Harrison Daniel Truman

Our handsome boy is here! 

Harrison Daniel Truman

He is a dream. We are so in love. 

I can't even express the increased love I have for Ben. He was my rock through the whole thing! It was so nice having him by my side coaching me.  I am so lucky to have him in my life. He is already the best daddy. He is so gentle with Harrison. I love watching them interact with each other. 

I never thought I could love someone so much. I am lucky to have two handsome boys in my life. 

Thank you Citrus Co Photography for capturing this special moment! 

Kitchen Transformation

Well you can definitely say that we have been in "nesting" mode at our house. We are doing all kinds of touch ups to the house in order to get ready for the baby! It's been really fun preparing everything for his arrival. We really wanted to do something different with the cabinets because they were looking a little worn. Luckily we have the coolest landlords who let us paint the whole kitchen! We are extremely lucky to live where we do.

It was hard deciding what to do for the color, but we went with an off white. I am so happy with the way it turned out! It has really brighten up our whole kitchen.We wanted to add a splash of color so we painted the island a polaris blue. I think it gives the kitchen just what it needs!  It's unbelievable the difference a little paint can make. It was a long process, but it was totally worth it!

It's so funny, ever since the kitchen has been finished I won't let it get dirty at all. Right when Ben gets something out I put it away. Or if we have one dish in the sink, I wash it. It's a little ridiculous how clean I want the kitchen to be... but that could be because it took us a long time for it to be finished.

{BEFORE}

{AFTER}

How to Stain a Kitchen Table

I am in total "Nesting" mode right now. I have been trying to get everything prepared for the arrival of our little boy! My first project was the kitchen table. I wanted to change things up a little. Plus, the original finish was chipping off and it kinda hurt your bum when you would sit down....Sooo Ben and I said it was time to give this kitchen table a makeover. 

{Chairs Before}

{After Sanding}

I used an 80 grit sand paper over every section of the chair.  After I had finished that, I moved to a 150 grit sand paper to finish off any rough edges (I would suggest going to a 180 or higher for a very smooth finish). I did this same thing for all the chair and table. I used an electric sander for most of the chair and a hand sander for the harder to reach areas. 

My makeshift mask which helped the excess from the chairs not even up in my nose and mouth. It worked perfectly... although it did make it extremely hot. 

{Table Before}

I sanded the top and bottom of the table multiple times to make sure all the old finish was off. I wish I would have sanded the top of the table a bit more. There was still some left over finish from the original table, which made staining more difficult. So make sure you get ALL the old finish off in order to have an easier time staining. 

{First coat of stain} 

After I had finished the sanding I used Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner. Remember to apply the pre-stain along the grain of the wood. After the pre-stain dried I used Minwax Dark Walnut Wood Finish. I applied several coats because I wanted a dark finish. The more coats you put on the darker the stain will be. After each coat wipe off the excess stain using a rag. I would highly recommend using gloves during this process. If the stain gets on your hands it will be there for a couple days. 

After several coats of stain

After the wood was to the darkness I wanted, I applied Minwax Polyurethane to seal and protect the wood. You will want to use a brush that is specifically made to handle polyurethane. After you have applied the polyurethane make sure the table is completely dry before you start using the table. 

Wal-ah you're finished! Pat yourself on the back. I know I did after I was finished. This was a long process... but totally worth it in the end! I am so happy with the way the table turned out. 

                                                           {BEFORE}                                                             

 {AFTER}

I painted the table legs an off white  and the chairs a Polaris Blue. I am really happy with the way the table as a whole turned out. It was totally something that the kitchen needed to feel finished.

{Finished Product}

Freshly Canned Jalapeños

This was my first attempt at canning. Surprisingly, it was very easy. I was always scared canning was going to be this huge process and that I would mess it all up. This was the perfect thing to can for my first time. Now, we will have fresh Jalapeño all year long! These are homegrown Jalapeños which makes them even more delicious. 

Okay, I am going to share a little secret. I didn't seal these jars!!  I know that's not the normal routine when canning... but even without sealing the jars they will last a year! Skipping this step cut down on the time it took for the whole process. If you wanted the jalapeños to last longer than a year you would want to seal the cans. I didn't care to do that because I wanted this to be easy and quick. 

All You Need:

Jalapeño (as many as you want to can) 
Glass jars with lids 
White Vinegar 

So, what I did first was pour about 1 1/2 cups of white vinegar into a pot. You want to boil the vinegar so that it is extremely hot. While the vinegar is heating up, cut off or tear off the tops of the jalapeños. After that is done, stuff the jalapeños into the jars. Make sure there is no wiggle room. Next, use a funnel to pour the vinegar into each jar. Make sure every jalapeño is covered with the vinegar. Once this process is done put on the lids very tight. Then, let the jars sit out till they have cooled down. Once they have cooled enough place them in the fridge. Presto! That't it! You are finished! Now, each time you need a jalapeños just go in the fridge and take out your jar. Fresh Jalapeños every time! 

Crock Pot!!

 ***Pot Roast***

This is the best Pot Roast! So easy, but so yummy! 

Ingredients: 

4-5 Potatoes

3-4 Carrots (10-15 if smaller size)

1 Pound Roast

1 Package of dry Onion mix

Directions: Cut carrots and potatoes in half. You can peel the potatoes if you choose. Place potatoes, carrots, and roast in crock pot. Add the package of dry onion mix to the top along with salt and pepper. Add 1/2 cup of water to crock pot. Turn on crock pot and let it cook. 

Turn on medium heat for 6-8 hours.

Turn on high for 4-5 hours.

Check the meat and potatoes to make sure they are tender before serving.

Serve with Green beans (or any vegetable) and a salad. 

YUM! 

Washington D.C.

One last trip before we have this little one! It was a little brutal being 7 months pregnant... and driving 10 hours from Nashville to Washington D.C.  BUT totally worth it! 

I am so glad we got this trip in before we had a baby....Washington D.C. is not a place I would want to take a baby or even a toddler. They just would't appreciate everything there is to learn in D.C. 

We were able to visit so many museums. I learned a lot about what our nation has gone through in order to be where it is today.

Of course we went to a Nationals game. I've actually really enjoyed going to baseball games in the different states we visit. I mean I might not watch the game... but I love the food!! This game was special because they had fireworks at the end for the 4th of July. 

This little fan saved my life! It was the best purchase I ever made... It even had a little map which came in handy. 

We were lucky enough to visit the Washington D.C. Temple. This picture doesn't even do it justice. It was beautiful. Our cousin Tiana is serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the visitor center. 

This is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. If you are in D.C. this something you need to see. They change the guard every half hour which is an awesome experience to witness. There is always a soldier guarding this tomb no matter what the weather is like. 

I am very proud to be an American. I am grateful for all those who have and still are sacrificing their lives so that we can be free. 

Prego!

Well... It's been a long time since I have posted! Lots of things have changed since then.

We are now expecting our FIRST!!  

IT'S A BOY!! 

The picture on the left is how Ben really felt when we found out we were pregnant... he was a little shocked! We found out on Christmas Day. That was the best gift Ben and I could have received. We are so excited to meet this little boy. I know he is going to look just like his Dad.... Or ME haha! I can't even picture what his little face will look like. It's going to be the best thing ever! 
I have loved taking my little buddy everywhere with me. What I love most is, seeing Ben talk to my belly and waiting for that little kick. Lately, he has been moving so much that you can see one side of my belly pop out and then the other side immediately after. It looks like a wave pool. It's so exciting to watch but is a little shocking. Every time we see him move we have to process that there is a little human in there. It's just amazing! 

We are still deciding on a name... We have narrowed it down some but, we are still unsure. Hopefully by the time we leave the hospital we will have a name. 

This is the moment I thought I was showing.... little did I know I would be pretty large. 

Gotta get all the traveling in before this little one comes. We are going to be on lock down for a couple months when he gets here.  (5 Months) 

I thought it was so special to be able to graduate and have my buddy with me the whole time.  The cool thing about this is, when Wendee ( Ben's Mom) was graduating she was also pregnant with Ben. What a special thing for Ben and his son to share together. (6 months) 

6 and a half months

7 Months 

Can't help but stuff my face any chance I get! 

Luckily I had this before I found out I have Gestational Diabetes. This delicious Chocolatey Strawberry S'more is definitely not on my diet anymore. Good thing they don't have these in Nashville... I would have a hard time resisting the urge to have one. 

I thought it would be pretty bad to having GD but besides pricking my finger 4 times a day, its not too difficult. It's probably a good thing I have GD because during this pregnancy I have been craving sweets. I normally would choose chips and salty treats but this little boy wants sugar. 

I didn't think being pregnant would stop me from doing anything... I was wrong. I thought it would be a good idea for me to play kick ball. I was just going to be the all time pitcher and not run the bases. In my mind I was thinking this would be fine to do pregnant..... 

Next thing I know, I'm knocked down crying on the grass. I had been hit directly in the head with the flying kick ball. This kick didn't come from just anyone. It was from an experienced athlete who had a lot of muscle to use. Honestly, I'm so thankful it was my head and not my belly. That would have been really scary for the little one. I'll totally have some fun stories to tell my son when he gets here. 

Saying goodbye to my sweet mama! The next time I see her I will be in labor.... which is kind of a scary/exciting thought. I am lucky that Ben and her will be there to coach me through everything. 

Ben practicing to be a DAD! These little ones love him. He is going to be such a great Dad. He is so good at playing with kids and making them laugh. It's a good thing he loves to play because I'm not very good at playing with kids... Hopefully when I have my own kids I'll be better at that. 

Ahh I can't wait for this baby boy to be decked out in BYU gear. Ben told me that he wants to match what his son wears. It was so fun to hear him say that. They are going to be little twins in their BYU outfits. It's definitely starting to feel more real. Just a couple more months till we get to meet this precious baby boy!