one more thing..

We will find out the sex of Cricket on January 27th! I'm going to make a pretty little card for our doctor to write the results on and we will open it the following Sat over a nice romantic dinner. Just in time for Nana's Birthday!! Nana will be the first person that we tell, early in the morning on the 31st. I'll post to the blog following.

{For those of you who think we can't wait that long.... just remember we waited 3 weeks to open the card I made for Taylor ( in Barcelona on my birthday) It was perfect and since I can't have it my way and wait until the birth I want to make it super special}

I'm so excited, Baby girl #two :)

{ This is a picture of us in Barcelona after we found out the results}

Big girl bed

We are starting the process of converting from a crib to a big girl bed. I've decided to go straight to a twin bed instead of a toddler bed, based on some advice from some great girlfriends. I've just started the hunt, here is what I've come up with. The question, a trundle bed for sleepovers or storage?

(not this bedding, it's horrible!)

A change for the New year

I'm cutting my hair off ( long overdue) and dying it back to blond ( again, long overdue).... I mean really blond. I'm ready for a change and I feel like my hair is super boring. My girlfriend is going to work her magic and make me super cute. Just waiting for our schedules to work out. Medium bob, a little longer in front, a sweep of bangs and blond. What do you think? ( Wish I looked like these ladies, oh well.....at least my hair can)

I'll post pictures when I'm the "new" me. It might take a few weeks but I'll keep you posted!

Baby News

I am officially 15 weeks. I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is going. I'm starting to feel much better and I can feel my motivation slowly creeping back. Which means more blogging, more crafting and more fun times with family and friends. I'm trilled to have my first trimester behind me.

I had a doctor appointment this morning and everything looks wonderful. All of our prenatal blood work and screening has come back clear and it looks as though we are both healthy. As always, I got a "little" lecture about eating more and increasing my weight. The good news is that I have gained a pound since my last appointment at 8 weeks. So I'm headed in the right direction. I am now "forced" to eat something small every two hours with a big glass of water, along with my regular meals of course. This should help with the dizziness ( I hope) Although the light-headed moments could be just high levels of hormones, we will just have to wait and see.

When our doctor started to listen to the heart beat little cricket started kicking so hard, and so often that he had a hard time getting a good read on her ( yes I said her) beats per second. Which made me giggle, which made it harder to hear the heart beat, which made Cricket kick more, which made the doctor and nurse laugh. It was pure comedy. It took forever to get the read he needed.. we all had a good case of the giggles. What a great way to start off the morning ( could have done without the lecture, but oh well)

Poor Peanut

Our little peanut is sick. She has a high fever ( the highest she has ever had) around 102 to 104. She is just not her usual wonderful self. Last night Dust and I were up with her from 2:30 to about 5:00am trying to help her get comfortable and drop the fever. Thank heaven for Tylenol or I think we would have been on our way to the ER last night. I called the doctor this morning and she want us to watch her over the next 24 hours, if nothing changes we will take her in. Today we have spent the morning cuddled in bed, watching movies and taking naps. These picture explain enough... poor thing!

Holiday Happenings

Here are some final pictures from Christmas in Salt Lake. We had a wonderful time, Taylor has been asking for Papa and Tutu all morning and it looks like I finally have her new toys organized in her bedroom. I'm spending the day doing laundry, picking up some groceries and taking down our holiday flair.

"SMILE" waiting in ( 2 hour) line for Santa. It was worth every second. Taylor is still a little apprehensive about sitting on the big guys lap but she was all smiles.

First Johnson hamburger. Mommies favorite meal. Yes those are homemade french fries!

Taylor's holiday diet consisted mainly of cookies. Every time I turned around someone was handing her another cookie. We will need a two week cookie detox. UMMM this morning she got out of bed and asked for a cookie... that should tell us something.

Santa!

Taylor was a really good girl this year! Here is her loot from Santa. Ready and waiting for peanut to play with. The little dog on the floor is her very first sleeping bag.

Her knew kitchen was stocked with pots and pans, wooden play food and a darling apron.

Christmas morning.

Daddy got a Ocho Cinco Jersey. Taylor loved opening the presents

A darling doll house from Auntie Allie. I think this was her favorite gift.

Cute Ladies, Auntie Allie, Tutu and Peanut

{ P.S. we officially scrapped Grammie and decided to go with Tutu... it only took 2 years. But we DID IT!!}

More Holiday Pictures

Merry Christmas Eve!

It has snowed for two days in Salt Lake! It's a winter wonderland and a perfect place for Taylor, Lucy and Dusty to make a snowman.

It took Dusty just over 12 hours to get to Salt Lake. The roads were less than wonderful and he had to drive under 50 miles an hour most of the way. He finally made it safely around 3am. We are so happy to have him here!

My darling girls

We spent the morning at a friends house decorating cookies for Santa... Taylor ate all of the cookies she made so we will be spending the afternoon making more goodies.

Playing the piano with Aunt Allie.

This afternoon we are headed to see Santa, finishing wrapping presents and making goodies. This evening we are going to temple square to see the lights, eating Chinese food ( our family tradition) and picking ONE present to open.... all done and in bed with visions of sugar plums dancing in Taylors head by 7:30!

Good times

We are having a great time in Salt Lake! The only thing missing is my sweet husband and lovely Lucy Faye. They will be here in a few days so the party can really start. Here are some random pics from our few days here.

Snuggling with Papa. Yes that's a bowl of popcorn... they were watching a video

Aunt Allie has the best bath toys from work. Taylor kissing her prince.

** more to come, we are headed to the mall!

Lovely Martha

Look at these lovely felt crafts from Martha S. Next year all of my gifts will be handmade like these little pretties.

Card

yes, I am aware that I (miss spelled!) merry/marry on my christmas card. To late and to expensive in the process to start over. Chalk it up to one of my many winning traits. And being way too busy and way too sick for my own good. You're lucky I didn't spell my name wrong! If it offended you, please let me know. And I'll take you off the list for next year. cuz.... I'll miss spell something again, promise. :)

Baby News

I forgot to mention this fun news... This is a series of quotes from our sonogram on Wednesday.

Dr: " Well, twelve weeks is REALLY REALLY early... but do you see that? It looks like a boy. still very small, I would give you a 65% chance"

Dusty: " I SEE THAT! I don't see anything on these things but I see THAT!!"

I still think it's a girl, like the Dr said, it's way to early! We should know around the first of Feb. But Dusty's reaction was priceless.

Can't Wait

I am so excited to be headed home for the Holidays. Taylor and I are counting the seconds until we leave. I have so many plans and things I want to do. Taylor can't wait to see Grammie and Papa. Taylors favorite foods are the same as Papa's ( popcorn, ice cream and m & m's ) I'm sure she will be nestled on his lap the whole time eating goodies. Some things things I'm looking forward to...

Watching movies with my sisters

going to see the lights at temple square. They wrap each branch, on every tree with lights. It's like nothing you have ever seen before. Taylor will love it. The last time we were out at night she kept saying " momma WOW!" every time we passed a house with lights.

On Christmas Eve we have a tradition of eating take out Chinese. I love it! Our big holiday dinner comes on Christmas night. This year my dad and I will be making Prime rib. Yum!!

Playing in the snow. Taylor saw the snow once, But it was old and crunchy. I can't wait to put on our snow suits and roll around with her. She will love it!

Dusty and Lucy will drive up and meet us in the 22nd. We have big things planed to celebrate his Birthday. One night we are going to a nice dinner and a movie. It's not often that we can go out late night just the two of us. I can't wait!!

I'll be taking millions of pictures and keeping you posted throughout the holiday. Keep checking!

Want this...in Yellow

This twine would be perfect for wrapping up my Pickled Bean orders before mailing. So Lovely!

Till next season

Two of my favorite shows ended this week. The Biggest Looser and Top Chef. Dusty and I have been watching the Biggest Looser for years now. This show is so inspiring and the transformations were incredible. I was shocked to see Danny!!! Look at the change he lost over 230 pounds. ( umm that's like loosing two of me) WOW.

I have to say I was disappointed in the outcome for Top Chef. I really wanted Kevin to win. Just look at him, I want to put him in my pocket. His food was simple and amazing. I'm going to travel to the South just to go to his restaurant.

Now I have to wait until January for Big Love to Start. Ohhhh I can't wait!

Knocked Up

(from our 12 week ultrasound)

Knocked UP…

Yep, as most of you know Ashley got knocked up...again. We are so excited to be welcoming this new little baby into our lovely family. Like last time we put together our “top ten questions answered” list. Enjoy.

Top Ten Questions... Answered

1. Due Date: June 22nd 2010

2. Nickname: Taylor is Peanut, this little one is Cricket.

3. How has Ashley been feeling? Very Sick ( just like with Taylor, but more vomiting) Although it does feel like the nausea is letting up a bit. Keep your fingers crossed.

4. Do you think it’s a boy or girl. Ashley says Girl, Dusty says Boy.

5. Will you find out the sex? Yes… again Ashley doesn’t want too but Dusty does. Dusty wins this battle. We will find out in about a month.

6. Why didn’t you say something earlier. ( we told everyone we were pregnant with Taylor at 9 weeks) We told a select few right away and asked them to keep it on the down low… just in case something happened. Well…. Happy news travels fast ( even when it’s a super secret ) We’re pretty sure 80% of our friends and family already know. But we wanted to wait until our 12 week ultrasound to share it with everyone. We are thrilled, and even though our family has a hard time keeping a secret, we totally understand!!

7. Names? We will not be sharing names this time around. We found out early this time around that peoples opinions hurt. Ashley has a surge of extra hormones and gets her feeling hurt easily… and just like in true girl form she can’t get over peoples comments.

We would love to hear what names you like! Plus, wouldn’t you feel horrible if we picked a name you said you hated…. Those comments don’t disappear after they are said…. So really we are doing this for you! P.S no amount a begging will change our mind.

8. Will you be staying be in San Diego? Yep!!! We are looking at houses right now. The plan is to be moving by April 1.

9. How do you think Taylor will react? Taylor will be almost 2 and a half, it will be an adjustment but she will be great. She has an amazing maternal instinct. Lucy Faye is another story (she is still getting used to Taylor) this new little one will tick her off.

10. Any more little Dunaways after this little Cricket? One at a time people! We will reevaluate after another year or so. But if you ask Ashley… at least 2 more :)

We are so excited to meet this new little Dunaway!! Thank you everyone, for your support and love over the last few months. Keep checking www.thepickledbean.com for current updates and pictures.

Much Love,

Dusty, Ashley, Taylor, little Cricket and Lucy Faye.

( we found out we were pregnant October 12th)

On Vacation

Hello Friends. I will be on vacation until the first of the year. I did get two emails yesterday with clip orders, which I will get out asap, but all other orders will be filled in 2010. I am so excited to focus on the season and spend time with family. Don't worry, I will still be posting to the blog and sharing holiday news!

Best holiday meal

This is the BEST Crusted Prime Rib! by Tyler Florance ( of course)

I have made this for friends and family for a few years now and every year it gets rave reviews. Just the smell reminds me of the holidays.

Serve with Mashed Potatoes, homemade gravy, roasted root vegetables, garden salad and homemade dinner rolls. A perfect holiday meal!

I'm whipping this up for my family on Christmas Day.

• 1 bone in prime rib beef roast, 3 ribs, about 6 pounds
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1/4 cup grated fresh or prepared horseradish
• Leaves from 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
• Leaves from 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Lay the beef in a large roasting pan with the bone side down. (The ribs act as a natural roasting rack.) In a small bowl mash together the garlic, horseradish, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil to make a paste. Massage the paste generously over the entire roast. Put the pan in the oven and roast the beef until the internal temperature of the meat registers 125 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer (medium-rare), 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Remove the beef to a carving board and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Pour off some of the pan drippings and place pan on stovetop over medium-high heat.

Add the white wine and bring to a simmer, scraping the bits on the bottom of the pan. Reduce the wine by half. Whisk in the flour, then add the broth and continue to cook, whisking until sauce thickens into a gravy, about 10 minutes.

Stick a stamp on me...

I'm having holiday card overload! A few years ago, after I hand made and hand addressed our holiday cards, I would take the time to write a quick personal message on each, all 120 of them. Not happening this year, and I can't believe I'm saying this but next year I will "most likely" use a pre made return address sticker. I know, I know... who am I. I feel dirty just saying it. but wow! I am feeling a little overwhelmed with our holiday cards and Pickled Bean orders and packing for Salt Lake. For now, I'm keeping my head to the grindstone and keeping in mind that on Sunday I'll be back home relaxing until the new year.

Funny

I saw this on CNN ( yes CNN) yesterday morning. Taylor and I were both giggling. What a great way to start your day. Enjoy.

Lovely

This ribbon wreath from Sunset Mag is perfect. I'm going to make one for my mom's house as soon as I get there.

Look at this

What a great post from Allie ( my sister ) this is exactly what I was thinking. Our friends turned us onto the Ikea table, but I absolutely love the finishing touches. Perfection!

Mom will you get me this for Christmas?

(or do you think this shirt is too classless?)

** I've had a few people reach out to me and ask where to find the shirt. I found it on craigslist. They also have one that says... I threw beer on Max Halls family. Another classless classic)

Perfect Wedding

I adore this wedding (from Once Wed) The dress lovely, the hair perfect.

Christmas lovelies that I would like Santa to bring me.

little necklace with and engraved T

little clutch love this!

These boots need these desperately

Potty Training Wise It's about that time!

1 year subscription to Better Homes and Gardens self explanatory

Tyler Florance Ultimate Everything he makes is amazing

Lion House Cookbook First Addition Lost my copy

little sweater size m xoxo j.crew

egg crate I have been wanting this for EVER

butter dish in white broke mine when the move.

Keep checking... I'll add more :)

This Week for Dinner

Sunday: Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, Corn and a Garden Salad

Monday: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole with Steamed Broccoli

Tuesday: Roast Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta and Garden Salad

Wednesday: Meatball Subs, Roasted Garlic Fries and Green Beans

Thursday: Left Overs

Friday: Dinner at a girlfriends house

Saturday: Dusty's work Christmas Party