a fair share of snobby comments from people when they find out just how much our family shops used...but these things really don't bother me. Why? Because this is my philosophy:

 In My Collection of Money-Saving Tips, I share some of the practical ways we live conservatively. 

In a recent post published for the new year, I shared even more ideas for how we are saving money! 

We coupon...We buy ahead for our kids...We stockpile (to an extent)...We buy used...We cut corners...not always because we have to, but because we want to be wise and responsible with what we have. We want to have responsible control over our finances - We do not want our finances to control us.

Saving Money: How we do it!

Once again, it's not about how little or how much money you have...It's all about how you manage what you do have. 

My Third Piece of Advice:

Maybe you are a stay-at-home mom - or maybe you would like to make the switch to stay home with your children - I would love to encourage you that there are some great options for things you can do from home to supplement your family's income. 

First off, let me say that carrying out the above tips is a full-time job in and of itself.
You will supplement your household income simply by saving money! 

Secondly, is there something you love to do? A wise philosopher by the name of Kathie Lee Gifford (smile) has quoted her father who always told her "Find something you love, then figure out a way to make a living doing it." I think there's a lot of truth to this advice! 

I love resale...I love blogging...I love photography...These are areas where I have been able to supplement our family's income. What does this look like for you? It will definitely look different for everyone, but don't be too hard on yourself. We ALL have gifts and talents that can be used in creative ways. If you feel called to do a little something extra from home, there are lots of fun options!

How I Earn Extra Cash from Home

For more great tips:

Follow All Kinds of Things's board All Kinds of Things - Thrifty Tips on Pinterest.

Would you like to share a glimpse in to how your family is saving money, tackling debt, or saving for the future? Hop over to my Facebook page and share your tips!

Read: You're the Reason Your Kids are So Expensive

Creating Family Yearbooks by Shutterfly

Inspired by Ashley from Under the Sycamore, I recently decided that I wanted to start creating Family Yearbooks. There was just one problem...I was about three years behind in tackling this project. So I decided that for Christmas (this past year), I would gift my family with three years worth of family yearbooks. Putting together this particular Christmas gift was definitely a labor of love, but I am so glad that I did it! 

Creating Family Yearbooks Using Shutterfly

Shutterfly has so many options for creating the perfect photo album, and I love the various specials, coupon codes, etc. that they offer! 

Today, I want to give you a glimpse in to how our yearbooks turned out! 

Quick Note: Two things were key in this project turning out the way I wanted! 

First of all, it helped that all of my photos were already chronologically organized on my computer. If you are looking to dive in to a project like this, I would definitely make sure your photos are somewhat organized before you get started. 

After years of not completely loving the way my photo files were organized, I came across this method, and my brain loves it!

Second, do you remember how I told you that I write letters to my kids? These letters served as my journaling for this project! My thoughts, memories, etc. were already recorded, and I was able to plug in the words with the corresponding pictures. 

Are you ready for a glimpse in to the yearbooks I have made so far?

*This nine-square layout (3 x 3) is PERFECT for Instagram photos!*

**This 3 x 3 layout was PERFECT for plugging in my favorite Instagram photos! 

I took Ashley's advise and ordered two of each year: one for my family to enjoy and one to put back for safe keeping. 

This project will look different for everyone! I love all of the pre-made templates, layouts, etc. that Shutterfly offers, but I also really like how I was able to customize my pages as well!

This year, I am planning to start working on our next yearbook late summer/early fall - ensuring that it is under the tree and ready to go by Christmas! 

P.S. Let me brag on Shutterfly again for just a moment...When I made mistakes in my books (which definitely happened, because well, that's life...), they immediately allowed me to correct the errors, and they shipped out replacement copies FOR FREE! I was really impressed by this!

Many of you have asked what kind of camera I use. I take ALOT of photos on my phone - which is a G3, but my camera is Nikon D3300. While I love to take pictures, I do not at all consider myself a professional - I let my Nikon do all of the work for me!

Five Methods for Documenting Family Life