Pre Baby Fun

This is just a post about our life lately. It's been a pretty busy couple of weeks.

My mom, Russell and I met my aunts and cousins for dinner at Mellow Mushroom last Friday. We had to get a pic of the cousins for sure! I am the oldest-yet the shortest. That's how it is in my life! HA! It was awesome to catch up with Emily and Cliff!

My mama and her sisters, Dodie and Molly.

We had a fun time enjoying pizza and catching up.

Russell and I have tried to spend more quality time together since our sweet baby will be here VERY soon. We went to one of our very favorites, The Venesian Inn.

We hardly ever get an appetizer there, but we splurged for the night. Awesome ravioli!

Spaghetti-oh so good. I took more than half of this plate home. It was so good though!

Russell found a robin's nest with the mama robin protecting her eggs. Oh, the beauty of spring.

Beautiful blue eggs. They have not hatched yet, but we are keeping a lookout for them to hatch.

Belle now loves the nursery. She has a new hiding spot-under the crib!

Are y'all ready to see her little makeover? Get ready........

Oh my word! She looks so pitiful in this picture. She just got groomed this morning and she is still getting used to the haircut. Love her blue bows, though! :)

Okay, I have a bit of an update for y'all. Last week, we went to my OB appointment and I had an ultrasound to check the baby's size and measurements. Well, he weighed approximately 7 lbs 7 oz last Wednesday! Also, there have been a few doctors who are familiar with the blood clot fiasco, and my doctor has been in close contact with them to decide when to induce labor, which was recommended and the best thing for me and Jackson.

I will be admitted to the hospital on Sunday and induced on Monday morning, so Monday, April 21st will be baby day! We know that the Lord is in total control of this and we totally TRUST that it will all work out. We are also VERY excited! The reality is really setting in. We will officially be parents soon. We are so ready to start this new chapter in our lives. We really do appreciate your prayers for everything to go as smooth as possible!

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. Psalm 37:5

Lately

I know, I know...I have not blogged in a while. It's been a pretty slow month, aside from the baby shower on the first. The third trimester has definitely hit and I am not the most energetic person on the planet, to say the least. HA! However, we are so very happy and looking forward to May!!

On Friday, I met my best friend, Amy, for dinner at Abuelo's-one of our favorite Mexican restaurants! It was so great to catch up and have a girl's night! We always have lots to talk about.

After church on Sunday, we walked outside and saw snow.....  yes. More snow! Luckily, it was not freezing temps outside. I can't have a green thumb because of this weather! ICK!

Belle is our sweet little girl. I love posting pictures of her. I gave her a bath yesterday and I took this picture about an hour after the bath. Her hair looked so funny, but still cute to me. :) She loves blankets and sheets in the recliner, so I sometimes put them out for her to enjoy.

Once Jackson arrives, her small world will grow fast!

When Jackson's room is finished, I will post pictures. It's currently a work in progress!

I really don't know much else. I hope y'all are having a wonderful week and hope it's springtime where y'all live. :)

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28

Glad Tidings

We have made a list and we are checking it twice. We cannot wait to see family for Christmas and we have spent all week getting ready for it. So here are our "glad tidings" to share!

 Belle knows something is up in Jackson's soon to be nursery. This room was used as an office. Ever since we started organizing the room and that end of the house, we have noticed that she likes to sit in the room and just relax. HA! She is so smart!

 She got a Christmas haircut and she looks so cute. We adore our lil "jingle Belle." :)

 Hallmark had a good sale on wrapping paper, so we got it on a whim. Knowing that I am not the greatest at wrapping gifts, I wanted to try wrapping anyway. I had a sweet friend, Kari come over the other day and we wrapped a few gifts and visited, of course. I guess I got a boost of confidence and an extra shot of patience for wrapping, because it became my favorite thing to do this week! HA!

 Usually my mom helps me wrap, so we don't have gifts under our tree. I couldn't wait to add more after wrapping the rest of the gifts. HA!

 Friday night, we rode around, listened to Christmas music and saw beautiful Christmas lights. We love doing it every year.

 Gorgeous!

 Pretty tree at Lawrence Plaza

 Nativity at our downtown square.

Jesus is the reason for celebrating. Let's remember to celebrate Jesus EVERY day, not just Christmas. I am so thankful for my salvation. That's the greatest gift I have ever received.

 Another gorgeous light display

 Russell loves cooking, especially this time of year. He made sausage balls the other night while I was finishing wrapping. He also made a sauce for it. The combo was so yummy!

 All finished!

 Yesterday, Russell and I were little elves and made The Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls!

I even wore my jingle bell earrings and "ugly Christmas sweater." Maybe I need to just call those sweaters "90's sweaters" because I have seen so many people wear them everywhere lately! Some people don't think they are ugly at all. Personal preference, right? HA!

 Rolling out the dough! This year was the third year we made them. We can't wait to give these to family! We are always so happy to do it for the people we love so much.

 Russell was such a great assistant! It definitely helps to have two people making these rolls. But if you are an expert, you may be able to easily make these by yourself. :)

 Yummy icing!

Ta-da!!

Last night, I met with sweet friends to see "A Madea Christmas." It was hilarious and great for the Christmas season. Fun!

Cannot wait to update you after December 25th!

Hope y'all have a very Merry Christmas!!

 

 

"But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel." Matthew 2:6

Family Time

Hello again! I think I am starting to get used to blogging on a regular basis again. Oh, how I missed it!

So a couple of weeks ago, we went to South Arkansas to visit family. Since we announced it to our sweet family members, we really wanted to see them soon after to celebrate and just spend time together.

 Russell and I wanted to give each of our family members a little momento to commemorate our excitement. :) I made each of them baby blocks!

 They each had their name on them and other little sayings or pictures. Uncle Eric's says, "I Love Reese's!"

 All of the baby blocks together

 I did not get any pictures of my sister, but we had such a good visit that Friday night. They showed us their newest contraption in their house-a soda stream! We made cream soda and Dr. Pete (Dr. Pepper). It was really good and so fun to make!

 Kelly made such a yummy dessert with cookies, ice cream, and chocolate syrup. I just call it...well..heaven! YUM!

 Saturday, we got to visit with Russell's family. Here are Jackie and Ricky with their baby blocks. So proud!

 Jackie and Ricky got Baby Price a little something...Razorback bibs! Soo cute. We love those Hogs!

My mom came for a visit earlier in September and she got the baby their 1st pair of socks with ducks on them. Love that!

 Lauren even got to come with us to South AR!

Lauren, me and Mama outside. I always love coming to my hometown and staying in the house where I grew up.

Can you tell that Lauren and I love our polka dots?

 Lauren and Mama showing off their blocks!

Saturday night, I got to visit with my sweet cousin, Ann Marie. I didn't get a picture but I always love catching up with her. Miss seeing Re Re and her sisters!

September 22nd was Belle's FIFTH birthday! We had to have a mini photo session with her, of course. She always likes to strike a pose!

So, our trip was short and sweet, but full of fun, of course.

 

Can you believe it's Fall? Oh, I love love love Fall! I can't believe I still haven't decorated our house for Fall yet! I better go run and get our Fall wreath!

 

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. Titus 2:11

Belle's Birthday

Belle turned 4 years old on Saturday! She has grown so much since she was a puppy.

 

 We have enjoyed her so much and love spoiling her, too.

 We got her a collection of treats that she will eat up soon!

 Russell and I were excited to find Joey's Dog Bakery kiosk at the mall. They have all kinds of treats for dogs and dog "boutique" items too. We loved it! Belle has so far enjoyed the "banana nut muffin" and the "cheesy squirrel" treat. She also loved the "bacon pig" treat. HA!

She had a good day.

Here are a few random things about our sweetie"

--Belle loves to sleep in Russell's recliner. She would do it all day if she could.

--Belle adores to eat ice. Every time we open the freezer drawer, she hops up and runs to the kitchen hoping we will give her ice. Sometimes we do, but not always.

--Belle loves it when I sing to her. I know it sounds silly, but every time I do, she always looks at me intently and turns her head.

--Belle loves blankets and sheets. She loves it when we get a blanket and spread it out on the couch just for her. Or she loves sharing blankets too. :)

--More than anything, Belle LOVES us! She loves people and she is the most lovable dog on the planet. We love her back! Lots!

 

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1

Santa Claus' Cookies and Milk

Belle and I are all deccked out for Christmas! I spotted this Rudolph headband today and it made me think of my Nanny (mama's mother) when I was a little girl! I remember when I was in elementary school, she came to my class and wore rudolph antlers and a Rudolph nose and sang "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!" She was such a kid at heart!
I made Roast Beef and Fontina panini's and we also had hearty vegetable soup. It was Paula Deen's recipe, of course! It really was good and oh so filling!

Belle is wearing her Christmas bells! :)

HO HO HO! Have ya'll tried this??? It is "Santa's Cookies and Milk" ice cream. It really does taste like cookies and milk. Russell and I relaxed after dinner and watched The Santa Clause while we enjoyed our ice cream. Hope ya'll are having a good weekend!

Be joyful always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16

TGIF!

Thank Goodness It's Friday!!! Today's post is pretty random. The other day, since it is now November, I decided to make my yearly "turkey pumpkin"! I just love this cute turkey, don't you? Gobble Gobble!
I think Belle likes it too. She is peeking through the door!

On a much more random note, I wanted to point this out. A few friends of mine (many friends of mine) and I have agreed, we need 2 things in South Arkansas.
We definitely need a Starbucks. This weekend, I am SO getting my Caramel Apple Spice fix! Here I come! HA!

We also need a Chick-Fil-A! Oooo ya'll, if you do have a chick fil a in your area be graateful because it's just so yummy! I am so jealous! lol!

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful Fall November weekend!

With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! Isaiah 12:3