Sweet Tooth

We have been enjoying some SWEETS around here lately. I don't know if it is the cooler weather or this mama feeling better, but either way it has sure been delicious around here!

Hungry yet?

Halloween Spirit

So, we have these friends. These friends are great pranksters. Back before we had kiddos, we used to mess with each others houses quite a bit. For a while we had this broken angel/cherubim yard ornament thing that we would pass back and forth between our houses. Then came Tree Beard which the boys named after some character from The Lord of the Rings (which I have never seen, shocker I know). One year they dumped approximately four thousand plastic Easter eggs on our front lawn. It was awesome.

Well, with us both having kids and life and all the excuses it had been a long time since we'd pranked them. That all changed Wednesday night.

We even had an additional partner in crime this time. Have you ever seen one cuter? I didn't think so. =)

Shawn hung Tree Beard from a noose in front of their garage door. It was absolutely awesome. The spider webs were a booger to hang and the giant spider freaked both me and Lauren out! The chalk drawing was my idea and I think it really pulled the whole mess together. Don't you?

Those poor unsuspecting friends of ours came home to the best Halloween decor ever and the inability to get into their garage or front door! Hahah!!! The best part, they are still our friends. LOVE THAT!!!

16 Weeks

16 Weeks Baby!!! 

(This post is late. I actually turned 16 weeks on Tuesday.)

 

 So, I thought I would share a picture of what I look like on any normal day around our house. Sweatpants and a tee shirt! I love being comfortable around the house. Especially when my days are spent playing with play-doh, being a ride-on horse, and cleaning up messes. Of course, I wouldn't change any of that for anything in the world.

How Far Along: 16 Weeks

Size of baby: About the size of an avocado. 

Total Weight Gain: 1 pound (now that food sounds and tastes better, I am sure I'll be gaining more and more and more!)

Maternity Clothes: Totally in maternity pants (except for sweatpants) but I am still wearing normal shirts. 

Gender: We find out 2 weeks from Monday. I can't believe it!!!

Movement: I am totally feeling the baby move. It is so precious and it takes me right back to being pregnant with Lauren. What a sweet thing this is.

Sleep: Getting up a lot to use the restroom...but that is totally normal.

What I miss: Nothing at all. 

Cravings: Lime Slushes. I have to have one every single night. Shawn went to Sams this week and bought me two huge bags of limes just so I could be stocked up for this silly craving!

 Symptoms: The nausea is for the most part completely gone!!! Things that would normally make me queasy (like hospitals, Lauren pooping, or anything blood/medical related) will almost send me over the edge, but I've only lost my lunch once this past week. Lauren found a sippy cup of spoiled milk and I made the mistake of trying to clean it out. Bad choice. 

Best Moment this week: Just being loved on my my sweet husband and daughter.

Papa Bob

My Papa has been in and out of the hospital for the past month with heart complications. It has been so hard to see him in pain and to not get frustrated that the doctors haven't figured it out yet. This morning he had heart surgery again and we went by to see him this evening. If you are wondering, this is the Papa who inspired the lime slush. I can't even begin to describe on here my feelings and so I won't try.

Papa Bob and me.

Zach and Meme. 

 

Lauren loves her Meme and Papa and hates to see Papa, "wick". 

Nammy (my mom) and Lauren. 

Papa Bob is my mom's daddy.

This picture delights me to no end. 

Daddy and me. 

Fun with Friends

Desire' and I became friends through our husbands. They knew each other in college and now work at the same engineering firm. I can't remember how we first met, but it has been such a blessing getting to know her. She inspires, encourages, and challenges me in so many areas of my life. When I think about Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one (wo)man sharpens another, she definitely comes to mind.

Our husbands sometimes have to attend evening meetings and we have made it a priority to get ourselves and kids together on those nights. We have a blast and I usually end the night with a bit of a headache from laughing and talking and dreaming and laughing and taking care of our munchkins and talking. It's perfect and I wouldn't change a thing! Lauren is only a couple of months older than Isaac and Silas will be exactly one year older than our littlest munchkin. In other words, great fun!

Isaac and Lauren get along so well. It is really cute to watch them as they really start to interact together. This week they enjoyed tossing bean bags and chasing each other around the living room. Desire' and I were dying laughing at their high pitched squeals of joy. It was so precious!!!

Little Silas is seriously a joy baby. He never cries and likes to just hang out! In fact, this time he even got in on a little bit of the play action. Judging by these pictures, I think Lauren will be a wonderful big sister. She had a good role model while watching Isaac interact with his baby brother. He was just the sweetest thing with him.

 

We had the kids do a little pumpkin craft I found here and I think they turned out super cute! The kids did really well with the painting and staying focused and all that comes with attempting a craft project with toddlers!

We didn't get the final project completed that night because the paint had to dry but Lauren finished hers the next day and I got a picture of her today with her sweet pumpkin mask.

If this isn't the cutest pumpkin you've ever seen...I just don't know what to tell you. 

What great memories with great friends!

Monday Prayer

I can get overwhelmed very easily. I can make a simple thing really, really hard. I can organize until I've made myself even more unorganized. I can mull something over in my head trying to figure out the best way to do it and then never actually get around to doing it.

I have a hard time dealing with something that isn't the ideal situation. I can't get past the wishing that it was ideal long enough to realize that I have a pretty good thing right in front of me. So many times I've let opportunities walk right out my front door because I didn't just seize them up and run with them.

Father, you created me and know my tendencies to let perfection become a stumbling block. You know the creativity you have given me and why you gave it. You know my inability to follow through with things and the emptiness that leaves in me. You know that so often instead of trusting in You I end up leaning on my own understanding. Oh Lord, that I would begin to truly acknowledge You and get out of my own way to allow You to make my crooked paths straight.  That I would choose Your way over perfection. Amen.

Fear

I have a fear. Well, let's be honest. I have a lot of fears. Funny how during my Bible study time in Isaiah last week fear was mentioned. Well, let's be honest, fear was more than mentioned. It was shoved in my face. Isn't that how Bible study usually works? When you really start to get in and dig into scripture, God goes ahead and uses it to change your life? I guess that truly is a good thing. A hard thing, yes, but also very good.

Do not fear what they fear, do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. Isaiah 8:12-13

At first when I thought about the first part of the verse and the fearing what they fear part I thought about the BIG STUFF. You know, like the fact that my daughter has to grow up in this sin-ridden world. Or fear of the economy crumbling underneath our feet, the leaders of our country making a total mess of things, violence, crime, sickness in my family, etc. Things that can literally raise my heart rate and get me spinning off into a world of made up problems that simply do not exist.

Don't read this wrong, there is something we are to fear... the Lord. What I realized is that when I am fearing the BIG STUFF, I am taking my eyes off of the holiness of God. I am saying, "Okay, God, like I totally know you are holy and stuff, but this...THIS, is something I am going to have to fear, because I just can't trust you enough (or more seriously - I do not fear you enough or put enough reverence into who you are) to follow your commands and leave.it.alone.in.your.hands.already."

So, I've been mulling over this for the past week and tonight it hit me that I still don't have it right. See, my problem is that I categorized what Isaiah was saying into not fearing the BIG STUFF. But, what about the small stuff? Like being fearful of putting Lauren in her toddler bed? Or getting rid of her pacifier? Bringing a new baby into our home? Oh yeah, those things. Isn't it the same thing? Yes. It is. Do those things consume my mind? Cause my heart rate to increase? Take my eyes and attention from the Lord? So, when I fear the small things, it is like saying to God, "Okay, God, I know what your word says, but I am going to put my own spin on it...you know the one that works for me and say that the small things I can fear. I know you are involved in the big things, but I can't trust you enough (or in other words - I don't believe that you care about the small details and fears of my life) to follow your commands and leave.it.alone.in.your.hands.already."

I love when God's word uses, "Do not..." because I am no Bible scholar, but I am pretty sure I get what those words mean. Isaiah isn't saying here to ONLY fear when... or to Do not fear this stuff, but fear the rest. Nope. He says, "Do not fear or dread it." Period.

I am told not to fear those things, but to fear the Lord. To turn to him always. To focus my attention on him and NOT on the fears of this world. Big or small. That is where is rubs a little. Big or small. No matter what brings fear into my life, I am to turn from that desire in me to fear it, and put that energy into reverencing my Lord. 

I know this post was a jumble of words and thoughts just kind of spewed onto the page, but I needed to get it down. I am no expert at not being fearful, but I am committed to learning what God has for me through this verse.

Empty

This...

is something that hasn't happened in our home for at least 2 months now. Empty laundry baskets. Empty washing machine. Empty dryer. How did I do it? Well, I didn't. My mom did. When she came over Monday to watch Lauren for me she went to work. I didn't ask her to do it, but that is just my mom for you. She sees something that needs to be done and she does it...never thinking about the cost to herself. She is so self-less and I want to be more like her. I need to be more like her.

This is embarrassing, but I had a huge laundry basket full of at least three loads of clean clothes that I just hadn't gotten around to folding. Honestly, I was already considering re-washing them (horrible I know) just so I wouldn't have to iron out all of those wrinkles. Those wrinkles could give a person nightmares. Even a person who normally doesn't mind to iron. When I came home, my ironing board was out and she had gone through all of that basket. She had folded what needed to be folded and ironed the other. I was shocked. I was so deeply thankful I could have cried.

I also had two laundry baskets overflowing with dirty laundry not including the laundry hamper in Lauren's room that I was pretty sure was at least 3/4 of the way full. Mom had sorted them and had already done several loads of laundry. I know because my bed was full of freshly folded clothing and towels and those gigantic piles were now much more approachable.

I know that had she stayed at the house all day she would have gotten every piece of laundry done. For the 3+ hours she was there she got almost all of it done. That would have taken me weeks at my pace. Knowing how hard she worked and how much she was able to accomplish gave me the push I needed to get in there and finish the rest. I cannot explain how just getting that laundry done lifted a weight from my shoulders. I really didn't even know that it has been burdening me that bad, but once it was done I could tell a huge difference in my attitude toward other parts of my house that needed attention badly.

Thank you, mom, for this blessing you gave me. I can't even begin to explain just how much I appreciate the hard work you did for me and my little family. You are the best!

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23

Dear (Beginning of) Second Trimester

Dear (Beginning of) Second Trimester,

Welcome. Welcome you dear sweet thing. I feel like I've been waiting for you to arrive for a sweet forever and I am absolutely not lying when I say that you have not disappointed. You have ushered in all sorts of feeling better and I am so very thankful for that. I've felt so unlike myself for the past three months that the last weeks have been full of getting acquainted with my old self. It's been all sorts of delightful.

Because of you I am beginning to have more of an appetite. Things are actually starting to sound good to me! If you know me at all, you know how much I adore food and how happy this fact makes me. Some of the things that have been sounding good are; Caesar salads or any salad with a strong vinegar based dressing, fruit such as strawberries, grapes, and those little baby oranges, and my home made lime slush (I could seriously eat/drink one of those every single day). My papa used to make these for us kids when we were growing up during the summer time. It was such a special treat and is now a very tender memory for me.

Papa Bob's Lime Slush


3 limes cut in half and juiced (save all the yummy lime pieces that get stuck in the top of the juicer)
Simple Syrup (I make this ahead and keep in the fridge)
     ~Simple syrup is just equal parts of water and sugar dissolved into each other. I will often boil my  
       water and then add the sugar to make it dissolve faster.~
Ice


I use my blender to crush up a bunch of ice (this is a very specific recipe if you haven't noticed) and then I add the lime juice and lime pieces from the juicer and then I add a little bit of the simple syrup. Blend it all together and taste. Too sweet? Add more lime. Too sour? Add more simple syrup. Once you get it to your liking (mine is WAY too sour for Shawn) put it in a giant insulated cup and get yourself a spoon and a comfy throw (you can even grab your Snuggie...I definitely wouldn't judge you) and sit your bottom on the couch or in your husband's recliner and turn on some TV. The best way to end a long day ever. EVER.

Because of you I am unable to fit into my normal jeans anymore. My tummy has a little pooch and it is obvious to me (but not strangers) that I am definitely pregnant. I am finding that maternity jeans fit, but they are still a little big and I have to keep pulling them up. So, around the house I am usually in sweat pants or leggings. Not too fashionable, but super comfortable.

Because of you I am beginning to panic on the state of my house. Right now the baby's room is no where near being ready and I am fighting the panic of what to do with all of big sister's toys! I know we'll figure it out, but right now it seems very overwhelming. I am fighting the desire to bring more organizational tools into the house because that is just bringing more.into.the.house. and I don't know if I can handle that.

Because of you I am soaking up my moments with Lauren. I know that it will not be just the two of us for very long so I am starting to focus on making special routines and memories with my sweet firstborn. I haven't felt well in what seems like forever so I am so excited to have some energy again.

Thanks for arriving on the scene and feel free to take your time hanging around. I think we'll get along just fine!

Love,
Jen

15 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

(I think this picture looks scary of me, but it was late and I couldn't muster up any better pictures!)

How Far Along: 15 Weeks

Size of baby: The size of a softball

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Lost 1 pound

Maternity Clothes: I am LOVING my maternity leggings and jeans. They are so much more comfortable to me than the belly band...I always felt like it was cutting off my ability to breathe.

Gender: We find out November 15th!!!

Movement: I don't know. Sometimes I am pretty sure I am feeling something. =)

Sleep: Getting up a lot to use the restroom...but that is totally normal.

What I miss: Nothing this week.  

Cravings: Salads, fruits, and my home made lime slushies.  

Symptoms: Thank the Lord this week has been so much better!!!

Best Moment this week: Hearing our sweet baby's heartbeat at the doctor yesterday and finding out the ultrasound date.

A Wonderful Day

I have no pictures from today. It was just too busy! My mom came up this morning to watch Lauren so I could go to the dentist. I have to admit that it was really nice and relaxing to just go sit in a chair and let someone clean my teeth. I usually don't like the dentist, but today's visit was great. My teeth feel so clean and I was able to just close my eyes for a little while and chill. Who needs a spa? No, I'm kidding. Everyone needs a spa. =)

When I got back to the house we headed to the mall. I love shopping with my mom and Lauren. Mostly because Lauren wants my mom to push the stroller and basically wants nothing to do with me. That means I get some shopping done people! My mom was so sweet and bought me some new perfume. I tried to stop her, but she was adamant. I ended up finding the female version of the cologne Shawn wears. It just came out and I am in love!!!

After the mall it was time to head back home for me to meet Shawn because we had a doctor's appointment. My mom stayed and kept Lauren while we headed to the office. We had a great visit and heard that sweet baby's heartbeat. Our doctor doesn't normally count the heartbeat, but we had a student doctor do that part of the exam so he counted it for us. He told us that baby's heartbeat was 144. I don't know if that means boy or girl...but it sure was sweet to hear. The most exciting part of the visit was that we got to schedule our ULTRASOUND date!!! I can't believe that it is a little less than a month away! We go on on Monday, November 15th! What do you think it is? I've put a little poll on the sidebar of the blog and I'd love to see what you think. =) I really have no idea. Most of the time I think it is a girl because of how gross I've felt, but then sometimes I really think it is a little boy. Either way I am so excited to find out!

Pumpkin Patch Fun

 This morning our little family packed up and headed to the PUMPKIN PATCH!  We didn't make it last year and it has long been a dream of mine to have a fall family tradition of spending the day outdoors picking the best pumpkins and having fun together so I was so excited to get there this year.

Lauren was SO excited when we got there. She saw the fun farm playground, the animals, and a huge pumpkin field and was just beside herself. I love this picture of her and Shawn. =)

The first animals we came to were these huge bunnies. Lauren was so cute peeking over the fence to see the "hop hops" as she calls them.

Here she is looking through the fence at the ponies. She loved them until they came closer. 

She had a bit of a fall in the pumpkin patch and had a little girlie meltdown. She barely scratched her knee but she thought it was the end of the world! 

Me and my two baby loves. I thought it was neat that Shawn caught this picture of us. I will love being able to look back on this time with a toddler and a wee little one on the way.  =)

 This picture cracks me up because Lauren LOVES cows, but this fake plastic one scared her to death. She didn't want anything at all to do with it!

 

This girl loves her daddy. The best thing is that her daddy adores her. They are so sweet to watch and I just kept thanking God for the beauty of the day and the preciousness of my family. I am blessed to say the least. 

Alright, Papa's....she wouldn't ride the John Deere combine because it was a little big for her so she ended up choosing to ride the Ford. We are sorry! ;) At least Papa JD will be proud!

I think this last picture sums up just how much fun she had. She did not want to leave. =( It was such a beautiful day and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time making fall memories with my little family. I can't wait to see what next year will look like! I see many more pumkin patches in our future!

Unmotivated Blogger

I've been an unmotivated blogger. If you haven't noticed. I guess life has just been so full lately that I haven't been able to just sit down and turn it all into words. I want to though and I need to. I need to for my kids. That is truly what this blog is for. I want them to have my words silly or sad as they sometimes are. They won't remember their growing up years. But, I will. That is why I blog. Sometimes I get overwhelmed at the white space in front of me and think that I have nothing to offer. But, when I remind myself that it is for them, I realize that I do have much to offer.

14 Weeks

14 Weeks!!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 14 Weeks

Size of baby: About the size of a fist

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Lost 2 pounds

Maternity Clothes: This week I started wearing maternity jeans. I haven't had to break out the maternity tops yet, but the jeans are just so comfortable!

Gender: ???

Movement: I thought I felt something last week...but I might have just been imagining it.

Sleep: Still glorious!

What I miss: My energy. 

Cravings: Nothing. 

Symptoms: I'm starting to feel better! 

Best Moment this week: Talking with Lauren about the baby.