A Summary of the Week...

I think I can sum up our week without even using words:

I think we have all got a case of the winter "blahs" around here! We're ready for some sunshine and some warm weather.

Our week hasn't really been all that bad...it's just been fairly ordinary. Nothing too blog-worthy going on I'm afraid! So instead of boring you with the details of colds and knitting and taxes, I think I'll just share a couple of pictures :)

"Cheese"

This is a pic from last Sunday - we had a family fun night and I got to chat with a bunch of my dear friends from church. It was lovely!

Brad and his dad putting together the new stroller they got us last night - it is so fabulous! I am feeling pretty impatient at the moment and even though I know the time is passing it feels like seeing our baby for the first time is still SO far away. The closer we get, the slower time seems to move!!!! How unfair is that? I know the Lord's timing is perfect and so we are using this time to get ready, to dream and to plan for when that special day comes. I recently read on Rachel's blog about a Korean dish she made...I think I am going to try it! I have been wanting to make one but I wasn't sure what recipe to try first. I'll let you know how it goes!

My family is coming tomorrow! Just for one night, but still - I am so thrilled when I get to see them, even if it's only a short visit.

Happy Superbowling Everyone!

Project 365

When I started thinking about doing this project for 2009, taking one picture every day, I was actually kind of nervous about it. I wondered if I could do it, I wondered if I would quit part way through, I wondered if it would stress me out...but so far it has been SO much fun and I am so glad I decided to do it this year.

I ordered this special album from Creating Keepsakes and have found it to be so helpful. Every week I just slip the pictures into the page protectors, write a short journaling piece to go with it, and I'm done! It's so much fun to look back at the last few weeks and see all the little things that make up my life.

I thought I'd show you the album (just out of interest) and a one-week layout.

I can't wait to look back over a whole year and to see all that has happened. The moment I opened the box and held the album in my hand, a rush of excitement came over me as I realized that there is a very good chance that one of these pages will hold a picture of me seeing my baby for the first time, and hopefully even a picture of me becoming a mommy!

Loving the Letter "C"

A couple of days ago, Rachel had a list of things she loves starting with the letter "T". I signed up to play and she gave me the letter "C".

If you want to play, leave a comment on this post letting me know, and I’ll assign you a letter. You write about ten things you love (I hope I can think of that many!) that begin with your assigned letter, and post it on your blog. When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on...

So here are a few "C" things that I love...

1. Coming Home - this was the first thing that came to mind :) I love pulling in the driveway, especially when Brad's truck is here and I know he's home already. To me, our house is the coziest, warmest, most comfortable place to be. I love coming home!

2. Cookies - obviously!

3. Church - we are so blessed to have a wonderful church family. I am also blessed to be able to work there with some fabulous people. We wouldn't change it for anything and it has been amazing to see all that God has been doing over the last couple of years.

4. Caring family and friends - this weekend two different situations just left me feeling so grateful and loved. First, we spent some time with Brad's family, and found out that they had taught our two year old niece, Emma, where our baby will be coming from! It was so neat to hear her say "South Korea" in her little voice...and to know that our family is so excited with us :) Then, on Sunday night, our church had a "Family Fun Night" and I had a chance to sit around with some friends chatting. The talk came around to babies (as it usually does in groups of women!) and my dear friend brought up the adoption. Everyone was so excited to talk about it and it just meant so much to me to be included in the baby talk :)

5. Cadbury Chocolate. Sorry, with my British heritage I am a Cadbury girl all the way!

6. Cars with automatic transmission - this winter I am especially thankful for that.

7. Chiropractors - hate the cracking, but love how good I feel afterwards!

8. Cool summer days - perfect for running outside. Oh how I long for those days!

9. Calculus - yep, I'm a nerd and I love math :)

10. Colossians 3:12-17 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace; and be thankful. "

Remember to leave me a comment if you want a letter and I will assign you one. And it won't be "x"!

When a Day Starts Like This...

You know it's going to be a good one!

This is what I found on my desk when I arrived - my dear friend Kristy had brought me an ENORMOUS hot chocolate and a box of timbits (which I did share!)

A few minutes later, one of the Pastors arrived and had brought me 2 McDonalds cookies...

Do these people know me or what???!!!!

Getting There is the Only Problem...

It's getting to that point in the winter where I no longer want to leave the house. Not for anything. Once I'm home, I want to be in my comfy clothes, curled up on the couch with a blanket. Eating cookies (which I am about to do again tonight!).

Here's the problem: if I do that until the spring thaw, I will be much rounder in certain areas than I am now, and I for sure will struggle to get back to running. * Sigh *

Isn't it unfair how much work it takes to get into shape, but how quickly that all disappears if you stop working at it?

Another problem: I joined the gym, which is close to my work, but not close to my house. When I go straight from work, it's not a problem. I'm motivated, and I just go and do it. However, when I joined, Brad decided he too wanted to join (with no prompting from me!) and I was super happy to be able to work out with him. I know, I know, it doesn't sound like a problem yet. The problem comes in that we only have one car...and after work, Brad is at home...which is far away from the gym. So I have to drive home to get him, and then go to the gym...which wouldn't be so bad if I didn't sit down when I got home. That is the problem. I sit down on the couch, and I look over at Brad who is all cozy in his recliner...and we smile at each other...and somehow one of us manages to convince the other one that we should go tomorrow instead!

The new plan: Tomorrow I will pack all my stuff, drive home to get Brad, HONK THE HORN, wait for Brad to come outside (I told him he has five minutes from the horn honk!) and change when I get to the gym!

Will it work? I'd better think on it while I eat my cookies...

A Relaxing Evening...

Today has been a pretty relaxing day overall. I was able to come home today to watch the inaugar (oh wow it turns out I don't know how to spell that word!!!) new president be sworn in! My picture of the day captured this piece of history:


This evening was very quiet. Brad went to an auto show with some guy friends, and although I planned to go to the gym, I decided to boycott that in favor of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. They both give about the same results, right???

While I was home for the weekend I start a new knitting project. I'm not much of a knitter, I just know the basics, but my mom is way better and knows how to read patterns so she got me started. Big surprise - it's a baby sweater! I know I may seem crazy but I really just feel more and more like I have to be doing something so that I don't go insane. This is a boy one and I am going to make a girl one after this (if it goes well!) and then I'll probably just give away the one I don't need :)

My poor mother had such a time getting me started - I would knit four or five rows, and then I'd suddenly realize I messed it up, and she'd have to take out 3 rows to fix my mistake! It's tricky because I am using TWO different colors of yarn at the same time! I didn't know how to do that until this weekend. It was pretty frustrating and I wanted to quit but she kept me going and now the pattern is nice and easy. I love how it's turning out so far...

Up close:

Well, now that I have bored you to tears with knitting stories...! Please don't stop reading my blog !! I promise I won't write about knitting anymore!!! :) I'm sure something very exciting will happen one of these days!!!

We Pulled it Off - TWICE!!!!

I couldn't blog about it last week in case my sister, Sarah, checked it...but on Friday night, Joanna (my other sister who lives down the street from me) and I headed to Canada to surprise Sarah. She did not know we were coming to celebrate her 18th birthday with her and we got some very good surprised-face pictures! So good in fact that I asked her if she really did know and was faking!! Nope, this is her "OH MY GOODNESS I DIDN'T KNOW THEY WERE COMING!" face :)

On Sunday (her actual birthday) we surprised her AGAIN! She thought she was going to lunch with one friend...but there were actually almost 30 of us waiting at the restaurant! So much fun :)

We had a great weekend and I am so thankful we were able to be there with her to celebrate this important birthday. I wish I were a more eloquent writer - I would tell you all about how much my sisters mean to me. But there really aren't words...being with them is just the best EVER!

One last note: TODAY IS FIVE MONTHS ON THE WAITING LIST!!!!! YEY!!!!! It seems like the longer we are on the waiting list, the slower time goes! I just want my little one in my arms :) I just realized I was doing a little dance in my chair - that is how excited I am!!! WOO HOO!!!!!

Slight Miscalculation...

Have you ever done this? Come on, we can't be the only ones!

Today we bought a new (used) changing table. Of course I was just excited because anything related to my baby coming home is exciting! Brad was excited because we got a good deal.

We went to pick it up...

Got back to the car with it...

And realized there's just NO WAY it's going to fit IN the car!

Hmmm...

So thankful for a husband who laughs at these sorts of situations instead of getting angry :)

Also so thankful for our good friends Josh and Tamara who lived near where we were...and who have a minivan!

Yep, minivans are cool!

I Always Did Like Lemonade...

I was so excited to receive this blog award two days ago from my friend, Rachel! And then today I got it again...from my other friend, Rachel, which was kind of funny because I was planning on giving HER the award!

It's kind of funny, growing up I never had any friends named Rachel. And now (especially in bloggy land) I seem to be surrounded by them! I guess us Rachels have to stick together :)

The Great Attitude/Spirit of Gratitude Award

Thanks, Rachel and Rachel - it made me smile :)

Here are the guidelines.....
Put the logo on your blog or post. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show GREAT ATTITUDE and/or GRATITUDE! Be sure to link to your nominees within your post. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Now, I always break this rule about who to pass the award on to because I don't really read that many blogs! The following ladies have some fabulous blogs! Their wonderful attitudes and thankful hearts shine through and I am so blessed to peek into their everyday lives :)

http://justanothersmith.blogspot.com/

http://fordfamfun.blogspot.com/

http://fullyhis.blogspot.com/

Blessings to all - and pass it on :)

It's Just What I Would Say...

I don't know if I have ever posted twice in one day before...but this was worth it! Today I found a new bloggy friend, Rachelle, after some "blog hopping", and she is also in the process of adopting. On her blog was the most beautiful poem that just touched my heart so deeply that I had to share it. She is not sure who wrote it...I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It will be in our scrapbook for sure!

"Dear Sweet Baby"

As a girl I had a common dream to be a mom someday.
My baby would have eyes of blue and hair the hue of hay.
But now my dreams have been transformed; new visions fill my head.
Now the tresses that I long to stroke are raven black instead.
And in my dreams those eyes are not so big or blue or round
Now in my dreams they're almond shaped and colored cocoa brown.
And in my dreams my arms can stretch across enormous seas.
They reach halfway around the world and hold you close to me.
As you grow in your mother's womb, carefully knit together,
You're also growing in our hearts where you'll stay forever
And in my dreams the moment that your mother says good-bye,
I'll be right there to comfort you and hold you as you cry.
Our features may not look alike: we're different as can be.
But still I know the Father has created you for me.
And though I've not yet seen your face, or held your tiny hands.
And though we're half a world apart in very different lands,
I'll be right there to get you just as soon as God allows.
But 'til He says the time is right, I give to you this vow.
I'll pray for your protection every day on bended knee.

For God to hold you in His arms until you're here with me.

The Almost Birthday Girl!

This weekend we celebrated our niece Abbey's first birthday! I cannot believe it was just a year ago that she joined our family. It is hard to remember what it was like without her and Emma around! Abbey is such a little sweetheart and Brad and I love her to pieces!

Favorite memories from the party:

Abbey eats cake.

She was kind of timid at first...

But pretty soon she realized that cake is good stuff...!

I think it's safe to say she likes cake!


Brad and his brother Josh built Abbey a toy box for her birthday. And when you're one (or two), and you see a toy box, of course you want to be in it!

We had lots of fun celebrating with our family :)

Happy Birthday, Abbey!

Congratulations Are In Order...

Guess who has officially been accepted into university and will be moving RIGHT BY ME???? Yep, as of this fall my little sister, Sarah, will be attending the same school Joanna and I attended and living only 20 short minutes from us!!! I am so unbelievably excited about that!!! She was only 7 years old when I first moved away for college and it is about time that I get to live near her again :) Congratulations, Sarah!! I am so proud of you! Wow, that is a lot of exclamation marks!

A Fun Evening

Last night Josh, Amanda and Emma came over for a while. I was so happy to get to spend some more time with my niece!

A night of reading books, eating oreos, snuggling in the chair and watching Mary Poppins - does it get much better than that?

(This picture is not from last night but Emma was feeling a little camera shy so I thought I'd post this cute one! Every time I would ask her if I could take her picture, she would say, "No, Uncle Rachel!" She called me that by accident earlier and we all laughed...so it stuck!)

Right Now:

Out of my window: It’s dark and cold and I’m glad I’m inside!

I am wearing: Jeans, my cozy Seattle sweatshirt, and socks that are NOT thick enough.

I am hearing: Jon and Kate Plus Eight on the television…hearing lots of screaming children!

I am thinking: That eight is too many. And that I should go to bed because tomorrow is the first day back to work…but I don’t want vacation to end yet!!!

I am thankful for: A clean desk (I finally took care of all the papers!), a warm home, a husband who is sleeping already and who hopefully won’t be tired tomorrow, a sweet puppy, a fabulous family and family-in-law, friends who make me laugh till my face hurts, a painted nursery…and a darling baby on the way!

I am creating: A scrapbook page about me and my momma.

I am going: to read my book before turning in for the night.

I am hoping: I do not wake up with a terrible bedhead tomorrow like I did this morning! This new haircut does not lend itself well to sleep!

I am reading: Heart of the Lonely Exile by BJ Hoff.

Around the house: All is quiet. Doggie and husband sleeping.

One of my favorite things: Love to have a cup of tea in the morning along with a strawberry poptart. Is it weird that I am already looking forward to that??? Or that I am thinking about having one before bed as well???

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, youth group (it’s praise week!), birthday party for my niece, working out at the gym, hopefully a doctor’s appointment about my knee L, and finishing the trim in the nursery. Will post pictures soon!!!!

Looking Back at the Week...

Last week I started Project 365 - taking one photo a day for a week - so I thought I'd give a quick look back at the week.

Last Sunday was our last day in Canada with my family. Did I post this picture already? Oh well, they are so loved I will post it twice!

Monday was putting in the new door (which I already posted)

Tuesday my sister Joanna came over (I think I'm losing it - pretty sure I already posted this one too...but maybe not.)

Wednesday was New Year's

Thursday we were hoping to go skiing but unfortunately Brad was not feeling too well. He spent about 16 hours sitting in his chair playing video games and watching tv. I felt very sorry for him as it was obvious he was feeling really crummy all day.

Also on Thursday I was able to order my Project 365 album kit (yey!) after about 35 minutes of refreshing the web page over and over again! Apparently everyone and their mother wanted one of these kits and their website had a lot of trouble with the volume. I am very glad I was able to get one and can't wait for it to come in the mail :)

On Friday it was back to work. Thankfully I like my job so it wasn't too hard to go back. This is a picture of me changing the sign - one of the only things I don't enjoy doing too much (especially in the winter!). I was glad to have Kristy helping me this week though :)

And last but not least...today (Saturday)

I walked past a hair salon today and figured it was time for a change...and lost some hair!

Also today I won a staring competition with the dog. Yes, it was an action packed Saturday for sure.

So overall it's been a pretty uneventful but very relaxing week :) Hope yours was the same!

New Years Eve - A Good Reason to be Silly!

Laughing with friends - what a great way to ring in the New Year! We are very blessed to have many friends who we can really be ourselves around. Last night, we went out for a fabulous dinner and then played Wii games for hours with our friends Chad and Rachel, and Curt and Kristy. We were laughing so hard about nothing for most of the night, and I kept hearing Kristy saying, "I have to stop laughing...I'm going to throw up!" Which of course made me laugh harder. It was a wonderful night :)

This is a picture of all of us at the restaurant. I thought maybe I could fit us all in...but only one of my eyes made it into the picture!