Memories

My high school friend Jen tagged me for this one...and it sure took me back memory lane! :o)

You're welcome to join in on the fun if you'd like.


The rules were to:

1. Go to your sixth picture folder.
2. Select your sixth picture and post it.
3. Pray you remember the details, and explain what the picture was all about.


We've been saving our pictures onto our computer for a few years now, so when I did the math I ended up here:

Early May 2006



We were at my parents house for a visit and Natalia (4 mos. old) was getting a bath in Grandma's kitchen sink...look at those cheeks and her chub! Love it!
(BTW, today you barely notice her scar from surgery, it's so faded.)


She's still hanging onto those cheeks, but is getting quite tall and really thinning out. (Though I'm glad she still has those elbow dimples! I think they're adorable...except on me. HA HA)

Our sweet baby girl will be turning 3 in a month! God has been so very good to us! :o)

Special Delivery!

Yesterday as our family gathered for Thanksgiving my youngest brother Ryan had a surprise waiting for me...

Remember that empty red wall in our bedroom (our big summer painting project) that's been waiting for it's debut piece?

Well, here's the finished product--and I absolutely LOVE IT!

I gave him a color swatch, a few ideas and said, "think Tuscany", and this is what materialized (with Sarah coaching from the sidelines of course). I wish the photo would have turned out better so you could appreciate the detail. The red patches of flowers really pop against the wall color.

In the words of Natalia this afternoon, "it's bootiful!" don't ya think? She also said, "I want it in MY bedroom!"

Nesting Projects

Since we didn't find out if we were having a boy or girl when I was pregnant with Natalia, we stayed neutral as far as room decor in the nursery.

My mom made a wonderful crib bedding set out of the fabric I had chosen: yellow gingham dust ruffle, leafy printed green bumper pads, and a patchwork quilt of the same with a delicate white print. Here is a picture of a small tabletop I painted to resemble the quilt--it once again will serve as a place to keep wipes and a clock beside my glider.

Since we didn't get around to painting the room this summer I wanted SOMETHING on the walls. Here are some wooden letters I found at Michaels or ACMoore (I forget which one since they're across the parking lot from each other up here!) and painted to bring some "boyish" colors into the scheme of things.

I intend to add a long wooden shelf to the other wall and maybe a framed photo once this little boy arrives.

Fresh-Cut Snowflake Wreath

Fresh-Cut Snowflake Wreath

Turn Christmas tree trimmings into a one-of-a-kind wreath.

(I found this great idea in Family Fun magazine.)

Step 1: Gather six pieces of trimmings from your live Christmas tree. Use shears to cut the pieces to the desired lengths (approximately 13 inches).

Step 2: On a workspace, place two sprigs face down and end to end. Cut a length of 9-gauge wire that measures 2 inches longer than the span of the two sprigs (about 28 inches). The wire will serve as a spine for the wreath. Using pliers, create a loop at one end of the wire.

Step 3: Lay the wire on top of the sprigs with the loop flush with one end. Use 22-gauge wire to secure the sprigs to the 9-gauge wire at various points.

Step 4: Use the 22-gauge wire to secure the remaining four sprigs to the 9-gauge wire in an X pattern as shown.

Step 5: Add evergreen sprigs, such as boxwood and pine clippings, to the front of the wreath near the center using 22-gauge wire.

Step 6: If desired, use jute twine to add a clear glass finial ornament near the center of the wreath.

Christmas Tag

I thought this one looked like fun...join in if you'd like!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Both--I reuse my bags from year to year, or buy plain ones and decorate. I know this sounds crazy, but I almost prefer the wrapping part to the buying!

2. Real tree or Artificial?
I love the smell of a real tree, but with little ones in the house, it's not the most practical. For now we use a nice artificial one.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Usually right after Thanksgiving. I'm typically the one to decorate it, and I always like to have my favorite Christmas albums playing in the background. This year I anticipate a little girl will want to "help".

4. When do you take the tree down?
Usually the tree and decorations disappear sometime after New Year's, but I like to keep the white outdoor lights we string around our deck railing a bit longer.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Not really...the thought of the egg in it grosses me out. Oddly, that's not the case in cookie dough, but I digress. To warm up at this time of year I prefer hot cocoa, coffee/tea, or a glass of wine.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Well, since my birthday is so close to Christmas there were years that I received a bigger combo gift. One very special gift was the doll house my dad and mom made for me when I was around 5 yrs. old. My dad is an excellent carpenter and the detailed work that both he and my mom put into this gift is still being enjoyed to this day by the grandkids. Individual shingles, wooden siding, etched window panes, homemade curtains, furniture and plant-hangers...

7. Hardest person to buy for?
My husband (he doesn't give many ideas and always says that he doesn't need anything)

8. Easiest person to buy for?
My daughter (at this age she's constantly growing out of things)

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
I finally found one that is more "ethnically" accurate than most--well, I did change the hair color of Mary and baby Jesus. I especially liked that the wise men in this set truly resembled men from the East. And of course I found it for a great price at a yard sale--still in it's original packaging.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
I like to send a photo card and/or yearly letter, but because of the cost and having a blog now I think I'm going to go the email route for most on my list...except for non-computing great-grandparents and a few overseas relatives of course.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I wouldn't say "worst", because I don't think I've ever received a gift in which to use that term. But I do remember being not so thrilled about receiving gloves or some such "practical" thing when an older child. Now I actually appreciate practical gifts I give suggestions for MORE than surprises since I rarely buy things I don't immediately "need".

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
It's not really a "Christmas" movie, but I love the overall Christmasy feeling when watching "Little Women".

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
As soon as we figure out how much we're spending and get a few suggestions. (Usually it's not earlier than October/November though.) I usually do all of the shopping and wrapping.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Only for a "now you have it now you don't" type of exchange.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
I have to narrow it down to one thing?!?!? Sorry, can't do that.
(My mom's gourmet mashed potatoes, my mother-in-law's duck, Polish Vegetable Salad, all of the delicious cookies...)

16. Lights on the tree?
YES! Lots of white ones.

17. Favorite Christmas song?
Again, how do I pick one? "Mary Did You Know?", "Carol of the Bells", and "O Come O Come Emmanuel" are among my favorites.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Now that we're closer to family we just make short trips--soooooo nice!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
I think so...Santa was never a part of Christmas in our household so I'd say it's only been in recent years that I could say so.

20. Angel , star, or other tree topper?
We've used both an angel and a star in past years. Now, I mostly use the handmade straw star that goes with the other straw ornaments often found on trees in Polish households. I really like the way these ornaments look with the ribbon, glass balls, and beaded fruit I also use.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas Eve is the traditional Polish time to have a meal, go to mass and open gifts, so we usually spend that night with my inlaw(s). Christmas Day is always spent with my side of the family. This year will be spontaneous no doubt--maybe even in a hospital room!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Static electricity and dry air in the house, getting the flu, stressed out people/drivers...

23. Favorite ornament, theme or color?
My favorites are those that are non-gawdy; in other words, natural, organic colors and materials

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
I already answered that...oops! Instead I'll say that the BEST GIFT I received (technically it was on my birthday, the 31st) was holding my baby girl for the first time. She was 4 days old and in the NICU at University of Maryland Med. Center awaiting heart surgery. Can't believe that was nearly 3 years ago and now I'll have another sweet-smelling Christmas bundle!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
To not still be pregnant! Sleep! (Hmmm...probably won't get both, will I?)

Brrrrrr...

We got our first look at a winter wonderland yesterday. I just love to watch it snow...

Natalia was sooooo very excited to see it snowing upon first waking up, so when Daddy came home he hardly had to persuade her to go outside to play!

Of course it's nearly melted today, but we received about 3 inches. Maybe we'll actually have a "real" winter this year. (My poor husband will be moaning no doubt, since I'll probably be more reluctant to let him go snowboarding as much with a newborn in the house!)

The Blahs

I know it's partly hormones, the onset of much colder weather that makes me want to hibernate, part nesting, part restlessness, part exhaustion from a lack of sleep, and reaching that "uncomfortable" stage of pregnancy...

...but this week I've been fighting the blahs. Anybody identify?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Realizing that there are not only external forces at work, I've been praying and asking the Lord for a spirit of contentment and joy in the midst of this "out-of-sorts" week. Strength to go about my daily tasks and patience to gently instruct the heart of my daughter (who I believe is also sensing change is a-comin' and has been particularly pushing the limits). Diligence in spending quiet moments with the Lord, remembering Him and His Truth throughout my day, and relying on his grace and provision because He is always there.

When I take my eyes off of myself and my circumstances, and I look at Him, my perspective changes. My situation may remain the same, but I don't.

Take a moment to look at the new header photo I posted. Does it not point to our Mighty Creator? Just as He orchestrates the changing of the seasons, He changes hearts...

Change my heart Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Speaking Her Mind

Here's the latest in Natalia Funnies:

Her new favorite saying that serves as a preface for many a thought, "So, my question is..." (whether it's a question or not). :o)

Out of the blue the other day she announced to me that she was getting married...to Jeff. (This has been the baffling fascination of her older cousin Morgan these days--WHO KNOWS who this Jeff person is!) Of course Pete had some questions to ask after this announcement: does he have a job, when is the big day, how old is he...

And for some reason, she keeps getting her opposites mixed up--hot and cold, off and on, open and closed, etc. That and everything is described as "the blue one"!

And of course with the soon expected arrival of a baby to our house, she's in full swing, getting practice. She wanted me to "feed" her baby doll on my belly the other day. :oP (She's already lifted her shirt and put her baby on her own belly...to which Pete just rolls his eyes. Ha Ha! BOYS!)

The Latest Development

This morning I had my much-anticipated doctor's appointment with the specialist, and...the news was good.

My placenta is completely normal, the lakes I've referred to earlier haven't grown and there's enough room (though Adam and Momma may debate it) for this little man to grow as much as he needs. According to his measurements today the specialist was guestimating that he could be a 9 pounder. (I'm not surprised since Natalia was nearly that at 2 days late.)

I got another glimpse of his face today at the specialist's office--ahhhh, the wonders of technology these days. Albeit there was usually a fist in the way or some unexplained blob, but what I could see made my heart skip a beat...he has the same squooshed nose and plump cheeks as his big sister!

I'm already eating him up... :o)
(Some of you may remember how we wondered if Natalia even HAD a neck for the first few months, her cheeks were so big and delicious.)

Now we just have to sit back and wait since it looks like we're just letting nature take it's course--no early induction plan at this point.

"Everything" Cookies--Good For Everyday or Christmas

This is one of our new favorites and comes courtesy of my Mom. (I forget where she originally got the recipe.) They're super easy to make and especially good with a cup of something hot.

ENJOY!

1 c. sugar

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. butter, softened
1 c. oil

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tsp. baking soda

1 c. Rice Krispies

1 c. coconut

1 c. oatmeal

1/2 c. nuts (pecans, coarsely chopped)

3-1/2 c. flour

1. Mix sugar through vanilla ingredients together, then add salt, cream of tartar and soda and mix.

2. Add cereal, coconut, oatmeal and nuts and mix, then add flour last.

3. Drop by small spoonfuls onto cookie sheet and bake @ 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.
(Makes about 4 dozen)

Don't Feed The Animals

Doesn't she look ferocious? :oD

What A Load!

This is for you Rebecca! :oD

...and for all of you out there who haven't seen my belly lately. There's plenty of it!

Ya' think I look 8 1/2 months pregnant?!!!

Preparations and Resting in God

Since I hit my nesting phase not too long ago, I've found myself swinging towards one of two mindsets: planning planning PLANNING, and wishing I had an "OFF" switch to my brain.

The planning has had it's merits, and I'm thankful to have had the energy thus far to carry out most of it. Things like stocking our freezers with prepared meals, starting on some Christmas cookies, washing baby bedding and clothes, and gradually shopping for gifts. Whether my sense of urgency is premature or not, I'm anticipating being even more tired in the next few week.

The part that can quickly take me from the joy of working hard, to the place of worry and fretfulness is when I begin to rely upon my efforts too much and assume my plans are always going to work out the way I've intended. This is nothing new for me really...or confined to pregnancy...but something God's used to show me my tendency towards self-sufficiency over the years.

Am I truly counting on Him to provide for all of my needs?

Am I resting in the good and perfect provision that He HAS given (whether it looks like that to me at the time or not)?

Am I regularly positioning my heart to receive His peace in those seasons when life seems busy and I'm being pulled in many directions?

Am I taking time to sit and be still with Him?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nearly three years ago my "plans" were drastically changed in the matter of moments...my newborn baby girl's life and wellbeing were placed in the hands of strangers while I watched from the sidelines. Yet God's peace was there...and His perfect provision.

I must remind myself to trust only in the Lord as I now plan and wait in expectation for this little boy to arrive.

It's hard not to be anxious for my specialist's appointment next Monday--will he say I'll be induced early? Should I "count on" 3 more weeks or 6?

I must count on the Lord and rest in His timing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In what area of YOUR life are you sensing the need to grow in trusting and resting in Him?

I Love My Mom!

Some of you may be aware that my Mom is about to celebrate another birthday.

Well, it's probably no secret that one of my absolute FAVORITE things about our move back to Lancaster County is that I'm now able to easily spend time with my family--especially my mom.

I decided to take her to lunch at a place I recently discovered online. It's called The Front Porch Tea Room and it's not far from here.

While in Maryland, going to a tea place was a birthday tradition I often shared with my friend Rebecca, but I had never taken my mom. She finally got to experience "High Tea" with me, and it was OH SO YUMMY! I'll try to remember the countless courses, for they truly were an experience. :o)

We started with a Fruit Ambrosia with Toasted Coconut Topping and a pot of Sweet Almond Tea. That was followed by a House Salad with pine nuts, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries and poppyseed dressing--INCREDIBLE! Next came a platter of warm scones: white chocolate raspberry and apple walnut with jam and clotted cream for on top. We had a choice between a nutty flavored pumpkin soup or spinach rice after that, then tea sandwiches. I especially liked the cucumber on rye and cream cheese salsa on pumpernickle. To finish out our lunch we were offered dessert--either warm gingerbread with lemon sauce and whipped cream, or a vanilla cranberry creme brulee.

Needless to say, we were stuffed by the end of our tea experience.

Most of all I enjoyed the uninterrupted time to sit and talk with my mom--she truly is God's gift to me and I'm so thankful for her godly example and friendship.

Love ya Mom! :o)

Anticipation

Well, about a week ago I entered the nesting phase--in a major way!

Being the planner and visual person that I am, I set about making a big calendar, entering the knowns and holidays (and many family birthdays!) until the end of the year. Then, of course there's the holiday preparations. Thank you Lord both of our families do things VERY simply!

After assigning a week for each of the two kinds of Christmas cookies I'm making to share, and a number of "doubled" meals to freeze, I left the last 2 weeks before my due date to do absolutely NOTHING! I have a short list to shop for--and thankfully we can spread out that expense over the next few weeks. The big question is--WHEN IS THIS BABY COMING? :o)

Before you start to think, "my goodness woman, would you just relax!" let me assure you that my blood pressure is excellent and that there's an explanation...

A few weeks back I posted an update on Baby Adam and my most recent ECHO test (3D ultrasound). There was a little blurb on "placental lakes".

Well, I have my next appointment with the same specialist on November 17th (2 weeks from today). At that point the doctor wants to again make sure that my placental lakes aren't inhibiting the baby's growth, because that could affect his vitals and mean that they'd schedule me to be induced early. (Maybe even at 37 weeks! That's the first week in December people--4 weeks away! AHHHHHH...can you tell I'm nesting?)

:oD

So guess what was on the "schedule" for my hubby and I this weekend? Moving his office things from the 3rd bedroom into the front little nook of our room, emptying the closet and moving all of baby stuff up from the basement. WHAT A JOB!

Pete had to chuckle, walking into the room yesterday--it had been transformed literally overnight, right down to the changing table drawers being stocked with those tiny little diapers!

I'm so glad I made a few trips to the nice consignment stores in our area this summer and found some clearance sales at the outlets. AND, the fact that we didn't find out if Natalia was a boy or girl ahead of time means that we have a bunch of neutral newborn things. Now all I have to do is wash everything.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The other thing I'm anticipating? This election being over...

We've been getting non-stop phone calls and mailings--it's a bit insane!

I plan to get out to the polls sometime tomorrow, and am thankful I have the opportunity to do so, but quite honestly I don't enjoy politics very much. I've forced myself in recent years to be more informed in the election process/candidates, but the tactics often employed by both parties and the media just frustrates me endlessly. I strongly agree AND disagree with aspects of both parties...so it's been hard not to become jaded. BUT...I do feel I've been helped by a few sources this time around.

If you haven't ever checked out Carolyn McCulley's blog "Radical Womanhood" on my sidebar's blog list, I suggest you do so. Her post from the other day "An Appeal: Don't Waste Your Vote" helped me to consider which issues should be primary when you find yourself in such a dilemma.

Regardless of who is elected (and when Adam arrives), I am confident of Who is sovereign.

Oh Really?!

Last night Natalia and I were at Grandma and Grandpa's house since Pete was away, and as my dad was cutting the tags off of a new pack of socks, Natalia asked what he had in his hand.

He said, "it's a pocketknife."

Natalia repeated, "a pocket wife?"

It turned into the joke of the evening...he had picked it up in Switzerland a few years ago...my mom was there too, but she didn't seem to mind...and on and on... HA HA