Alabama Trip 2014: Final Installment

So, as I mentioned previously, we actually returned to Birmingham on the 29th of November, which was the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  It also happened to be the day of the Iron Bowl.  Which is why my original plans changed.

See, originally, I was planning to head to Tuscaloosa on the 29th and stay a night there.  But then Annie told me that was the day Auburn and Alabama were playing -- and it was happening in Tuscaloosa.  I quickly modified my plans.  Ain't no way I wanted to be in that mess of traffic!  So we just went to Birmingham and did our day jaunt over to Tuscaloosa later.

So we got back to Julie's early in the evening.  We ate dinner, ran a couple errands.  I started making cinnamon rolls while the big game came on.  Now, here's the thing:  I'm not a super football fan.  It's just never been important to me.  Like ever.  But Julie is a huge fan -- especially of UA.  And so she was watching the game.  Ergo, we all watched the game.  And I learned something:  it's not so bad.  I'll never be an avid fan.  I'll never live and breathe college football.  But it was a pleasant evening watching the game from the comfort of Julie's living room and watching her (and my husband ;)) get super-anxious at various points.  I missed some of it, as I was working on cinnamon rolls.  But I was in there for the end when Alabama walked away the champions.  I learned stuff about the game I didn't know at all.  And I realized I shouldn't have had such a negative attitude about it in the past.  You live, you learn.

After the game, Jeremy went to bed with the munchkin (we weren't super strict with her bed times while on vacation.  After all, it was vacation!) and Julie and I stayed up and had a fun girlie visit.  It's harder to come by those with kids -- so I've learned.  I had brought her birthday present with me on the plane so that it wouldn't take up precious room in the Christmas package I'd be sending later.  So here she is opening her birthday present.

I made her a froggy quillow!  I was pretty pleased with how it turned out.  And it's thanks to Jeremy that it happened.  He helped me design it.  That's definitely a nice perk of his engineering mind:  he can envision things where I really can't until tangibly hold it.  Anyway, so basically it's a fleece blanket that can fold up and tuck into the frog and become a pillow.  when it's unfolded, the frog part is inverted and becomes a place you can put your feet to keep them warm.  Depending on how ambitious I feel this year (which isn't looking good so far...), I may try to make different animals for each of the nieces and nephews.  But that's a big maybe.

Anyway, I stayed up with Julie until Jon got home from work around midnight.  Then I headed to bed.  Sunday morning, Jeremy, Lynnaea, and I went to the Alabaster Ward for church.  I ended up hanging out in nursery the whole time, because I didn't know how Lynnaea would do if I left her.  Which was just as well, since the usual nursery assistant wasn't there.  We took a nice afternoon nap.  And then we went to church with Jon and Julie in the afternoon.  Then we all went back to Julie's and ate pizza. 

Monday was our Tuscaloosa day, and then Monday evening, Julie cooked dinner for us and then we watched Elf (because the Christmas movies were starting to play on the tv!).  We also snapped a couple pictures, because we needed to :).  This was the better of the two.  Hard to believe we've known each other 16 years!

Tuesday was the day we left Julie's.  I woke up early to see Julie off to work.  It was sad.  We weren't leaving until the next day, but we were staying one more night with April and Greg.  Julie texted me later to say she didn't want to go home if I wasn't going to be there :(.  So sad.  We didn't leave until the afternoon, so we relaxed and visited with Jon.  It was nice to sit and chat with Jon for a long while.  And of course, get some pictures with him too.

It's funny...  In recent days I've been going through and organizing old photos.  My oh my how we all have changed!  It's weird that we're in our mid-30s.  With kids!  Yikes!  When did that happen!?!

Anyway, so we said our good-byes.  Headed to April's and then she followed me to turn in the rental car.  Then we mostly just hung out and visited at her house -- and played some old Mario Bros on some system Greg got for his birthday -- until we were meeting up with Greg at Cracker Barrel.  That was good food!  And Jeremy impressed many people with his eating abilities, let's just say that.  I think it took 4 servers to bring all our food out.  It was crazy!  The food just kept on coming!  Back at April's, she and I visited into the night while the men played Super Mario 3 (the best one, I might add...) and had a hilarious time doing so.  We were cracking up watching them.  Then we all turned in for the night.  Oh yeah, I also made cinnamon rolls again, only this time, I was concerned with whether or not they'd rise, since we used self-rising flour. 

Holy cow.  I just had a massive paragraph that I accidentally deleted.  Ack!  Well, forget it.  Basically, April took us to the airport.  Our flight was delayed a bit.  But we made all our connections.  And the last flight of the trip (from San Diego to Seattle) was bomb, because there were only 53 passengers on board, and a ton of empty rows.  Which meant Lynnaea got her own seat.  And that was the best ever. 

There we are on the airplane -- Lynnaea with the tablet.

We landed in Seattle a little after 9.  I was exhausted.  We got our luggage and took the airporter.  We got home about midnight, and by the time we got everything done that we needed to do (change the baby, give her some milk, brush her teeth, etc), it was 1 in the morning.  We were exhausted.  And so we slept.  And Jeremy took the next day off work too, just so he wouldn't have to go in at 6 in the morning.

So that was the end of the trip.  It was a wonderful two weeks.  Wonderful.  Sometimes I wish vacation was all the time.  But then, it wouldn't be vacation. 

So coming up will be Christmas stuff. 

Alabama Trip 2014: Installment 2

My how the time flies.  One more day in 2014, and I'm still updating about our Alabama trip a month ago!  Nevermind all the fun stuff that's occurred since we've been back!  Like Christmas...  Ah, but I'll get there...  Eventually ;).

So, after our awesome Scrubs party and a night at April and Greg's (with a delicious breakfast cooked by April on that Saturday morning), we headed to Dothan around noon on Saturday.  The drive is about 3 hours.  We made good time.  Lynnaea did pretty well for the most part, but started melting down inconsolably around Midland City.  So we stopped at Publix to pick up some groceries and allow her a little break from the car.

We reached my dad's house around 4:30.  He was thrilled to see us and re-meet his little grand-daughter.  Like usual, she took a bit of time to warm up.  But before long, she was running all over the house and trying to get into all his goodies laying about (and by goodies, I mean tools, etc, not food ;)). 

Because it was so cold there this year (an rather unseasonable freezing snap!), Lynnaea slept between me and Jeremy while we were at my dad's, to make sure she stayed warm enough.  Let's just say it wasn't the most comfortable sleeping arrangement for the grown-ups.  I think Lynnaea, on the other hand, slept just fine!

We attended church with Dothan 2nd Ward and were able to see many friends and acquaintances.  It was nice to be back there -- though much has changed over the years (people, is what I mean...  Lots of faces I didn't recognize).  But I guess that happens as life moves forward for everyone.

On Monday, we met up with my dear friend Stacy and her cute son for some pictures at the Botanical Gardens.  Just a few quick shots.  And a chance for Lynnaea to run around outside and drink the water out of the fountain.  Gross.  She's still alive, so I assume she either didn't drink enough to catch anything, or it was better than it looked.  (I swear, it amazes me children ever survive to adulthood!)  Naturally it ended up being a warmish, muggy day, so my choice of sweater was not the best...  We continued our visit with Stacy at Panera Bread.  Over some delicious mac and cheese.  Fortunately, they have Panera bread locally here...  Because I have a sudden hankering for that mac and cheese.  

On Tuesday, Lynnaea and I headed out to Troy Dothan to visit Donna.  It was a nasty drizzly day, but that sort of thing doesn't keep a munchkin down!  She was all about sitting in the swing and swinging.  And running through the puddles and wet grass.  Then we joined Donna for lunch at Cheddar's and enjoyed some yummy chicken fingers, french fries, and some mac and cheese which doesn't hold a candle to Panera's.  Not even a flicker.  It was a lovely visit with Donna.  I love that we are able to see each other every now and again when I visit -- or on the off chance she comes to Seattle!  (Hey, it's happened once -- in 2009 -- so it's possible ;)).  Around 3:00, Lynnaea (who took a 20 minute nap in the car) and I met up with Anne at Atlanta Bread Company and enjoyed a little dessert.  That was another wonderful visit.  I love meeting up with the dear friends I've had for ages.  Yes, life changes for all of us.  But there are still those ties, and it's wonderful to sit and visit with long-time friends.  Even if only for a short while.  On Tuesday night, after dinner, my dad, Jeremy, Lynnaea, and I watched some of Fantasia.  We didn't make it all the way through, as Lynnaea's attention span doesn't last that long.  But she enjoyed the parts she watched, and it was nice to do that as a family.

Wednesday was a nice day, and Lynnaea and enjoyed the must-have-when-in-Dothan roast beef sub from Italian Express!  We met up with Kristin there.  Oh my goodness.  My only complaint is that, like with everywhere else, the serving is getting smaller.  But oh what delicious goodness it is while I devour it.  With gravy on the sandwich and on the side, of course ;).  Afterwards, we went by the new public library.  And the ever-awesome Kristin checked out books for us on her card so that Lynnaea could have new books to read for a few days (not just the same boring 2 we brought from Washington...).  Lynnaea loved visiting the new library and it's awesome Children's Section.  She loved being able to play on the computer.  And we also got to visit with my former boss Bettye and Charlotte with whom I also worked.  Pretty much everyone else is new, though.  So many changes.  Including the fact that there is now no building where there was once a massive library.  No more page rec room.

True, change is good.  But there will always be a part of my heart that aches when i see the empty lot -- with the Indian standing alone in the corner.

But it is a nice new library!

Oh yeah!  Lynnaea and I also stopped off at the Visitors' Center and picked up a couple peanut ornaments (it's my new tradition:  to have a Christmas ornament from the places we visit) and for Lynnaea to have a little chat with the King (peanut-ized).  She thought he was cool.  On Wednesday night, we fulfilled Jeremy's one request:  that we at a buffet!  I was shocked when he made the request when we landed in Birmingham (because I'm the foodie in our family, not him!).  I thought he was joking.  He assured me he wasn't.  So when I asked why, he said, "Because we don't have them in Washington!"  True.  So we took my dad out to Golden Corral.  If you ever want to go to a buffet and not have a ton of people there...  Go the night before Thanksgiving.  Seriously.  We had no wait for anything.  It was pretty bomb. 

Thursday was Thanksgiving.  We were just having a small dinner at my dad's.  I went down and visited Julie and her family during the day and was invited to eat Thanksgiving with them (they ate mid-day).  It was wonderful to see her dad and brother again.  We had a great time visiting and sharing what we are grateful for.  Julie's family will always have a special place in my heart for a number of reasons.  I'm grateful for them.  At my dad's house, I was in charge of the cooking.  And the turkey breast took longer than anticipated.  I was annoyed a bit.  But we got through it.

Friday was a mellow-ish day.  It was a nice day outside too.  So Lynnaea and I took a walk down my dad's street.  It's beautiful in Alabama at this time of year when I go.  It's why I always choose to go at this time ;).

Lynnaea loved all her outdoor time while we were in Alabama.  This walk was no exception.  Check out this happy face!

Friday for lunch, Lynnaea and I tried out Chicken Salad Chick with my friend Karen.  It was yummy!  And a nice visit :).  Friday evening I met up with several friends at Chill, a frozen yogurt shop.  I got there a little early, so I went into the store next door because it was new and different, so I thought I'd check it out.  As I was about to leave the store, I heard someone say, "Hila?"  I looked up to see a guy I used to work with at the public library.  So we visited for a few minutes and caught up.  According to him, I look the same as I did way back when.  I'm choosing to believe that means I still look young -- and not that I looked old back then ;).  Hahaha.   So anyway, we said our good-byes and I headed next door to check out the frozen yogurt selection.  And met up with these fabulous ladies!  Let's just say the conversation was awesome and funny.  As always.

Friday night, Lynnaea and I played with her monkey hat.  She thinks I'm hilarious.

Saturday arrived, and it was time to get ready to head out.  Back to Birmingham. Before going, though, my dad, Lynnaea, and I went out to visit the grave of my grandparents. 

I just felt it was an important thing to do.  Then it was time to go.  It's always sad to say good-bye.  Always. 

As you can see, it was a beautiful day.  Our drive back to Birmingham was good.  We stopped for food.  Made good time.  And actually watched the Iron Bowl at Julie's house.  First time ever for me to watch it.  I am not attached to football, but I have to say it was a fun experience.  And I realize I probably should have given it a fair chance years ago.  But, you live, you learn.  Oh, and in case you were wondering what Jeremy does while I go out visiting and eating a bunch of delicious food with friends...  Well, he helps my dad with stuff around the house.  He's happy doing that while I socialize.  It works out well for all of us ;).

Alabama Trip: Installment 1

So yeah... It's only been a month since I last posted.  And 2 weeks since we got back from Alabama.  What can I say?  It's a busy time of year.  But I figured I should probably at least start posting some stuff from our way-awesome trip to Alabama this year. 

After all, I've decided tomorrow is going to be a lazy pajama day.  Lynnaea and I will not be leaving the house.  And after the busy days we've been having, I'm quite looking forward to it.  So I'll sit here and pop my holiday mint m&m's for some late-night oomph and get this thing started! 

Welcome to our Alabama Adventure 2014 Installment 1! 

We began our morning at 3:30 on November 19th.  Jeremy and I did.  We did everything we could to finalize getting ready before waking up the munchkin.  And at 4, we couldn't put off waking her anymore.  She was surprisingly easy-going about being awoken from her sleep -- though she did want to do a lot more snuggling than usual.  My mom (bless her) picked us up around 4:25 and dropped us off at the ferry.  We hauled a suitcase, a rollaway bag, a backpack, and a carseat (whith child still in it) onto the ferry.  We spent the hour ferry ride deconstructing the car seat and keeping Lynnaea entertained.  She wasn't into sleeping like all other commuters were at that hideous time of the morning (4:50).  We docked in Seattle, and hoofed it several blocks to the light rail station.  Jeremy wore Lynnaea on his back and carried most of the items.  I had the backpack and rollaway bag. 

I was exhausted by the time we boarded the light rail.  Then we got to the airport (45 minutes later), got checked in.  Checked our bag and car seat (I love Southwest!  They let you take checked bags for free!!!).  Went through security.  Blech.  It took about 20 minutes.  Not horrible, but still annoying.  Lynnaea fell asleep in the baby carrier during the security line wait.  She woke up around the time we got to our gate.

She likes to pick her nose.  Nice, huh?  But yeah, this is pretty much right after she woke up. 

She did not sleep on the first flight.  Which was only 2 hours.  Which, sure, is nice.  But that meant the 2nd flight would be a long haul.  Our first layover was in Las Vegas.  Now there's an interesting airport for you.  Gambling machines everywhere.  And children aren't allowed near them.  Which is nice, since they are totally lit up with lights and look oh-so-appealing to a toddler.  Anyway, turns out one of my cousins is in Las Vegas these days, and she drove 30 minutes to see us during our brief layover!  It was pretty awesome of her, and it was nice to see her.  It had been almost a decade since I had.  We had a nice visit for the short amount of time we had. 

We left Last Vegas and flew about 4 hours to Birmingham.  Julie picked us up (after we got all our luggage), and we got Chick-Fil-A for dinner.  It's, like, the greatest welcome back to the South.  We were exhausted, so after visiting for a bit, we all turned in for the night.  The next couple days were spent in the Birmingham area with Julie and her family.  Lynnaea was in heaven, because there were other little kids there.  Which made it even more vacation-y for us!  At home, we are her entertainment.  She likes it way better when there are new people.  I can't say as I blame her.  We're kinda boring ;).  Anyway, she enjoyed hanging out in the backyard at Julie and Jon's house. 

We even found a huge knot in one of the trees in the yard and we could sit her on it.  She even cooperated long enough -- and sat still so she didn't fall ;) -- to snap a picture of it!

We spent Friday night at my friend April's house.  After an awesome [Scrubs] party.  Which, did I mention, was awesome.  Here's a group shot.  But if you're curious about other pictures and the details of the awesome party, just check out this link.

It was good times. 

On Saturday, we drove our rental to Dothan.  After April cooked us a delicious breakfast.  And so this is where I'll leave you with installment 1.  Because I need some sleep!

Our Utah Trip

So we went to Utah.  In fact, one week ago, my mom, Lynnaea, and I were somewhere in Oregon right about now...  Possibly passing a forest fire.  Jeremy wasn't able to go, due to the fact that now is the busy time on the project.  He was warned months ago that certain dates would not be approved for time off -- and this time-frame was among them.  Boo.  I really wish he'd have been able to go.

We went at this specific time to be there when Brad and Angie got sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, otherwise we would have chosen different dates so Jeremy could have gone!

I have to say that Lynnaea was amazing!  I took lots of things to entertain her, and we just made sure to stop every 2 to 3 hours.

That was at our very first rest stop.  She'd taken a little nap right before this.  We were still in Washington at this point.

We had gotten on the road at 6:45 in the morning.  Originally, I had hoped to make the trip all in one day...  But that didn't happen.

This was somewhere in Oregon -- nap number 2.  Weird thing was that I started to lose my voice.  I don't know if it was the dryness in the air or what.

After she woke up, I moved to the back to sit with her and entertain her.  I gave her the snack necklace I'd made for her...  And rapidly realized the yogurt pretzels were not the best idea in the summer...  The yogurt got melty -- and messy!  She liked them, though :).

So my eyes started really bothering me.  It was probably the 4 hours of sleep the night before mixed with contacts and a lot of driving (like 10 hours).  So we stopped in Boise and got a hotel for the night.  This was the next morning.

So we got back on the road, but not super early.  I figured it was worth it to relax and get on the road eventually -- which turned out to be 10 Idaho time.  And as we drove, we saw a sign for Chick-Fil-A around lunch-time...  So we went there!  And yeah, it was a bit off the beaten path, but soooo worth it!

Lynnaea liked it.  Her first fast food -- Chick-Fil-A -- as it should be!

We finally made it to Brad's house around 6 p.m. on Thursday.  And the traffic in Salt Lake (and the nearby areas) is insane!!!

We did some visiting the evening we arrived.  Then Friday we did some more visiting ;).  Then my mom and I took Lynnaea, Vivienne, and Autumn with us for some fun times! We started out by going to the THRIVE Warehouse!

I was like a kid in a candy store.  It was soooo awesome.  Samples of everything everywhere!  My mom and I picked up our orders (that saved us shipping) and then, of course, we bought even more stuff!  So awesome.  If only I were a millionaire... ;).  If you'd like to see what I do with this stuff, check out my THRIVEing Nilla blog.  The kids all thought this place was awesome too.  The toddlers because they could run around pulling stuff off racks :/... and the 11 year old because she could have a million samples.  Haha.  The toddlers liked the samples too.

We ate at Panda Express, and then it was off to the aquarium!  We figured it would be a fun thing to do on that hot hot day. 

Here is Lynnaea checking out a fish...  And now for several more -- all at the aquarium!

Autumn and Vivienne checking it out.

This was in the "big" tank with the huge fish.  And turtles, as pictured here.

We let Lynnaea run for most of it.  She was not keen on being cooped up.  She certainly kept me busy!

And she was definitely worn out by the end.  Vivienne slept in her stroller...  Lynnaea doesn't sleep well unless she's in her crib (or pack & play) or car seat.  So she didn't sleep until we got back to Brad's.

That night we watched Frasier while Angie worked on her bouqet.  And we ate chocolate peanut butter ice cream.

Saturday was a big day.  We put Lynnaea down for a nap in the morning so she'd be in a good mood for the rest of the day.  And then the three of us headed into Salt Lake City.  Thank goodness for the Garmin!  I'm so glad my mom bought one of those things.  We'd have been lost -- literally -- without it!  But we managed to find our way and get to where we needed to be.

That's Lynnaea running around Temple Square.

Then this is after the sealing ceremony while we were waiting for Angie and Brad.

A mom always had a diaper bag.  Haha.

It truly is a beautiful Temple.  But wow there were so many people!

Lynnaea was running and climbing everywhere!  And it was sooooo hot. 

Here are Brad, Angie, and Vivienne after they came out of the Temple.

After all the pictures and such, we went to Tucanos Brazilian Grill.  Great food.  Servers come around with different meats and ask if you want some.  If you do, they slice off pieces.  Lynnaea ate a ton. She was pretty hungry by this point -- but then, we all were.

After eating, we headed back to Brad's and put Lynnaea down for a much-needed nap.  I got a shower and relaxed until she woke up.  Then me, my mom, and Lynnaea headed to Provo for a bridal shower for someone we knew in Panama.  Here are me and Lynnaea at the shower.

It was the coolest ever...  We saw so many people from so long ago.  What a treat!

Almost everyone pictured there (except the gal in sunglasses who was photo bombing) lived in Panama at the same time.

This is Larry with me and Lynnaea.  He and I grew up together:  same Primary class at church, same teachers in high school, etc.  When he found out we were at his parents' house, he swung by to say hello.  It was getting late, and my munchkin was definitely tired, so we couldn't visit long.  But it was still lots of fun to remember the good old days.

We decided to leave Sunday and drive halfway home.  We knew we weren't going to make it in one day, so we wanted to just have a good night sleep.  We left Brad's around 8:15 (Washington time) and got on the road.  We made it to La Grande, OR and stopped there for the night.  And by the next morning, I knew LeGrande was on my poopie list.  Or at least that exit in LeGrande is...  If only I'd gone up one more exit.  Grr...  But when you're tired.  Well, you just want to stop.

It was a beautiful thing when we started to see trees again.  Seriously, I'm not cut out to live anywhere without trees and green.  Driving through Idaho with the sun blazing on everything and no shade, the only word I could think of was "scorch."  Yuck.  And then we got into Yakima area and stopped for peaches -- 5 boxes of peaches -- because they were a good price and we brought some back to those we love here.

We hit nasty rush-hour traffic (boo), but finally made it home at 6.  And found that sweet Jeremy had left the air conditioning on (it was 98 degrees in Washington -- GROSS!) and that he'd cleaned the house for me!  My mom helped me unpack (well, she fixed dinner -- THRIVE Express Creamy Garden Vegetable Chowder -- and watched Lynnaea so I could unpack).  Then we ate and then we took my mom home and visited a few minutes.  Then Lynnaea and I returned home and she went to bed and I got a shower and finally relaxed.  Then Jeremy came home and I told him all our travel stories, and then we went to bed.  The end!

Then yesterday, Lynnaea and I enjoyed a smoothie with THRIVE bananas.  She was a total fan.

Tender Mercies

Today was a good day.  And I count that a tender mercy.  Because, as I said in yesterday's blog post, I have been struggling with change and adapting, etc.  Today is one more example of how much I am loved by my Heavenly Father; another example of how aware He is of me.

I got a text at 10 from Lea asking me what I was up to today.  I told her nothing much until 3:30.  So she said she was planning to stop by before work if that was okay.  It was -- and I really enjoyed our visit where she got me caught up on their trip to Los Angeles.

I got a text from Annie at 11ish and she was just letting me know that she'd read my blog and she just was encouraging and loving.  I do love Annie!  She is wonderful.  It was a wonderful little piece of happy sunshine that brightened my day :).  (And Annie, I meant to text back and got totally involved in making food.  I'm sorry!  But you did brighten my day :)).

I talked to my dad.  And while he and I almost always get in a heated debate about something every time we talk, I am glad we talk.  We are just a lot alike.  Which means, Dad, that you're a hot-head too ;).  I love my dad -- and I think we just know how to push eachother's buttons so well because we are close.

I got some smile-bringing blog comments.  Okay, call me a dork; but these really do make my day sometimes.  Probably more of that social aspect of things -- like getting feedback.  And I appreciate those who shared their thoughts, advice, and experience of child-birth as they experienced it.

I tried out 3 new recipes I'd pinned on pinterest (more on that below)...

For the crafty/gabby/get-together thing I'm trying to do monthly.  I just invite any of my local friends over for the afternoon/evening to work on any craft they want to bring and just sit around and chit chat.  That social gathering I referred to yesterday.  And I love to have a reason to make yummy food and try new things; so I do that too :).  There's not usually a large group, but those of us who are here enjoy the time and the visiting.  And so I plan to keep doing it :).

I talked to my mom for a bit too.  On the phone.  She actually stopped by for a few minutes while the other ladies were here and she joined in on the visiting after she got off work.  Then she took a couple of the Southwestern Egg Rolls home for her and my grandmother, and she said my grandmother really liked it (and so did my mom).  It was nice to see my mom too.  It's kind of sad to admit, but I live like 3 blocks from her and, now that we're not in the same Ward anymore, it feels like I don't see her very often.  So it was nice to see her here for a few minutes and then talk to her on the phone.

And I listened to Christmas music from about noon until 7 p.m.  Haha...  Well, that's because Jeremy needed to sleep, so he was using the CD we had in the CD player in the bedroom as background noise to drown out the cackling of the women while he tried to sleep.  A Courier and Ives Christmas, so it was instrumental at least.  I love that man.  He does sacrifice a lot for me -- and I am often in awe of what a blessing it is to know he's my husband.  Gush, I know.  But seriously.  I think he does the sweetest things in support of me.

So here's the stuff I made with pictures and links to the website with the recipe :).  I liked all three (though I think Jeremy wasn't so impressed with the punch) and got rave reviews on the cookie dough dip (which is easy peesy!!  Definitely a keeper!)  I think I'll start doing this when I do pinterest things -- whether food or craft.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls

Lime Sherbet Punch

 

Oh, and what craft am I working on?  Well...  I want to hang the following (part of Wordsworth's Ode: Intimations on Immortality) in the nursery.  This baby may not have a crib -- but by golly it's going to have a poem hanging above where that crib should be! ;).  I charted it out today and am now ready to start stitching!

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakendess,
But trailing clouds of glory to we come
From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy!

I love that part of the poem, and I think it quite appropriate for a nursery :).

Oh, and yes.  today is 27 weeks.  So here is my picture.  Actually a couple.  I was trying to get a good angle, but the one picture where I'm angled too much so I had to really turn my head...  I was shocked to see what my belly looks like from that angle!  So, naturally, I had to include it here.

Anyway, it was a very good day.  And I do know it was an answer to prayer.  My current struggles may seem silly and insignificant when compared with those of others.  I know that they actually are.  But I matter to our Heavenly Father.  And because of that, my struggles -- no matter how small -- matter to Him too.  I am reminded of a quote from another talk I love:  "I am led to believe that our Heavenly Father loves us so much that the things that are important to us become important to Him, just because He loves us."  That talk is easily one of my favorites of all time.

P.S.  I really did have on regular clothes today.  And I meant to take my 27-week picture while I was in regular clothes.  But forgot to until after my shower and jammies...  At least they're different jammies this week ;).