Busy...

by Erica

but certainly not complaining! So much has happened in the past month. I wish that I could go into full detail about how prayers have been answered and how God's timing is so perfect. We are set to close on our house in three weeks. As sad as it will be to leave our first home, we love the new house! It is closer to a lot of our friends and our church (a little farther from Jason's work, but that is a decision we made when deciding to stay in this area).

I have spent the last couple of weeks packing here and there. A little a day is about all I have in me. Being 35 weeks pregnant, I get winded much easier and there is only so much that I can do. I am sure that I have crossed that line, though.

The next 5 weeks is sure to bring about a lot of excitement...new house, new city, new baby (hopefully in that order) I am glad this is so exciting to me, otherwise, I would be completely overwhelmed:)

Baby Bumps

by Erica

This could be a rare picture...sister-in-laws due a couple months from each other. I was glad that it was captured. Love these bumps!
Since Leanne and her husband were in town, it was the perfect oppertunity to throw her a shower. I loved seeing all the little boy stuff she received. I know that baby boys clothes get a bad rap compared to all the girly stuff out there, but I think the boy items are so darn cute! Only about 15 more weeks until I get to see my first nephew!
It has been awhile since I have posted any cake photos, so here you go.

C-H-A-N-G-E-S

by Erica

We are currently in the midst of some dramatic changes in our family. It is not the right time to disclose many details via the blog world, but all I can say is that God's timing is perfect.

I am so thankful for the faith that I have in Him directing our steps. Otherwise, I would feel completely stressed at trying to do this all on my own. Now, not to say that trusting Him with all of these decisions has been easy or without doubt. I find that I can wake up in the morning feeling completely at peace and by night I'm wondering what is going on. But, then God gives me assurance through His Word, through a song or through answered prayer and I am reminded once again that I shouldn't rely on my own strength. He even spoke to me through my daughter. Out of nowhere she said, "Don't worry, Mommy." I am not even sure where she heard that word before.

We would still appreciate prayer for guidance and wisdom especially in the next few days to come.

Baked Mac and Cheese

by Erica

Most homemade Mac and Cheese recipes call for whole milk, lots of butter and heavy cream. I found a Baked Mac and Cheese recipe that doesn't call for all that and tastes pretty darn good; compliments of Alton Brown. Here you go: http://tinyurl.com/57auge.

Christmas Time This Year

by Erica

It has been a great last couple of weeks. We flew out to Ohio on the 16th to celebrate my mom's birthday and Christmas. We very much enjoyed sitting by their fire at night, eating all of mom's great food and enjoying time as a family.I woke up on Christmas Eve morning (the day that our family of three opens gifts) to a "Merry Christmas, Mommy. Time to open presents?" I thought that Jason put her up to that. He indeed did not. She just knew.
We read the Christmas story out of Luke and then read a more simple version from one of Ashlyn's picture books. One by one we opened our stocking stuffers and other gifts.

Later that day we enjoyed the Christmas Eve service at our church and headed down to The Springs to spend the night at Jason's dad's house. We enjoyed some egg nog and time spent by the fireplace (stove) chatting and being entertained by an all too excited 2 year old, before heading off to bed.

Christmas day was spent at Jason's two grandma's houses and his mom's house. It was a sunny, but cold day. Later that night we were 'welcomed' with some more snow-just in time for our drive home. Guess you can say that we had a white Christmas.

A Trip to the Triage

by Erica

Yesterday was a bit of an interesting day. Thankfully, I can say that all is well now. As it turned out, I had a GI bug. But, here is more of the story.

I had called my doctor around 4:00 yesterday with my symptoms and they wanted me to go to the hospital to make sure everything was okay. Basically, the bug caused symptoms that you can expect and in turn led to me being dehydrated.

Due to the dehydration, I was experiencing a lot of contractions. Thankfully, these contractions were not labor contractions. They filled me back up with 3 IV bags and gave me some meds to make my contractions go away. They also ran a test to make sure I was not going into preterm labor-which I wasn't. So, after about 5 hours and a sleep aide, I was released.

I wish that I could say that I handle these types of situations well, but I don't. As soon as they told me to head to the hospital, my mind started to go to the worst case scenario. I called Jason in hysteria and cried the entire way to the hospital. Thankfully, my friend Pauline, met me there so that she could take Ashlyn home with her. What a relief it is to have friends like this! Jason was able to leave work and meet me at the hospital not long after. Pauline kept Ashlyn over night so that I could rest and take it easy this morning. I had actually had my 28 week appointment scheduled, and so I was able to follow up with my doctor this morning.

During all of this, the baby was just fine. I enjoyed getting to listen to her heartbeat for the five hours. Laying in the hospital and feeling the contractions reminded me of what is to come in a few months. I am not sure I am ready for the pains of labor again, but at least there is a big reward at the end of it all!

Christmas Decorating

by Erica

The day after Thanksgiving was 70 degrees. It is hard to decorate when you feel like you should be working in the yard. But, the following day was more appropriate.
This year Ashlyn was able to help us hang ornaments on the tree. For the most part, the tree is off limits, but there is one ornament (a bell) that she is able to play with it. Then my kids, er, Jason and Ashlyn got out Jason's train set and ran it round and round. Ashlyn enjoyed blowing the whistle and watching the puffs of smoke.

We have had snow for the better part of the week now which makes everything look very festive and beautiful. I think it is now time to start the Christmas baking.