Roots and Wings

Faces

2011-11-16T22:15:00.003-05:00

Leona's new cheezy smile!

Eh. What can I say? We're a cheezy bunch!

Magnet Board

2011-11-16T21:20:00.008-05:00

This whole project started out as a desperate attempt to keep our three-year old busy in the car. With two upcoming long trips, and a girl who doesn't travel well, we needed something.

I printed a bunch of different pictures, laminated them and put magnets on the back. We'll take a cookie sheet (the dirty looking one in the pictures. sigh.) with us for her to play with.

Free photo cards from Shutterfly!

2010-11-24T19:03:00.005-05:00

I am so in love with Shutterfly. It all started when our wedding photographer had a book made for us as a wedding present. It is seriously beautiful! Everyone loves how unique and beautiful it is!

This year, Shutterfly is giving 50 free Christmas cards to bloggers! Yippee! I can't wait to get them. Now, if only Baby #2 would get here like . . . today. And then we could have all four of us on them. As it is now, I think we'll just put Josie since the alternative would mean including the extremely large pregnant lady who already hates getting her picture taken.
So, here are a few of my favorites. What do you think? Care to weigh in?

Option #1:I love the simplicity of this one, and that it would just show a super cute little girl on the front. Any ideas who our model could be?!
Option #2:
Very cute. But, be forewarned that if you vote for this one, you are also volunteering to help get multiple nice shots of a feisty 2 1/2 year old.
Option #3:
Classy. Fairly traditional. Pretty. A viable contender.
Option #4:
I take any and all votes, and toss them in the trash for some secret (yet undetermined style) so that you will be surprised when it reaches your mailbox.

Shutterfly also has super cute calendars, birthday invitations, graduation announcements, and a million other things that will make you utter the dreaded phrase: "Honey, can I have your credit card?"

Check out Shutterfly's beautiful products. Today. No, really. You should. I dare you. Or don't. But that would be your loss!

Rite Aid Huggies Diaper Deal (9/19-9/25)

2010-09-20T17:22:00.004-04:00

I'm posting this since a few friends have asked!

Buy 3 Huggies Jumbo packs $8.99 each

Use $5 off $25 coupon (found here) (it's important that you give this coupon first or your order will be less than $25 and it won't work!)

Use (3) $3 Huggies coupons (found here) (for some reason they're in the Household section)

Use $2 August Video Values coupon (if you haven't done this yet, it is too late, but the deal is still awesome!) ---Video Values are on the Rite Aid website - you watch short videos and get coupons for it that can be stacked with manufacturer's coupons

Use $1 September Video Values coupon (not too late to do this one!!)

Pay out-of-pocket: $9.97

Get back: $6 in UPRewards (instant coupons that you can use on your next purchase)

Get back: $10 Rite Aid gift card (enter your receipt info online and request GC at the end of the month here)

TOTAL: $6.03 money maker (or $5.03MM if you didn't have the August VV coupon)!!!!

Pretty nice, huh?! So, Rite Aid just PAID YOU $6 to take 3 Jumbo packs of diapers!

Summary:

3 Huggies 26.97

coupons 17.00

OOP: 9.97

UPR: 6.00

GC: 10.00

Total: -$6.03

You've GOT to be kidding!

2010-01-28T14:49:00.003-05:00

oh.my.word.

(click on words above each pic for links to the a.ma.zing blogs where I found these)

I think Josie needs an OWL second birthday!

Where did my baby go?

2010-01-25T18:15:00.003-05:00

I'm pretty sure it was about 3 weeks ago that I held a scrawny, dark-haired, squeaking infant in a pink blanket. And then today? She's walking and talking and acting like a big girl. What happened?

I know that time flies when you have kids, but this is ridiculous! Even in the past few weeks, Josie has been actually TALKING to me. She went from just answering questions and babbling, to coming up to me with actual THINGS TO SAY! I'm sorry I'm yelling. It's just that I'm kind of in a state of shock...that I'm pretty sure will last until the day I die (thankfully!)

Today we had this conversation (so there are still quite a few babbly words in there, but it's the fact that she is conversing!):

Josie: Mama, sing song?
Me: You want to sing a song? Okay.
Josie: Otay. Sing song woe woe boat? Yes, woe woe boat? Sing song? Otay.
Me: Okay, let's sing Row Row Row Your Boat.
Josie: Woe woe boat no. no woe woe boat no.
Me: Okay, let's sing another song. Twinkle Twinkle?
Josie: Sing song woe woe boat. Otay.

And it's also kind of nice to know she shares her mother's indecisive genes!

Sarah loves...(in no particular order)...

2009-12-23T11:44:00.002-05:00

when Josie says "sahee Mama" (sorry Mama) when she a)bangs her head b)knocks something over c)I bang my head d)I knock something over e)anytime at all
when Josie says "ah you too Mama". especially when I haven't said "I love you" first
when Josie says "Mama holdoo?" (hold you) or even better: "Mama hold doo up?"
when Josie says "one, two, fi, sik" (that's five and six, in case you weren't sure).
when Josie says "one, two, hahaha" (ala The Count)
when I come home from work and Josie RUNS up to me with the best smile and saying "Maaaaama!" in this little dreamy way as if I've been gone for months!
when her husband works the early shift and gets home by 4pm and even better yet when he has 5 days off in a row, followed by 2 days of work and then 4 more days off!
when I say lots of Josie stuff and then trick you with a husband one. I'm so sneaky like that.

One day

2009-12-02T21:09:00.002-05:00

I'll get my act together and start posting all the fun crafty things I've been making/wanting to make. I want my blog to show more of my creative side, but that hasn't happened. One day.

'Twas the Month Before Christmas

2009-11-19T18:19:00.002-05:00

Twas the month before Christmas

When all through our land,

Not a Christian was praying

Nor taking a stand.

See the PC Police had taken away,

The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing,

About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say

December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit

Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod

Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa

In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down

At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears

You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty

Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen

On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter

To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith

Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded

The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'

Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say

Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,

not Happy Holiday!

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!

I was innocently watching the travel channel today

2009-11-18T21:04:00.002-05:00

...and was wrong in thinking that it was a clean, family channel.

And that concludes (hopefully) our two day gross-out posting. Now back to your regular (no pun intended) scheduled cute Josie posting.

Slightly chewy, but overall a success

2009-11-18T17:05:00.005-05:00

Josie spent a good deal of time yesterday figuring out the best cooking method for a little red monster. She decided on the microwave for its ease of use and quick payoff.

Then she stood back and cheered for herself!

In which I speak of feet and shoes

2009-11-17T17:34:00.007-05:00

Let me just tell you that before today, I had no idea what a bunion was. If I had to guess, I'd probably say something like, "ummm...is it the same thing as a heel spur? 'cuz I don't know what that is either."

I've been having this pain in my foot that takes my breath away sometimes. So, today I decided to google "foot anatomy" to find a little pedi picture...I have a medical degree from Google U., you know. So, I found a blurry old picture with a teeny tiny word that said "bunion." No! I do NOT have a bunion. While I have no idea what bunions are, I'm quite certain they are reserved for women who wear one of two things.

These:
Or these:

And I can assure you I haven't been wearing either of those gems.

But alas, according to my ever-reliable source of information (affectionately referred to as Mr. Wiki), a bunion is "a structural deformity of the bones and the joint between the foot and big toe, and may be painful."

Well, folks, it looks like I have a bunion. Please hold on while I go put on my new favorite shoes:
And while in search for the shoe pictures, I found a few really entertaining things that may or may not appear in another post!

I also found a joke that's worth at least a gratuitous giggle. A man went to his podiatrist (there's a job you couldn't pay me enough to do) to get his bunion removed. Afterward, he said to the doctor, "is that all?" And the doctor said, "Sure is, but if you have any other problems, be sure to callous." (never mind the giggle...I was wrong.)

Now if you have the intestinal fortitude, you may scroll down and thank your lucky stars (while I do the same) that my bunion doesn't look like THIS bunion! (in other words, don't scroll down unless you are quite certain that your lunch is happy staying right where it is!)

Have a nice day!

Is it wrong?

2009-11-13T15:36:00.002-05:00

...that Josie has been in her crib for 3.5 hours when I know for certain that she only slept for 3? I mean she's happy and all. Hanging out. Talking. Laughing. Kicking her mattress. Exclaiming such things as "a-doy-doy-doy-doy." But she IS awake. Should I feel guilty that she's still in there? 'Cuz I don't.

Just wondering.

a slight change of plans

2009-11-11T18:03:00.004-05:00

Josie decided she no longer wants this for Christmas. What can I say? She's a female and it is her prerogative to change her mind! Now she wants this. Lucky for her, I'm on the job...and having fun doing it!

410 for her birthday (4/10/08). Collective "aww." Thank you. I will also be putting MAIL on the mailbox, a removable wreath on the door. A girl's gotta change out her decor to match the season, you know. There will also be a window on the top left with a window box and removable flowers. And perhaps a string of Christmas lights.

This side will have a window which may or may not turn out to be a puppet stage of sorts. Not sure if there's enough room to do it justice.

There are two more ants joining this party plus some more picnic food. They will all be sewn onto a red and white checkered picnic blanket that will be removable with velcro. The sun and butterflies will also be removable. Then this whole side will turn (magically) into a snow scene.

The apples and lettuce are removable with velcro. The carrots slide in and out of the dirt. The corn will have a cornstalk that the corn will slide in and out of.

So, obviously, this is a work in progress. Otherwise known as a WIP if you're cool like that. Nothing is sewn down yet and I have a LOT more to add. The plan is also to make an inside complete with fireplace and kitchen. We'll see if that happens before December 25th!

Everything is Amazing and Nobody is Happy

2009-10-17T18:34:00.002-04:00

Sarah needs...

2009-10-13T11:38:00.002-04:00

...to think before she speaks and hits "Publish Post."

I'm going through a few things right now that have been very upsetting and frustrating for me, and I ended those thoughts with a minor "friend" issue that isn't really the focus I was going for in my "David" post.

I shouldn't have put those two sentences in there at all.

Two Posts in One Day...the end must be near

2009-10-11T22:36:00.002-04:00

...or I'm just having a really BLAH day, and blogging too much.

But this one is more fun than the last one (though that one was much more cleansing and therapeutic).

Here is a pretty snazzy (that's "fancy" to you, Ashley!) giveaway: http://jennbowen.blogspot.com/2009/10/check-out-my-newly-designed-blog-and-my.html

She's a friend of a friend and that makes her a friend. Got it?

We would have been buds...which is saying something

2009-10-11T16:41:00.003-04:00

...David and I, that is. Which would be nice...someone who understands pain, hurt, disappointment, struggle, heartache. Someone who doesn't judge based on appearance, "coolness," whatever. Someone who doesn't act like a friend one minute and not the next.

From Psalm 6
Have mercy on me, Lord, I have no strength; Lord, heal me, my body is racked; my soul is racked with pain. But you, a Lord, how long? Return, Lord, rescue my soul. Save me in your merciful love, for in death no one remembers you; from the grave, who can give you praise? I am exhausted with my groaning; every night I drench my pillow with tears. My eye wastes away from grief;

From Psalm 13
"How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Look on me and answer, O Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
my enemy will say, 'I have overcome him,'
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
for he has been good to me."

A little help?

2009-09-08T12:19:00.001-04:00

I'm trying to find an inexpensive (or free!) resource for teaching Kindergarten-2nd graders the books of the Bible. I've heard the songs, and may use them, but I need flashcards, lessons, resources of some kind to make it visual and fun.

Anybody have any ideas?

She's one amazing kid

2009-08-27T21:12:00.004-04:00

Would you believe Josie just asked for this?! She walked right in here and said, "Mother, do you know what I would really appreciate having?" (she's a genius)

And I, of course (like the good mother that I am) dropped everything I was doing to say, "What would you really like, My Darling?"

She proceeded to tell me all about this amazingly adorable little playhouse. She asked if we could march right on down to Target to get it (since it is on clearance and all), but I needed to finish up the pot roast, knead the bread, and pull the fresh apple pie out of the oven.

But I did let her know that her style is impeccable. Take a look for yourself. I bet it will be on YOUR Christmas list in NO TIME!

Please scroll all the way down for all the delicious goodness that is the Rose Petal Cottage. I swear (except that I don't: ode to MckMama) this is something I would have begged and begged and begged for when I was a wee little girl. And, finally, my mom would have given in and said, "FINE! Alright...you want it. I understand. Now, go to your room and decide how much I could sell you for on Craigslist." Except that there was no Craigslist back then, but I'm pretty sure you get the picture.

Another Giveaway :)

2009-06-29T15:50:00.003-04:00

Why didn't I think of this?! This is about the best thing since sweet tea. And that's saying a lot. It would be like putting designer fabric over your 1983 Chevy plastic car seats...in the middle of July! No sticky tushies here!

Here's the brilliant Bumbo covers:

Go here to enter the giveaway!

Josie says plus the really cool new thing she does

2009-06-03T14:29:00.001-04:00

Dada
Mama
hi
no
sah (sock)
bayyy (baby)
peee (pretty)
poppop sometimes said papa (PopPop & Grammy)
daa (bath)
nnnnaa (banana)

After Josie eats something messy, I usually go turn the bath water on while she’s still in her highchair. She knows what the sound of the water means, and immediately says “daa” when I come out of the bathroom. I say, “you want to take a bath?” And she gets all excited and says, “daa daa daa.”

The other day she actually surprised me by asking for a bath! She has two rubber duckies (one in the bath and one in her toy basket). She was saying “daa” to me, but I just assumed it was just a noise. Then, she crawled over to her duckie and picked it up, looked at me and said “daa.” I said, “you want to take a bath?” and she dropped the duckie, crawled at lightening speed towards the bathroom, all the while saying “daa” and turning around to make sure I was following her. Be still my proud mama’s heart!

It just amazes me the things that she understands and to see her saying words unprompted is soo cool! Multiple times a day, I look at her playing and say out loud, “Thank you, God, for this precious little girl!” She is such a joy!

And in other news: SHE WALKS!! She won't take more than 5-6 steps at a time, but it is so fun to watch (and cheer and clap and squeal with delight!)

I'm just wild about dandelion

2009-05-28T13:55:00.003-04:00

...and all things vinyl wall art.

How cool is this site? I submit to you, that it is SUPER cool! Check it out!! I'm drooling over the dandelion blowing in the wind...and the tree...and the customized phrases... It's a former teacher (love that!) who is now a stay-at-home-mom (love that!!) and she makes these beautiful wall art thingies. So cool and inspirational. I dream of one day selling my own homemade somethings someday to help support our family. *sigh*

Anyway, go visit www.lewasdesigns.com to check it out. You can just click on that website to go right there. (insert applause for my tech savvy ways)

I'm Not Cool

2009-05-19T11:41:00.002-04:00

This is for my sweet, funny, beautiful sister. I'm not trying to say that YOU'RE not cool. I just know how you feel.

I love you!

Throwing in the Towel? Taking a Break?

2009-04-26T23:30:00.003-04:00

I realize that I'm not a very frequent blogger, but that's besides the point. Kind of. I've decided to either take a break from blogging or cease and desist. The original intent of this blog has somehow gotten lost. If "I" find it, I may be back. If not, eh.

You should have seen it

2009-04-22T16:13:00.003-04:00

I get myself in the most ridiculous situations. You know those times when after it's all said and done you think to yourself (or scream out loud): "something like that could only happen to me!" Of course you don't. Because something like that could only happen to me.

The most recent foolish, crazy thing I did? Josie and I were sitting in the doctor's office waiting for him to come in for her 1 year check-up. All was going well, except that Josie was getting a little antsy. So, I rooted around in my bag (note to self: bring a toy next time) for something she could play with. What I came up with? A small spray bottle with water in it that I use to "clean" her paci when it falls on some less than pristine floor (like the doctor's office) She loved the little bottle...until she decided she'd had enough, and threw it on the floor. The cap was already roaming around in my diaper bag, but the little squirt top thingy went rolling under the chairs in the corner of the room. I knew it was going to be an issue getting it since I didn't really want her crawling around on the dirty floor, and had nowhere else to put her while I "crawled" under there to get it.

Why is it that just when you're about to show your backside to the door that the doctor comes strolling in? hmmm...it's a conspiracy. Kind of like how the door to the OB/GYN examining room is always to your back, making it a little difficult for a VERY pregnant woman any shred of decency with that little scrap of paper she has wrapped "around" her body. (I should go into business making those papers a little bigger...and a little less prone to rip down then front!)

Anyway, the doctor walked in, and I decided to go after the litte squirt thingy AFTER he left. Good thinkin,' Licoln. The appointment went well, he left the room, and I got down on the dirty floor. I kept Josie in my left arm while I started to reach under the chair with my right. There was a bar going across the front of the chair that gave me pause as I determined whether my (fat) arm would fit better under the bar or over. I opted for over. That proved to be a costly mistake. I should have gone with: move the chair and pick it up gingerly. I didn't.

I put my (fat) arm above the bar and decided that it was too short to reach the little squirt thingy.

No problem, I'll just go under the bar this time. So, I proceeded (unsuccessfully) to extricate my (fat) arm from above the bar. This is where it all went dreadfully wrong. I quickly discovered that my (fat) arm was indeed too short and too fat. How it got in there in the first place is something I will continue to ponder. How it got out was an act that really should have been caught on camera. I tugged. I pulled. I fidgeted. or maybe that was Josie in my other (fat) arm wondering what in the world I was doing. I tugged and pulled some more. The chair moved just fine - away from the wall, crashing back into the wall and then some. My (fat) arm, on the other hand, was content to remain a permanent fixture in that little office. I did finally get it out (I think it was the panic factor in me when I realized that, yes, the doctor was gone, but the nurse was sure to show up at any moment to give Josie her shots. Once I realized that, it slid out like it was slathered in butter. Then again, maybe it was, since it's so fat and all.

After that, I let Josie crawl around on the dirty floor.

Josie Says Part II

2009-04-13T15:56:00.002-04:00

I forgot to add that she just started saying PopPop yesterday. Needless to say, it was the highlight of his day! The girl loves her PopPop! But, I have to say, she loves her Grandmom too. She gets soo excited to see her, and cries when she leaves the room or doesn't pick her up!

Josie Says

2009-04-13T13:45:00.003-04:00

My sister always has cute posts about the funny things her boys say. Although Josie doesn't really say many word, much less sentences, I thought I'd start keeping a record of the words she DOES say!

(trying to put them in order of when she started saying them)

dada
mama
hi
no
sah (sock)
bayyy (baby)
peeee (pretty)

Just when you thought you've seen it all...

2009-04-01T14:14:00.003-04:00

Actual description from the retailer's website:

Does it really work? YES! YES! YES!

This makes the perfect gift for anyone! Not only does it really work, but you'll get a laugh just looking at the bottle, which reads:

To Anoint: Shake well; Lift throne (toilet) lid & seat; Spray directly onto the surface water until covered (4 to 6 sprays); Proceed to use throne as usual.

"There once was a young lad from Rhone
Whose odor he'd rather disown
Now he's taming his poo
By anointing the loo
And now happily sits on his throne!"

It's been a long time

2009-03-25T22:20:00.004-04:00

...since I added pictures to my blog. So, here you go. Please cover your keyboard with a towel of some sort before proceeding to soak up any unwanted drool. She's just that cute.

This one was taken on a really cold, snowy day a few weeks ago. We played in the snow, and later in the day, I let Josie discover ice cubes. She loved every drippy, freezing cold second of it!

Watching her favorite DVD with the grandparents.

Valentine's Day

Josie eating something messy (although I can't for the life of me remember what it was right now). You can see teeth in the last picture.

Consign Me

2009-03-25T21:39:00.004-04:00

We went to a consignment sale in Philly today. Holy. Moly. It was awesome! (well, not as awesome as I was kind of hoping for - most clothes were too expensive for 2nd hand, in my opinion). But they had a TON of other fun stuff. I tell you, if I was just getting ready to have my first baby, it would have been heaven on earth - strollers and swings and bassinets oh my.

Here's what I pillaged for my Josie Love (all for the low low price of just $14)

Please keep in mind that I did not follow a single one of Mer's Official Rules of Photography, and I used full auto everything on my camera, at the worst time of day with no 2/3 stuff or anything else that smart savvy photographer sorts would have used (ahem, "hi, Merry! Please don't judge me!") ;) Everything is so much cuter and pink and girly in person. They just happened to all look kinda on the orange side here. *sigh*

yep. Gap. 50cents. (and they're actually pink)

and again. Gap. 50cents.

can you say Trumpette socks - 5 for $5?!

Keen sandals. Retail price? $40. Price I paid? $4.

Carter's super cute pink bootshoethings (the picture doesn't do their pink cuteness justice). Retail price? I have no clue, but surely over $20. Right? I paid - 4 little buckeroos.

And can I just add that everything is in AWESOME shape? As in the socks were NEVER used. The shoes - maybe once or twice!

Inspiration at last!

2009-03-09T22:30:00.003-04:00

I stumbled upon an idea that solves two problems at once. Love when that happens! I have a "theme" for Josie's first birthday party and decorations for her bedroom. I can't wait to share, but I don't want to spoil the surprise for would-be-partygoers who may be reading this...not until after invitations are out, that is.

I'm so excited. And I just can't hide it. If you finish that thought you win 1000 useless points in my book!

BYOB

2009-03-06T11:41:00.002-05:00

I was just reading a post on an online forum I belong to. The original post was a question from a lady who wasn't sure if it was tacky or not to ask people to bring their own lawn chair to her son's birthday party. One response included a link to the acronymfinder website. {There's a website for everything!} So, I clicked the link and was amazed at how many acronyms there are out there. No wonder everyone is confused when you say something like BYOB on your invitation. You could mean Bring Your Own Beer (my first thought, I'll admit), but you could also mean Bring Your Own Booger. Because I wouldn't want you bringing someone else's booger to my party! Heaven forbid! It's also comforting to know that you can also request someone bring their own body. Again, do you really want them leaving it at home???

I'm in the process of planning Josie's first birthday party. Huh?! Seriously?! An entire year has already (almost) passed?! So, if you happen to get an invitation in the mail (when I finally get my rear in gear and GET invitations), please remember to BYOB!

The newest object of my affection

2009-03-04T22:00:00.004-05:00

I just came across this today, and thought I'd either bore those of you techies or enlighten those of you who have never heard of this delicious little treat.
It's called a virtual keyboard. As in: it's a keyboard, but then again it isn't. It's pretty expensive as far as keyboards go, but how awesome would it be to whip one of these out of your leather briefcase and impress your friends at the next board meeting?! (wait, I have no idea what I'm talking about.)

If I did it right, you can click on the photo and go to a site with information about it. And if I did, you can applaud my technology genius. If I didn't, please don't tell me. My fragile self image can't handle it.

Not again!

2009-03-04T21:46:00.004-05:00

I tried to change my background (again) and it messed everything up (again)! I think I should just pick one that:

*is not seasonal
*won't go out of style until the year 3000
*I won't ever get sick of

What are the chances of ANY of those happening?!

It's the little things AKA Things that go "pop"

2009-03-04T20:37:00.005-05:00

There are things in this life that just make me happy. I'm not talking big things like my husband (no jokes, please) or Josie (she's a big little thing in my life) or sunsets. I'm talking about little things.

One of those little things are those fabulous little cardboard tubes that Pillsbury biscuits come in. You know, these:
Who invented these modern miracles? Because I need to know! And I need to run right over to wherever that person is (probably Germany. They're all from Germany) and hug the lederhosen right off of him. Those tubes are soo awesome! Don't you just get a little thrill out popping them open? I tell you it surprises me every time. I ought to know by now that it's gonna pop and I'm gonna jump, but still it gets me. Every. Time. {That makes me think about when you bite your tongue. Here's what I have to say about that: How old are you? Don't you think after ____ years you would know WHERE you tongue is by now? How did you forget and bite it?! Okay, that's all.}

So, since I'm a lover of before and after photos, I thought I'd indulge you.

Before: Nice. Nothing fabulous.
(yes, I realize tha it is upside down. my eye for detail was closed! hahaha! don't mind me.)

After: Oh my stinkin' heck! How much fun was THAT?!

In other news: I also love bubbles, balloons, and biting into cherry tomatoes (you know, since this post was about thingS that go pop!)

An answer to prayer?

2009-01-30T12:24:00.002-05:00

Probably not since I don't usually (read: never!) win giveaways, but how cool is it that I just heard about a giveaway for the very same thing that I'm looking for?!?!

You can check it out here. I think I would choose the castle, but that elephant is pretty stinkin' cute too!!

Wallie Woe

2009-01-28T12:33:00.004-05:00

We're moving this Saturday! (Can I get an "AMEN"?!)

That brings me to my dilemna. (I know that spelling is crazy, but I'm pretty sure it's right. However blogger thinks it is spelled dilemma. Can I report a bug?)

Our new place has off-white walls and light beige carpet. Blah. I can't paint, but I want Josie's room to at least look kinda cute and girly. So, I thought I'd use some Wallies (you know, those vinyl removable stickers). I just can't seem to find a set I like that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Any ideas? Here are a few that I like:

(cute! BUT also $54!!)(also cute...$76!)

Groovy Giveaway

2009-01-16T22:34:00.003-05:00

One thing you might not know about me: I like free stuff (as long as its not used teabags and such). This totally cool blog is offering a giveaway that you should really check out: FREE

In other news: The website that I got my cute little background from last week...it started having problems. the. very. next. day. *sigh* And hopefully they're back up and running soon, so you don't have to endure the blahness that is my blog.

Happy Birthday!

2009-01-08T15:04:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it is Gwyneth Rose's first birthday today! Her story in incredible, and her GOD is even more incredible!!

We wish you many years of love and happiness, and we will continue to pray for you, beautiful girl!!

Deb and her boys (Sammy & Caleb) came over for a little photo shoot to celebrate the big day. We had fun!

Who are YOU?!

(she's an "in-your-face" kind of girl!)

So sweet. I love Caleb's hidden smile!

Josie with her cousins: Sammy (almost 4), and Caleb (1 1/2)

Josie's super-cute new shoes didn't really get noticed in the other pics, so I gave them the spotlight they deserved! If only you could see the little pink jewels on the straps and the sparkly pink side panels. Oh well. Imagine how cute they are, and you'll be right!

Say What?! Part 2

2009-01-08T15:00:00.002-05:00

You will NOT believe what happened as I was typing up the last post! Martha Stewart was on, and she was blending up some variety of hot peppers. She decided to give a very helpful tip: "Don't breathe this, and don't touch it." She then went on to say, "Don't put it in your eyes or on your private parts!" WHAT?! Oh my! And if THAT'S not enough, she then said, "I'm talking from experience. As a cook." I don't even want to know, and I definitely don't ever want to eat anything she has cooked!!

Say What?!

2009-01-08T14:28:00.002-05:00

I can appreciate that Moose and Zee were just trying to teach about politeness and manners, and all. That's great. But, this just struck me as a "what NOT to teach your kids:"

Moose said: "I'd like to share some magic words with you. Words like 'please, thank you, and excuse me.' They're such nice words to say, and when you use them, everything tends to go your way."

Everything tends to go your way?? Right! I want Josie to say "please" just so she'll be allowed to play with matches when she wants to. And she definitely should always want her own way!

And in case you were wondering. Josie doesn't watch TV, but we had Noggin on since Sammy and Caleb were here and needed to look in that direction for a photo shoot.

Simple Mama Math

2009-01-07T08:55:00.001-05:00

Special K + Silly Baby = Sidetracked Mama = Soggy Cereal
yuck!

I forgot a few things

2008-12-22T14:07:00.003-05:00

My blog is the ugliest blog ever
I think it's funny when Josie grunts and gets red in the face while filling her diaper
I also think it's funny that Josie's new favorite toy is the heater vent. She's gonna be a guitar player!

Baby it's cold outside (and other random items)

2008-12-22T13:57:00.003-05:00

I think my house might fall over at any moment from all the crazy wind
I HATE baking store bought cookie dough. For some reason it never works for me!
I wish the cookie fairy would visit my house and drop some goodies for me
Josie amazes me everyday - she crawls (still mostly army style), pulls herself up to stand, laughs, giggles, and makes me happy
Josie loves to chew on power cords and dirty shoelaces. Should I be worried?
I (Mike and I, actually. But mostly me!) got a fabulous new camera from the NY gparents for Christmas! yay
I think I've turned into a once-a-month-blogger! Who has time for WRITING blogs when it's all spent on READING blogs??
I'm a cloth diaper drop-out
I'm done my Christmas shopping, but still have to make a few felt food items, and wrap presents
This is the cutest thing ever: On second thought, it WOULD be the cutest thing ever if Josie were wearing it!

What timing!

2008-11-22T10:18:00.002-05:00

I started renovating my little bloggy home a while back, but just never got around to fixing my banner. Just this morning I was contemplating the desperation of the situation (maybe not so dramatic, but you get the idea), when lo and behold, MckMama said she would fly in and save the day. . . if I win her cool Fryday Contest, that is. Please hear my cries, Oh Random.org! I need a new banner so that I can be nice and matchy matchy like God intended a blog to be!!

You can read more about the contest here.

It's almost time!

2008-10-28T20:15:00.002-04:00

There is a mama out there in blog land that I have been praying for ever since she found out about her unborn 4th child. Little Stellan has an enlarged heart, among other things (that I don't understand). They were told months ago that he wouldn't make it, but today he was pronounced "fully cooked" and ready to come out. Praise the Lord! His mama will be having a C-section tomorrow morning. Please join me in praying for McMama, baby Stellan (he will have many tests done upon arrival), and their family.

You can read their store here.

You may say I'm a dreamer AKA Tribute to Dr. Winston O'Boogie

2008-10-15T20:10:00.003-04:00

Not that I'm a John Lennon fan. I'm not. Have you ever actually listened to the words of this song?! I'm sure he knows how foolish those words were now! Anyway, Josie just happens to have some John Lennon clothes, and I think this outfit is kinda cute. Lets just say she makes it cute. (notice her little booties even match! Cue the "awe.")

A drop in the bucket AKA Sippy Cup Sweetie

2008-10-14T19:53:00.000-04:00

I gave Josie a sippy cup with water in it for the first time the other day. She doesn't really need water, but I wanted to see what she would do. She loved it! Of course, she only got a few drops, since most of it ran down the front of her shirt. It was so cute watching her hold it all by herself and do more chewing on the tip than drinking!

I'm a big kid now

2008-10-13T19:36:00.000-04:00

Look who is SIX months old!! (okay, she was 6 months on the 10th, and I'm a little late. That's what happens when a girl gets sick, and her mom is kinda frazzled, wondering what in the world to do with a sickie!) These were actually taken on the 10th, though!

This is after her Dr. appointment where she got 6 shots! Torture, I tell you! (you can kind of see the one band-aid on her left leg)

"No, I will NOT smile for the camera!"

Little Miss SunshineAs for the "big kid" - Josie Baby is now 15 pounds, 2 ounces and 26.5 inches long! Maybe we should start limiting the twinkies. Seriously, she's only in the 25th percentile for weight, but that just sounds so huge to me!

Kids...er...blogs under construction

2008-10-03T20:34:00.002-04:00

Two things:
*Yes, I know my blog background doesn't match my banner. I am currently in the construction phase (in other words, I picked a new background, but haven't gotten around to crafting a banner to match!)
*Does anyone know the song that I referred to in my title? Ahh, Kindergarten memories come flooding back!

This cracks me "up!"

2008-09-23T13:12:00.002-04:00

Which could me that it cracks me "down." It's up for debate!

Check this out.

Come out, come out, wherever you are!

2008-09-17T15:24:00.003-04:00

*tap, tap* "Is this thing on?!"

I KNOW more people read this blog than post (hi, mom!), but I need to feel the love.

In other words, comments welcome!

Thank you. That's all.

We are very talented girls today!

2008-09-10T23:00:00.002-04:00

My accomplishment for the day: making "Baby Legs" Woot!

Here they are on my sweet girl (before I hemmed the bottom)

She enjoys eating them, too!

And Josie's accomplishment for the day: sleeping on her tummy! She knows how to roll in both directions, but lately she had forgotten how to get from tummy to back. But, today...she remembered! Now instead of crying when she rolls to her tummy while in bed,
she...drumroll, please...SLEEPS! Big Woot!

Josie's First Tastes of Cereal

2008-09-10T00:13:00.005-04:00

This was actually on July 28th, but I'm just getting caught up on blogging. So please excuse the many photo posts today. I'll you know, however, that Josie's Daddy was the one taking pictures for this grand event, and he took no less than 29 pictures and 2 videos to properly document it. I spared you of ALL that!

Just not sure what to think...

But how cute does she look in her Bumbo?!

Expressions

2008-09-09T23:45:00.006-04:00

"Grant me some wild expressions, heavens, or I shall burst."
~George Farquhar

This one just cracks me up because I didn't realize her PJs were up in the back. She looks like she has no neck.

Wishin' and Dreamin'

2008-08-12T16:32:00.008-04:00

I tell you, four-month olds just never seem to be content with what they have. Josie is always asking for the newest, cutest things. I tell her and tell her that she should just be happy that she has a mama that loves her so much, but it's never enough. You should see all the things she wants. (She does have good taste, though, I must admit!)

Baby Legs:

Trumpette Socks:Cloth Diapers:
Robeez:

I told you she wants just too much stuff!

Favorite Friday

2008-08-08T12:38:00.003-04:00

I love . . .

homemade sweetened iced tea with lemon (maybe you already know that!)
my husband, Mike
my baby girl, Josie
boppies
crunching leaves in the fall
porch swings
good friends (with iced tea and giggles - even better! love you, air!)
hummus
bumbos
cool breezes in August!

Donate and Pray!

2008-08-02T11:11:00.004-04:00

I just wanted to let you all know that there are two great causes that you can get involved in NOW!

Jeff Prentice is a father of five (awesome, in my opinion!) kids and husband to one (amazing!) wife, Janet. Jeff is the boys PE teacher and coach at Baptist Regional School. I happen to be a girl (!), so I never had him as a teacher or coach although I graduated from that school. I did, however, have Janet as my field hockey coach/gym/health teacher. That's how I know just how awesome she is. I also had the privilege to teach three of her terrific kids at Baptist Regional School this past year. They're the kind of kids that a teacher loves. They're well-behaved, but they also have personality. (Unlike some kids that are so well behaved, but BORING! ha!) Her kids are not that! So, I'm rambling here, but the point is that Jeff has been diagnosed with Stage IV Follicular Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL), a treatable, but incurable cancer. He and his family would really appreciate your prayers at this time! And if you are able, you can also donate to his trust fund to help with the rising medical costs that they are faced with. Click here to find out more.

Another thing you really need to check out and become involved in is helping to support Tricia Lawrenson. I know Tricia through the Prentices, although I only remember seeing her in Sunday School as a kid. I remember her being the cute little Kirschner girl, and now she needs your prayers, along with her beautiful daughter, Gwyneth. I would sit here and tell you all about their story, but I would never be able to do justice to all of the amazing things GOD has been doing in their lives. Check out their story here.

Finally, I'd like to leave you with this encouragement. I don't know who is reading this blog or where you are in your spiritual journey, but I pray that you will seek the One who can heal your hurts. You can find more information about how you can have the peace and hope that Jeff, Janet, Tricia, Nate and their families have Here. Please, don't waste another minute of your life without knowing what He has done for YOU!

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

My Sweetie and My Sweet Tea

2008-07-30T15:09:00.002-04:00

I'm basically in love.

How could I live without YOU?!

(and not to belittle the first sweet, but . . .)
How could I live without YOU?!

. . . that's all.

Awesome!

2008-07-24T19:37:00.002-04:00

I'm linking to this totally sweet contest I came across. Most people say "If I won a million dollars, I'd . . . " Of course that doesn't sound ALL bad, but right now I'm saying "If I won 12 Bum Genius 3.0 cloth diapers, I'd . . . " Yeah, pretty sure the answer is " . . . be the giddiest mama around!"

Click here to enter the contest!! but please don't beat me! ;)

4th of July

2008-07-19T22:29:00.005-04:00

Again, I'm late, but that's okay. I wanted to post Fourth of July photos. And I will. Because I can.

My Patriotic Baby

Notice her mosquito bites . . . they love her just as much as her mama!
How cute is this little guy?! This is part of the Baby Parade.
That's actually a sneeze!
I always get emotional when the veterans walk by and everyone claps. I wonder what it must feel like for some of those men who came home to ignorance and disrespect, but now they're applauded! God Bless America!

Sweet Baby Boy

Sammy loved the parade (all except the loud fire engines!
It was kind of like a train wreck . . . you want to watch and yet you don't!)

Please, someone tell me what is so patriotic about a green golf cart that you
just have to ride it in the Fourth of July Parade?!

Now THAT'S patriotic . . . and yum!

"It happens everytime. They all become blueberries." (Willie Wonka)

2008-07-19T21:50:00.007-04:00

So, I'm a little late posting this, but for posterity's sake, I must. (I'm sure my comma addiction was evident and completely incorrect in that sentence, but I don't care.)

Mom, Debby, Sammy, Caleb, Josie, and I went to pick blueberries at Conte's Farm. When we got there, we saw that the blueberries were $1.80 per pound for pick-your-own. Great! Then we saw that if you buy them already picked, they were $1.50 a pound. What?!?! That's just silly. So, we decided to go for Sammy's sake and get some, then buy a few boxes. So, we got on the wagon which Sammy thought was pretty cool (as did the child deep inside me . . . okay, it's not very deep!) We picked for about half an hour, and decided we were done. Turns out we had picked less than $3 worth of berries. Well, maybe I should say we came back to the cashier with less than $3 worth of berries. If they were smart business people, they would weigh three year olds before and after they go picking and charge you per pound gained!

Here are some photos. Yes, I know that it is unacceptable in the blogging world to post photo after photo, but since when did I listen to that rule?!

It was a fun wagon ride for everyone except Josie. It was so windy that she kept gasping!! Most of the time I pulled her bonnet way down and blocked the wind with my hand as best as I could! Poor little sweetie!

Hi. My name is Sarah and I'm a Food Network-a-holic

2008-07-09T13:44:00.005-04:00

I am currently (like RIGHT NOW!) watching a new show on the Food Network. It's this new chick named Sunny Anderson. Apparently there aren't enough shows already on this channel, so they keep adding new ones. What's more is this girl has TWO new shows - doesn't anybody have to prove themselves anymore before getting TWO awesome jobs?!?! Where's my show?

So, my new friend Sunny (she says stuff like, "I'm not mad at that at all" to her food - that makes me laugh!) is making Party Popcorn. Could there be anything wrong with popcorn with butter, toffee, honey roasted peanuts and drizzled chocolate? I submit that there cannot.

Here's the link to the recipe in case anyone wants to mix up a batch and leave it on my doorstep . . . If the Spirit so leads you to show kindness and compassion on me. Just sayin'.

(Pictures of our fun blueberry picking day to come!)

She laughs!

2008-06-29T13:36:00.003-04:00

My sister used to tell me that when your baby smiles for the first time that it changes your life. She was right, of course. I teared up when Josie smiled. She still makes me feel all mushy inside when she smiles 6 weeks later! But, Deb never told me that it would change my life when she started laughing . . . oh my word! It was awesome. She started laughing this morning and I was so glad my mom was there to grab the camera!! I thought it would be like her first smiles - few and far between until one day she just didn't stop. Nope, she started out with an awesome giggle, and kept going for a few minutes. Of course, then she was hungry, and cried. Oh well. I can't wait for her nap to be over and see if she'll laugh again. In the meantime, enjoy my baby girl!

Fruits of our labor

2008-06-17T14:59:00.007-04:00

Today was such a great day! My mom, Debby, Sammy, Caleb, Josie, and I went fruit picking. First, we stopped at the strawberry farm, and spent some time there. Caleb wasn't the happiest of campers since we were rudely interrupting his morning nap. Josie, however, was fabulous! I carried her in the sling for a while, but that made some things difficult to do . . . namely bending and picking the strawberries we drove down there for! So, mom took Mr. Cranky and The Cherry Beauty to sit under a tree while Debby and I continued picking, and Sammy picked, er, ate what we picked!

Then we drove over to the cherry patch/farm/grove/land/field (I'm most definitely NOT a farmer!) and descended upon the most beautiful cherry trees! I remember MANY days of picking strawberries in my lifetime, but somehow have either never gone cherry picking or just can't remember ever going. It was fabulous! Of course the beautiful weather helped, but the shade of the trees was perfect. We literally picked off of ONE tree, and didn't even come close to picking them all. It was so great to park the strollers under the tree, walk in close to the "trunk" and look up to see huge bunches of the most beautiful cherries!

Of course, it was also fabulous that my beautiful baby (aka The Cherry Beauty) was wearing a cherry outfit and had a cherry hat (her cherry sunglasses were in the car!) She's such a fashionista! You can see from these pictures that picking cherries really wore her out. What can I say? She's a hard-working girl!

Sammy had a great time picking, er, I mean eating cherries just as much as strawberries, and Mr. Cranky wasn't quite as cranky by cherry time. Maybe he realized just how awesome and fun it was to be surrounded by yummy-ness!

We came home hot, tired, hungry, and slightly berry-stained, but it was a great day! Hmmm . . . I guess now I need to bake some pies and fashion a berry nice scrapbook page of the day!

Here are some pictures:

My wacko sister perched in the tree to get the best berries!

yummy!

soo beautiful!

this wasn't posed at all! ;)

He's happy now!

It's exhausting getting pushed around in a stroller all day!

It's bugging me!

2008-06-09T12:12:00.002-04:00

Whenever I look at our blog, Sarah's Scrapblog (you should really check it out, it's quite cool) is blocking someof the elements we have on the side. So in a frantic effoert so I can read all of the words, I'm posting this so it will move her Scrapblog down. And there's not a better way to do that than with a picture of Josie!

Sorry

2008-06-09T11:58:00.002-04:00

To those of you who saw my last post, I am truly sorry for the picture I put up. My wife has persuaded me to get my own blog and put up whatever random stuff I want to there. I now realize that this is the family blog!
Right now, little Josie is sleeping. I'm trying to type quietly (because the computer is in her room). I like to hear her little "mmm's" and "ahh's" in her sleep. It reminds me of her mother. She must be moving because the bassinet is rocking! Sometimes we find the bassinet has rolled a couple of feet from where it was before! Uh oh! She started squawking! Now she stopped. But the bassinet is still a-rocking! They say to let sleeping dogs lie... but what about crying babies?

My first scrapblog

2008-06-08T20:50:00.003-04:00

Our little model

2008-05-30T16:59:00.008-04:00

Josie had her first "photo shoot!" Ok, we just took her to Target, but there was a photographer who was taking pictures of which she was the subject. That's a photo shoot to my proud mama mind!

Here they are . . . drum roll, please!

Oldie but Goodie

2008-05-30T16:55:00.003-04:00

Back in the day (about 1990) I was a Sandi Patti fan. I know, I know! Well, she had this song that I always loved, but it wasn't personal to me until I became a mom. It just popped into my head today and I started singing it to Josie . . . do you think she notices when my voice cracks because I'm crying?!

Cradle Song

I watch beside your cradle
Your face touched by the moon
My heart just aches and trembles
With all my love for you
Your eyes shine like your Father's
That nose looks just like me
I stare in awe and wonder
At such a mystery
How God can touch the love of a man and wife
And blossom it into the breath of life

Just look at this life
We want you to understand
You rest in His loving hands
For you are Jesus' little lamb

Our eyes are filled with dreaming
We want so much for you
But we might fail you often
Before your life is through
Only your Heav'nly Father
Can hear you ev'ry prayer
When we are just a mem'ry
Your Lord will still be there
So on our knees we pray this cradle song
That you'll always know the Lord will keep you strong

Words and Music by Mark Gersmehl
(c) 1984 Paragon Music Corp. / ASCAP

Tag! You're it!

2008-05-26T22:13:00.004-04:00

I've been tagged. Your turn!

What was I doing ten years ago:
I was at Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summit, PA - studying elementary education.

Five things on my "to do" list:
Laundry
Organize Josie's clothes - newborn to 4T!!! Yikes!
Write Thank you cards
Clean the bathroom
Update my iPod

Five Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Call my husband's bosses and quit for him!! =)
Build & furnish our dream home
Give to our church & some other charities
Go on vacation
Save for kids' college

Three of my bad habits:
Procrastination
Complaining
Counting (you know what I mean if you know me!)

Five places I have lived:
Audubon, NJ
Clarks Summit, PA
Factoryville, PA
San Miguel del Monte, Argentina
Barrington, NJ

Five jobs I have held:
Retail - JC Penney
Teacher - 1st & 4th Grade ESL, Jr High/High School Spanish, 4th Grade, and K-8 Computer Technology
Administrative Assistant (for about 5 years - ugh! ugh! ugh!)
Car Detailer (yup, believe it! It was fun!)
Stay at Home Mom (my newest and favorite endeavor that I hope to do for a LONG time!)

This one's for you, Deb

2008-05-22T18:40:00.004-04:00

My sister, Debby, is constantly giving me grief about not updating my blog. Does she not remember what it's like to be a new mommy?!

So, Deb, here I am updating my blog...

Life for the Barnharts has changed a lot since I last wrote! Josie is a little sweetie. She is six weeks old today (Happy "Birthday," Baby Girl!) and such a joy. I know that sounds cheesy, but she really does bring such happiness to us! She has started smiling...be still my heart! She loves looking straight into my eyes and listening to me talk to her. I tell her that she melts me! It's an amazing thing to see my baby girl respond to me! Her eyes light up, and her mouth opens real wide showing her tongue and dimple! I can't wait to be able to catch it on camera.

Josie is sleeping well too (I'm a lucky mommy!) For the past few nights she has been sleeping about 7 hours at a time! And if that isn't enough, she goes right back to sleep for another 3-4 hours! Have I mentioned that she is the best baby ever?!

Mike is working...A LOT! We're very proud of him. He started working for the post office. He's a rural carrier associate (yes, rural in New Jersey!) He is learning one route for now (the hardest one) and then will learn as many more as he can so he can work more hours. He is also working part time at WalMart in the photo lab. Not his favorite thing, but it brings in some money. He's a good man!

One thing Debby said I have to blog about is my first Mother's Day. Here it is: We really enjoyed my first Mother's Day/Mike's 30th birthday. It was cool for us to celebrate both on the same day. We went to church in the morning. They always have a "prize" for the mother with the most kids, the newest mother, etc. Usually the "prize" is a pat on the back! This year, it was a $25 Visa gift card. I was the newest mother...nice! After church we went to The Pop Shop in Collingswood. It is a really cool soda fountain/diner place. It was featured on Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network! It's a really fun family place. Then, that evening Mike cooked dinner. He found a recipe in a magazine a few months ago, and decided he wanted to cook for my mom and I so we didn't have to cook on Mother's Day! He did a great job! After dinner, we had carrot cake for Mike's birthday. It was a fun day all around.

Frustration

2008-04-17T16:54:00.002-04:00

Having a new baby at home can be frustrating. You are adjusting to her and she is adjusting to you. They know what they want, but they can't communicate what it is. Right now, Sarah is having a "chat" with Josie. It seems that Josie doesn't want to feed, yet she is hungry! I don't know how that is possible, but babies have ways that are beyond our own. A baby can make you happy, of course, but they also can be frustrating. That's just my take on it. But don't take my word for it. I'm just the father. The mother is the one dealing with the frustration.

Josie Pictures

2008-04-16T14:57:00.003-04:00

Our Photobucket Album is available upon request of a password.

Josie's first picture!

Josie!

2008-04-13T18:21:00.004-04:00

She's Here!

At last, Josephine ("Josie") Grace Barnhart was born! She was born April 10th at 10:35 pm. She weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces, and was 20 inches long. Sarah and I both love her very much! She's so cute! I can't say enough about her! She's very alert, and hardly fusses! Enough talking about her, I'm going to post pictures!

Here she is about an hour after being born, looking very alert!

Aww... How cute is she?

Even I can hold a baby! Especially a cute one like Josie!

A mother/daughter bonding moment.

Here Sarah and Josie are ready to leave the hospital.

There will be more posts and stories and pictures to come soon. Believe me! Sarah and I need our rest first though. Who knew being a parent could be such a tough job...

Impending Doom...I mean, Birth

2008-04-07T14:09:00.003-04:00

Well, we saw my doctor today and got the good news! She's LETTING me be induced this week! I say "letting" because she was more hesitant that I was. In truth, Mike had her in a headlock while I sucker-punched her until she gave in. It was worth the bruises, right Doc?

We don't OFFICIALLY have a date yet (she has to call the hospital and make sure the can fit me in...which sounds so funny when you know how BIG I am! I hope they have large doorways and even larger beds to fit me into!) But, hopefully it will work out that we'll go in Wednesday evening (around 4 or 5 she said - which means about 3:45 to me!)

Be expecting an update soon! And I'll be expecting your prayers that this little bugger responds well and comes safely!

Burned Finger

2008-04-04T14:50:00.000-04:00

Well, last night after I posted, Sarah burnt her finger making breakfast. I know I said breakfast and last night in the same sentence. We had breakfast for dinner. Anyway, it was a pretty bad burn. Lots of ice. We even went to sleep with a bag of ice in the bed. That was a chilling revelation (pun intended)! But this morning, it was all better! It's amazing! Last night she said it was the worst burn she ever had, and today it's all better! I wish that could happen to me. But I'm not complaining. In order for that to happen to me, I first need to get burned.
Today we spent some time with our nephews, Sammy and Caleb. They're pretty cute kids! Very well behaved! Here's a picture of them.Cute kids, huh? I think so. I should post tomorrow, but if not, I'm sure Sarah will.

I Agree

2008-04-03T13:40:00.000-04:00

I agree with everything in Sarah's post. I too thought that marriage was almost impossible at my age. Twenty-eight is pretty old, you know. I knew it wasn't impossible, because God can do anything He wants, but it seemed improbable at the time.
I was stuck in college at the time, and there was no "romance" on the home front. My brother had just passed away and I wasn't looking for love. I thought I had too much on my mind. Then my sister gave me the e-mail address of one of her friends. I thought, "I might as well e-mail her and let her know I'm not interested in anything." So... that's what I did. It's funny how God takes heartless, sarcastic e-mails and makes friendships out of them. That is how I met Sarah.
Then came the phone calls. Ahh... what a time of... uh... long-distance relationships? Not the best time in my life. But thanks to Verizon, everything turned out alright. We got engaged (in person, thankfully), and almost a year after that, we were married.
Now, we're expecting our first child (in one week)! I can't wait! We are so blessed! Even though things are tough at times, God has and always will make a way.

So blessed!

2008-04-03T08:01:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how blessed I am!

28 isn't REAL old to get married, but it seems to be heading that direction in Christian circles. That's how old I was. Of course before Mike came along, I thought I was ancient, and would have white hair to match my white dress if it EVER happened! I also remember praying and praying and praying that God would send me a husband someday. Not just any husband - one that loved Him and would love me. It's been 1 year and almost 9 months since the day we got married, and I am still in awe of God's love and provision for me in my husband! He is the perfect companion for me in every way. We never fight or even disagree . . . okay, I might be going a little overboard there. But, marriage is so special in that disagreeing and arguing NEVER (should!) signal an end. We work things out, move on, learn more about each other in the process, and grow together. God is doing amazing things in my heart and life because of Mike.

To top it all off (I know - as if there could be more!), I always wanted to be a mommy. I'm that little girl that played endlessly with dolls, and dreamed of having children of my own one day. Of course when I thought I'd never get married, I kind of pushed the children thought out of my mind as well (call it self-preservation, I guess!) But, it was always still there. I LOVE babies and kids, and God gave me the desire to have my own from day one of my life!! Next Saturday (April 12th), our first little blessing is due to arrive. How can I even express how thrilled I am about this?! As I sit here typing this, I'm in tears thinking about how I am soo unable to comprehend a God who loves ME enough to give me so many wonderful blessings!

Dear God, please help me not to be the mommy I have always wanted to be, but the mommy YOU have always wanted me to be! Help me to treasure the blessings You've given me, and to teach them that YOU are the Giver of many blessings. Let them love You and serve You and desire You more than anything else in this world!

With Arms Wide Open

2007-10-15T16:03:00.000-04:00

I have just been basking in the dream of being pregnant lately. It's easy to forget the miracle that it is when you're sick and tired and everything else that goes along with pregnancy. But, now that I'm feeling half-decent, I've been just enjoying every moment even more.

The day we found out we were pregnant was such a great day! We knew we'd be getting a call from the nurse at some point in the afternoon or evening. Mike was at work and then had a job interview at 3pm. I switched my days at work so I'd have off that day to get the blood work done and wait for the call. I figured it would be tough waiting anxiously for the results at work! We decided that we wanted to find out at the same time, so I turned the phones on silent, turned the volume down on the answering machine and WAITED and PRAYED! Mike came home around 3:30 and then we WAITED and PRAYED together! I was so glad that the call hadn't come before he got home. When the call came, I picked up the phone and put it on speaker. She said, "Sarah, you're pregnant!" I was shocked! Mike immediately said, "Hallelujah!" and the nursed laughed! It was amazing!!! I started crying and then laughing and crying more and hugging Mike and crying more!

Well, my parents were away on vacation (I almost went with them, but I'm sooo glad I didn't - although lobster would have been nice!) We had told them that they had to wait until they got home for the news since we wanted to tell them in person. Mike's parents were going to be coming down for a visit about 10 days later, and we told them we'd tell them either way in person as well. So, Debby knew not to ask and that I wasn't going to tell her either way until after we'd told our parents. After we hung up with the nurse, Mike said to me, "let's go tell your sister!" I couldn't believe it because he had wanted to wait, but I didn't argue since I was just so excited to share our news! We got in the car, and Mike turned on his ipod. He started playing a song that I had never heard before (I must have lived under a rock all my life to not have heard it, but maybe I had heard it and it just didn't mean anything to me before.) Anyway, it was the most beautiful song and just really fit how we were feeling! So, I cried even more on the way to Deb's house. (He had planned for MONTHS to play this song for me the day we found out, and that just made it so much sweeter!)

The song had just finished when we pulled up at her house and I was a mess! Debby opened the front door and thought that since I was crying soo much that we weren't pregnant. I gave her a big hug, and said in her ear, "I'm pregnant!" She couldn't believe it! It was such a great moment.

Here's a link to the song for those who haven't heard it before, or for those who want to cry hearing it again! (it's by Creed) Enjoy (and get a tissue before it starts)!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1HdGUNm6-qI