big brother gift

I don't know who is more anxious about Kash becoming a big brother, him or me.  Right now I know he's excited but I have this huge fear of him feeling sad and neglected as we bring home a new baby that requires a lot of attention.  I can't help but feel guilty that his whole world is about to change!

I know there will be days that Kash will tell me to take the baby back to the hospital.  And who could blame him, take it from an experienced only child--being the only one is kind of a dream!  But while there are definite perks to the only child lifestyle I don't think anything can replace the relationship that most siblings have, and that's what I've always wanted for my future children.

I've tried to make Kash feel really important and special about his new role as a big brother.  I want him to know that even though there will be another baby to share the love that doesn't mean our love for him has changed.  So when I saw this book on Pinterest, "The Day I Was Born", where you can add your own child's pictures to it I thought it would be the perfect pre-baby gift present for Kash.  One, because he is obsessed with looking at pictures of himself and two because it would show him that he too was a baby in my tummy, at the hospital and at our house just like his little brother will be.

At first he thought the book was about his new brother.  Haha like that was somehow the way were were bringing him home.  But as we've been reading it he now understands that it's "baby Kash" in the pictures and has taken more of an interest.  He still prefers these versions of "his" story:

Kash's 2nd Year from Erica Turnbow on Vimeo.

Kash's 1st Year from Erica Turnbow on Vimeo.

(We watch either one of these at least once a week at his request.  The first year still makes me cry and has gotten me really excited to welcome this next baby into our home.)

While I'm still pretty anxious to be a mother of two and how Kash will react to a baby in our home I know deep down he will be an awesome brother.  Maybe right away, maybe later down the road but I'm excited for him to have a sibling to grow up with and share memories.  

(click here to see what the actual book is like...I forgot to take pictures of our version)

taste of pinterest: crack potatoes

This little bun in the oven has got me craving potatoes (which is kind of fun because I didn't have any cravings with Kash)!!!  I've always been a big fan of the spud but these days I could eat them for every meal...mashed, scalloped, baked, fried, etc it doesn't matter what version they come in, I'm in love!  So when I saw a link for these "crack potatoes" on pinterest I didn't just pin it and forget, I ran to the store and bought the ingredients.

picture via.
I took my own picture but I really suck at photographing food so this is my best option.  And if you are anything like me I need a picture before I will make any new recipe!

I have to admit I had ulterior motives to make this dish.  You see, I'm really not so great at making Funeral Potatoes.  I know I'm surprised my Mormon membership hasn't been taken away from me (another secret I kinda suck at making jello too).  So I'm always on the hunt to find the perfect potato dish to replace the Funeral Potatoes.  Well, I may have just found it.  I still think I'm a little partial to the Funeral but that could just be nostalgia and the fact that I do like my religion and don't want to be kicked out :) but this dish is definitely up there.  And who knows put a little cheese and cornflakes on top and we might just have the modern Funeral!I actually did add cheese to the top of to mine and probably would have put some cornflakes on there too if I had them.  These were so easy and delish!  Although, I cut my recipe in half and I'm not sure if I half-ed the ingredients properly because it was a little salty, so next time I might not try as much of the ranch mix.While Pinterest has had some not-so-great recipes for me lately this one hit the spot and I highly recommend it!Whew...was that a long enough post about potatoes for you?  Here's the original link or the recipe if you are to lazy to click.

Crack Potatoes 

2 (16oz) containers sour cream

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

2 (3oz) bags real bacon bits

2 packages Ranch Dip mix

1 large (28 - 30oz) bag frozen hash brown potatoes - shredded kind

Combine first 4 ingredients, mix in hash browns.  Spread into a 9x13 pan.  Bake at 400 for 45-60 minutes.  

Bring on the spuds!  

lesson plans: P is for Pinterest

Since staying home with Kash I quickly learned that we needed some structure in our days, because even though Toy Story is a great movie it should never be viewed more than 50 times!

I wanted to have some sort of curriculum/lesson plan/theme for each week.  And it's really a very simple "curriculum" that we have each week, but I think he's learning a little bit...of something...I hope, and if nothing else it gives us fun activities to do each day.  If we are going to the zoo or museum that week I will try and pick a letter and a corresponding animal that we can talk and learn about or it may just be at random.  And on Mondays we always go to the library and pick out a few books that relate to the weekly theme.

Easter being this Sunday I wanted to have that be our theme for the week.  Even though we had already focused on the letter "E" (for elephant) I figured it couldn't hurt a two year old to have a little repetition in his life.

So this week "E" is for Easter or Egg or whatever else we come up with during our days that has the letter "E" in it and relates to the holiday.  And thanks to Pinterest for this sweet little craft.

Kash thought this was a really cool craft! 

And I think we might just add these to the list of activities to do this week courtesy of Pinterest:

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pinterest: pumpkin moss wreath

Pinterest has changed my life.  Okay so maybe that's not true, but it has enhanced it.  I've been so inspired on how to decorate my house, how to dress better, cute ideas for Kash, etc.  The latest "pin" that I've been obsessed with is a pumpkin moss wreath.  I already have a fall wreath but I couldn't stop thinking about this one and how much I would love it on my front door.  So I made it.  There was no tutorial attached to the pin but it looked easy enough.  And it was pretty simple, minus the fact that moss is the messiest thing in the world.  Good thing I did this craft while Blaine was away!

original pinterest pin

I was actually surprised at how well mine turned out.  Of course it's not AS cute as the Pinterest version (her bow is cuter, better pumpkins [I couldn't find ones as cute as hers and I thought it looked better with less--maybe I'm wrong on that one] and her moss looks a little better), but if you aren't comparing them side by side the Turnbow version can hold it's own.  It actually makes me pretty happy to drive up to our house and see that cute little wreath hanging up.

Oh and did you notice that black door my wreath is hanging on?  For those of you who are my Facebook friends know that I kind of went out on a whim and just decided one afternoon that I would paint my door black.  I was a little nervous but it turned out awesome and I love it!  It's little things like being able to paint my front door whatever color I want makes me so happy to be a homeowner!

First Pinterest inspired project turned out pretty well, many more to come I'm sure!