Monday, November 30, 2009

Christmas Card Photo Outtakes

It appears this is becoming quite the tradition- every year it seems we have some great outtakes to share. This year was particularly challenging as 1) it was past naptime and 2) we took these ourselves- and J had to run quite a distance to get into position before the camera went off, and 3) I could only lay on my baby bump for so long, quite uncomfortable! We ended up with some good ones, and it didn't take too long. These just make me smile.




Bribes- they stopped the crying.


Way to mess it up Charlie!

Growing!

I won't be posting these often, but I'm kind of amazed by the growth my belly has experienced in the last 2 weeks. I knew baby is supposed to go through a growth spurt around now, but wow! :) I have to say, I love having a baby bump, and I'm finally to the stage where strangers don't hesitate to comment on the pregnancy. So I finally really look pregnant!

Little Tree For Little E

This year E got to decorate her very own little tree. She's been talking about it for weeks- and she loved it. It was a little hard not to rearrange the ornaments, but I let her do her thing. She loves having her own little tree in her playroom and gets upset when the lights are turned off.





Sunday, November 29, 2009

Ella Faces

An impromptu photoshoot on the porch.















Friday, November 27, 2009

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thankful

There is so very much to be thankful for. There always is. There are the simple things like food in my belly and a roof over my head. The slightly more complex like a wonderful family and friends. A gracious and loving husband. A daughter who brightens my days. The new life growing inside me. But more than anything, this year I am most thankful for God's faithfulness in my life. This year has probably been the most difficult year of my life. We struggled with infertility- a painful and discouraging journey. But now, the Lord has (in His perfect time) blessed us with new life. My immediate family has endured the conflict and pain of a broken marriage for the better part of a year. Bringing stress, sorrow and emotional pain I have never before known. But He is faithful. He is good. And He never ever left my side. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness to me and to my family. God is good. All the time. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Pink...

Again! Looks like we're going to be seeing lots more pink in this house! We are thrilled to be expecting another little girl, a precious sister for Ella. She is over the moon! I have to say, I really thought it was going to be a boy for various reasons, so it was quite a shock. However, we are so excited to have another daughter and just thrilled for Ella that she gets to experience true sisterhood- something I never had the opportunity to do. We better get started on that wedding fund!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

17 Weeks

The Bump
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Penne Arrabiata

Can you tell I'm pregnant- all these recipes lately? Actually, adding a little more to the blog is something I've been wanting to do for awhile. That's the real reason! This one makes me want to delete Cappellini Pomodoro from a few weeks ago. It is soo good and definitely easier (no chopping up fresh tomatoes). So here it is:

-1/4 c olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic sliced
- 1 tsp. red pepper flakes (we used 2 tsp. just depends on your heat preference)
- 28 oz. petite diced tomatoes w/ garlic and olive oil
- 15 oz. can petite diced tomatoes w/ garlic and olive oil
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce- use about 3/4 of can
- salt to taste
- 1 bunch fresh basil
- 1 box penne
- Cooked sliced chicken (optional)

*Heat oil over medium heat, add garlic, soften, stir often so it doesn't brown too much. Add pepper flakes and cook about 1 minute. Stir often.
*Add tomatoes and tomato sauce, and salt simmer about 15 min.
*Add chopped basil the last 5 min.
*Toss sauce, cooked penne and cooked chicken, garnish with fresh basil, serve with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Great w/ a Caesar Salad and some bread and olive oil on the side.

Source: www.allrecipes.com- though I modified it a little.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Sweet and Not So



Over the last weeks I've really been struck with E's sweetness and true desire to care for others. If I'm crying, she comforts me. If I hurt myself, again, she comforts me with genuine concern. It's amazing to watch her develop into a real little person, with real feelings that she can express in a tangible way.

Yesterday we were at lunch and I said my back was hurting. Immediately she said "Oh mommy it's okay." And started rubbing and scratching my back. It was so precious!


On to the not so- on the way home from lunch we were talking about her new sibling. She often insists it's a sister. Trying to help her with potential disappointment, I told her, it really might be a brother. She got really upset, almost to tears, saying "It's NOT a brother. I don't want a brother." Uh-oh. If it is a little brother at least she has 5 months to get used to the idea.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Pumpkin Patch




One thing I've not been so far in this pregnancy is motivated. Too sick or tired to be. That's why we didn't make it to the pumpkin patch until 10/30, and nearly all the pumpkins were gone. At least we got a few token shots. Even if they are mainly displaying E's cheese face.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Swinging fun at the Cobbs in California

In the backyard at Ella's cousins house: