Peach Freezer Jam

Well, week 38 came and is just about gone. 

Tomorrow I'll be into my last week 

- give or take - 

since my 2 big boys both showed up late.

On Sunday we crashed some friends' date and met up with them for a 

matinee of the new Bourne movie. 

I think it's been years since we went to a movie together. 

Haha!

Then yesterday, our sweet neighbours brought over a big box of peaches from their tree.

There's nothing quite like being 39 weeks pregnant to motivate you to get 

some of those can't wait projects done - just in case.

So this morning I watched Olympic Gymnastics while 

peeling, slicing, and cooking up a big batch of freezer jam. 

Here's the recipe:

No-Pectin Peach Jam

We ended up with well over 10 lbs of jam!

All for a just few hours work. 

And now I'm just waiting ever so impatiently for it to cool off so 

I can slice and butter up a thick piece of fresh bread to douse in jam. 

Happy Saturday!

Week 37 and a Freezer Meal Party

This week was #37!

It won't be long now. 

These two cutie pies were on their best big-brotherly behaviour at my check-up this week.

Of course they were well rewarded afterwards.

Their drink of choice is a sample cup of whipped cream.

And for me?

Just a Grande Starbucks Double Shot on Ice.

Ahhhh....

Being pregnant in this weather is no joke. 

We get out to water the garden and play in the mornings 

and then after dinner we're usually out the door for a family walk or bike ride.

But during the day, we're usually tucked away inside with the AC running.

 I tried a new banana bread recipe this week.

The boys were only too happy to partake.

We attended our 6th baby shower celebration of the summer!

And speaking of baby showers...

In lie of a shower, a few dear ladies from our Bible Study group at church came over this morning and spent hours working in the kitchen, stocking my freezer with all kinds of meals and goodies to enjoy after Baby #3 makes his debut.

A am so blessed to have had these sweet ladies spoiling me!

And if any of you are looking for some freezer meal inspiration that is more than just a cream of chicken soup casserole, here's what my freezer now holds:

Sausage Balls 

(for dear husband)

We omit the onion.

The Pioneer Woman's Breakfast Burritos

Blueberry Muffins

Sausage, Spinach, and White Bean Soup

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Quinoa and Black Bean Enchilada Bake

Three Bean and Beef Chili

White Chicken Chili

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Quiche

Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies

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BABY #3 - IT'S A....

After almost 22 weeks of carrying this precious baby, 

today we had an ultrasound to find out if #3 was a little miss or mister.

We had originally arranged for the boys to go and play at a friend's house. 

But everyone came down with runny noses and congestion, so we tried to kept our germs to ourselves and the ultrasound became a family event. 

IT'S A(NOTHER) BOY!

I guessed correctly and Baby #3 is a boy. 

I love the relationship my two big boys have and look forward to adding one more to the mix.

Thanks for celebrating with us.

We have much to be thankful to God for!

Spring Break and...

Since we don't do any organized schooling with the boys yet,

Spring Break didn't change our schedule much

except for a week off of teaching piano.

Less structured days made for more fun time - 

like enjoying the crazy snowfall that came out of nowhere the day after Easter.

Ryder's throwing snowballs at the backdoor.

This little cutie had a fever and was a little cranky for a few days, 

so he stayed in and close to Mama.

I finally tackled the huge tub of ironing I've been putting off.

It's like having a whole new wardrobe without a price tag. 

Haha!

And by the end of the week, these cuties were ready for a fun day in Reno.

On Saturday, I took a rare day off.

Sometimes as a stay at home mama it can be hard to step back 

and admit that I could use a little recharge. 

After Braden's last 3 week work trip I finally asked for a break and he was only too happy to be the cool Daddy for the whole day while I visited the spa for a deep tissue massage, 

treated myself to Cold Stone ice cream,

did a little 'fun' shopping,

(new knobs for the nursery dresser)

and got to enjoy a whole smoothie without sharing with little back-washers. 

Ha!

And by the afternoon I was missing all 3 of my boys and ready to get back home 

and get back to the jobs I love so much.

Speaking of mothering, since we haven't made an 'official' announcement, 

Baby Apperson #3 will be making an arrival in August, Lord willing.

We couldn't be more excited!

Lynden Braun

Going Home

Meeting Big Brother Ryder

Brothers <3

Happy Vallie Day!

There's nothing quite like Valentines Day to turn Saturday into a lot of fun! Ryder had a special Valentine from Pop and Mimi that arrived in the mail this week. The pink lollipop (cake pop - as he called it) was a big treat!

And because nothing says 'I love you' quite like food...

Braden and Ryder were treated to sausage balls for breakfast (Braden's favourite) and I woke up to a new donut pan (I've been wishing for one for a few months now) filled with the best chocolate in the world. :) Since I had a baby shower brunch (hosted by some very sweet ladies from church) to attend, we'll be breaking in the new pan for breakfast tomorrow. 

Yum!

Speaking of food, brunch was absolutely delicious! Even better was the sweet company of so many dear friends wishing us well and blessing us beyond what we could have imagined as we prepare for Little Dipper's arrival. So many items from my Amazon registry were gifted, as well as other handmade, practical and fun/creative items. Set up of the baby room is really coming along - now I just need to hear back from our landlord about painting the room.  :)

Here are a few of those sweet friends who showered us today! 

While I was away, Ryder helped Daddy move the bed into his room.

 The rail still needs a coat or two of oil and wax, but it will keep him from rolling out tonight.

I hope that you had a great Saturday with the ones you love!

Saying Goodbye to the Crib & Showering Little Dipper

Braden is nearly finished waxing Ryder's new bed. It should be inside and assembled this weekend!  In the meanwhile, we've transitioned Ryder out of his crib (slowly getting the nursery in order) and onto his new big-boy mattress. It's on the floor for now, until we have the bed and rail ready.

The first 2 days of mattress sleeping have been great! Ryder is learning to stay in bed when we put him down and in the mornings it's so sweet to hear the door open and a little patter of footsteps come down the hall and into our room.

And then last night I enjoyed being treated to dinner by a few sweet ladies who showered Baby Little Dipper with sweet gifts - a full supply of bathing toiletries (Burt's Bees - my favourite), diapers, wipes, swaddling blankets, story books, feeding supplies, and a super cute nursing cover for me.  We have been so blessed by the new friendships we've made in the Navy community here.

Here's Ryder on a walk with Mama.
He insisted on walking himself for over the first half mile, before getting into the stroller.
What a trooper!

Getting Ready for Baby

We finally got around to shuffling dressers last weekend. That freed up Ryder's little nursery dresser for Baby Little Dipper's room. Which was just the motivation I needed to pull Ryder's newborn clothes out of our storage room. 

This is the chaos we started with.

Ryder was my little helper for the afternoon.

Helping turned into trying on various too-small hats...

...and exclaiming over each find.

 And since I was asked for a baby bump photo, here we are at 35+ weeks.


Ryder was excited to get a new fireman's hat at the base gym open house last night - after very patiently waiting through Mama's workout.

A quick walk with these two before heading off to MOPS rounded out our morning. 

Happy Wednesday to you!

26 Weeks & Counting!

It's been a few days since I stopped by. Mostly because my new little Etsy adventure has been busier than I anticipated.

But that's a great thing!
I've enjoyed making and selling the same magnetic letters that I made for Ryder a few weeks ago.

I had a great 26 week checkup with my doctor. Here's my latest Little Dipper selfie...

Still keeping up with a steady dose of Christmas baking - this time gingerbread men. A big healthy batch of homemade granola is in order now!

Next up on my to do list is to make a Christmas stocking for Little Dipper while I have the time and energy still.  Don't worry, we won't hang it up until next Christmas. :)

And while this all happens, a little someone is growing up WAY TO FAST!