Cravings Gallore!

This has definitely been a weird pregnancy. Well just different from Lilly mainly.

This time I can eat meat- and lots of it. A few weeks ago Jim asked if I had been to Burger King lately and when I sheepishly answered yes he asked " do they know you on a first name basis there?" What's a girl to do? The Jr. Whopper was calling my name (many times in one week to be truthful-oh well!)

This time around I have acne-none of that pregnancy glow. I look like a thirteen year old who's father is constantly reminding her to wash her face at night and "don't forget the clearasil!"

I crave rootbeer, popcorn, meat, candy, Burger King, and today I hit an all time low-Top Ramen. That's right, Top Ramen. I actually cooked and ate an entire bowl of chicken flavored Top Ramen and enjoyed every minute of it. I am quite certain that my blood pressure is off the charts due large in part to the sodium intake that I just consumed.

And should you see me and wonder how far along I am let me go ahead and curb the shock factor. I look 6-7 months and yet I am only a mere 15 weeks.

This is our last baby and I have always said "Go big or go home!" Well, here I am: big at home so what does that say about me? (no rude comments please-I'm a fragile hormonal pregnant lady who is big enough to crush you)

She's 12

Happy Birthday Anna! I can't believe you are 12-I know I haven't been your mom since birth but somehow God has managed to cram 12 years of experience, love, emotion and life lessons into just two years with you.

12 things that I love about you are:

You aren't afraid to show your emotions
You care deeply for those less fortunate
You have single handedly planned a yearly donation drive for the homeless shelter
Your unending help with Lilly
Your eyes
Your deep laugh when something is REALLY funny
Your love and concern for your friends
Your brain-you are so smart!
Your amazing ability to play the piano so well
Your tenacity
Your sensitive heart
Your faith

I am honored and blessed to be your mom. I know it's not what you had in mind and at times it probably would be better if mom Michelle were here. But know that I am trying and that I do love you. I give thanks every night for you and for the lessons you are teaching me. Happy 12th b-day doll and I look forward to many more fabulous years with you!
xoxo mom

uh ohhh spaghetti-o's!

Remembering September 11th

I was late for work that day eating my usual bowl of Grapenuts with orange juice (don't ask-it's a family thing) watching the Today show with Matt Lauer and Catie Couric. I remember watching the news as everything unfolded and driving to work in a complete daze.

I taught a different seminary lesson that day.

We watched news reports in bewteen classes.

Some students mourned in silence while others cried out loud.

Some even had fathers in New York and were anxiously awaiting word on their safety.

I will never forget the events of that day.

And today at Anna's insistence we had a family moment of silence. She explained it all to Kirsten and then timed us for one minute. I love that she wears her heart on her sleeve and isn't afraid to show it. I love that she hasn't forgotten and makes sure we haven't either.

Home Again Home Again

I just returned from a 5 day trip to St. Louis. It was the Annual Sister's Weekend and we decided to go visit our old stomping grounds. We moved there back in '87 so granted I didn't live there for long but the fam did and many summers and christmas' were spent there and I have such fond memories of the place.
Some of the highlights:
Staying at Embassy Suites
Prepared breakfast every morning
Sleeping in
Laughing
Shopping
Eating
Seeing the house and old hang-0uts
The Murder Mystery Dinner
Racial Diversity
All of the religion and "Suppers"
Farmers Market
Eating for 2 at Pasta House Co (soooooo good)
Catching up and talking
Missing my family

I used to think that mom's got away so they could rest and take a break. This trip just made me appreciate what I have and in a way, long to be home.
I had such a wonderful time being with my mom and sisters and I love that a tradition started 10 years ago has continued to live on-we haven't missed a year!

cake wrecks

I just stumbled upon my new favorite Blog-Cake Wrecks.
Good Stuff!
Do yourself a favor and check it out