Q&A Part 2: Clemson & Blogging

Ok, I'm finally going to answer the rest of the questions from Blogiversary Q&A Post. Sorry it has taken so long.

First, a little about my beloved alma mater (about which I don't brag nearly enough)...

I chose Clemson pretty randomly to tell the truth.  A friend of mine had gone there the year before, which is how I first heard about it.  But, ultimately it fit my criteria of not being too big but having a big football team, being well respected but not impossible to get in, and being different from the rest of my graduating class but not too far away from home.  I also thought the campus was beautiful and you can't beat true southern hospitality.  Although my reasons for going there weren't incredibly strong, it turned out to be one of the very best decisions of my life (and I still believe that even as I pay out-of-state tuition loans every month five years later).  I met some incredible people and learned a lot about myself by being away from home for those four years.  I would HIGHLY recommend it!

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I honestly can't name just one thing I love MOST about it (besides THE TWELVE, but that's kind-of cheating).  So, here's a little list instead:

That they serve grits at every meal in the dining hall

That you can wear flip flops until Christmas break

That all the Carolina boys know how to shag (the dance!)

Football Saturdays and the sea of orange

Bowman Field on Sunday afternoons and at homecoming

Ancheaux's Black Jack sandwich (RIP)

That my teachers knew me by name

Sundresses, croakies, and bowties for football games

TRUE tailgating

TriCounty Young Life

The Blue House

That EVERYONE holds doors and prays before eating

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I could go on and on, but I better stop before I get too "homesick".  Thanks Megan! I'd love to hear some of your favorite Clemson things too! :)

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Next, let's talk blogging for a moment, shall we?

I LOVE blogging, and it has definitely become a big part of my life and changed me in some ways these past two years.  For starters, almost every single thing I do in real life is processed through the filter of "how could I write about this on the blog?"  To be honest, I really think that having a place where I put my thoughts into words for others to read has forced me to actually THINK about things rather than just going through the motions.  I LOVE going back and reading old posts and remembering where I was and how I felt at certain times in my (not too distant) past.  In a lot of ways, this record has been a testament to the Lord's work in my life and often serves as a good reminder to me of His faithfulness.

Blogging has brought me back to my passion for writing and shown me, again, how much I value community and encouragement from others.  Plus, it's just really fun. I like having something I do because I want to and not because I have to. I remember saying a few years ago that I didn't really have any "hobbies," and now I have one that's been going strong for more than two years.  I'm proud of that accomplishment.

Here's a picture of my very first blog header... For old times sake.  (You can see who the star was/is.)

Thanks Amanda!

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And, on a totally unrelated note, I have a favor to ask of you...

Remember last year when Addy won us $1500?!?  Well, the same company is hosting a "Coolest Space in Your Place" photo contest right now on Facebook.  I didn't enter - it just didn't feel right since we've already won once - but some friends of ours did, and they have made it into the top five with their awesome dining room/ handmade farmhouse table and bench.  

I know it would mean A LOT to them if you'd take two seconds and go place a vote for them here.  They are in full-time ministry with Young Life and the $2500 prize would be a huge blessing! The contest is open until Thursday, and you can vote once per day.  Thanks friends!   

The Final Week: Swollen but Prepared

Today I am 39 weeks pregnant.   I did not ever think I would make it this long.  (I know, I know. Most first time moms are late... I just didn't think I would be one of them!)  I knew two other people with my due date, and they delivered last weekend.  I also saw this morning on FB that a high school friend who was due a week after me, had her baby last night. UGG.

If you are pregnant now, you should probably plan on being pregnant until your due date or later.  There are some words of wisdom from me.

As I said in my 38 week update, I have not been miserable.  BUT, that is quickly changing.  Thursday night I went out with my mom and sister for a Girl's Night - kind-of a last hurrah before we have a boy in our world!  We had a great time; but, I just felt H-U-G-E.  I think it was because I so wanted to look cute... But, my body is 100% NOT my own right now.  My ankles are totally cankles.  My hands look like Mickey Mouse gloves.  And, don't even get me started on my belly!  (It probably didn't help that the Haviana flip flops I have been wearing every.single.day for the last four months literally BUSTED last night.  I had to walk around a Mexican restaurant barefoot and pregnant.  True story.)

Then, on Friday, I hit the threshold of just wanting to stay in my house in hiding until Baby C makes an appearance.  I did go get my hair cut and eyebrows waxed - which was nice - but even that didn't take away from my general feeling of hideousness.  Worst of all, my NOSE has now officially widened and my face looks like Shrek.  I'm not lying.  Have you guys heard of this happening to other pregnant women towards the end?  No, you do not get a picture.  It isn't pretty, trust me.  But here are some visuals:

Overall, I'm just tired (all the time), cranky, and a little bit anxious.  I have no energy to vacuum the house, but it feels of absolute importance that there not be a single crumb or dog hair visible just in case I go into labor right now. Plus, that kind of "manual labor" is exactly what will throw me into "baby labor" and get this show on the road!  It is a weird paradox to live in.  I am mostly sad for Jeff; he is a trooper.

The moral of this story is... the end of pregnancy is hard.  Personally, I think all of pregnancy is pretty uncomfortable and unglamorous; but, I absolutely know that it will be worth it.  And, ultimately, I know that every single day he stays in my belly will make for a healthier and happier little guy.  But that said, I would NOT be disappointed in the least bit if he came this weekend. Just so you know.

Time will tell.

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I know this post is long, but someone asked me earlier this week what exactly is in a "baby kit."  So,  I thought I'd share a few pictures of what this entails, plus how our house is already evolving to be ready for the little one.  This, my friends, is how I'm spending my free time at home.  (Don't think I'm crazy... Even if I am.)

The downstairs sun room, where I will likely spend most of my time after Baby arrives. In addition to the pack n' play, I have a basket holding a few toys, his little activity mat, and extra blankets.  We are also fully stocked on diapers, wipes, lotion, hand sanitizer, diaper rash cream, Shout, a couple onesies, burp cloths, and bibs down here... Because, heaven forbid I should have to carry my baby upstairs to change a diaper. ;)

These are for both of our cars.  (Can you guess which is which?)  Basically, they are for emergencies where we run out of the house or switch cars and don't have the diaper bag (which is, of course, already packed and ready to go).  They have extra diapers and wipes, a burp cloth, a blanket, a changing pad, antibacterial wipes, a spare house key, a toy, and a change of clothes for both baby AND parent (I thought that was a great idea... you never know when an unfortunate spit-up/poop incident will occur).

And, just because, Baby C's little closet... One of my favorite "rooms" in the house.

What do you think?  Am I ready?  Haha!

I am finishing up a really great book called Laughter and Tears: The Emotional Life of New Mothers that one of my blog readers recommended to me.  I think I've talked about it before.  Of course I won't really know how relevant it all is until after the birth, but so far it has been VERY helpful in preparing me for some of the changes that will inevitably occur in the next few weeks.  Anyways, the book says that "Type A" women who "like to control" or "stick to a schedule" often have the hardest time adjusting to life with a newborn.  Awesome.  I'm praying a lot about this; but, I'm also hoping that some of my up-front planning will take some stress off once he is here too.  I guess, again, only time will tell...

Have a great weekend!

Wild Rice & Pine Nut Salad

Happy Friday!

I'm joining Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life today to share one of my favorite side dish recipes: Wild Rice & Pine Nut Salad.  I made this two weeks ago for our "Grandparent Dinner," and it was a big hit.

The basic recipe came from Real Simple Magazine (here), but I "spiced" it up a bit for a real Mediterranean twist (and to make it a little heavier for my mom, who is a vegetarian):

Real Simple

Hands on Time: 15 minutes (or longer if you are me)
Total Time: 1 Hour 15 minutes
Serves: 8 or so?

Ingredients:
2 cups wild and long-gran rice blend (discard spice packet, if included) - I doubled this
1/2 cup pine nuts
1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley - I used dry because I couldn't find any fresh :(
1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon - Again, I used dry
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
Grapes, sliced in half
Feta cheese crumbles
Kalamata olives


- Cook the rice according to the package directions.  Spread on a large plate or baking sheet and refrigerate until cool.

- Meanwhile, heat oven to 350 degrees.  Spread the pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast, tossing occasionally, until golden (6 - 8 minutes).  Let cool.

- Place the rice in a large bowl and fold in all the remaining ingredients.

(I made my salad ahead and refrigerated it.  It is best if you bring it to room temperature before serving though.)

Here's mine:

*I served this with grilled chicken breasts marinated in Ken's Light Caesar dressing (my very favorite) and Alton Brown's grilled Brussels sprout skewers.  It was a perfect meal - and, healthy too!*

 Enjoy!