29 October 2011

Spur of the Moment Mini-Babymoon!

As many of you know, Andrew and I do not have a TV at our home. Now, when I say that, I mean that we ONLY have a TV for watching movies. We do not miss watching TV... that is, until the Cardinals were in the World Series. We have definitely felt the disappointment of not being able to watch the games.

After Thursday night's historic win, I sent Andrew a text saying that we should go to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the 7th game... and to hopefully see the Cardinals win. He readily agreed. So, when we got home from work, we made our way to the closest BWW. We got a booth, ordered an appetizer, and tried to settle in for the evening... and still had about 45 minutes until game time. Not much time went by before Andrew said, "We should have just gotten a hotel room, then we could be watching this from the comforts of our own bed." Next thing I knew, he jumped up from the booth, pulled out his phone, and went outside. I thought this was odd, but I just shrugged my shoulders. He came back inside a few minutes later with the cutest smile on his face and said, "Let's go! I got us a room!"

I protested at first saying that it was too much money, but he insisted. It didn't take much convincing for me to agree that this was EXACTLY what we needed. We've been running ourselves ragged with work, the house, finances, you name it. To have a night away from obligations & with each other sounded like a piece of Heaven right here on Earth.

We checked into our room & found the right channel right as the Cardinals were up to bat in the first inning. What an incredible game! It truly was baseball at its finest... and we enjoyed every single moment together. We also learned that sweet Sophia is a Cardinals' fan as well. She was jumping and wiggling the whole time. We got a kick out of watching her move about. Above all else, it was SO GOOD to just be with each other. We soaked it up. We woke up this morning and felt so refreshed and much less stressed. It was the perfect decision!

Just a warning, I'm about to get totally mushy (but, what's new?!) on you!

I have an incredible husband. He does so much for me and Sophia already, and not a single thing goes unnoticed. He makes sure that we are provided for, and he goes above and beyond to make sure that I have everything I need to grow Sophia. He reads food labels, he prepares amazing breakfast smoothies full of protein, fruit, and fiber... but without sugar, he works harder so I can relax a little more, and he is there for me emotionally. Most importantly, he is a wonderful spiritual leader. Even in the midst of our crazy situation, he makes it a point to pray for us, for Sophia, and for our future. He stands up for us even when he feels the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is such a good leader for our family. I do not take him for granted, and I am so, so thankful for who he is. He blesses my life more than I can say, and I am so grateful that he is the father of our child. I know that we will always be loved, cared for, and provided for with him. He's such an amazing man!

Ok, there you go! I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. I married an awesome guy. We are having a totally cool baby. We are so blessed... even when things seem like a mess. All in all, God is wonderful- and I am thankful!

16 October 2011

Combine & Simmer... Easy Breezy!

I originally didn't think about sharing the following recipe... simply because it's simple, and I didn't see anything too creative about it. A friend on facebook, however, requested that I share. So, here goes!


Ingredients

1 pound lean ground turkey, browned
1 onion, chopped
3 cans diced tomatoes
2 cans tomato sauce
2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can water
6 beef bullion cubes
1/2 cabbage, chopped
1 bag frozen squash
1/2 bag frozen peas
1/2 bag frozen corn
1/2 bag frozen carrots
1/2 bag frozen broccoli
1/2 bag frozen cauliflower
1/2 bag frozen okra
Sprinkle of garlic salt
Sprinkle of italian seasonings
Salt and Pepper to taste

Preparation

Brown meat. Drain.

Combine all ingredients in large stockpot.

Bring to a boil. Simmer on low for 2 hours.

Serve & Enjoy!!

11 October 2011

Loving Fall & Other Things

The hillsides in New York look like they are on FIRE! It's absolutely breathtaking. No, I haven't gotten out with my camera yet. I'm banking on the leaves changing around the local lakes... I hope it's not a mistake to wait.

I did get out with a camera this weekend to take some pictures of my mum that we purchased at a local Amish stand. It is such a vibrant mum!






Other fall news...


During our trip to Missouri, Mom surprised us with this adorable basket of concord grapes. They sure were tasty! She knows just how to continue the tradition that Grandma Kline began years ago. Sophia sure does have a wonderful Nana... and I have an amazing Mom!!

Sophia news...


Sophia is growing, growing, growing!! She is a MOVER, and her new favorite thing to do is to kick her daddy in the mornings to wake him up. She also knows no naptime. I am pretty sure she is up 18 hours each day... if not more. She's a nut!

We have our next doctor's appointment next week. I get to do the lovely glucose test, and after months of only wanting water (and apple juice), I am not looking forward to that sugary drink. Oh well... I just pray I get good results.

Side note... my mother-in-law had this shirt waiting on our bed for me when we arrived in Missouri. How incredibly thoughtful... and how 100% "ME"! I am so excited she found this shirt, along with another cute one, because it's been a little difficult finding "fun" maternity shirts. She knew just what I needed. Love her!

Please continue to keep us in your prayers! Being a grown-up is hard at times, and it can be even more challenging while living in a completely new area. We start a marriage class tomorrow at our new church, and we are so excited to meet other married couples! We are loving this time with each other, and we are so in awe of our little girl. God is so good to us... and, once again, we are so thankful.


02 October 2011

Maternity Session: Photography by Miranda Prusik

We had a mini-maternity session today while visiting my family. I must say, I love how these pictures turned out!


















If you're interested in an amazing photo shoot for a fantastic price, please visit Music and Photography by Miranda Prusik on Facebook! We had a blast, and we have wonderful pictures to treasure forever.


01 October 2011

Wonderful Missouri Moments

We're not even a full 24 hours into our trip home, and it's already been wonderful. While we have wireless internet, I thought I would take the opportunity to blog about them


I finally got to meet my youngest niece, Kate! This little cutie is almost 9 months old, and it was absolutely ridiculous that we had never met. She is an absolute doll, and she is so cuddly! I love her smiles, and I have enjoyed the time with her.

Her momma made the cutie patootie shirt she's wearing. You better believe I've put in a request for Sophia. It's too cute for words!

Sophia and Kate will be birthday month buddies- and I can just imagine the conversations these girls will have as they get older. They'll be so much fun!


I also got to see my two best friends!


It was so good to spend time with Andrea and Jen. The time together FLEW by, but it was just what I needed. I miss them like crazy already. I love having friends that I can pick up with just where we left off. They are excellent friends, and they are a blessing to me!

We still have another day here... it sure is good to be home!!