times flying by...

Frozen temps; hot chocolate, tea, coffee; Christmas Joy; wonderful fellowship with family & friends; smiles from double l that would light up a room; sad good-byes; running noses; fevers; doctor's visits...

and the list goes on...

We are now in recovery mode as we said good-bye last night to the California crew. Sickness is in the air, but I have so much joy to share. Stay tuned for pictures and a very special reveal...

Hope you all are enjoy this very special time of year and last few days of 2009!!!

Merry Christmas!

Isaiah 9:6: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."




Merry Christmas!

weekend recap

From meeting Santa at mama's work to getting snowed in to ending the weekend with Carolers on our front porch singing O Holy Night -- double l had one adventure after another. I am thankful we got out Friday night to pick out our tree, because we were buried under 18+ inches of beautiful snow come Saturday.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend as well!!!!

dreaming of a white christmas...

We are dreaming of a white Christmas as we enjoy the east coast snow storm that is hitting our little town (that's just a few miles outside of Philadelphia). The latest predicted snowfall is 12-18 inches for our area and we are just so excited for this snowy weather.

I have a roast in the crockpot and I just feed my frozen fellows some soup for lunch.

Here are some earlier shots from the beautiful day we are having so far...

Isn't this cardinal beautiful? It was right outside LL's window this morning.




A little snowball fight, anyone?




Next up...

trimming the tree
sledding
wrapping some gifts
and tons of hot chocolate

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

WOW!

As I was reviewing the post I was about to publish on my "wishlist" and even thinking about writing another one about all things we still need to do... my bub (with perfect timing ALWAYS) emailed the link to this video.

Clearly, I could not have written a post that sums it up like this... Clearly, I could not write a post that provides such a meaningful message. Yes, we will still shop together on Friday to buy some last minute gifts, but my bub & I will enjoy the day together and maybe make something (like the cookies we did on Sunday) or sit down & work out the end of the year budget as I am sure there is more to give...

I needed this video! Hope you enjoy it too...

this pregnancy...

Thank you so much for all your kind comments and emails. You have made me feel very encouraged and special. I would be honored to share the adventures of this pregnancy with you and (again) covet your prayers as my family enters a how new way of life!

This pregnancy, so far, has been rather different than my last one. I am 18 weeks and look more like I am six months pregnant. I hear this is absolutely normal and please feel free to tell me again it is... Because I have felt like a huge whale since week 8. It was so odd, I did not start showing with double l until right about now and I remember wishing I would as soon as possible and overjoyed when I "popped". Now, since I have been sporting this belly for weeks, I feel more like a wibble-wobbble and less smitten with my ever growing mid-section. Don't get me wrong, I do admire this belly of mine when me and my little one are at rest and alone! But...

This pregnancy has been very challenging -- both emotionally and physically. And for the life of me, I don't totally understand why!

1.) Physically - Besides the rapid belly growth explained above, I have been totally exhausted. When I was pregnant with double l, I was very tired in the beginning, but by week 12 I was full of energy again. With this pregnancy, I look like I have been through a war every day. Very dark circles highlight my eyes and my yawn is a normal occurence every 20 minutes! I worked out often in the first weeks of this pregnancy and still work out about 2-3 times a week. But I most admit, its a struggle. My doctor checked for all possible medical causes, but I am healthy as a horse! I alway loved that saying... Anyway, I need to wake up. Any suggestions. Oh and then there is the lower gi issues. In the beginning (just like with double l), I was so sick (vomiting), but like with double l that went away around week 11/12. However, since then, I have experienced, lets just say for lack of exposing too much!, severe pain as a result of a failure of my lower gi system. Bringing tears and stress where I have never even imagined there would be such a thing! I do not normally pray in the bathroom, but have found its absolutely a perfect spot!

2.) Emotionally - For moments in time, I feel unstable. At times, I feel like I could cry for days, but I don't! I am sure all the physical issues above do not help this very odd side of me during this pregnancy. It seems like my reactions to what would normally bother me a little are magnified! My feelings are hurt so easily and I hate it, but can't seem to stop it! I did not feel this way at all while pregnant with double l. I really do not like this part and could use all the pointers and prayers I can get! Is this somewhat normal?

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So now that I have ranted about the horrors of this pregnancy, I should tell you that I am very excited to welcome another precious baby into our home. I find myself daydreaming about life after this little one is born and can honestly say not one negative thought crosses over to those dreams. I am very much aware this "stuff" that's going on will pass and I am so looking forward to documenting this very special pregnancy on 'mommie blogs'. And a post would not be complete without telling you about double l. He has been such a mama's boy these days and I must say its a cure for everything that causes me strife!

Best of all, double l's favorite tune these days (remember this one) is "All Shook Up". The card I gave my bub for his birthday played this song and LL brings it everywhere with him. Its hilarious. he dances and sings along. He's favorite part and what he yells "...I am in LOVE..." Too cute. BTW, we love Elvis in this house. Young Elvis, not scary Vegas Elvis...

Enjoy!

babies, babies and mommie is having another baby!

well, I haven't completely given you the full update from my little blogging vacation. Apparently, during my 3 month hiatus, I conceived! How fun is that! We are overjoyed and had been talking about having another little one. I wasn't aware that I was pregnant, but felt so blessed when I finally figured it out!! So, here I am -- due in May and feeling huge, tired and completely content. double l doesn't really get it and I just want to hold him all the time (in my emotional preggers state!). I covet your prayers for a healthy and non-eventful pregnancy!

Meanwhile, I was visiting Marvelous Kiddo (don't you adore her site -- I do!) I saw this trailer. I hadn't heard of this film, but now I am excited for it to be released!!! I even became a fan on facebook :) Check it out - ADORABLE!!!

happy birthday bub...

Dear Bub,

As double l would say, "happy day to you!". I sure hope it is a great one. I was glad you got out of the house this morning with a good breakfast in your belly. Its cold and rain and I want you to feel warm and happy all day long. I know you have some big meetings ahead of you today, but know we will be praying for you today. And a warm, comfort food filled dinner will be waiting for you when you walk through that door!

I love you! I love so many things about you...

...the way you make me and so many others laugh, your soft spoken nature, your laid back approach to life (it puts my high strung spirit in check!), the way you love our son, the way you love me, the way you love our God and Savior!, the way you ALWAYS forgive me, the way you love, respect and opened your arms to my family, and I could go on and on. I love you because you are my best friend! The best and most unconditionally loving friend I have ever had! You are my biggest fan and I really am your's as well.

And as we move through another year and it should be an exciting one, I want to stand by your side and strength our marriage, our promise, and our family TOGETHER!!

Happy Day to You!!!!

XOXOXO

Giveaway and new blog

I have decided to start a new blog just for reviews and giveaways (you will still find stories of the ever popular double l right HERE!

To kick it off, I am running a giveaway for a Curious George Christmas DVD. So, pop over and enter!!!

a beginner barefoot contessa...

How about a post all about food? Its the holiday season and everyone loves comfort food and an extra 5 pounds. One afternoon, while double l was napping, I prepped that night's dinner. I know I am not the domestic diva, but think I could gain the title in the up & coming months.

Anyho, I had seen an episode of Barefoot Contessa a few weeks back, added the recipe to 'my recipe box' on foodnetwork.com and decided to dig it up. Side note - if you don't use the 'my recipe box' feature on foodnetwork.com, START! It is so easy and saves printer ink!!!

I thought this 'Grown Up Mac and Cheese' sounded way too yummy and EASY to pass up.

I used breadcrumbs instead of making my own as we did not have any white bread in the house! And the best part is that I could prep the entire dinner and just stick it into the refrig until my bub was home! No multi-tasking at 5:00 (trying to keep a 2 year entertained, while you try to keep him away from the preheating oven and manage to prepare dinner!!!)

Enjoy!




Also, check out cupcakes and cahsmere. Too funny that she made the same recipe! She put her own spin on it as well. Love her site! Way too cute.

it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

...around here that is...

1.) We successfully hosted our first Thanksgiving! I prevailed over the two birds!!!



2.) The nativity among other decorations are out on display!



3.) Claire and double l have begun to wrestle (all the time) over MY reindeer!!!







4.) And we have started my bub's birthday celebration... It's officially not until the 9th, but we had family over for dinner and cake on Saturday. It was the first snow fall too!!!




Next up...

Two Trees - a real one for the livingroom and faux one for double l's room
Outside - Pine rope has been hung, all we need our the lights... Bub???
Finish Shopping - wrapping, cards, bows, ah the list could go on and on...

How about you? Are you getting into the festive spirit?

ah, Christmas shopping...

If you weren't aware, my bub is a planner for urban outfitters, so I partake in his wonderful discount at all four stores under the urban umbrella (which include anthro and free people.

So after our feast on Thanksgiving (recap coming) and madness known as black friday (I work in e-commerce). We started our Christmas shopping at my favorite store, anthropologie! double l is such a good boy in that store, because HELLO its too cool. Comfy chairs, a huge water fountain, a happy mama...

Here are some of the adorable things I picked up... some to give and some to keep!!!





Have you started your holiday shopping???