Baby Berger is a....

GIRL! 

I must say that we are really shocked to hear that we'll be welcoming a second daughter to our family. My husband may have wanted a little boy, and of course mama is not partial to either but we were all calling her a him! Sophia has been referring to baby Berger as Luke..and now we've got to work at telling her Luke is Londyn.. time for some more pink and bows :) 

Oh so grateful

Quotes I love

I love the power of words. 
I have always saved a file of quotes of which to live by and to be inspired by. 
Here are a few that I love. 


Life is very interesting... in the end, some of your greatest pains, become your greatest strengths.

"Man is what he believes."

Anton Chekhov
 Ayn Rand
I am someone who is looking for love, real love, ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming ,cant live without each other love, and i don't think- that love is here, in this expensive suite, in the lovely hotel. Carrie Bradshaw 
" Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep... wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you' re just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky he is to have YOU... The one who turns to his friends and says, thats her... 

"The most wonderful of all things in life is the discovery of another human being with whom one's relationship has a growing depth, beauty and joy as the years increase. This inner progressiveness of love between two human beings is a most marvelous thing; it cannot be found by looking for it or by passionately wishing for it. It is a sort of divine accident, and the most wonderful of all things in life."
--Sir Hugh Walpole


"Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weakness." 

You might not end up where you thought you'd be, but you'll end up exactly where you're meant to be. - unknown-

The heart is a muscle that has to be trained in all aspects, running and heartache are the best excersie for this muscle..Me

"you would give your own beating heart if you could." Val


True friends will tell when you are wrong -Mel 

11:11 make a wish! - Mel 

Good friends are like stars, you cant always see them but you know they are there. - unknown

I just wanted you to know that I love you... - Mel

"I have found that being a mother is not hard at all, its finding time to NOT be a mother that is impossilbe." me

"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez
I am someone who is looking for love, real love, ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming ,cant live without each other love, and i don't think- that love is here, in this expensive suite, in the lovely hotel. Carrie Bradshaw 
" Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep... wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you' re just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky he is to have YOU... The one who turns to his friends and says, thats her... 
"The most wonderful of all things in life is the discovery of another human being with whom one's relationship has a growing depth, beauty and joy as the years increase. This inner progressiveness of love between two human beings is a most marvelous thing; it cannot be found by looking for it or by passionately wishing for it. It is a sort of divine accident, and the most wonderful of all things in life."
--Sir Hugh Walpole


"Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weakness." 

You might not end up where you thought you'd be, but you'll end up exactly where you're meant to be. - unknown-

The heart is a muscle that has to be trained in all aspects, running and heartache are the best excersie for this muscle..Me

"you would give your own beating heart if you could." Val


True friends will tell when you are wrong -Mel 

11:11 make a wish! - Mel 

Good friends are like stars, you cant always see them but you know they are there. - unknown

I just wanted you to know that I love you... - Mel

"I have found that being a mother is not hard at all, its finding time to NOT be a mother that is impossilbe." me

"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez
"The most wonderful of all things in life is the discovery of another human being with whom one's relationship has a growing depth, beauty and joy as the years increase. This inner progressiveness of love between two human beings is a most marvelous thing; it cannot be found by looking for it or by passionately wishing for it. It is a sort of divine accident, and the most wonderful of all things in life."
--Sir Hugh Walpole

"Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weakness." 

You might not end up where you thought you'd be, but you'll end up exactly where you're meant to be. - unknown-

The heart is a muscle that has to be trained in all aspects, running and heartache are the best excersie for this muscle..Me

"you would give your own beating heart if you could." Val


True friends will tell when you are wrong -Mel 

11:11 make a wish! - Mel 

Good friends are like stars, you cant always see them but you know they are there. - unknown

I just wanted you to know that I love you... - Mel

"I have found that being a mother is not hard at all, its finding time to NOT be a mother that is impossilbe." me

"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez
"Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weakness." 

You might not end up where you thought you'd be, but you'll end up exactly where you're meant to be. - unknown-

The heart is a muscle that has to be trained in all aspects, running and heartache are the best excersie for this muscle..Me

"you would give your own beating heart if you could." Val


True friends will tell when you are wrong -Mel 

11:11 make a wish! - Mel 

Good friends are like stars, you cant always see them but you know they are there. - unknown

I just wanted you to know that I love you... - Mel

"I have found that being a mother is not hard at all, its finding time to NOT be a mother that is impossilbe." me

"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez
"Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weakness." 
You might not end up where you thought you'd be, but you'll end up exactly where you're meant to be. - unknown-

The heart is a muscle that has to be trained in all aspects, running and heartache are the best excersie for this muscle..Me

"you would give your own beating heart if you could." Val


True friends will tell when you are wrong -Mel 

11:11 make a wish! - Mel 

Good friends are like stars, you cant always see them but you know they are there. - unknown

I just wanted you to know that I love you... - Mel

"I have found that being a mother is not hard at all, its finding time to NOT be a mother that is impossilbe." me

"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez
You might not end up where you thought you'd be, but you'll end up exactly where you're meant to be. - unknown-
The heart is a muscle that has to be trained in all aspects, running and heartache are the best excersie for this muscle..Me

"you would give your own beating heart if you could." Val


True friends will tell when you are wrong -Mel 

11:11 make a wish! - Mel 

Good friends are like stars, you cant always see them but you know they are there. - unknown

I just wanted you to know that I love you... - Mel

"I have found that being a mother is not hard at all, its finding time to NOT be a mother that is impossilbe." me

"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez
The heart is a muscle that has to be trained in all aspects, running and heartache are the best excersie for this muscle..Me
"you would give your own beating heart if you could." Val


True friends will tell when you are wrong -Mel 

11:11 make a wish! - Mel 

Good friends are like stars, you cant always see them but you know they are there. - unknown

I just wanted you to know that I love you... - Mel

"I have found that being a mother is not hard at all, its finding time to NOT be a mother that is impossilbe." me

"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez
"you would give your own beating heart if you could." Val

True friends will tell when you are wrong -Mel 

11:11 make a wish! - Mel 

Good friends are like stars, you cant always see them but you know they are there. - unknown

I just wanted you to know that I love you... - Mel

"I have found that being a mother is not hard at all, its finding time to NOT be a mother that is impossilbe." me

"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez
True friends will tell when you are wrong -Mel 

11:11 make a wish! - Mel 

Good friends are like stars, you cant always see them but you know they are there. - unknown

I just wanted you to know that I love you... - Mel

"I have found that being a mother is not hard at all, its finding time to NOT be a mother that is impossilbe." me

"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez
True friends will tell when you are wrong -Mel 
11:11 make a wish! - Mel 

Good friends are like stars, you cant always see them but you know they are there. - unknown

I just wanted you to know that I love you... - Mel

"I have found that being a mother is not hard at all, its finding time to NOT be a mother that is impossilbe." me

"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez
11:11 make a wish! - Mel 
Good friends are like stars, you cant always see them but you know they are there. - unknown

I just wanted you to know that I love you... - Mel

"I have found that being a mother is not hard at all, its finding time to NOT be a mother that is impossilbe." me

"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez
Good friends are like stars, you cant always see them but you know they are there. - unknown
I just wanted you to know that I love you... - Mel

"I have found that being a mother is not hard at all, its finding time to NOT be a mother that is impossilbe." me

"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez
I just wanted you to know that I love you... - Mel
"I have found that being a mother is not hard at all, its finding time to NOT be a mother that is impossilbe." me

"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez
"I have found that being a mother is not hard at all, its finding time to NOT be a mother that is impossilbe." me
"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez
"God puts us all down here with a return by date." Clayton Gutierrez


"No one's happiness but my own is in my power to achieve or to destroy."


"Maybe the past is like an anchor holding us back. Maybe, you have to let go of who you were to become who you will be."- Carrie Bradshaw

27 things I've learned and been taught in these 27 beautiful years.

1. There is no love like the love your child will fill your heart with. 
2. Be thankful for your health, money cannot buy this or fix this for you. 
3. Money cannot buy love, respect, or happiness, anyone who pretends so is to be pitied. 
4. Fancy cars, houses and material things are of this world and not of importance. You can't take them with you and God does not care what you drive- give it away. 
5. If you're going to spend money on something, make it count. 
6. Give more than you receive, and be watchful for those who have less, they may be angels.
7. Just because you give your money does not mean your "good works" are done, this does not make you a good person. 
8. Not everyone cares about the education of their child, but don't let this hinder your responsibility to your own child. 
9. When you have a child, know that you are mama bird, only you can protect your baby, and this is your duty. 
10. Don't finance things you should pay cash for, like almost everything. 
11. Have patience, time will assist in your growth of this. 
12. Play, laugh, run and tickle every chance you get, these are the moments that matter. 
13. Spend time with family & friends, they will not always be around. 
14. Spend at least 1 hour a week talking to your mother or father. 
15. Don't let a fight ruin a good friendship. 
16. Remember that the last hug, last kiss, last smile, last argument can always be your last. Resolve issues quickly, you may not always have the chance.  
17. Parents who lie raise children who are liars. 
18. Speak up and stand up for yourself, even when you have to stand alone. 
19. Love each other as God has loved you. John 15:12
20. Forgive quickly
21. Pray for yourself as well as others
22. Marriage is forever, so plan a marriage not a wedding. 
23. Take time to bask in the beauty of God's creations dally. 
24. Speak only soft words of those you love, harsh words harden the heart. 
25. Struggles make you stronger, more dignified and they add necessary character to your soul. 
26. Everything really does happen for a reason, so take time to listen to what God is trying to tell you- or you may have to repeat your lesson over and over. 
27. Love unconditionally, without bias, without favoritism,  without grudge, and forgive for yourself. 

Oreo Cream Cheese Truffles

These were really simple to make and everyone loved them. I love the idea of cake pops but have not ventured into making them just yet. For Sophia's birthday I opted for something a little more simple and quick, considering I already had so much to get done. I tried placing them on a stick but didn't get it just right considering it was my first time making them, but it can be done with practice. Enjoy! 

Ingredients:1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened1 16.6 oz package Oreo cookies, crushedAlmond bark in the desired flavor (vanilla or chocolate, or both!)

Directions:

Crush cookies (you can either do this with a food processor, or by placing in a ziplock back and by hand/rolling pin!)

Reserve about 1/2 a cup of the crushed cookies for garnishing.  Mix the softened cream cheese and rest of cookie crumbs until well blended.

Shape into 1 inch balls - your hands will get messy, but these were quite easy to mold.  I stuffed a little white chocolate in the middle as well (by melting white chocolate chips until soft and spooning some into the truffle before rolling into a ball).

Once you have molded all of the balls, melt the almond bark in a microwave safe bowl according to package directions.  Using a fork, dip each ball in melted chocolate and place on wax paper to dry.  Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs. Refrigerate for about an hour, or until firm.

Tips:   There are a lot of ways you could decorate or fill these - sprinkles or crushed nuts on top, peanut butter in the middle, using a different type of cookie for the filling.  It's a very versatile recipe so get creative!

P.S. Yes I called them "Cake Pops" because I had already printed her cards and I was not about to reprint anything at last moment! 

Birthday Traditions to Start

I won't go into detail about my childhood, but I will say that it was not all that bad. It could have been worse. There are many things I wish my parents did differently, things that I aim to do for my daughter. I think that this is what most every parent wishes for their children, that their childhood and life will be all that much better than the one they had, even if the one they had was great.

The day of your child's birth is a big one. It has all the meaning of the day your life was changed, the day you brought life into this world, or the day your baby was born from your heart. In accordance with the importance of this day there are little traditions that you can start that your children will always remember.

Here are a few I have and intend to incorporate into the birthdays of my daughter and future children.

1. Sweet Morning Lovins: On the day of her birthday I like to wake up early, this allows for more time and patience to spend with her on her special day. I like to wake her up slowly, lay in bed with her and stare at her sweet little face until she wakes up. She loves to read stories, so on her special day I make time for her to pick one out, we'll cuddle up in her bed and read the story before getting dressed or anything else.  I remind her that today is her special day and let this specialness go on until the date of her birthday party.

2. Breakfast: If you have to head out to work and school on this special day it is a sweet treat for your birthday girl or boy to have a special breakfast, maybe you can give yourself some time to sit and eat with them if thats not something you usually get to do.

3. Special Snacks: Little things can make your child feel special. If you have to pack a snack anyway, make this one a special snack, place a Happy Birthday note in with the snack, or take the time to make a fresh snack like pealed oranges or a cute banana critter that will bring a smile to their face.

4. Balloons! Yes, balloons.. fill the hallway/doorway outside your child's bedroom with streamers and balloons the night before their birthday, and when they wake up to the surprise they'll feel like its a real celebration! This also makes for cute photos! See if you can catch the surprised expressions they will showcase when seeing all of this!

5.  Birthday Letter: I have a journal that I've kept for Sophia since I found out I was pregnant. I don't always make time to write to her as often as I should but I do take the time to write her a special letter the night before her birthday. I like to tell her everything that she's accomplished for the year, and how much I love her. My hope is that she will have this journal to read when she's older. This is one of the best traditions that my mother did for me.

6. Special Treat: Making cupcakes or cookies the day of their birthday is not only sweet for them but it is sweet for you as well. Try to snap a couple of pictures of yourselves making a mess, using your phone will work just fine.

7. Special Dinner: Easy as making your child's favorite meal for dinner, or doing a picnic outside, in their room, or in the living room, anything different from the norm will make the feel special.

8. Treats at School: Okay this was a big one for me when I was growing up! I loved to get balloons dropped off at school on my birthday! I don't think they allow this anymore.. so boo on that. But check with your child's school to see if they do, or perhaps you can send a batch of cookies for the class to enjoy in celebration of their special day.

9. Birthday Party: Yes Please! While we did not have much we always had a birthday party. A special event with cake and ice cream that was a celebration of our day, and I loved it! To this day we still do a small celebration of some kind for our birthdays and it holds the same great meaning. Rather you go all out or just do something small at home, make it a point to celebrate your child's special day.

Time is fleeting, and each year we look back and wonder how they grew so much, how they've become their own little person, and how much closer they are to being far away from the day they were your baby.
Whatever it is that you do, I hope your child's birthday is a special day for you and for them.

Sweet little crafts with my little girl

Valentines Vases
You'll need:
Glass vases of any size and shape
2 pack of paper doilies
yarn, string, or thin rope, even ribbon will work
Scotch tape
Construction paper or scrapbook paper
& Your creativity!

Okay, so I'll admit that I've become one of those moms that will probably decorate for every holiday there is. I used to love when I'd go to my friend's houses and they would have Easter or Valentine's decor around their home. The only time my mother decorated was Christmas, and even then she hated putting things up and taking them down. We never had a box of keepsake ornaments that we got to hang up, each year we'd by a box of balls and then throw them out.

So, now that I have a home of my own and a crafty thumb I relish in the ability to decorate!

I have a collection of glass vases from our wedding and anytime my hubby brings flowers home, so its growing quite nicely. Since we're doing a Valentine's photo session for Berger Photography I had purchased these doilies from Hobby Lobby for 1.50 for the white pack and 1.50 for the smaller red pack. They have 28 per pack so they are great! I already had the thick rope like yarn in my craft box so I busted it out too.

Use the tape to hold doilies in place, get creative with the placement, I wanted all of mine to look a little different.
The polka dot paper is some extra scratch book paper I had laying around

Tape doilies in place make sure they are smooth on all edges and then tie string around each jar overlapping as you please. Tie in the back of the jar and cut off excess. If you use ribbon you can use scissors to curl it and maybe let it hand in front-Cute!

Baby Berger.chalkboard tracker

How far along? 16 weeks

 

Total weight gain/loss: -1lb

 Maternity clothes? Moved into maternity jeans and they are so comfy! Right now I'm loving leggins, boots and cardigans- love winter weather for a bump

Stretch marks? Nope, crossing my fingers that this pregnancy is as nice to me as Sophia's was 

Best moment this week: Feeling the baby move at night

Miss anything: Nope, especially not morning sickness 

Movement: yes, finally! 

  Food cravings: Nope!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, luckily.

Have you started to show yet: Yep, just a bit- finally! 

  Gender: find out in a few weeks :) I'm thinking boy!

Labor Signs: No, thank goodness! lol

 

  Belly Button in or out? in 

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time, and every now and then I catch myself having a moody fit over nothing at all, like mashed potatoes that aren't perfect for example. 

Looking forward to: Finding out if we are expecting a boy or girl and doing our maternity shoot!