Ready

I promise, this blog is not taking a turn for the inappropriate!  I just have to say that this invention has saved my life (and my round ligaments) for my first, second and now third pregnancy.  I found out about it when I was teaching 2nd grade while pregnant with our 1st born, Graham....hours on the feet lead to supremely achy belly. 

My belly gets positively heeeuuuugggeee in the third trimester, and I like to refer to this contraption as my "over-the-shoulder-baby-holder"....ha!  ;)

Lately, I'm craving all kinds of tasty treats:  their burgers and hand-cut fries, donuts, orange juice, marshmellows covered in Nutella, and big, leafy, fruity-nutty-cheesy salads.

I'm snappy with those I love most (I even shouted at the dog this morning for getting in my way!), I'd really would like to nap all day (except I can't get comfortable, or have to get up and go potty every hour), and can barely sit here at the computer for more than 10 minutes before I get all achy.....waaaaaaahhhhh! 

I'm moving along VERY slowly (and awkwardly), and even everyday tasks like laundry and making beds seems like such an ordeal.  In my most frustrated moments comes that familiar, small voice....Sarah, surrender.   

I've scrawled this verse on our little chalkboard...mostly to remedy these fears and feelings of inadequacy creep in as I anticipate delivery and being momma to three precious children...God's word soothes my heart even better than indulging in to one of those fat-laden cravings! ;)

"My grace is enough; it is all you need.  My strength comes into its own in your weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

Oh, I dream about the moment we meet this sweet baby face-to-face.  This season of huge-ness...though uncomfortable,  is necessary, vital and even benefecial as Camille continues to grow and develop.  I'm tellin' y'all,  when that first series of contractions come...I'll be skipping into the hospital-ready to get down to business!  :)  Ok, maybe not skipping... 

I can choose frustration (as I have in the previous paragraphs ;)  or joy, realizing that this time is ordained by Holy God, and that I need to choose rest, surrendered to this process of bringing a precious life into the world.  Thank you, Lord.  I pray that the Lord would encourage us in our weakness-physical, mental, emotional- today....his strength is perfect....it is sufficient. 

A Slice of Life

Spending time with good buddies

a big trip to Florida for Belly photos

our nephew's 3rd birthday parties

a baby shower for Camille

and...we are in the process of buying our first home!

To sum it up, it's been a little hectic around here.  We are grateful for friendship, family, and provision.  We've encountered God's faithfulness and are humbled by his protection and strong, guiding hand. 

Growing

Here we are at 32 weeks!

 

February Favorites: Coffee

Dunkin' Decaf...french vanilla creamer...
cinnamon sprinkles...
this is a cup of hot delicious-ness.  :)
What's in your cup?

February Favorites: Rollerball Fragrance

When Dan and I lived in Memphis, Tennessee, there was a great little shop that carried essential oils and such for aromatherapy.  They had a create-your-own rollerball fragrance station!  You could mix oils together to come up with a personal scent...mine was cucumber and rain.

Well, since then I found something I like almost as much...B*th & B*dy Works has a line of roll-on aromatherapy that smells wonderful, not-too-strong, and they're portable-I can toss it right in my purse, without worrying about leakage.  Best of all, I love that I can roll it on and not feel like I'm going to knock someone else over with the scent...I love the stress-relief aromatherapy.  Hannah Reece loves to dab a little on her wrists, and even my perfume-hatin' hubby thinks they smell good.  :)  

My mom, Santa-put a "Sweet-Pea" scented roller in my stocking....so I guess B&BW is extending their roller-fragrance line...oooh, just g**gled it and they're on sale for $2.00 each!!!!  Now that's a fragrance I can afford y'all!!!  What's your favorite fragrance?

Valentines Day Fun

I don't usually "decorate" for Valentines Day...but this post inspired me to create a little Valentine's day somethin' somethin'!  Decorating projects that involve the kiddos always excites me...isn't it neat to see the pride on their little faces when their handiwork is displayed for all to see?  ;)

I cut out some big hearts with my old Creat*ve M*mories Cutting System, and then some little ones by hand.  Gave the girl some glitter glue pens and punches and let her loose!  ;)   She had the sweetest smile on her face the whole time I was hanging them.  Here's the finished product:

February Favorites: Marshlands

With all of the memory-keeping catch up going on at my dining room table, I've completely fallen off of the blog-wagon...   although, I'll admit, it's been refreshing to have a little techno-break!   ;)

So....I was thinking it might be fun to get back at it with a little series of blog-posts "February Favorites"...where I'll post some of our favorites....places, products, foods, events, etc.  Maybe some of you who also blog will join me!?

I LOVE the marsh/wetlands....most folks have one thought when they think of marsh "STANKY!"

I think this little love affair with the marsh began during my last year at FGCU (Fl*rida Gulf Coast Univ*rsity) during a required course (SW Fl*rida Colloquium).  We took fieldtrips every other week to immerse ourselves in the environment that is so unique to Florida.  Did you know that the Florida Everglades is the last self-sustained natural environment left in the continental U.S.?  I thought this class would be SO boring, but it actually turned out to be one of my favorites.  I'm hoping to pass my little fascination on to the kiddos with outings like this one....but they may think the marsh stanks just like their Daddy does. :) 

Now, my most recent marsh/wetland fascination is between Florida and Georgia on I-95 North...and trust me...we've driven through it PLENTY in the last few years as we make our regular journey between Florida and North Carolina.  We've driven this stretch during all hours of the day and night...and we can always "smell" it coming!  :)  It's kind of a joke in our family now...one of the kids will say "somebody pootie-tootied!!" and Dan will say, "nope-it's just mommy's marsh!" and they just laugh.

My favorite time is at sunrise and sunset... it looks so calm, peaceful...but under all of that water and grass-it's positively TEEMING with LIFE!  I guess in a way, it's the state of mind that I hope and strive for in this season that is so full of life.  Peace amidst the activitiy.  Beauty among the stank ;) sorry, I just couldn't resist! ha! What is your favorite natural environment?