tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46844391027050066492024-03-05T09:58:05.839-08:00MochamamaMochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-35720947752926551522014-08-04T13:55:00.001-07:002014-08-04T14:53:46.110-07:00In a few short weeks...<div>
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I don't think I've blogged since we found out we are having another precious girl! I will be the first to admit that I was nervous going in to our ultrasound. For the last 16 months H was my "favorite girl" and I was nervous on how I would do with two girls. I know it sounds crazy because we have two boys at home and God filled my heart with love to go around when Ky arrived but I was nervous none the less. And when they told us "it's a girl" it took me a few hours to let it sink in. As it did joy filled my cup. I love having sisters and I mean LOVE LOVE my sisters. As we've grown older they have become some of my closest friends and I am so excited for Harper that she will be able to have that experience and now as it gets closer I can't wait to see who she looks like. Counting her toes and fingers and holding her close are high on my priority list.:)<br />
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Now we just pray for H and her heart as I know this precious gift who we are naming Willow is going to rock her world. We plan on getting her a baby doll shortly before Lo comes and hope that helps with the transition a little bit. For now she just walks around tapping on her tummy and saying Baby Willow...she's a tad confused:)<br />
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Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-17823120411297629182014-08-03T12:44:00.001-07:002014-08-04T14:52:58.246-07:00Our Summer and Bucket List<div>
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Our summer has flown by! It's hard to believe that August has arrived! This season has been full of joy, endless baskets of laundry, gallons of ice water in water bottles, laughter around the table, cookouts with friends, adventures to the park, coffee shop, and farmers market, and memories that I hope will remain close!<br />
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We started our summer sitting around the table with a piece of construction paper and markers in hand and created a bucket list of things we hoped to experience over the course of the summer. As we sat and discussed we laughed and talked about memories of times we'd experienced some of things we were adding. The excitement was overflowing as we talked about what was to come. As summer is turning the corner and fall is slowly creeping up I look back and smile and am thankful for these moments we've had. It won't be long until our newest bundle of joy arrives.</div>
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Sponge war (Thank you Pinterest)!!!</div>
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An afternoon at the splash pad was a success!</div>
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We love smores and the time spent around the campfire!</div>
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Sweet Girl loved the slip n slide and couldn't get enough of the water!</div>
Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-43388554958111466662014-04-01T11:50:00.001-07:002014-04-01T11:51:45.518-07:00A weekend full of fun!This weekend was amazing! We spent Friday evening supporting Noah as he played in a March Madness game...he scored two points and was thrilled! We went out for dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings and had a blast watching basketball and laughing with the kids!<br />
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Saturday morning H got up early and Chad picked her out of her crib and have her a bottle. I woke up and listened to them for a bit and then there was silence. I peeked into the living room and found them cuddling. Melted my heart.<br />
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Once she woke up her and Noah had a blast playing together and she is fascinated by Siri and all things related to phones and iPads:) She also wakes up with bed head like I do.</div>
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After breakfast we had friends over to watch the movie Frozen and enjoyed pizza for lunch. They have four kids and we've enjoyed getting to know them more. The kids get along great and the parents were able to talk while they played.</div>
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Sunday we were told it might get to the 60s. That's all we needed to hear to shut the heat off and open the windows for a bit! The fresh air felt glorious!! This mama can't wait to bust out my sandals and flip flops:)❤️We have amazing bike trails where we live! I've been running on the same trail for years and just love it. We loaded up the truck and headed to the trail for our first family walk/ride of the season.</div>
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I could have stayed outside for hours but H lasted an hour before she was ready for a nap. I'll take it though!<br />
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This week is going to be a busy one and I'm leaving for a business trip next week so there is a lot I need to get together. Thankfully we don't have a lot going on this weekend!</div>
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Blessings!</div>
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Mimi </div>
Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-14407264883531198622014-03-28T07:13:00.001-07:002014-03-28T07:13:38.087-07:00My Sweet GirlI find it so easy most days to get overwhelmed when I think about all I still need to get done before crashing at night...laundry, dishes, go through the kids folders, open mail, and on and on. However over the last year I've relaxed ALOT and have enjoyed more times then not letting the dishes sit, not picking up every mess and sitting with the kids and enjoying these moments. I know all to well how fast the time goes and when I look at Harper and the boys I don't want to miss it. I want to relish playing with the books, stacking the blocks, tickling their feet, and listening to them laugh. In ten years when I look back I'm not going to remember or care if my laundry was put away every night but I know they and I will both remember the times we spent together. <div>I went to my first Stella & Dot party last week and now I know why I've waited so long to go....I'm hooked:) I had so much fun with girlfriends and looking at their jewelry! I've noticed some really pretty kelly green drop earrings on a few other blogs and decided to step out of my comfort zone and order a pair. I love jewelry and am fascinated by my sisters who always wear such fun items! Me on the other hand I wear my wedding ring, the same silver band on my right hand, the same silver hoops in my ears, and flip between two necklaces every day. While I have a lot of fun pieces I just keep it simple most days. Of course the pair I ordered is on back order but I can't for them to arrive! They also have a precious children's line and I spotted a few things for H.:) I think she's a fan too!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBX-Mxsk477AWz5sBDA2nxIQBXzi8F-uTkreksETIlwO20Rr57TUKkZsKDSRmm5yUb0VXP_e_MN8SiyHoPsQIlTEKGL49ZzzPqWTspdH_nplSzthC6udZnvMldRvIePDQYD2SIPTRFxw/s640/blogger-image--1827568226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBX-Mxsk477AWz5sBDA2nxIQBXzi8F-uTkreksETIlwO20Rr57TUKkZsKDSRmm5yUb0VXP_e_MN8SiyHoPsQIlTEKGL49ZzzPqWTspdH_nplSzthC6udZnvMldRvIePDQYD2SIPTRFxw/s640/blogger-image--1827568226.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This sweet girl melts my heart daily. Tonight we are headed to a basketball game and tomrrow I have a friend and her kids coming over for a movie date to watch Frozen! There is also a rumor we might see the 60s on Sunday! I can't wait!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blessings!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mimi</div>Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-86144723936033273782014-03-26T08:13:00.001-07:002014-03-26T10:31:12.348-07:00Making memories ❤️<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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My youngest sister is a junior in high school....and she decided she wants to go to prom this year! She has such a servant's heart and brings a smile to everyone around here. I was beyond thrilled when she asked me to go shopping for a dress with her! We went to three different shops on Saturday and found one that is in the final round, however I think we are going to go look at a few more places before she commits. I felt extremely old looking at them with her. It's amazing how the styles and prices have changed in the last 14 years!! Wow did I just write 14 years! Eeek!<br />
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After we left the last shop we stopped at one of my favorite coffee shops that has amazing ice cream and chocolate truffles that are made right there at the shop! Hess and two of my other sisters had never been there and they were enthralled with the menu! It's a huge hit!<br />
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I'm so thankful for my sisters and the friendships that have developed as we've gotten older. I can't imagine life without them.</div>
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Blessings!</div>
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Mimi</div>
<br />Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-83638178408782501232014-03-25T07:21:00.001-07:002014-03-25T07:21:29.026-07:00It's still cold outside!Here in the Midwest we still have fresh snow on the ground and it doesn't feel like spring! The sun has been out and while it appears to be warmer as soon as we step outside we are reminded otherwise. That did not stop is from a suprise Cherry Berry run after school yesterday! We don't go there often and we had to pick up Noah's glasses close by so I thought I would suprise the boys with a sweet treat. They were thrilled!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwTsLwLZhIlMpAAV6_-eBMaE7DBVaRPMNUmul_MG8MZ0_sKtrVXpQ802JdgzH3zZdO_LI1IKfeXuThUV-Fj1MvDH_IhO-dqTc6PDhmMn4f7MNYK93BQTaTS6oQB3DQWVfkVaJPGgZpgw/s640/blogger-image-1532689027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwTsLwLZhIlMpAAV6_-eBMaE7DBVaRPMNUmul_MG8MZ0_sKtrVXpQ802JdgzH3zZdO_LI1IKfeXuThUV-Fj1MvDH_IhO-dqTc6PDhmMn4f7MNYK93BQTaTS6oQB3DQWVfkVaJPGgZpgw/s640/blogger-image-1532689027.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We enjoyed our evening at home and Uncle Michael stopped over for dinner and catch up! Chad used his grill (grilling season is here!!) and made amazing New York strip steaks!! Yum! I normally don't love love steak but will probably be getting more at whole foods the next time I go.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-1HH0POSFwQaH_TiFWvd-vZmMhEc6WUo_nd_bCQsM56umdD86j0pDed3z4P072rkLMnYIdQstmgCS4txx5uDwoqJNhudyZ1FyTll7ajrunu43hsfM8GWImC5CBho5RLWh0VJEhqXJWE/s640/blogger-image--525699915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-1HH0POSFwQaH_TiFWvd-vZmMhEc6WUo_nd_bCQsM56umdD86j0pDed3z4P072rkLMnYIdQstmgCS4txx5uDwoqJNhudyZ1FyTll7ajrunu43hsfM8GWImC5CBho5RLWh0VJEhqXJWE/s640/blogger-image--525699915.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Harper loves being where the boys are! Their play room and our media room are both downstairs so oftentimes she will hold onto the gate at the top of the stars and call for them...she can't say their names yet but we all know she's trying to get their attention. I took her downstairs last night to check things out and she thought she was pretty big stuff playing with their controllers.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmte45tlV7rv__JyvtmeQhllw0C55Cl96Z4z8lA7bQJVDP10T8b-bOhiudsLMREqhl6ptSknVbNchUxKCoLZt0uXvq6Qa8x2P-D-Vh8MSnJm3hyjjpqBUiiLB7pqLOcS8A3CyqcoJ9c0/s640/blogger-image--2003330656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmte45tlV7rv__JyvtmeQhllw0C55Cl96Z4z8lA7bQJVDP10T8b-bOhiudsLMREqhl6ptSknVbNchUxKCoLZt0uXvq6Qa8x2P-D-Vh8MSnJm3hyjjpqBUiiLB7pqLOcS8A3CyqcoJ9c0/s640/blogger-image--2003330656.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4UyKesiRXvhDPafOu1R3ED-fM9WoxAY-eP4OK44A7OnHYxxWDIV8f63ZReKlFc7usx83IHuYqYcRdrrLa7KY_Q53089q1JpJ9TJfY7WnhRvZ0A2wrXjsW8zC6MSuoKVr4BU8Sps6VMk/s640/blogger-image-2007512066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4UyKesiRXvhDPafOu1R3ED-fM9WoxAY-eP4OK44A7OnHYxxWDIV8f63ZReKlFc7usx83IHuYqYcRdrrLa7KY_Q53089q1JpJ9TJfY7WnhRvZ0A2wrXjsW8zC6MSuoKVr4BU8Sps6VMk/s640/blogger-image-2007512066.jpg"></a></div>While I didn't get to putting away the laundry or half of the other things on my list I was content letting it go and just enjoying the moments we had as a family. It never hurt anyone to look through a basket for clothes:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blessings!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mimi</div></div></div>Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-57879077204985274242014-03-24T07:03:00.001-07:002014-03-24T07:03:27.224-07:00We have an announcement!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauC48TclkKX2Bny7f5zR6XLjDMeLlofPlE-g-MpQfp4pedYsRrb-UpBdbrJ68_k7Ue2zUP37GVo_gY184xhw8F2IxmH4dRPmYjMUOcNE_KEIIgaxEntWelXxC7POFxA1lUX8rS1fMzA4/s640/blogger-image-1114210129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauC48TclkKX2Bny7f5zR6XLjDMeLlofPlE-g-MpQfp4pedYsRrb-UpBdbrJ68_k7Ue2zUP37GVo_gY184xhw8F2IxmH4dRPmYjMUOcNE_KEIIgaxEntWelXxC7POFxA1lUX8rS1fMzA4/s640/blogger-image-1114210129.jpg"></a></div>Our family has been busy to say the least since Harper came into our lives, and we've enjoyed every second of it! This weekend we were excited to share with our family and friends that she is going to be a big sister!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61WLRwl-pQ4b2ayzrcTw-C7eaIh2Hui59R319Q6ka9r-UJA6mG4KX_m6RzYtlVYtDifoaWLdWbTRR7TpDGjJV166-e-S7yE_YKWIeiKrCm8ctAy1IA0vw_vLjTS-fFM2YufDmf1dYjIU/s640/blogger-image--569316367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61WLRwl-pQ4b2ayzrcTw-C7eaIh2Hui59R319Q6ka9r-UJA6mG4KX_m6RzYtlVYtDifoaWLdWbTRR7TpDGjJV166-e-S7yE_YKWIeiKrCm8ctAy1IA0vw_vLjTS-fFM2YufDmf1dYjIU/s640/blogger-image--569316367.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Three months in and I'm still wrapping my mind around the fact that she is going to be a big sister! I am so excited for her to have a sibling that will be close in age. The boys are 19 months apart and her and the baby will be 21 months apart. I know God has great things planned for this little person growing inside me. The morning sickness stage is over and I'm hoping to get back into my workout routine soon! I've been eating carbs like it's going out of style and fruit non stop! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hoping you have a great Monday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blessings!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mimi</div>Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-49972861645259340732013-08-31T20:19:00.000-07:002013-08-31T20:19:06.552-07:00It's been awhile!After having Harper I had every intention of blogging at a minimum of three times a week and wanted to capture everything and can't tell you how many blogs posts I written in my head....that being said my sweet girl will be eight months old in a week...and oh how God has moved.<br />
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These past eight months have been life hanging in SO many ways....I desperately want to capture all of the changes here but know I will fall short...but I am going to try (again..)..)while on maternity things didn't go as I planned. I laugh as I type these words because I know God had other plans. Going into leave my wonderful friend Mich and I had our leave planned...down to Starbucks and mall walking...and I remember moments leaving up to our daughters births like camera clicking...and then the world came tumbling down...Mich's daughter was born and needed a heart and Harper was born healthy and we came home and Mich did not...and the feelings were vast and a nightmare...we were supposed to enjoy our new daughters together and yet they came to our home to meet h and weren't able to bring their little lady with. And over the past eight months God has moved....there have been many tears and many moments of silence, screams, tears of joy, crushing hugs, and moments with our families that will forever been engrained in the footprints of our lives.<br />
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Little h has changed my life in so many ways...I cherished every minute home with her...every and met some amazing women a a mom's group at our church...women who I had no intention of meeting but even for a season...that season....they touched my heart and changed me...and God moved..and then I returned to corporate America and cried my eyes out for weeks....because leaving my daughter was painful....but God moved and placed someone in our lives to love on her during the day and a new normal was created. People have asked since I returned to work "has it gotten easier"...and my answer is No...it hasn't...but I know with a peace that only God provides that I am where he wants me in this moment and I cherish every moment at home with her and the boys.<br />
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I have faced some intense life events these past few months and during them have been blessed by a friendship whose authenticity has humbled me time and time again. I've lived my life with walls and barriers up higher than mountains and slowly they have crumbled as friendships have grown to something only God creates. Without them I not know where I'd be today..I really don't...<br />
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The next few months will bring more changes but we know that God is covering our family and are waiting on Him and doing our part...and letting Him move..Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-75391456495165414812013-05-28T19:31:00.001-07:002013-05-28T19:31:40.695-07:00Seasons of change, growth, and peaceI'm full of so many updates...my last few weeks at home with Harper, wine night with Mich, returning to work, balancing, and Gods peace. I hope to spend time sharing the many memories and blessings of the end of my season at home and all that has happened since returning to work. In the meantime here are a few pics.:)<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PR9R4j6DR1rudFG7GnS754zzVK3VpIg-U6Tn9yQkcqpvtGwmaIrHimjjYDAvtB4lTfQ_mq0YdfbpynE5u25YLpEGxieb3wJPDLJ5psR_1cbJRooZvhodmol6Sj64lZCTCtoIr_XpUiI/s640/blogger-image-2083573560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PR9R4j6DR1rudFG7GnS754zzVK3VpIg-U6Tn9yQkcqpvtGwmaIrHimjjYDAvtB4lTfQ_mq0YdfbpynE5u25YLpEGxieb3wJPDLJ5psR_1cbJRooZvhodmol6Sj64lZCTCtoIr_XpUiI/s640/blogger-image-2083573560.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo6UMdvyXNs5-MZAIm1RNJN0Z4bK4l3F08ulH4YyLOeazs7S_EPHONdkieSXD7QGseKMlWPCzaxi5Nh30ZTiFv6B8cvZyFSygC_-AxsgqQfFmxfeoMoj2uzJ8Cnl8GRTpRI8vm_7aufw/s640/blogger-image--326995146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo6UMdvyXNs5-MZAIm1RNJN0Z4bK4l3F08ulH4YyLOeazs7S_EPHONdkieSXD7QGseKMlWPCzaxi5Nh30ZTiFv6B8cvZyFSygC_-AxsgqQfFmxfeoMoj2uzJ8Cnl8GRTpRI8vm_7aufw/s640/blogger-image--326995146.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFUkW7CLRo2NsNwAqnaCrLdJ2KlKsPkMzEQ6-YQrJCsQrLwyPIYSBhNNDvT6_XyL_jlx2HUuaN11vUuZ6RnBsXkCctzewdTdHBAlULRGqVUQwUqOIkKeEX2fm7aUDuETU9oyUXkgFGhY/s640/blogger-image--1196661792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFUkW7CLRo2NsNwAqnaCrLdJ2KlKsPkMzEQ6-YQrJCsQrLwyPIYSBhNNDvT6_XyL_jlx2HUuaN11vUuZ6RnBsXkCctzewdTdHBAlULRGqVUQwUqOIkKeEX2fm7aUDuETU9oyUXkgFGhY/s640/blogger-image--1196661792.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJjEihGXOMHOlQzd1DLjw9YYAW8eNwT1fsRPSKVRVRCMI2B_EkmpHSlRphG9Scs1vhoRE3JdzFNNaawRYtx0vlFrUVnJqbbCbQi5wkcod-siUPHCMGM1UE_yd-S-IHpLbNEV4Wwo8sbA/s640/blogger-image-1301680167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJjEihGXOMHOlQzd1DLjw9YYAW8eNwT1fsRPSKVRVRCMI2B_EkmpHSlRphG9Scs1vhoRE3JdzFNNaawRYtx0vlFrUVnJqbbCbQi5wkcod-siUPHCMGM1UE_yd-S-IHpLbNEV4Wwo8sbA/s640/blogger-image-1301680167.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ6Jmr4j1Kkgt2Zf5gtZwOM8-TUgCBbuS_u7qbSKQgyxX2zHcEW3qbC1dlKipn8Jcemih5ysbOG8swWbQNi-jLHb8E7vnA1pl7psWNxEdexp9QJsrUsMbjmftou-gzFbKE79O-sgp5zc/s640/blogger-image--380488428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcD4BtbvCeYj5Q5GJNbOxqES_OiMptQ8MMKkDvqQlwU7vBV720A29hu_hqnA3Cx-N1ieyWzPEex2y2H36BGobZjjI2kW4wJ8h9GdIpwLlDoSSpOyQmZVa1zX8JBJi5___koU3DVTRhS8/s640/blogger-image-1487209912.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIgiA4P_YPLWIJI4sDn6Jh4azeN1HYIKUWL75JvMg8N-1UtYRL4211J_AdFTDnphm9tVB5gBenNyF4yOgQywZ6ymuwn4T09CkYgyNKAvkcB0UAvEUFIUhyphenhyphenabdBB32rvWJF9WRrJE3ga0/s640/blogger-image--454895593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIgiA4P_YPLWIJI4sDn6Jh4azeN1HYIKUWL75JvMg8N-1UtYRL4211J_AdFTDnphm9tVB5gBenNyF4yOgQywZ6ymuwn4T09CkYgyNKAvkcB0UAvEUFIUhyphenhyphenabdBB32rvWJF9WRrJE3ga0/s640/blogger-image--454895593.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hQlq0Rsl_IXtv1Aw-LIOyhivlE30NJvtVcI1UY7E-Tj2lH1kidAv6SDTQGizDxHY6GGZ9owypIPFRSg2Q6UOFnEsna5Tv-JGTJlZHcYjxXOZf2izQeRKP2QuepN5On8Ceu0N1jvHq_Q/s640/blogger-image--556774482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hQlq0Rsl_IXtv1Aw-LIOyhivlE30NJvtVcI1UY7E-Tj2lH1kidAv6SDTQGizDxHY6GGZ9owypIPFRSg2Q6UOFnEsna5Tv-JGTJlZHcYjxXOZf2izQeRKP2QuepN5On8Ceu0N1jvHq_Q/s640/blogger-image--556774482.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvLZvyzBtlrBjvjoa8Qc4G7roRUWJjB66XgWUgiu3F2A-0Pa1Mqsb8VvgQfThxed1umx39k0VJWO1MFCKQBKp_gHYqFVICg00qIZLZFwR6UrUqL94EFSYRYsJzZKzn3aNCbjBgBxpYnc/s640/blogger-image--766131136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvLZvyzBtlrBjvjoa8Qc4G7roRUWJjB66XgWUgiu3F2A-0Pa1Mqsb8VvgQfThxed1umx39k0VJWO1MFCKQBKp_gHYqFVICg00qIZLZFwR6UrUqL94EFSYRYsJzZKzn3aNCbjBgBxpYnc/s640/blogger-image--766131136.jpg"></a></div>Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-60968109516332391902013-03-04T15:15:00.000-08:002013-03-04T15:15:26.337-08:00So Many Blessings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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The past week has been full of so many blessings and wonderful memories! Last Sunday (022413) we took the kids out to Chad's grandparents home. They live about 40 minutes from us and had yet to see Harper. They are so precious to Chad and I. We had called them to ask them if we could take them out to lunch and that turned into them saying they wanted us over for lunch. Did I mention Chad's grandparents are 96 and 90? His grandma always makes enough food to feed an army and we really didn't want them to do anything but enjoy an afternoon out. After pleading with them Chad gave in but asked if we could at least bring lunch to them and grandma said no. She was willing to let me bring a dessert. :) On the drive there Chad told me grandma said she wasn't going to do much which I knew for grandma meant a seven course meal. And when we got there she had a beautiful turkey dinner ready to go. We are so blessed to have them in our lives. They have been married for over 60 years and still joke with each other as if they just started dating. The boys love them and I'm grateful that they will have memories of spending time with them.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi050j0LijAWfFvgCfIPLZpd7-vK7TGD7nWQbe4oGbtwCBnM8M8EGujkBfHHDDHhTqZbgiCHiZep1rfCCvUTOtgyuc4euZaVzgvIAzJF1SiA_U3juM6EYXiewGztzAVGexAK624E5D86M/s320/IMG_3344.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Grandma and Great Grandpa with the kids</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxb9VJlPHzIZ6DjO_E7Ndc9olsshHpVfH6OL5Yxgxd3sz4uQjDr5cnYASJXK1HO69DIUJi-CQdHbzaUIiv5YAOpDj6KTtdDrAckaLK-sHzJZnEnPd9q7sbF-gZnZpI_H6RE8NJUwiRHg/s1600/IMG_3347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxb9VJlPHzIZ6DjO_E7Ndc9olsshHpVfH6OL5Yxgxd3sz4uQjDr5cnYASJXK1HO69DIUJi-CQdHbzaUIiv5YAOpDj6KTtdDrAckaLK-sHzJZnEnPd9q7sbF-gZnZpI_H6RE8NJUwiRHg/s320/IMG_3347.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harper cuddling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQcxkx-4e3_6f2T0O0zdsHTFIHN9hT0SPXhQv6dsQ3HmRQjnxxAekhh81PnsOJU-vNQzOEosvVTJXtEt5FfQghuAfC-2cdgX4TPsjIUWeaYHsGlbVw_RXYr-aJggMMbvGhzOUN1GV3H0/s1600/IMG_3352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQcxkx-4e3_6f2T0O0zdsHTFIHN9hT0SPXhQv6dsQ3HmRQjnxxAekhh81PnsOJU-vNQzOEosvVTJXtEt5FfQghuAfC-2cdgX4TPsjIUWeaYHsGlbVw_RXYr-aJggMMbvGhzOUN1GV3H0/s320/IMG_3352.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing go fish </td></tr>
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Afte lunch we played Ucher with his grandparents while the boys built a fort with dominos. Afterwards Noah really wanted to play go fish so he used his Mario Memory cards and they had a serious game of go fish. What was so cute if that grandma and grandpa haven't heard of any of the characters so I was a little concerned with them being able to make matches etc but everyone hada great time and lots of laughs! <br />
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Monday Harper and I met my girlfriend Sandi for coffee at my favorite coffee shop! We spent over two hours talking and enjoying our time together. I love love the coffee shop that is down the street from us. They have a fireplace and make it feel so comfy. Monday night I met my girlfriend Nat at Starbucks for impromptu chat as she was in need of some girl time. I opted for chai tea and enjoyed seeing her. <br />
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Tuesday was low key and Harper and I stayed in pjs all day and relaxed! I'm enjoying those days! Wednesday the boys had a snow day so we had fun playing board games and being home. They spent a good hour in the am outside making forts and have a snowball fight. I was happy to stay inside and watch from the window where it was safe. :)<br />
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Thursday was a day that I will never forget! I haven't shared many details since L was born. She is the daughter of my dear friend Mich. She was born four days before Harper and has been in the hospital ever since waiting for a new heart. Thursday they got the call that a heart was available. Mich called me in the afternoon and we were able to talk for almost an hour while she was headed to the hospital. Her husband was already there so it was nice to be able to help keep her mind busy and provide laughs where I could. We prayed fervently for little L and the doctors and everyone involved, especially the family whose precious child died. Friday morning she was taken back for surgery and is now recovering. She is expected to remain in the hospital for a minimum of three weeks but God has answered a huge prayer and we couldn't be more excited for her. <br />
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The boys had school off on Friday and I planned on having a day of small surprises for them. :) They love surprises and couldn't wait for the first one. Chad brought home donuts for them to enjoy which is always a welcomed treat for them. I made my steel oats and enjoyed listening to them chat it up. After breakfast we all got ready and headed out to pick up our "mystery guest". They were having a blast trying to figure out who it was. We picked up my sister Jess who was also off from school and headed to the bowling alley to bowl a few games. They were thrilled!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEpnhg_2oeIpnnJ_upOROKrckNMV0EgCTIhKbJVQb_qxIDu4ITrswdw8z8nkXZDpfWnUkmRqgmpYuln3wymJLSgTdyRRJLtgJfs5LrvgSWa4pL9xonYQAbyHyjcKsXhwGGIaTtZKtlH4/s1600/IMG_33732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEpnhg_2oeIpnnJ_upOROKrckNMV0EgCTIhKbJVQb_qxIDu4ITrswdw8z8nkXZDpfWnUkmRqgmpYuln3wymJLSgTdyRRJLtgJfs5LrvgSWa4pL9xonYQAbyHyjcKsXhwGGIaTtZKtlH4/s320/IMG_33732.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the boys with Jessi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYmgTLhgQWEIaTZwhOcNSYhtL9-CkY07RbBX4fvCb25hHYu5JneP1sFn3pVcGP_xCJHrdi6iuzv73PkQt55XOMlFZzaMNVlS0up3oBPbVxY2OtlGAaqws4uUCvxiMYm5lUjPE7CdF_lU/s1600/IMG_3382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYmgTLhgQWEIaTZwhOcNSYhtL9-CkY07RbBX4fvCb25hHYu5JneP1sFn3pVcGP_xCJHrdi6iuzv73PkQt55XOMlFZzaMNVlS0up3oBPbVxY2OtlGAaqws4uUCvxiMYm5lUjPE7CdF_lU/s320/IMG_3382.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah was all business in the beginning</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfLv3TZTxOJDG6wNanmyKa5jQF1yIGaFbsfjmdbtahxqkD596sSsfs14ygsW3NZm1a0dawkZHbB2XJTZBVRgkqboYWIz25CaxMgyZwuaMYnZItyrVVnPiHCKgxPqWBLKaw3S6oMfQ-4I/s1600/IMG_3384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfLv3TZTxOJDG6wNanmyKa5jQF1yIGaFbsfjmdbtahxqkD596sSsfs14ygsW3NZm1a0dawkZHbB2XJTZBVRgkqboYWIz25CaxMgyZwuaMYnZItyrVVnPiHCKgxPqWBLKaw3S6oMfQ-4I/s320/IMG_3384.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He loved sliding after his turn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgqqlExuT1s0hvpawSPg0IvwMIh-b87BeRdMCsCAlnLGVs5uImn7g9vniTvYyHUkwSHBx9q1TF5cV9BRgDDCsGn180Q6YiHS_r9n7b3rASsdrVq19M6fMVJXjoUZoZqDsCWR7unVoZKE/s1600/IMG_33992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgqqlExuT1s0hvpawSPg0IvwMIh-b87BeRdMCsCAlnLGVs5uImn7g9vniTvYyHUkwSHBx9q1TF5cV9BRgDDCsGn180Q6YiHS_r9n7b3rASsdrVq19M6fMVJXjoUZoZqDsCWR7unVoZKE/s320/IMG_33992.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ky was quick to follow suit<br />
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After we bowled we went out to lunch and stopped for a cold treat on the way home. We finished the day off watching a moving at home with popcorn. </div>
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Our weekend was busy but fun. Noah had tennis lessons Saturday morning and then we met up with a friend of his from school and her mom for a play date at McDonald's. I will be the first to say that I'm not a fan of McDonald's at all and their play lands make me crazy but the boys love running around in them and its a great way for them to burn some energy. They had blast with Em and her mom and I got to catch up a bit. Chad was on call this weekend so we weren't able to go to church which I was bummed about but I wasn't brave enough yet to take all there by myself. Sunday I promised Ky that we would made homemade granola. I got the recipe from Chad's sister and was pleased to find out that the recipe was a "clean" recipe! We had a wonderful time in the kitchen together and the end result was quite tasty! I'm excited to try a few other kinds and give these to the kids for snacks in lieu of processed granola bars.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bSqoqJaK-XMKhO_oqByD0lVg_lzaf4TKGFbKydI1UuLImnFrgub9f28VuexipPxjdzhy4_I-FswDSYYMuZ7bWFOopNHCIYlc3ZlAJqe3x9mmpylAE8j_0Ivof0pRcq0nKLs5PFz8Lhw/s1600/IMG_3420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bSqoqJaK-XMKhO_oqByD0lVg_lzaf4TKGFbKydI1UuLImnFrgub9f28VuexipPxjdzhy4_I-FswDSYYMuZ7bWFOopNHCIYlc3ZlAJqe3x9mmpylAE8j_0Ivof0pRcq0nKLs5PFz8Lhw/s320/IMG_3420.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ready to make homemade granola</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wSxzF_Nz6pNgK3U-f2Ez0nGYzppc6u5ZmGYV-8RKItn_Mcuhw8iwuUsjBcsOYSZjx2RPjtCA3LadM5Lhb00PtdJNGnEYuJuU83fanXUEXN0do0w4mfsTgiLeThbWeQMiHQl_egwPJzU/s1600/IMG_3422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wSxzF_Nz6pNgK3U-f2Ez0nGYzppc6u5ZmGYV-8RKItn_Mcuhw8iwuUsjBcsOYSZjx2RPjtCA3LadM5Lhb00PtdJNGnEYuJuU83fanXUEXN0do0w4mfsTgiLeThbWeQMiHQl_egwPJzU/s320/IMG_3422.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ky measured everything</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixP1Fr-r6NZ90EZiRIdLmNMYriV1N1zlg3qBFKcMvpqdFP9A8Pa4DyKnRFTM8IPlVy57jreVh93Co8mXk0saezEejdhEZdAbMvEzXsy-GBawE7zLh5n92VmH8UaUN0o5aJL63-2OUEw-M/s1600/IMG_3427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixP1Fr-r6NZ90EZiRIdLmNMYriV1N1zlg3qBFKcMvpqdFP9A8Pa4DyKnRFTM8IPlVy57jreVh93Co8mXk0saezEejdhEZdAbMvEzXsy-GBawE7zLh5n92VmH8UaUN0o5aJL63-2OUEw-M/s320/IMG_3427.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ready to bake<br />
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It's hard to believe that I have one month left at home with Harper before I return to work. My heart is sad but I'm trying to enjoy each day as it comes and not look to far ahead. I've been reading the devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and have been so blessed by it! God is using it to speak to my heart during this season with H and I'm soaking it all up. I can't believe she will be two month old this week.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZzEk9QxUE5gik-8vopV9l-p5QNcxq4lnTxsRIW__zxnuedblDGYj5UAA-kzRFegsm0DIsRZJd70TfGsu8yThvbrCqlPJwDTkxljiUYweg_XFI8sKdkqkNgc4REC94IJTTSs417I9T0g/s1600/IMG_3313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZzEk9QxUE5gik-8vopV9l-p5QNcxq4lnTxsRIW__zxnuedblDGYj5UAA-kzRFegsm0DIsRZJd70TfGsu8yThvbrCqlPJwDTkxljiUYweg_XFI8sKdkqkNgc4REC94IJTTSs417I9T0g/s320/IMG_3313.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for our coffee date:)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpEYkJfa-oNjuDeS8NGOpPiYykhHwjOqPr9hegsH-65OCwzy6LvIu92d3RhNgXx3wFfS2Bqavs9QeWWBT58319IleSFOxnjMG8UvaXQYOFHym2Wf63T0A2wjAl9GN_S42HGoYfAAQcfo/s1600/IMG_3362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpEYkJfa-oNjuDeS8NGOpPiYykhHwjOqPr9hegsH-65OCwzy6LvIu92d3RhNgXx3wFfS2Bqavs9QeWWBT58319IleSFOxnjMG8UvaXQYOFHym2Wf63T0A2wjAl9GN_S42HGoYfAAQcfo/s320/IMG_3362.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bundled up to go bowling!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9taQAHL4qy-dkLN-ENEwlFIu_1E-uvKfp7aQ8X6wY_XneBxjkLuLxDLqLZTWqL8f5RQQdckh0R0FakGh8ufHGoMr7DazYIqgzEJHfEofqvYA-4cl4lR32rj8uwWOVrFm1Zct-5idfqqk/s1600/IMG_3414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9taQAHL4qy-dkLN-ENEwlFIu_1E-uvKfp7aQ8X6wY_XneBxjkLuLxDLqLZTWqL8f5RQQdckh0R0FakGh8ufHGoMr7DazYIqgzEJHfEofqvYA-4cl4lR32rj8uwWOVrFm1Zct-5idfqqk/s320/IMG_3414.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Napping :)</td></tr>
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Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-52546578227891934732013-02-21T18:58:00.001-08:002013-02-21T18:58:24.914-08:00A Day at HomeThis morning started off a little rough. Harper was up from 1-3am and then slept until 7. Normally I sleep like a rock in between feedings but for whatever reason I just had a hard time getting settled after her first feeding. So when she woke up at 7 I felt like I was walking around the house with one eye open lol. Thankfully once she went back down around 8 I crashed and took a nap while she slept which was WONDERFUL! I woke up refreshed and enjoyed just cuddling with her the rest of the morning. <br />
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After lunch I cleaned up the kitchen and cleaned out my fridge which I know sounds boring but was very needed! Since I'm going grocery shopping tomorrow or Sat am I needed to make sure I had everything organized and cleaned up so I know what to put on my list. Speaking of lists I've spent more time today reading my eating clean book and looking at recipes trying to determine what to make the next two weeks. I'm so pumped and encouraged this week as I continue on my journey to be healthy, get in shape, and set an example for my children. My trainer, Oscar, had recommend protein powder (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Standard-Double-Chocolate/dp/B000QSNYGI) ">http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Standard-Double-Chocolate/dp/B000QSNYGI) </a> to use as I add weights to my workout and just for overall wellness. I am excited to order it and add it to my daily menu. The only problem I'm having is determining what flavor to try first..lol. Chad's on board with adding it to his daily menu as well so we shall see how we like it. :) <br />
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After the boys came from school Ky and I played a board game and had a wonderful time together laughing and making a memory. As I sat across the table from him I looked at him and my heart just melted because while he is only six I felt my heart tense up for a moment as I thought about him growing up SO fast and praying that time will slow down a bit. As we cleaned up the game and I headed to go get Harper from her bassinet I knocked my water bottle all over the floor. Bless Kylan's heart he jumped up and said "Mom I got it don't worry" and proceeded to get the paper towels done and cleaned it up for me. I wanted to grab him and just squeeze him in that moment. I know God is doing great things in his little heart. I only pray as he continues to grow that he will seek God's will for his life and grow to be a man of great faith and love for our Lord. <br />
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For dinner tonight I made a clean version of chicken fried rice and tweaked the recipe that I found from Iowa Girl Eats (<a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2012/08/23/take-out-fake-out-easy-chicken-fried-rice/">http://iowagirleats.com/2012/08/23/take-out-fake-out-easy-chicken-fried-rice/</a>) I LOVE IT! And I love having a healthy go to option for chicken fried rice! After dinner I relaxed with Harper for a bit and then headed downstairs to get my workout on. Forty-five minutes later I was exhausted but happy at the same time with my workout. I worked a hard hill and my legs were shaking just a bit as I got off the elliptical but I was happy to get that workout out of the way and call it done!!! :) #gametime!<br />
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And now I'm watching American Idol back on DVR and cracking up and Nicki Minaj. I am enjoying listening to Keith Urban's critique and am already picking out my favorites for the season. Tonight we are supposed to get hit with a snow storm and I really hope the snow fall is less than what is being predicted. That being said I know the boys would love to have a snow day tomorrow! Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-60615041460286205982013-02-20T19:41:00.000-08:002013-02-20T19:41:53.846-08:00Taking time to smell the roses Today has been a wonderful day!! Harper and I got up at 6:45...she had her bath, got her dressed for mom's group and started to feed her when our doorbell rang. Luckily Chad was up getting the boys ready for school and answered it. A water main broke down the street and the water guy was telling us our water was being shut off of the next two hours while they fixed it. Let me tell you this mama jumped out of bed and asked Chad to hold Harper while I took a quick shower so I didn't look like a hot mess at mom's group. Luckily Harper was content and was patient with me while I got cleaned up. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIEqfgFbWmSKllWBzSzoyXbNFE06_2qh0-v521GP4fuVQLnCG64w8wBDqldXak1JJMhpzeBofu2yJzzT94O3k_O7RVladpUBo0HuWOsZCPEUtFnWLO0u8mrx9cYY2jfITfx-Dec917mI/s1600/Moms+group+022013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIEqfgFbWmSKllWBzSzoyXbNFE06_2qh0-v521GP4fuVQLnCG64w8wBDqldXak1JJMhpzeBofu2yJzzT94O3k_O7RVladpUBo0HuWOsZCPEUtFnWLO0u8mrx9cYY2jfITfx-Dec917mI/s320/Moms+group+022013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harper all ready to go to moms group :)</td></tr>
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We left our home a little after nine and headed to church for mom's group. I have been excited all week to meet with the group of ladies I met last week. I'm so glad I went! First, I LOVE the book we are discussing, Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst (<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/unglued-making-wise-choices-midst-emotions/lysa-terkeurst/9780310332794/pd/332794?kw=unglued&event=PPCSRC&p=1018818&gclid=CKvxn--6xrUCFQjNnAod2ioAmQ">http://www.christianbook.com/unglued-making-wise-choices-midst-emotions/lysa-terkeurst/9780310332794/pd/332794?kw=unglued&event=PPCSRC&p=1018818&gclid=CKvxn--6xrUCFQjNnAod2ioAmQ</a>), and enjoyed having open/honest conversation with the ladies. It was so refreshing to listen to each woman share how they were doing this week and I really appreciated their honest and vulnerability. One of the ladies that I met last week (and hit it off with) was back this week and sat next to me. We enjoyed getting to know each other more and I'm excited to do lunch or have a play date with her in the near future. We are going to start reading the book, Crazy Love by Francis Chan, next week and I am excited to re read the book and dive into discussions. <br />
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After mom's group Harper and I made a run to the hospital so I could get my blood work done while she was sleeping. We then ran home and I made lunch and fed her. After she fell asleep I changed into my workout clothes and enjoyed a 60 minute workout. I'm feeling great getting back into my workout regiment and adding Zumba back in. In addition to my workout I've dusted off my eating clean book, <a href="http://www.eatcleandiet.com/">http://www.eatcleandiet.com/</a> , and am really focusing on what I'm putting in my body. I've become really disciplined over the past two weeks and am working on removing the last few items that have been stragglers this week. It's amazing how my body is reacting and just how much better I feel cutting out all of the "crap" from my daily meals/snacks. I have a list of new recipes that I'm excited to try over the next couple of weeks and am looking forward to making better choices for my body.<br />
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Tomorrow we are supposed to get another snow storm so we'll see how the day goes. I was looking forward to going to Zumba again but will be the first to stay in and get a good workout in at home and avoid the messy roads and snow!! Fingers crossed the snow doesn't come until after Zumba's over. :)Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-38171578043027414562013-02-18T15:11:00.002-08:002013-02-18T15:13:33.598-08:00Valentines Day, Zumba, FellowshipI apologize in advance as this post is going to be all over the place covering different topics from my world the last few weeks to get me caught up a bit. :)<br />
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Weeks 3-5 at home with Harper were wonderful!! We got into a good routine as far as waking up in the morning giving her a bath and dressing her in something cute for the day.. :) Since the flu season was rampid around here I did my best not to take her out unless we really needed to go somewhere and if we did I have three, yes three, mini bottles of hand sanitizer in her diaper bag. :) <br />
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She definately hit a growth spurt during week three. I was exhausted from feeding more often than not but was greatful in the same breath that she was growing and gaining weight. Most of that week consisted of me napping when she did and enjoying my time with family as they came over to hold her and chat. I tried working out week three but it was too soon and my body let me know....SO I waited and let it continue to heal. I did get my eating clean books out and got serious about what I'm eating. I can already feel a huge difference in the way I feel throughout the day by cutting out so many of the processed foods and refined sugars I was eating while pregnant. <br />
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By the end of week four I tried working out again and was successful. Yeah!!! I was so excited to get back into a routine and start working at losing this baby weight. I know that it took nine months to put one and am giving myself ample time to get it off but can't wait to be back in my clothes that I love and just feel comfortable with my body. <br />
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Our church has an amazing mom's group that meets every Wednesday and I've never been able to participate because I work full time during the day. One of my goals while on maternity leave was to attend and meet some moms and hopefully make a few new friends. I packed up Harper and we went last Wednesday and loved it!! God knew that I really needed to be with ladies that day and fellowship. I haven't provided and update since first posted about L, but the short version is that precious L needs a heart transplant and won't be leaving the hospital until she gets one. Her parents have been living in a nightmare the past 7 weeks and it's been painful watching them go through everything that has come their way since L was born. You see Mich my dear friend and I had planned our maternity leave before we had the girls...not crazy detailed but you know things like week two we'd grab Starbucks and relax at each other's homes with the girls and just relax...week 6 we might attempt mall walking or a spinning class. And in short just really be there with each other during this wonderful time enjoying our daughters and the things that come with being home. Well with all that's happeneded since L was born things changes quickly and while we support them 100% percent and are trying to be there for them and their family any way we can it's been a bit sad not doing what we planned. I'm not sure I'm expressing my thoughts well. But needless to say it was refreshing to go to church last Wednesday and meet moms and talk with them and pray for Mich and L and their family, the doctors, and all that is going on in their world. It was also nice just to talk to an adult during the day. I have truly enjoyed every moment with Harper at home and tear up over the thought of returning to work, but when you are used to engaging with people all day long and then it's quiet after the initial rush of visitors it's taken me a bit of getting used to. For example I don't watch daytime television and now I find myself telling my girlfriends about what happened today on Kelly and Michael or who Ellen had on her show. :) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhDCY6iMc5dBcMzx3j7vnb69h7nsEY52J4AS7MBd_nvgg_0sAZC_9oobW2UiSHr2vZXb5zgcY-He4hSiQeMmKwrmTaztdYaze9cyM1V2T5v9AJK7xsUK2N9hkPBxmlO9O7s_J0cqqUcc/s1600/Harper+Valentines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhDCY6iMc5dBcMzx3j7vnb69h7nsEY52J4AS7MBd_nvgg_0sAZC_9oobW2UiSHr2vZXb5zgcY-He4hSiQeMmKwrmTaztdYaze9cyM1V2T5v9AJK7xsUK2N9hkPBxmlO9O7s_J0cqqUcc/s320/Harper+Valentines.jpg" uea="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentines Day 2013</td></tr>
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Chad decided to take Thursday off of work to spend with Harper and I and we took her to her first movie, Identity Theft. Hilarious movie! She did really good the whole movie. I wore my Moby, which I LOVE, and she slept almost the whole time. We wanted to go to one of our favorite resteraunts in town but didn't have time to do both. We did enjoy loving on H all day though. That evening my sister, Ashely, and I went to Zumba and it kicked my butt!! I haven't been to Zumba since I was first pregnant and I really enjoyed it. We went to a place that has it at a church in town and it was AWESOME!! I can't wait to go again tomorrow. I'm not coordinated at all but I love working out to the music and how fast the hour goes by. I weighed in on Sunday and am down another two pounds which I am excited about. That brings my total weight loss to 33 pounds!! I've now lost all of my pregnancy weight plus three pounds. And I have quite a ways to go to my goal weight but am extremly motivated and excited to see results and get back into my jeans. :)<br />
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Today has been a lazy day at home with Harper cuddling all day long. I am nervous that I have strep and am going in for a culture tomorrow. My glands are swollen and I appear to have white spots on the back of my mouth. I'm hoping they get the results quickly so I can get meds and call Harper's pediatrician to see what I should do to ensure she doesn't get whatever I have. So depending on how all of that goes will determine what we do this week. I'm hoping to go to Zumba on Tuesday and Thursday after Chad gets home from work and mom's group on Wednesday but we will see. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8x71YbFigyJa8MpHRTPUZJC0HLXf2-ukCoj014kFG4yIR6A4bJA2A1wKuVcHQX7NoOdQtD_YrWr2tG0C-xqGhGmBzu2XWZz2dq6Zh3UlqEBqppXEmVkUfWYVAeQ0ShV40uZdKKqdpPw/s1600/096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8x71YbFigyJa8MpHRTPUZJC0HLXf2-ukCoj014kFG4yIR6A4bJA2A1wKuVcHQX7NoOdQtD_YrWr2tG0C-xqGhGmBzu2XWZz2dq6Zh3UlqEBqppXEmVkUfWYVAeQ0ShV40uZdKKqdpPw/s320/096.JPG" uea="true" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She smiles a lot... Love her!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qVmFZC7Dw8waOMAE6Ko0hAICCWsRpozePkCvxyQ5lwRwAurZOz9jaWyrG5Sp2WCi7dfx-c1_XWJTHDeamoMlW8i3Z8L9zvxh2XoJeDHYeW1LC7HnRqG-kmAcUGK0koD8EI3dyF-7w5o/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qVmFZC7Dw8waOMAE6Ko0hAICCWsRpozePkCvxyQ5lwRwAurZOz9jaWyrG5Sp2WCi7dfx-c1_XWJTHDeamoMlW8i3Z8L9zvxh2XoJeDHYeW1LC7HnRqG-kmAcUGK0koD8EI3dyF-7w5o/s320/114.JPG" uea="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is a proud big brother who is now helping all the time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTkQzGXXcYyEGyWIqs8eITmeJfHXY4Z8CgOxsv0PEuQeLAbx8SeBKXet3PsfcAw4gsfjzoW1Z6nHaMCUf7LpZdNq_U3Cb40faoSWjwKFn9eFtK4d5ZzAkveqT5iA7Wh3VtA99GvR7q5U/s1600/IMG_3071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTkQzGXXcYyEGyWIqs8eITmeJfHXY4Z8CgOxsv0PEuQeLAbx8SeBKXet3PsfcAw4gsfjzoW1Z6nHaMCUf7LpZdNq_U3Cb40faoSWjwKFn9eFtK4d5ZzAkveqT5iA7Wh3VtA99GvR7q5U/s320/IMG_3071.JPG" uea="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah was nervous to get so close to her but now enjoys helping also</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5kwVcYgvbRypXgF4W66RUPuTfo4EYFfB23ahJJDSjVt-JnrcD_Nib_lzB0l9ZtqC9JROaowRpgQ8UUcDZpD1LtnAxkZUYKE9uNWM4_TfbHNPnaCPMCK_x6k8UbzLi5mU6nExXGyyyw8/s1600/IMG_3180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5kwVcYgvbRypXgF4W66RUPuTfo4EYFfB23ahJJDSjVt-JnrcD_Nib_lzB0l9ZtqC9JROaowRpgQ8UUcDZpD1LtnAxkZUYKE9uNWM4_TfbHNPnaCPMCK_x6k8UbzLi5mU6nExXGyyyw8/s320/IMG_3180.JPG" uea="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loves her baths!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutWiCCpuOmRNYhHftI5-9EgQUDbLASR008VWPHZE7T2eFEQqHykMX8NJMluCeqEJTgI2MRl7L-FPVMzD8zqRuMa4vjamOeYchD84dnPg1EhVjerDMJUzkUAVmZKIjyGpxbJP71lWpYmA/s1600/IMG_3191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutWiCCpuOmRNYhHftI5-9EgQUDbLASR008VWPHZE7T2eFEQqHykMX8NJMluCeqEJTgI2MRl7L-FPVMzD8zqRuMa4vjamOeYchD84dnPg1EhVjerDMJUzkUAVmZKIjyGpxbJP71lWpYmA/s320/IMG_3191.JPG" uea="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was not having it! But still managed to look cute</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGidZHDiYMQ15X9PGfvhnGliXFLATZSVVai_BVbk-RrMw3tuok8vRJlPXZLTzf1jxq1AYRyV9WQ0f-WPc3-mscIQc477n8xryF94PA4HykG-YY6TXljjrkw-7njmM9Xvh3Ii54NpLqR2A/s1600/IMG_3193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGidZHDiYMQ15X9PGfvhnGliXFLATZSVVai_BVbk-RrMw3tuok8vRJlPXZLTzf1jxq1AYRyV9WQ0f-WPc3-mscIQc477n8xryF94PA4HykG-YY6TXljjrkw-7njmM9Xvh3Ii54NpLqR2A/s320/IMG_3193.JPG" uea="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't stop staring at her even when she is sleeping</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesrKWb-Ysp1FOGkhcy8Jxtsv5qjrQAyb7UukI2Rpf3DXFVHUc1RkYCASl7S4CWoR2_YU9x_YNCR1S_mcZUHwuBC_GmqRyjJS36QYA00MQEBpD42LBW1_ffms1F6aKmnmRaALTyqfEPgg/s1600/IMG_3236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesrKWb-Ysp1FOGkhcy8Jxtsv5qjrQAyb7UukI2Rpf3DXFVHUc1RkYCASl7S4CWoR2_YU9x_YNCR1S_mcZUHwuBC_GmqRyjJS36QYA00MQEBpD42LBW1_ffms1F6aKmnmRaALTyqfEPgg/s320/IMG_3236.JPG" uea="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom I'm done with the pictures! :)</td></tr>
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Well Harper is waking up so I must run but I will leave you with a few picture from weeks 3-5. Enjoy.<br />
<br />Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-3471683906723736832013-02-12T18:22:00.000-08:002013-02-12T18:22:48.768-08:00The first couple of weeks home Being home with Harper has been nothing short of amazing and a blessing that I'm not taking for granted! After we brought Harper home we spent the first two weeks enjoying Carmen's company and my dad and his wife flew out the Friday after she was born. Carmen and I had a wonderful time with Harper and each other! We spent hours sitting on the couch lounging and taking turns holding her and staring at her all day long and we loved it. I had a list of dinners I wanted to make while Carmen was here so we jumped right into our menu for the remaining days she was here and enjoyed some of my favorite new recipes that she hadn't tried yet. We also caught up on several chick flicks that we both have been wanting to see. My favorite was Pitch Perfect!! I loved it and we watched it twice..i'm pretty sure I could watch that movie at least once a month. Before Carm had kids she was a professional photographer. While I don't have props etc Carm brought her fancy camera and took a few (ok 100 plus) pictures of Harper and we had a blast going through them and picking out my favorites. Here are a few of them.<br />
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Chad took the first couple of days off of work which was wonderful...after that he worked from his office at home for the next two weeks. It was a huge blessing especially after Carmen left. Just knowing he was here in case I needed help was wonderful. I'm not one to take naps often but the first month I relished in them and just enjoyed relaxing and everything that words means. While I have a list of things I hope to accomplish while on maternity leave my number one priority is bonding with Harper and enjoying every moment which I've taken full advantage off. It's also been a wonderful time for my family. My sisters stop over throughout the week to say hi to Harper....that's right Harper and then us.. :) I remember shortly after Harper came home one of my sisters texting me asking if Harper was going to Ky's basketball game. I love that they love her and take the time to stop over and spend with her. What's been neat is watching my sister Ash and her husband Kris. He works 30 minutes from our home but has driven up almost once a week if not more to meet Ash and spend time at our home. I've seen more of my family in the past 30 days then I have in months. Don't get me wrong we are a close family and see each other at least once a week if not more but to have them come over and actually stay for an extended period of time and chat has been welcomed. <br />
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Well I'm steeping tea and getting ready to move into our room for the evening with little miss, but plan on posting more tomorrow about my last two weeks at home with H. I also have many more pictures to post. :)Blessings!<br />
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Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-90252309536629554312013-02-01T15:30:00.002-08:002013-02-01T15:33:04.516-08:00Harper :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It is with great joy that I get to share that Harper is here! She was born on January 8th at 2:40 pm. She weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces and 20 inches long. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A long awaited kiss!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We prayed for her and she is healthy! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to meet her brothers and extended family!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud daddy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harper and her godmother Carmen!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to go home!<br />
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I have so much catching up to do but will start with the day before her birth. That Monday I ended up running into work for two hours to wrap up a couple of things and get one more adjustment from the chiropractor. Then it was off to lunch with Carmen at one of my favorite restaurants! We ordered flatbread pizzas that were amazing! I ordered a shrimp with smoked Gouda and spinach pizza and Carm ordered a portebello balsamic mushroom pizza. We ended up trying each others and had plenty of left overs but they hit the spot! After lunch we made one last Target run before Harper arrived and then met up with my dad and his wife at their hotel around 2:00. My dad's wife had a few gifts for Harper so we opened them and then headed to pick up the boys from school. They took turns showing my dad and Patty their classrooms, lockers, and introducing them to their teachers. It was was precious. After that we headed home and I made my sub sandwiches before we all packed up and headed to Ky's basketball practice. Afterwards my dad and Patty left and I finished packing and we made a batch of chex mix and my brownies to take with us to the hospital the next morning. I'm not sure how but I was finally able to fall asleep and got a few good hours of sleep before waking up before my alarm at 3:30am. </div>
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I woke up at 3:30 took a shower and got ready. Carm and Chad followed shortly after I did and we were out the door by 4:30. I asked Chad to pick up a 5lb bag of ice cubes to take with us to the hospital because I knew that was all I could have during the day and don't like the ice cubes the hospital has. Call me crazy but they are AWFUL and I figured since that was all I could have I better buy some that I know will taste ok. So we had two mini coolers with gallon bags full of ice cubes in tow with us. Chad shook his head laughing the whole way but hey if I want ice cubes I'm getting ice cubes while in labor.. :) We checked in to the hospital at 5:01 and headed up to Labor and Delivery. The nurse started my IV and by 6:30 the potecin was running. My OB was running behind but got to the hospital and broke my water at 7:56am. I was at a 2 and had been for the past few weeks. And as the day progressed I stayed at a two. I told the nurses at the very beginning that when I tell you I'm ready to push I mean I'm ready to push and we don't have time to wait. By 9:30 I asked for Staydol and fell asleep....only after providing a lot of comedy for Chad, Carm, and the two nurses...I've asked Chad and Carm to type up all of the things I said so I can put it in Harper's baby book to remember. I asked for the epidural at 11:30 and fell asleep again. I was still at a two which frustrated me....but when they checked me at 2:19 I had progressed to an 8/9 and was almost ready to go...the nurses were getting ready to leave and at 2:22 I told them to call my OB and that I was ready to push NOW. Poor Chad tried to console me and told me to breathe and just don't push...which of course I had a few things to day in reply..lol. At 2:28 my OB came flying in and asked if she had time to change into scrubs...I assured her she did not....Four contractions later Harper was born at 2:40. <br />
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It was a joyous moment and I couldn't stop touching her little fingers and kissing her and just making sure she was breathing. My heart melted and our prayers of her arriving safely and healthy were answered. We did skin on skin for two hours after they did her vitals and checked everything and then at 4:30 they took her back for her bath and a few other things. Chad and Carm went with and took a ton of pictures. I moved over to post pardum and waited for Chad, Carm and Harper to be brought back to our room. I was so happy to take a shower and my sister and her husband brought us awesome salads from a local restaurant that totally hit the spot. Both of our families came that night around 7:00 but before any family came Chad brought the boys in to meet her and we had family time together. All in all it was an amazing day...one I won't forget. I have so much more to post about the past three weeks! (Yes she was three weeks this Tuesday) but will wrap this post up as I've been working on it for a couple of days in between nursing and loving on Harper. Thank you all for your prayers! You have no idea how much they mean.</div>
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Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-7113136223454946112013-01-06T09:07:00.000-08:002013-01-06T09:07:59.428-08:00Precious L, Carm, and FamilyThe past few days have been busy! Friday was my last full day working and I was bombarded all day by people who needed to check with me on "one last thing". And then I left my out of office audix on my phone and email and shut everything down. WOW!!! My co worker and I went to lunch and we both teared up because I felt like I was saying goodbye...even thought I know I will see her this week when I have Harper and am sure we will text and talk while I'm out. In that moment it just felt like I was saying good bye to my career. I'm sure I sound crazy but oh well. :) As I walked away from our lunch and headed home to finish my work day I couldn't stop smiling. Knowing that I had finally made it to this milestone and now I get to relax and enjoy all that is to come over the course of the next few days. <br />
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That afternoon The Colonel (my dad) and his wife flew in from Florida and Chad picked them up at the airport and dropped them off at their hotel so they could get settled and take a nap. Friday evening they came over along with three of my sisters for family dinner and we enjoyed many laughs and conversation. It's hard to believe that it's been nine years since The Colonel has been here and to add to that he's never been to our home or really anything that is part of our lives here. The boys were ecstatic to have him and showed them their room and play room and got their Nerf guns out. It was great! I made my spaghetti and homemade meatballs with a salad and garlic bread and everyone had a nice time getting acclimated to having them here.<br />
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Friday morning my dear friend Mich and her husband Craig welcomed their daughter L into the world. And she is precious! I was stalking my phone all morning waiting for pictures and updates. I am so excited that she is here and looking forward to spending the next few months with Mich loving on our daughters. The excitement of her birth turned to worry and concern as we received word Sat am that she was moved to the NICU due to low oxygen levels. By mid afternoon we received an update that they had moved her to the Children's hospital and there were problems with her heart. Chad and I spent allot of time in prayer together and separately yesterday praying for the doctors, little L, Mich and Craig. Because Mich had a C-section she is still at the hospital that L was born at and is hoping to be discharged today so she can go be with L. Craig continued to keep us updated as time allowed and he and Chad talked for an hour last night. As more details became available we are thankful that the doctors have identified the problem with her heart and are in prayer that they will know which of the three options will be needed for L to recover. Because she is so small it will take time to determine next steps and right now the doctors are waiting to see how her body responds to the meds she is on. My heart breaks for Mich and Craig as I can't imagine all of the feelings that are experiencing right now. Mich is heartbroken she can't be with L right this moment and I know she is trying to "keep it together" and be "strong" but I know it will hit her soon and it's so hard not being able to be right there for her. We know that God has L's life in His hands and find comfort in that and wait as each hour goes by to see what will happen next.<br />
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Today Carm flies in to be here for Harper's birth and spend the next nine days with our family. Carm is my "person". If you've ever watched the Grey's Anatomy episode where Christina and Meredith are talking and have the "your my person" conversation...it is the epitome of my relationship with Carm. She is one of the only people who I've known for more than half of my life. She has been there with me through all of life's major events since I was 15 and is that person that I call almost every morning at 8:30 just to say hi for five minutes and chat. As we've gotten older, married, and had children, our families have grown close and we spend time together every year. Her husband and Chad get a long great and our children are starting to cultivate friendships which we are excited to watch as they get older. Her children are my god babies and we've asked her and her husband Sean to be Harper's godparents. I can't imagine having anyone else here with Chad and I for her birth and can't wait to get her at the airport in a matter of hours! We plan on watching the movie pitch perfect tonight while enjoying some Lindt chocolate and hot chocolate. Chad is working tomorrow so Carm and I will enjoy coffee in the am followed by a Target run I'm sure, then we will meet up with The Colonel and Patty to pick the boys up at school and enjoy Kylan's basketball practice. And the morning after that I have Harper!!! :) Yep it's happening in just a matter of days. And with that being said I will leave you with a picture my sister took of me on Friday, because she said I didn't have enough of my pregnant. I'm not a huge fan of it but it does mark the almost end of my pregnancy so I thought I'd share. :) You can tell that I haven't had much sleep..lol <br />
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Well apparently there is something wrong with the link I use to upload pictures so I will have to come back and try again.<br />
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Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-51646203077692827002013-01-01T09:30:00.002-08:002013-01-01T09:30:50.295-08:00Reflecting on 2012I sat in front of my laptop last night and attempted to write a post titled 2012 in review...and I started it a couple of times and kept deleting it. So I decided to take a break and come back to it today. As I sit on my favorite couch with my cup of coffee in hand I continue to reflect on 2012 and the year that it was. 2012 was a year full of many things; amazing memories, new friendships, redemption, tears, trials, joy, life, and stillness. Our family started 2012 in Florida visiting my dad and his wife and taking the boys to their(and mine) first trip to Disney World. We invited my dad and his wife to join us and it was an amazing time together as a family. A trip that two years ago I would have told you would never happen in a million years. During 2011 God worked in the both the heart of my dad and I and we were able to start healing and reestablishing our relationship. By extension my children learned that I had a dad and were able to meet him and his wife and spend a considerable amount of time with them throughout 2012. Having him back in my life has been bittersweet on many levels but I face each day with joy knowing that he has an opportunity to create a meaningful relationship with his grandchildren and they get to know him. <br />
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In February I fell and broke my foot in four places and was home bound for nine long weeks. The irony of it all was that I had literally just purchased a pair of flats to wear to my sister's 21st birthday dinner and while walking out the door slipped on our garage stair went flying, heard a snap and fell. Come to find out there was a sticker on the bottom of one of shoes unbeknownst to me that had caused me to slip on the stair. In lieu of going to the hospital right away I had my husband grab my boot and crutches that were stored neatly downstairs from my previous break on the same foot less than a year prior...put them on, took some ibuprofen and headed to her birthday dinner. The next day the podiatrist confirmed that I had indeed broken my foot in four places and I was put on mandatory bed rest for nine weeks...Talk about rough and emotional! I am not one to be still often ie I love to run a thousand miles a minute and have a busy calendar and do lots of things with friends and family. Being home laid up for nine weeks was not on my agenda...however God knew that in order to get my attention I needed to be still....LITERALLY. :) It was during these nine weeks that he did great things in my life and that of my husband. We had some amazing conversations during my time at home, not that we don't on a day to day basis, but being home day in and day out gave us the extra time to really talk at length about a lot. It was during these talks that we prayed and made the decision that we wanted to expand our family. You see up until this point we had spent the better part of three years going back and forth on if we wanted to try and have another baby....until that moment we weren't sure if our marriage could handle another loss, if Chad was ready to take the risk of me being pregnant and something happening...if I was ready to take that leap of faith and try again. We were both afraid but at the core we both wanted another child. And it was during my time at home with a broken foot that God poured peace over our hearts and with anticipation, joy, and I'll be honest some fear we made the decision to try and expand our family. And it was in May before mother's day that we found out we were pregnant. This pregnancy has been full of challenges and trials but also one of pure joy! Being able to see our precious daughter on a 3D/4D ultrasound was priceless, hearing her heartbeat, and feeling her kick daily have been blessings. Now as we enter 2013 and anticipate her arrival I am excited for her to join our family and see what God has in store for us.<br />
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In addition to the many blessings that 2012 brought there were also many tears and trials. Relationships were tested and addiction showed its ugly face yet again impacting extended family members to the point of near death. It was trying at best and there were times when the tears did not stop for days. There were many unknowns and the domino effect it had on our family and my siblings was profound. It was during these trials that God reminded me how fragile relationships are even those that you thought were the strongest. He reminded me of the importance in putting my complete trust and faith in Him alone. It was a season of learning and heartache and entering 2013 those relationships are still strained but I know that God is using this challenge to stretch me and mold me.... I squirm at the discomfort, unfamiliarity, and walls that go flying up, but know that in my weakness HE is showing me His strength. It is my prayer that in my vulnerability God will bring healing and peace.<br />
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During 2012 God moved mountains in my career. Having spent the last three years commuting three hours a day, four times a week, God provided a way for my office to be moved back home and the need for me to be in Chicago changed. This change blessed our family in so many ways. The extra time at home in the evenings was profound and the stress that I often carried with rushing here and there and not being home enough went away. I was able to invest time in friendships that had changed over the past three years since my time home wasn't frequent. And the list of blessings continued. God brought two new friendships into my life that melt my heart for many reasons. It's been exciting to see all that HE has done and provided for our family and looking back in hindsight He was just waiting for the right time to teach me another lesson on patience.<br />
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As I enter 2013 I have many goals and aspirations for 2013. I'm not one to make new year's resolutions because I am one to reflect on what I would like to accomplish and set reasonable goals that are attainable. This year I am excited to be home with my daughter for three months and during that time make memories with all of our children and just love on them. I'm excited to get my body back so to speak and embrace clean eating once again and make fitness a priority. I also want to get plugged in to a Bible study this year and or a small group of women. I didn't take the opportunity to do so in 2012 and have greatly missed the fellowship that comes with doing so. Lastly, it is my prayer that I will continue to Choose Joy in all circumstances and that every day I will choose to share the joy of Christ and be encouraging and positive and not let the devil steal it.<br />
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While looking over my prayer journal from the year I scanned many of the verses that God used to speak to me and thought I would leave you with a few of them.. :<br />
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<li>Whatever happens conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Chris. Then whether I come and see you or only hear about in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27</li>
<li>"In this world you will have trouble, but take heart. I have overcome the world" John 16:33</li>
<li>Find rest, O my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from Him. Psalm 62:5</li>
<li>If you have any encouragement from being united with Chris, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2</li>
<li>O Lord you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise, you perceive my thoughts from afar. you discern my going out and my lying down. you are familiar with all my way. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely O Lord. Psalm 139: 1-4</li>
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It is my prayer that 2013 will be a year of great joy and that you will be still and let God work in your life! Blessings!<br />
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Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-9355125264365905862012-12-30T18:22:00.001-08:002012-12-30T18:22:28.852-08:00Checking the boxes!I love making lists! I know they can often be a double edge sword and I've worked harder and not being so hard on myself if my lists don't get completed within x time, BUT it really helps me stay focused on what I need to do for our family, work, projects, etc. At any given time I could have up to five lists going. What I like about it is that once I write my thoughts down on a list I can "let them go" and don't have to keep track of them in my head. For example...I've had a list for Harper for months...that list has included items needed for her room, baby necessities, art ideas, and baby websites that my girlfriends have given me for references. I often have a project list going of things around our home I'd like to work on....organize laundry room, put away boys summer clothes, go through Thomas the Train totes and give away to friends, organize Bible study notes...you get the idea. Well this weekend has been both relaxing and productive! Today I woke up and after enjoying my cup of coffee reviewed my lists and talked with Chad about what our plan for the days was going to be. We had a couple of Christmas items that we needed to return, gloves to get for Ky, and a few other misc items. We took off after breakfast and checked those boxes complete by noon. As we pulled in the driveway Chad had the boys jump in my car while he went and grabbed Harper's car seat so we could see how all three would fit in my car. Chad has a four door avalanche that has a TON of room in the back and all three fit very comfortably....but I have a Ford Fusion (that I love love) and we weren't sure if the car seat, plus Ky's booster, plus Noah would work or if it would be to tight of a squeeze. Which if they don't all fit well in my car it's not a big deal as we can just use Chad's truck while in town...my car is used for our commutes to and from Chicago and most of our driving but we don't put a lot of miles on either vehicle while in town since we can get from one side to the other in less than 15 minutes tops. That all being said her car seat and the boys fit just fine in my car. So her car seat is now locked in to my car and her stroller is in my truck neatly awaiting her arrival. Check and Check... :) Since we knew that we would be home the rest of the day we both started working on misc items that we wanted to do around the house. I detest going through mail especially junk mail but I am a freak when it comes to shredding everything. So I usually let my mail bin pile up and when it is ready to overflow I go through everything file it and shred. It's funny because every time that I do this I promise myself to do better and go through it multiple times during the week...does it ever happen? Nope...since I do everything online and have spreadsheets that I work off of I don't have a need to really touch the items that come in and I always check the mail every day and filter out the items that require attention or are from friends and family...SO today was the day and I sat with my lovely shredder and shredded my little heart out and filed and reorganized my coupon pouch. <br />
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While I was busy with that project Chad brought up three totes that we've had in our laundry/storage room for the past two years that are full of Thomas the Train and Geo Track Train sets. When the boys were toddlers they LOVED trains and their papa collects them and has a huge track that takes up a big part of his basement. Needless to say by the time they were two we had a large train table and trains galore. It was a worthwhile investment as the boys played with them for years and made so many memories with them. But they have since retired to our storage room for us to decide what to do with them. We have a large play room for the kids and it's always been my goal to keep a couple of totes of infant/toddler toys so that when my girlfriends come over with their babies of different ages I have something for them and when my sisters have kids I'll have items for them to play with. That being said now that we are having a little girl I know we don't need to keep everything the boys had. The neat thing is my sister's good friend has a 20 month old that loves trains and so we decided to separate the three totes into two big ones and give one to her and the other either to my girlfriend from Alaska, Dawn, or if she's not interested we will hold onto. After Chad loaded the truck with the large tote I took it over to L's house and her son was so precious!! As soon as her husband opened the tote he squealed and was talking non stop about them. I know they will get a lot of use and enjoyment and that melts my heart. It was so precious though because when Chad brought up the totes Kylan had a little melt down and didn't understand why were giving them away and said he wanted them to play with. It was a great opportunity for me to sit with both boys and talk to them about how God calls us to share with others and not to be selfish. We talked about blessing others and praying that God would lay opportunities on our hearts. Ky and Noah took it all in and nodded their heads..they Ky got up and started to help Chad organize things and talked about how the little boys would like them. I'm thankful for the opportunity God presented for me to talk with them about giving and hope as they grow older they will remember to give and use the gifts that God has blessed them with.<br />
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This week will be a busy one....with a work day tomorrow, then a day off, then three last days of work I anticipate the email will be busy and conference calls with be many but I'm excited that the end is in sight!! VERY EXCITED!!! We don't have any plans for NYE as our dear friends who we normally enjoy NYE with are having their baby girl on Friday...so it will be a welcomed pj night in and most likely I will crash by nine..I don't remember the last time I saw midnight....unless you count the times I get up due to insomnia..haha. Well I'm going to tuck the boys in and relax with the hubs for a bit. Blessings!Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-73649926602439815342012-12-29T15:25:00.000-08:002012-12-29T15:25:23.270-08:00Christmas, single digits, relaxing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone! The month of December has flown by, but we took the opportunity to enjoy every minute of it!A normal Christmas for us is traveling to Chicago to have our Chicago Christmas which is usually a week or two before Christmas with our family there. We also rotate spending Christmas afternoon with either my family or my in laws and then whose ever off year it is we spend Christmas Eve with or the weekend before or after...whatever is easiest. Because I'm nine months pregnant and due any day now we opted not to travel to Chicago or anywhere that was more than 20 minutes away. I am so nervous about my water breaking on it's own (even though it probably won't) and being far from the hospital. The great thing is that my family from Chicago came up the Saturday before Christmas to celebrate and my sister hosted. It was fantastic and so nice not to have to cook or clean. :) We had a wonderful time catching up and laughing a lot. Sunday we celebrated Christmas with Chad's family which went well...we went over there around ten and the boys and I went in pjs which I loved. Christmas Eve we planned on going to church but I was pretty uncomfortable so we decided to stay home. I was bummed because we are usually at a family's members home on Christmas Eve and aren't able to go to Christmas Eve service but I'm glad we stayed home and just relaxed as a family. We enjoyed a quiet night in our media room watching Charlie Brown Christmas and Noah wrote a letter to Santa which was precious.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love having the Christmas tree up!</td></tr>
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He read it to me three times just to make sure it "sounded ok"... The boys wanted to put milk and captain crunch under the Christmas tree in their room for Santa and I was not about to object. :) They went to bed reluctantly and snuck out moments after we closed the door just to do one last bathroom stop. Chad and I couldn't help laughing because we remember how excited we were when we were little.....not that allot has changed for me as I still have a hard time sleeping on Christmas Eve because I just love Christmas morning/day! After we finished the stockings and set out all of the Santa gifts we crashed. Ky came running in at 1am to let me know that the cereal and milk were gone and that Santa had left two skylanders for them under the tree in their room. He then went back to bed and both boys came flying in a 4am. Noah informed me that he peaked out in the family room and that Santa had neatly organized our stockings and they were stuffed. I told them they had to go back to bed...which didn't last long because at 5am Noah came in asking for a timer because it was so hard to wait. I gave him my cell and told him he could come back at 5:30 and we would get up. Chad and I were both awake at this point and we listened to them each read a book in their beds while they were waiting. And sure enough at 5:30 they came running in and were ready to go. We enjoyed opening gifts and helping them get things organized. By 6:31(yes i checked my clock) I was back in bed and fell asleep for a couple of hours. When I woke up we made our traditional cinnamon rolls and stayed home until 1:30. We then packed up and headed over to my moms and celebrated Christmas with my family which is always entertaining. All in all this Christmas was relaxing and full of laughs and love. Our last Christmas as a family of four! <br />
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Speaking of as I looked at my counter today I realized we have approached the single digits until Harper is here. It's hard to believe I only have four days left of work, my dad and his wife fly in on Friday and my best friend Carm flys in on Sunday. As I looked at my work planner this week I realized I needed to block my calendar off for the next few months and that I really only have four working days left!!! I'm so excited and blessed to have made it this far in my pregnancy and know God's hand has been over this whole experience. I have to be honest and share that this past week was a rather rough one for me because my heart was very anxious again and I feel rather emotional just waiting for her to come. I think it's because memories are flooding back and I just want her here and to know she is healthy and ok. It was "perfect timing" because Thursday night I decided to pick up the book Unglued that I've been reading (by Lysa Terkerust) and just happened to start where I left of and the whole section talked about being anxious and joyful and I knew that God was speaking to my heart once again. <br />
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Friday we all went and had our annual eye exams. It was the first time we've taken the boys and they were so cute talking about their impending appts. Ky found these play glasses and wore them around the house all day. Totally cracked us up especially the look on Noah's face behind him. :) I just love my little men and can't believe they will both be big brothers sooner than later!! After our eye exams we took the boys over to my mom's to spend the night and went on our last pre Harper date. We had a wonderful time eating at our favorite Chinese restaurant and truly enjoyed our night out together. Before dinner we did one last run to Home Depot and Sam's Club and decided to save Target and Toy's R US for another day. After dinner we picked up Bourne Legacy and headed home to watch it. It was a great way to end a wonderful week. <br />
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Today has been full of relaxing! I woke up early and was determined to complete my last menu before Harper comes and headed out to the grocery store to do my big two week run. And I'm happy to say it was a success..my water did NOT break in aisle five (one of my fears) and I made it home just in time for Chad to unload his truck while I organized the pantry and started to put things away. After breakfast Chad went and picked up the boys and took them sledding with his sister. I'm really glad they were able to get some energy out and spend time outside! I invited one of my students who I used to teach in youth group over for coffee....yep I taught her when she was in 6th grade and she is now a sophomore in high school!! I feel a little old....but love that I can still be involved in her life and catch up with her while she is home. After she left I took a nap and spent a better part of the afternoon cuddled up on the couch with my favorite sweatshirt blanket reading the rest of Unglued and enjoying being still. I'm praying that over the next week I am able to finish my to do list both for home and work but also balance quiet time and soak up these last few days of being pregnant with Harper before she is here. I am overwhelmed and thankful that God is blessing us with her and can't wait to hold her in my arms.<br />
Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-12893573060448582812012-12-20T17:19:00.000-08:002012-12-20T17:19:20.607-08:0018 days, snowfall, and restThis month has flown by! I can't believe Christmas is literally around the corner and right after that is Harper's birthday! It truly feels like yesterday when I took four pregnancy tests at 4am ran to the store bought more and cornered Chad by the kitchen door to share our joyful news! How the time has flown! Even more so how many lessons God has taught us along this season in our lives. I'm in awe of God's faithfulness, his patience, and love He has for our daughter and us. It's humbling and life changing. I knew going into this pregnancy that it would probably be hard since the last thing I have to compare it too is Mason. And I was right it has been and at times it's been harder than I ever dreamed, but folded into these eight months have been many moments of happy tears, pure joy, love, renewed strength, and awe. Awe at a God who has given Chad and I a precious daughter to love and parent. I am so thankful that we have another opportunity to parent and add to our family that is growing! We are thrilled. And as she has grown in my belly I've enjoyed sitting at home feeling her kick, turn, poke, and hiccup. It's been one of my favorite parts of this whole experience. Last weekend we finished her nursery. I color coded her clothes, separated them by size and placed them in her dresser. And sat there and thumbed through each drawer just thinking about dressing her in them and the memories that are about to happen. A season that is about to start and life that is just beginning, a family that will be forever changed. <br />
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I would be lying if I said I wasn't anxious at times. Especially the last two weeks....there have been moments where I've had to catch my breath and pray and ask God for peace and grace to get through the day. As I look at my countdown app every day and the numbers get smaller I found/find myself anxious to meet her, to count her toes, hear her cry, and hold her in my arms. It's getting so close but at times it seems to very far away! I've chosen those moments to grab tight to scripture and repeat it over and over and that's helped alot. Eighteen days ago I was enjoying Christmas decor in our home, Christmas shopping, coffee time with girlfriends and 18 days from now (if not sooner) our daughter will be here. It's amazing. And I can't wait to meet her.<br />
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Yesterday while looking at the weather I saw that we were due for a blizzard and decided to work later than usual and wrap up as much at the office as I could and pack up for Christmas. I'm so glad I did! This morning we had snow, then rain, then blizzard winds and more snow. And from the comfort of our home I watched as we were enveloped in white snow. We decided to keep the boys home from school today as I was nervous about the roads and by mid afternoon was glad that we did. I love watching the snow fall and even looking out at the snow covered trees and horizon...I'm not such a big fan of shoveling or driving in it but luckily I don't have to shovel and am content staying put the next day or so. Resting is not something that I do well or often because I love to go go go! I love to check off lists, enjoy coffee with friends, or explore new things with the boys and Chad. But lately I have relished in just resting and am taking full advantage of it. Normally we do a lot of traveling around Christmas but this year we are staying close to home for obvious reasons and it's been great. I've enjoyed naps on the weekend, reading magazines, and finishing up my check lists. :) I know sooner than later my days of resting will change to days of diapers, nursing, and loving on Harper. And I can't wait! <br />
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Tomorrow I turn 31 which I will be honest..I'm starting to feel old but I'm thankful for another year of life and all that my year of 30 brought. My plan for tomorrow is to make one of my favorite meals, watch a Christmas movie with the fam and enjoy some hot chocolate and cuddling with the hubs. He was so precious and wanted to take me out somewhere, but I'll be honest and share that staying home and enjoying a home cooked meal around our table sounds just perfect this year. Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-78901207991798707142012-12-09T09:18:00.000-08:002012-12-09T09:18:37.613-08:00Impromtu dinners & Philippians 4:6Yesterday was a fun filled day! It started off early with Ky's basketball game. Ash and Kris came to watch him as did Kallio and the rest of our fam. We had a lot of great laughs watching these little kids play. One of the boys from the opposing team made a basket at the very end of a quarter and jumped up into another players arms and was high fiving each other and their team came flying off the bench to congratulate him. You would have thought they won the NBA finals. It was precious. After the game we headed over to the club to watch Noah's tennis lessons and Ash and Kris followed and Nena joined us shortly as well. They had a blast watching Noah and Noah enjoyed the extra attention. Afterwards we all headed over to BW3's for lunch and enjoyed some boneless wings, more laughs, and a few tears by Ky. Nena gave each of the boys three dollars to try and win a toy from one of those games that you have to pull the toy with the metal arms. Noah won a Green Bay Packer teddy bear and Ky came back empty handed and was a mess. We talked through it with him but it took him a while to regain his composure. It was wonderful to enjoy lunch with family!<br />
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After lunch we headed home and while the boys were getting cleaned up the electrician stopped by to look at Harper's room. We want to install a ceiling fan with a dimmer in her room but neither Chad nor I know the first thing on what needs to be done. Luckily the electrician we know is great and he walked us through the supplies we need to purchase and he is going to come back on Friday and take care of it for us!! Yeah one more things almost off my list. Chad and I need to run to both stores today and compare the two fans we have it narrowed down to and pick one. Have I mentioned that we've looked at fans probably 6 times already.. :)<br />
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When the boys were done getting cleaned up Chad took them over to his parents to frost cookies. It's something they do with them every year and always have a blast. I headed over to the spa for a massage and enjoyed it. I normally get a massage once a month to help work out the stress in my shoulders and neck as that is where it goes, however I stopped getting them month two into my pregnancy. Since things have been going better and I'm far enough along I decided to give one a try. I will tell you that in the beginning it was a little awkward using the prego pillow and headrest that went with it and I was hot in a matter of minutes because they had the heater on the table and blankets and yeah I think I was like 115 degrees lol. Luckily my massage therapist is awesome and we got rid of the prego pillow and I moved to my side and cooled off a ton! The hour went by so fast though but in the end was enjoyable. We planned on going to church last night and were going to pick up the boys on our way, but Mich called shortly after I left the spa and invited us over for an impromptu dinner. Mich is pregnant with a little girl and will have her four days before I have Harper. We are so excited to be on leave together and experience this next season in tandem with one another! That being said Chad and I knew this would probably be our last chance to have family time with them before the babies come since we move into Christmas mode next week. While I was disappointed at missing church I knew we would make some great memories with Mich, Craig, and C and we did. We ordered this amazing new pizza that was to die for!!! Mich and I split a pizza..her half was jalapeno popper and mine was mac and cheese. We ordered cheese for the kids and a meat for the guys. It totally hit the spot! The boys played together so well! They wasted no time in going downstairs and using their imaginations for hours! We adults enjoyed our time upstairs catching up and listening to the boys giggle and run around.. it was great! Mich and I spent time in L's nursery looking at things and then in her office as I've become her unofficial decorator. ;) We then scoped out etsy and a few other sights looking for a few pieces to fill in some gaps. And before we knew it the time was 9:30 and our kids were WAY past their bedtime. But it was so worth it and just a fantastic night!!<br />
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The boys crashed as soon as we got home and I of course was wide awake. Chad is always on call with his job and even though he was secondary this week his phone started ringing at 11:00 pm. Double Ugh! I had a hard time falling asleep and woke up a ton..not that there is anything new or surprising about that. But then around 2 when I woke up I started to get anxious. Harper has been quieter than usual and I started to concentrate on her movements and when there weren't a ton I got up and grabbed some orange juice and started to move around hoping to initiate anything. And she did kick and move around but I can tell that my heart is anxious and if I'm being honest a little scared. When I think about how close we are to having her I'm beyond excited but there is a small part of me that is anxious and scared that something bad is going to happen and I want her here so I know she's ok. So then I looked up this verse in scripture and prayed over it for quite some time:<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Philippians 4:6 (NIV)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.</span><br />
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I'm thankful that I can take my worries before the cross and leave them there. <br />
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After a relaxing morning in pjs I'm trying to decide what I want to work on and what I don't. Luckily we don't have to be anywhere today and can just chill at home as a family!<br />
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Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-24149171602556164592012-12-08T00:43:00.000-08:002012-12-08T00:43:53.657-08:00InsomniaI have to say that this pregnancy has been full of many sleepless nights including this one. And to be honest they don't bother me a whole lot because I've had insomnia for years, however I feel like it's only gotten worse over the last 8.5 months. I think part of it is that I can't get my brain to shut off and or when I get up to go to the bathroom (which seems to be almost every hour these days) I start thinking again about things I want to do, or Harper, or her room, or the boys, or 1000 other things. And my routine is usually the same. I lay there and turn side to side and pray that I will fall back asleep and when I can't I grab my phone or one of Chad's if mine is dead and read hoping that will make me tired. And if that doesn't work then I get up and start walking around and doing something. Sometimes it's changing laundry, or dishes, or cleaning out closets. Tonight it was walking into Harper's room and looking at her bookshelf that just came yesterday and picking up her diaper bag and other new items and just looking at them. I can't believe she will be here in on a few weeks. The time has flown by so fast and now I sit with anticipation of holding her, counting her fingers and toes, looking at her tiny face, and just loving on her. I can't wait. I told Chad that I know I won't mind the sleepless nights to come because I will have her to keep me company and will cherish every moment awake with her. I think that I'll even sleep better once she's here...but I'll keep you posted on that one. For now I'm going to catch up on some blog reading and hopefully head back to bed. Tomorrow is another busy but fun day!Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-1064689253930033722012-12-06T19:13:00.002-08:002012-12-06T19:13:28.222-08:00A sneak peak!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so excited to share that yesterday we had the opportunity to go up to Madison and have our 3D/4D ultrasound done of Harper. It was amazing! I was really bummed last week when the office called and canceled because their machine broke. BUT God's timing is perfect and I know now why it happened the way it did. Heidi, the owner, was the one who rescheduled our appointment and was able to get us in last night after work. Because of the original inconvenience she upgraded our package and no charge...and then some. Our session was only supposed to be for 30 minutes and we were to leave with 4 pictures, and 8x10 and a cd with a few more images. We arrived a little early because we weren't sure about traffic and she got us in right away. What started off as a 30 minute session turned into two hours of her spending with us and working so hard to get great shots of little miss. We talked quite a bit and I was able to share Mason's story and what a miracle Harper is for us. Not only could I just stare at Harper all day via the 3D/4D ultrasound but it made me even more excited(if that's possible.. :)..) for her to be born so I can hold her in my arms. We left with a CD of 62 shots, a gift certificate for a free newborn photo shoot with a photographer that partners with her company, and an invite to come back next week or the following to see if she can get some more shots. A God moment? Absolutely Yes! Here are a few of my favorites!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think she looks a lot like Ky in this picture!</td></tr>
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Needless to say I had a really hard time falling asleep last night because I kep scrolling through all of them in complete awe and how amazing life is. And to think that in 33 days or less she will be here is just awesome. <br />
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We continue to have boxes delivered with the last few items on our Harper list. Today her bookshelf was delivered, which Chad is putting together now. And yesterday her curtains, car seat cover, and memory book came. I can't wait to get started on that this weekend and try and get caught up!<br />
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I'm also looking forward to a very much needed massage on Saturday after the boys finish their sporting events. I normally try and get one once a month as I carry all of my stress in my upper shoulders and neck but since my first trimester I have stopped going as I didn't want to take any risks with massage therapy. But since things have been going better I feel ok getting one now and am so excited for some much needed massage relaxation! Tomorrow I am baking cookies for a cookie walk at our church on Saturday and am praying between now and then I get a second wind. :)<br />
Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-33612862831694695812012-12-02T17:04:00.000-08:002012-12-02T17:04:55.573-08:0034 Weeks, Canceled, and Lists It's amazing to me that in 36 days our sweet baby girl will be here! Granted she could come on her own before then and while I wouldn't mind at all because we are so excited to hold her I want her to stay put as long as possible so her chances of any complications are minimal. I'm also trying to prepare myself mentally that there's a small chance I might have to wait an extra day or two in the event the delivery ward fills up and they don't have a room for me. Granted the chances of this happening are small but being the "slight" control freak that I am I know I should prepare myself so I don't freak out if things doing go who I want them to. I'm sitting on my couch laughing even as I'm typing this knowing full well God has control over this who pregnancy and I have NADA at least when it comes to Miss Harper's arrival date. He knows all of her days and I need to be still....which at this moment is great because I'm tired! <br />
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This past Thursday we were scheduled to have our 3D/4D ultrasound and I've been counting down the days! While on a conference call I saw a Madison number beep in and just had a feeling something happened. I called them as soon as I got off of my call and sure enough their machine broke and wouldn't be fixed by the time we were scheduled for our appt. I was bummed...beyond bummed as I couldn't 't wait to see her little face and anything else they could show us. They've assured us that they should get us in by this Wednesday and are even upgrading our package at no charge. While that is great the waiting is not my favorite thing to do. :) <br />
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I'm going to lie I LOVE lists! I have a list for just about everything and it helps me stay on track. For example I am menu planning mama. I menu plan two weeks at a time and go big shopping twice a month on Saturdays usually between 4:45-5:30 am. I love it..the grocery store is usually empty aside from the stockers who I say hi too and some often ask what I'm making. :) I love the tranquility of a quiet grocery store. I know it sounds corny and ridiculous but I have my routine down to a science. I go in normally in yoga pants and a sweatshirt sans make up, cup of coffee in hand, and headphones on with music and I start at the same place and go the same route every time. I love trying to see how low I can keep my bill and always guess before they start ringing what it's going to come out to. I have to say I'm not usually too far off. With Harper and Christmas coming I've had a Harper to do list for months and have been busy crossing things off. This past week it received a lot of attention and I'm happy to say we are down to four items!! <br />
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I've also had Christmas cards on my list for the past week and a half. In years past I've made them by hand and spent hours with girlfriends around the table stamping, folding, writing, etc. Until last year...I was introduced to Shutterfly and it changed my life! I love it! With preparation and time I click together my card and order them. Done and Done! This year I knew without a doubt I was going to use Shutterfly to make them. And they turned out great!! I will post them here soon, but want to get them in the mail first to see how they look up close. What I was really excited about today when I went to their website was their sales! Oh my goodness talk about great deals! For starts the Christmas Cards were 40% off, shipping for orders $30 or more free, and calendars 40%. How awesome! On top of that I had a $20 coupon code from the Baby Center. <br />
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While I finished Christmas shopping on Nov 2nd. I realized this week that I hadn't purchased anything for my dad and his wife and my brother. Yikes! My dad is really hard to buy for. He works in Africa 9 months out of the year and while there doesn't have the space for anything other than the containers that he brings. And at home in Florida he and his wife have everything they need. So when I logged on to Shutterfly to start looking at Christmas cards and saw calendars were on sale a light bulb went off!!! I am embarrassed to say that I am HORRIBLE at printing off pictures after we take them. I'm great at loading them as soon as we get home, but I'm awful about sending them away to get printed and usually they accumulate ALL year! Yep no joke. And this year was no exception. Last year as part of the boys and our Christmas present my dad and his wife treated us to a day at Disney World. We had plans to go there for three and invited them to join us. In doing so they saw it as an opportunity to bless us, which they did and I have failed miserably at getting around to printing off pictures and sending them. Until today! I spent from 9:00 am- 2:00pm organizing picture folders and making a beautiful calendar for my dad and his wife. I loved it so much I almost ordered one for us. I showed Chad and he loved it and said he wish he would have thought of that for his parents. Since we've been done shopping for them I thought about it for a minute but then decided to go ahead and just make them one anyway. And why stop a good thing?! I found a great template for my brother who is 22 and know it will look manly in his apartment and went to town. After completing all three calendars I was pleased and put the rest of my order together. When I was up from 3:00-4:15 this morning I went around our home and made a list of all of pictures/frames that need to be freshened up and 46 prints later we are on our way! Granted only a fraction of those will go up in our home. The rest will be shared between Chad and I for our offices and I printed off enough to put together a Disney album for the boys. So at the end of this project I saved $66 and was thrilled!! A small victory for the hours I spent looking at pictures, being creative and thinking of captions to put on the calendars. :)<br />
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The end of my weekend list consisted of Murphy's oiling our closet floor and Harper's room before her furniture gets here this week.... And that got moved to tomorrow or next weekend..not sure which. Maybe I'll find my second wind at 3am and tackle it, but right now I'm tired and going to spend the rest of the evening just hanging out with the boys and Chad. It has been gorgeous here this weekend so they spent a couple of hours outside playing basketball, soccer, and tag. I sat outside for a bit but now that it's dark we are all in relaxing. <br />
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Relaxing at looking at etsy go hand in hand...so much so that I FINALLY after months of hemming and hawing decided on what leggings I want for Harper. So I sat down and ordered them and now can't wait for them to get here! I hope they look as cute on as they sound! Below is just a pick from the shop. I was able to pick/mix and match ten different color/styles.<br />
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<img alt="Pick any regular 10 baby legs baby leggings for 50" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/000/0/6292237/il_570xN.280545307.jpg" width="570" /><br />
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In addition I've been searching for a head band to go with this gorgeous dress my sister in law bought for Harper! It has black lace from the waist up and waist down is gold satin. It has a little bit of tulle underneath and is breathtaking. She bought it in size 0-3 months so she can wear it right away. And while I haven't loaded a picture of it yet (will add that to my list.. :) I did take a pic of the bow I found and think it will match perfectly!!<br />
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<img alt="Holiday Gold and Black Satin Fabric Flower on Golden Beige Elastic Headband with Rhinestones - Christmas, Newborn, Infant, Baby, Toddler" src="https://ny-image2.etsy.com/008/0/6805754/il_570xN.395007214_4qch.jpg" width="570" /><br />
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I'll be sure to post a pic of the dress soon and once Harper gets here and wears it a life shot for sure! :)<br />
I'm off to make some tea and cuddle with the boys. (If they let me lol)Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684439102705006649.post-87711616053407487042012-11-28T19:29:00.003-08:002012-11-28T19:29:59.612-08:00John 16:20 and full of anticipation!Our week has been a busy one! On Sunday we went to church and I was rocked to the core by our pastor's message!! I love how when we often go to church it feels like the message was made just for me and where I'm at. I love how God works! This weekend David shared an emotional story about his past and his struggle with depression and anxiety, two topics that hit very close to home for me and my extended family. His message and testimony was raw, genuine, and relatable. One of the verses he shared touched my heart. <br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>John 16:20 New International Version</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">It reminded me of Mason and the days and months that followed losing him. I will never forget the depression and anxiety that entered my life after we lost him. I remember blogging many days and weeks of tears, anguish, pain, and desperation. I remember taking one hour at a time, shutting down, my marriage suffered, and many days seemed unbearable. If you would have told me then that God would change my heart, that He would change my life, that He would bring something so beautiful out of something so awful I wouldn't have believed you. But almost four years later (which often feels like yesterday) I can share with great joy all of the amazing things God has done in my life and my marriage. He has restored my marriage and my husband and I are blessed to welcome Harper into our home in a matter of weeks. He used my grief and loss to show a side of strength in my husband that frankly always existed but I never saw. He taught me how to rely on Him and his word for everything and to be vulnerable in a way that I've never allowed myself to be. And the list goes on and on. I will never be the same person that I was before February 9,2009...my normal is different then it was before that day...but I can tell you that I love fiercer then I ever did before. I'm not afraid to be brutally honest with my family and friends. I cherish my children and the craziness that often surrounds our days! I'm thankful for the big hugs and laughter that fills our home. And most importantly I'm thankful that God's promises are true. I know without a shadow of a doubt that our son is in heaven and he is healthy and beautiful and waiting. I know I will be reunited with him one day and I can't wait to hold him in my arms and tell him just how much I love him. Until then I rest knowing that he is being loved by my Abba Father and couldn't be with anyone better.</span><br />
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Whew! Sorry if I went on a bit of a tangent...but it feels so good to write all of the pieces down and remember the ways that God speaks to me throughout the week and how it often intertwines my past with my present and future.<br />
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The boys are asleep and while I'm getting ready to call it a night I am excited as if it's Christmas morning...because tomorrow we are going to get a 3D/4D ultrasound of Harper!!! I can't wait!! I hope we get to see some great pictures of her precious face and just hope the day flies by and we get there early. We are going to take the boys with us as we thought it would be a neat experience to share as a family. It almost reminds me of peeking at your Christmas presents before Christmas day.. (Not that I ever opened a corner of wrapping paper as a child and knew what I was getting before Christmas Day came..:) Having a glimpse of what she looks like makes me want her to be here now and not 40 days from now...but I also want her to stay put as long as possible. I will be sure to share pics and post about our neat day! <br />
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Blessings!<br />
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Mochamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17853322913454909483noreply@blogger.com0