Decorating Has Begun!

 My hubby was busy during most of his time off getting caught up on some of the things that needed to be done around the house. I was so excited when he started hanging some of our picture frames and I wanted to show off my husbands awesomeness. ;)

I got the vinyl lettering last year and that was the first thing to go up. The picture frame was a birthday gift and I will eventually get real pictures in them... The plan is to get two matching black frames with pictures of the kiddos to go on either side of the phrase... one day.

 I plan on spray painting this frame completely black... one day.

 The last two picture frames are on either side of my french doors.

 This is one of my favorite wall picture design thingys. It is on the opposite wall of the vinyl lettering. I think it needs something on the sides to balance it on the wall... maybe sconces, I'm not sure. I'm not really a decorator so if someone has an idea let me know.

 One of the beauties that we unpacked a few weeks back. This is hand made and was given to us as a wedding gift. We have had it packed away the last 5 1/2 years since we didn't have room for it. And I just have to say that it is extremely heavy. Right now its home is the back of the couch but I'd love to have a quilt rack that I can hang it up on the wall and display it... one day.

 I have been keeping an eye out on my blogs for any household tips and the like and I got this idea for a bookshelf for Josiah. I explained it to Michael and he loved the idea and searched his man cave to see if he could create something without spending money.

He put something together but when we were going through boxes in the garage he saw what I used as my spice rack at the old apartment that I am no longer using. He stared at it and then said to me what if we cut it and use this as his book shelf.... My Husband is a GENIUS! I love how it turned out! There is one more shelf, but Michael's leatherman was giving out with all the sawing it was doing. He needs real tools in his man cave... one day.

Michael hung it behind Josiah's door as another way to conserve space. I love it that that little corner isn't wasted space anymore. Josiah is doing a great job keeping his books on his shelves now.

 Josiah and I also had a wonderful visit from my dearest friend and her sweet baby girl yesterday! Josiah 'helped' Sami feed and burp Ailey. It was so sweet.

I loved getting to hold Ailey! Tadpole kicked like crazy when I did. Sami was saying that the girls will grow up best friends just like us and then changed her mind and said with our luck they'll hate each other. lol

I was thankful for time spent with a good friend even though we didn't 'DO' anything. My energy level still isn't great so it was nice to just visit for a while. Oh, did I mention Sami bought pizza... the baby LOVES pizza right now! :)

Lovin' this cold weather!
Joy

Fall Festival and Baby Stuff!

 Josiah was dressed up as Woody for the Fall Festival

 This is Hannah the Butterfly

 Josiah actually loved the trampoline this time! He played on it as long as it was these two little boys with him or no one. He didn't like the big kids. :)

 They did some apple bobbing for the kids and some of the guys did it as well. We enjoyed ourselves very much. It was a nice low key activity where we were able to just relax and talk with friends while the kids wore themselves out playing with each other.

***

 While in Alaska my sister in law took me to some of the cutest shops. We went into a vintage shop where I found this adorable little dress and bonnet. I couldn't pass it up!  I loved the smocking but the bonnet sold me on it!

 You know, just in case we have a girl! :)

 I have always wanted a Vera Bradley bag and my sweet sis in law got this one for me since I needed a larger bag to carry the stuff that wouldn't fit in my suitcase. It also can double as a diaper bag!

A dear friend has already given me some formula, and my sister is packing up some of her stuff Emelyn can no longer use. :) I am very thankful for what all these blessings represent. Not only the little blessing that is on the way but for the family and friends that love on me and my family.

Oh, and I have to mention my mom is making me fried speckled perch and cheese grits for supper tomorrow night. I've been dreaming about that meal for the last two weeks, and I can't wait!!! :D

Blessed...

Blessed that while I am so far away from my wonderful husband and son that I have technology at my finger tips that allows me to see and talk to my family. Thank you Skype and of course my wonderful cell phone has gotten a work out.

Josiah with his new toy from Daddy

 Watching Mommy during devotions

 J just being cute

 The two dearest people on earth to me

Blessed because my hubby let me fly to Alaska to see my best friend during one of the most precious times of her life. I could not put into words (without crying) what it has meant to me to be here to spend time with Sami and to hear Ailey cry (from the hallway) for the first time. Precious memories, for sure.

Ailey getting checked out by the pediatrician in the nursery

Ailey saying hi to her 2 Grandma's and me- her 3 biggest fans (besides her Mommy and Daddy, of course)!

Blessed because we have wonderful family and friends that have helped Michael out tremendously by babysitting Josiah and fixing them meals or taking them out to eat. And In-Laws that have driven me places and don't mind my coming and going at odd and various times.

Blessed because I know Christ as my Lord and Savior!

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."  James 1:17

Jennifer's Bday Dinner @ PF Changs!

The Birthday Girl!

...getting a birthday kiss from her hubby.

 Me and Michael

 THE FOOD. OH. THE. FOOD.

It was incredible!

This is a lettuce wrap. DELISH!

 Crab Wontons... OUT OF THIS WORLD!

 Crispy Green Beans... Surprisingly very good!

 Sweet and Sour & Egg Drop Soup... Not a fan of either.

 The Main Courses!!!

We each ordered something but we all ate something of everyone's. It was fun! :)

My favorite dishes were the Honey Chicken, the Spicy Chicken, and the Orange Peel Beef. Go figure I didn't like what I ordered, but it all got eaten... except maybe the rice.

Right after this picture we had our waitress take a group shot of us and when I tried to hand her my camera I totally dropped it and broke it. :'(

So I used my phone the rest of the night.

We each got a mini dessert. This is Michael's cheesecake which was really good!

 After dinner we walked around the Mall at Millinia which totally makes you feel... poor. lol

Here are the attempts at us girls trying to take a picture of us with my phone while we waited for the guys to get the cars.

 And then some random guy walks up to us and volunteers to take our picture for us. lol We were having fun being goofy and he had to go and ruin it. :)

We had a great night laughing with each other! We appreciated Jennifer giving us a reason to get together again. Happy Birthday, my dear friend! I hope you enjoyed your night out!