March for Babies

Sunday our family walked in support of March of Dimes.  It is a walk that raises money for research for premature babies.  Erik and I have been walking 20 years now for this cause.  It means a lot to me since I was a preemie as well.  I was very lucky being almost 12 weeks premature and only weighing slightly over 1 pound.  I began walking when I started working for Farmer's Insurance who is one of their main sponsors.  I became a coordinator for the company and really like being involved.  I would not realize how much until I had an 8 week  premature little girl.  Emma weighed 4 lbs and 5 oz. but was a fighter and was only in the NICU for 2 weeks and came home on my 30th birthday.  She is a true miracle and a blessing from God.  I had many obstacles trying to conceive Ethan but when I did, I was high risk.  I had to take injections in my hips during my last trimester.  I was unsure about this drug (Progesterone) since it was new but March of Dimes fought for this research to help Mother's like me to make sure I could have a chance to carry this baby to term.  It was very expensive and without insurance, I probably would not be able to afford to get these injections.  Several years ago, the drug companies wanted to charge even more for them and make it even in more higher demand.  March of Dimes fought these pharmaceutical companies for women and won!  Research and technology have come a long way since I was a preemie but there is so much more to do.  I will never give up the fight to help these babies get a fighting a chance.  Just like I knew they did not for me and my babies.

It was a great day for a walk and Emma will always remember how lucky she is to be here and how much this charity means to her and our family.

Here are some pictures of our gorgeous day!

Feeling Crafty

So as many of you know, I am a girly girl and love to paint my nails, Emma's nails and make crafts.  Here are some pictures of my latest creations!

These are "butterfly treats" for Ethan's preschool class!  They were learning about them last week.

My Mom's birthday is next week so I made her some cute flower flip-flops with some cute ribbon!

Before Easter, Emma wanted some polka-dot toes so I used a white nail pen on her coral toes.

Then it was my turn, I had some Del-Sol nail polish that changes color in the sun...before...

After....

Started making end of the school year teacher gifts.  This one I stole from Pinterest.  I made a star from craft paper for sections in the cup, then placed pens, crayons, clips, and candy in each section.  Very cheap and easy!  

Craft stick pencil holders for Ethan's other 2 teachers...got this idea from Sunday school!  Just use an empty toilet paper holder, craft sticks, glue gun and some craft paper for the bottom.  Again cheap and easy!

Happy Easter!

We had an eventful weekend full of going to the park, coloring Easter eggs, going to church, egg hunting, opening Easter baskets and spending time with family.  We all had a great time but we were exhausted by Sunday evening and then of course back to the schedule today.  This is why I am so glad that I quit my job to stay home!  I am so blessed to be able to do this and it will be 4 years in August.  I know someday soon I will have to enter the corporate world again, but I am enjoying every second of being an at-home Mom!


Enjoying the park!

Coloring Easter eggs!

Before church...Happy Easter!

Opening Easter baskets!

Ethan egg hunting!

Emma egg hunting!

Cousins!

Spring Break 2012

This year we took a "stay-cation" for Spring Break.  Erik had to work most of the week so it was up to me to keep the sillies busy.

On Monday we visited the Columbus Zoo which is one of their fav places.  Ethan is a big animal lover so this was heaven for him!  We spent a lot of time at the petting zoo but they were disappointed that the ponies were not out so they could ride them.  Okay with me...saves me some cash!  We spent the entire day there and my legs were going to fall off.  We explored the entire zoo in one day which we usually do not do.  It was quite windy but a nice sunny day and the kids did not want to leave.

Here is Emma with one of fav animals....Hannah the snake!

Here is one of Ethan's fav animals...turtles.  He took this picture.

Tuesday, I took them to Super Games where they have bounce houses, games, etc.  I had never been there and it is really close so we went. Super Games had an open-play from 1-3 pm for $14 for both kids and I ended up getting 8 visits pass for $30.  So this means we will be back!  They come to Emma's school every year for her "end of school year games".  I could not get any pictures since they were running around so fast.  I did get one or two from my phone but they were somewhat blurry!

Wednesday, I took them to the Franklin Park Conservatory to see the butterflies and glass blowing.  We spent the entire day there and even had lunch which I was not planning to do.  We got there at 10:45 am and left at 3:45 pm.  My kids did not want to leave but again, I was exhausted and they were not.  We even had a reporter from the This Week newspaper take our picture during the butterfly release and it will be in one of the neighborhood papers this week.  

Thursday and Friday, Erik took those days off.  We spent those days, sleeping in, going out to eat and shopping!  Saturday was a relaxing day running errands and playing outside.  Then of course, watching the Bucks lose...boo!

All and all, we had a great Spring Break!  Of course, I think I spent just as much money as I would if we went out of town!  Oh well, it was nice to take a break from work, school, dance and swimming!