eat sleep and farm

Several months back I started looking on craigs list for a couple baby items that we were in need of. I am very thankful to say, I found above and beyond what I was looking for and at great prices! One of my favorites was this cute little travel bassinet that I found for our family vacation we'll be taking after she's born. I took some pictures of some of my fun finds and also grabbed a picture of some baby bibs that Jason's mom gave me. They were his bibs when he was a baby! Super cute and the picture doesn't do them justice, but I had to share. showing off her sister's travel bed, with her doll. (My Mom made that doll for me when I was 9 years old. Its SO fun to see Rachel enjoying her now.) And the car seat, with Abbie, the Cabbage Patch :) Loved this sign I found at Target this is the travel bed $10.00 European brand, super soft and cozy... can't wait to use it! Jason's baby bibs. A family member made these for him, but I can't remember who.

I was finishing off some Bible study homework in my room tonight and overheard the kids in the hallway. They had gotten the big dress-up bin out and were talking about what they should play. Ethan had the grand idea of playing Beauty and the Beast (which is a new all time favorite movie, thanks to the Bartoks for loaning it to us) and Rachel thought the idea was fabulous... to say the least. I want to say she leaped for joy and hugged him, screaming with delight the whole time. So out came the "cape" which ended up being Ethan's Superman robe and then out came the ballerina dress Rachel got for her birthday. I grabbed the camera and hid in the door way, hoping to find some cute moments... and did. :) After I got a few without them knowing (the dancing pictures) I had some fun catching more cute shots. I love the ages they're at; lots of fun brother, sister bonding time. They love to pretend all types of things and play for hours upon end. It brings back so many memori...

So today is my 1st due date and then October 2nd is my original one (and the one I believe is more accurate, but since the difference is only one week, I won't fuss too much). I saw my OB this morning and she said everything looks fabulous. I brought Rachel with me and she got to turn the doppler on and put it on my tummy... she brought her baby doll with her and my OB let her listen to her baby's heart beat as well. Only thing is, Rachel's pretty smart and figured out quickly that her baby was missing something kind of important. :) Its basically a waiting game from here on out. Labor is so mysterious, but I admit, its all part of the fun! The not knowing can be rough (especially with nights and nights of contractions, but no baby) but its getting us so excited to meet her and I think really helping me BE ready for the grand event. I was happy to hear that I'm progressing quickly this time. My OB was telling me to have hope - she said that many women get induced at th...

Last night was inside-out night at AWANA! Ethan was a little weirded out by wearing his clothes inside-out, but it soon grew on him. :) He also passed his entrance booklet and was awarded his Cubbies bag and book! His vest comes in a couple weeks, after he passes the first couple of verses in his book. Its been fun memorizing the short verses with him and also hearing Rachel learn them at the same time. Yesterday she was walking down the hallway saying "When we were sinners... Jesus died for us!" too cute. showing off his "goofy" outfit "Why are my pockets hanging out?" accepting his awards (my flash didn't work quit right) with his new bag and book showing off the bag!

We've been loving this cooler weather and out here in our town, it gets pretty chilly and windy first thing in the morning and later at night. I hear its because we're so close to the water. Anyway... you can tell we live in a typically warmer climate, based on some of the things our kids have been saying... after I put a pair of jeans on Ethan -- "Mommy, why are these shorts SO long?" walking outside into the very windy breeze, Rachel says "Will you turn the fan off out here?" after putting on a long sleeved shirt on Ethan... "Mommy... you need to buy me smaller clothes. These sleeves go all the way down my arm!" last night on our walk around the neighborhood Ethan asks "Can you turn the heater on in the stroller, its too cold out here?" We are SO thrilled that fall is in the air. This is probably my favorite time of year. I love everything about harvest time, the colors, the food, the clothes, God's beautiful creation. I wish it wo...

These are some pictures from my baby shower last week. Childhood friends! L-R: Jess Green, Me, Jessi Smits, my sister Trisha and Laura Gottlieb Saying good night to baby Ezekiel - he is so adorable and made me ache to hold my little girl! Opening gifts loved all the pink and brown in this one :)

Here are some random pictures from this past week. As you can see in several of them, I'm laboring. Yes, yes, you heard me right. It was labor, just not the type that produces a baby... yet. I saw my Dr. today and everything looks good and ready, we're just waiting for those truly strong and consistent contractions to come. As uncomfortable as some of these evenings have been, I'm extremely thankful to be feeling great these days! I've had energy like before I got pregnant, able to be out and about with the kids, feeling so positive and ready to meet our little girl. As unattractive as the first picture looks, I did get a kick out of how white my belly looks, compared to the rest of me. :) The tummy at 38/39 weeks (depending on my actual due date) during one long and hard contraction... Rachel went and got her ball when she saw me on mine :) (she told me that her baby was getting ready to come out too) On the ball... watching Office Space Kisses for her baby. She'...

I got up this morning feeling pretty good, so I decided today is going to be cooking day. My tummy has dropped (even more) and the baby hasn't been moving nearly as much, so maybe she's getting ready now. :) I started off the morning making Spinach Lasagna and it looks so yummy... I want to eat it now! I'm making our favorite Mexican Chicken casserole next and then hoping to make a chicken pot pie later today. I'm still looking for where to find the puff pastry sheets. Does anyone know of a store that sells it? Here's the recipe and I even found a picture! I usually modify recipes to how we like to eat. I used whole grain noodles and then lots of my other ingredients were organic. It doesn't make a difference, so use whatever you like! Ingredients: 2 eggs, beaten 1 container (16 oz.) 2% Milkfat Low Fat Cottage Cheese 1 pkg....

Not in labor yet. I know its been the burning question for some of you. :) I've had some pretty intense hours with contractions coming anywhere from 3-6 minutes apart, but none that actually "go" anywhere. We get all excited and then its like "Nope. Not time!" I did the same thing when I was pregnant with Rachel, so I'm not terribly surprised. We had false labor for about 2 weeks and then she came super fast when my body finally decided to really go into labor. I'm carrying lower this time, showing signs that I'm much closer to labor and feeling like my body is ready, so we'll see if it happens faster this time or still takes a couple weeks. Its been fun to see the kids get even more excited as they see me having contractions. Last night, I had to laugh... I'm sitting on my bed, in the middle of one painful contraction and so my eyes are closed, I'm just trying to focus and relax... Ethan walks up and lays his hand on my knee and says ...

My mom will kill me for this one, but I loved it! all of the gang at dinner Papa. with his Emma girl Nana, holding Emma and Rachel at the pool Sam and Ethan... getting away from the pool Monster :) My guys :) At the Del Monte flower garden I caught them smelling the flowers and thought it was too cute! Papa, on the bridge with Rachel we have pictures of me drinking out of this same fountain when I was his age! and as you can see, he was quite taken by it. they loved sharing a bed at the Hotel (and slept in later than they do at home!) the morning we left, this is how I found Ethan... at 9:30 :) and how I found Rachel. :)

Seems the days are literally flying by around here. I can't believe we're back around to Sunday again. Amazing. This past week was packed full, but loads of fun! I'm not dealing with too much tiredness these days and I'm thankful for that, because there's a lot to do right now. 1st weekend in September - we ventured to Monterey Bay! My Mom's 53rd birthday was on the 6th and we had made plans to go BBQ at a fun park in Los Gatos that we used to go to all the time when we were little. Unfortunately, the weather was slated to be 95+ degrees that day and so our next idea was a day in Monterey! Jason and I (and the kids) went early on Friday night and stayed in a Motel, enjoying waking up already there on Saturday morning. My parents, my sister Trish and her family arrived Saturday and we spent the day on the beach, climbing rocks, in the pool at the hotel and then out to our favorite pizza place for dinner. After dinner we went to the wharf for ice cream and spent t...

This is a picture of my life long friend Jessi and me. I want to say it was taken around 1985 and we're in Pinecrest on vacation with our families. Do you see Rachel in me?

Today we honor our fallen heroes; remembering the huge sacrifice they made. We honor their families left behind, not fully understanding what they've gone through, but remembering their loss and grief. Seven years ago today our country realized we're not as safe as we thought we were, but I think it was the first time we realized we're stronger than we ever knew. God has blessed us with a free country and continues to bless us with freedom and liberty... for that I am thankful. Its why I say "God has blessed America" and not "God bless America". Today is a day I will never forget.

I forgot to post a picture when I was exactly 8 months... I'm sure you'll all forgive me. :) So here you go - 37 weeks pregnant and ready to pop!

Last weekend (8/30) we spent the day with the Great Grandmas and Jason's parents. The kids had a blast playing in the backyard and then we all enjoyed a yummy BBQ chicken dinner. Playing in the dirt she was quite entertained by this small puddle with balls Grandpa, Grandma and Rachel Being silly; she's turning into our clown :) me at 35 weeks (sitting is what I do best)