11 Months

1st of all...Do I need a new header or what? I meant to change that header about a week after I put it up, but never did because I didn't know what to use in its place! Anyone want to make me a header? Feel free to offer your services!!! Anyway...Jewell is 11 months and counting! We had a good start to the photos, but it quickly turned into a little bit of this: Followed by a little of this: And away she goes!

CSA 2011, Week 15, 16, 17

I love the CSA's transition to Fall. Produce keeps longer in a warm, dry place and there is less pressure to cook everything up quickly. Plus, you can always puree the butternut squash and pumpkins for a delicious fall soup. Oh man, I am excited just thinking about some Pumpkin Black Bean soup! But until I do, I will leave you with some snapshots of my CSA the past few weeks. Mid-August, we received: corn, delicata squash, yellow squash, tomato, cucumber, zucchini, cherry tomato, butternut squash, okra, pattypan squash, green beans & banana pepper.On Sunday, September 4, we received: butternut squash, yellow squash, delicata squash, apples, onion, spaghetti squash, pattypan squash, tomato, cherry tomato, acorn squash, cucumber, yellow squash, green bean, okra, and green bell pepper. I made this easy and delicious lunch for myself...Butternut Squash, Edamame & Goat Cheese. SO GOOD.This week (September 11), we received: butternut squash, eggplant, tomato, green bean, green bell pepper, potato, apples, acorn squash, peanuts (I'm boiling peanuts right now!), sweet potato & yellow squash.This week, I'll be making some Stuffed Acorn Squash (stuffed with apples & chicken sausage...Sarah Wilson's recipe...YUM!) What are you excited about cooking this Fall?

Baby #4!!!!

“Only in the event of a medical miracle,” I joked with a friend who asked, “Were we having more?” His response was, “You know…that does happen!” This happened hours before I took a positive pregnancy test.

Yes, It’s true. Baby #4 is due on March 20. And while we are shocked, we are also beyond thrilled at the thought.

This was no accident. I am the youngest of 5 children, with a large age gap between me & my siblings. On several occasions, kids asked, “Were you an accident?” I remember going home one day and asking my mom this question. Her response was, “No honey…You were a pleasant surprise.” Here I am, totally agreeing & understanding my mother’s sentiments.

A few days after my positive pregnancy test, I happened upon this verse, which has never rung so true. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

So much about life will be changing now. I had just gotten rid of a huge stash of baby items and maternity clothes that I will now be re-buying. We just purchased a car that will now be less-than-ideal. Our house, which we love & planned to live in for a long time, now seems like it will be cramped with our growing brood (Four teenagers + one 8x6 Bathroom = Yikes!).

We have no idea what this means for our future. Surely there is someone out there reading this who is having trouble getting pregnant and thinking, “Why them? They didn’t even want to be pregnant!” To them I would scratch my head and say, “I don’t know. It doesn’t makes sense to me either.” But I know that the Lord’s purpose prevails. While it’s not the story I would have written for myself, I’m so excited to see how this story unfolds.

My Sweet Katie Belle

This sweet girl is a delight in my life. Truth be told, I had concerns about our relationship from the get-go. Maybe I over think things, but she was a very strong, determined baby & toddler. She operates very differently than I do. If she has decided there is something she wants, she is determined to make it happen. I told myself, "This can go 2 ways...it can be a great strength or a horrible weakness." While I still believe this to be true and will continue to pray over her life, I have such joy in our relationship. Almost daily, someone comments about her sweet, charming personality. She loves to snuggle with me nearly every single day, remarking "Let's Snuggle, Mommy!" The silly girl even likes me to lay on top of her when we say our nightly prayers! She is generous and kind to her friends and her brother & sister. She pats the backs of the "babies" (the 2 years old, who are mostly bigger than she) on the playground. She tells her teacher, "I'll miss you!" as she leaves the classroom. She tells her brother, "Efan, You're a sweet boy. I love you all the time!" I adore her and love to see how she makes an impact anywhere she goes. I love you, Katie Belle!

Togetherness!

Children playing & working together is one of my life's greatest pleasures! They have their moments of screaming & yelling, but I am so delighted when they are sweet to each other!!!