THE BLOG

Happy 17 Weeks My Sweet Little Turnip!!!

2010-04-04T22:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter and happy 17 weeks our precious little TURNIP! :) I'm naughty and haven't taken a picture yet today...it'll have to be tomorrow! It has been an amazing day!
It is of course Easter and it has been a beautiful, wonderful one. Church was awesome today! It seems like our church has taken a new turn and has been rejuvenated in the past few weeks. Maybe we needed this new location....it just seems like a happier place! The people actually seem happy. JP certainly likes it too! This was the THIRD week that he made it through the service without having to have mama sooth some serious and major tears. I actually wasn't worried about JP today and I didn't even check on him (!!! ie. sneak up on the nursery and listen in at the door!!!!) !
Today for lunch we had Grandma and Grandpa Mac (Olive Oil and Popeye), Auntie M and Uncle D, Grandma and Grandpa Goettl, Jerry Jr., Nick and Trevor. It was a full house and actually enjoyable!
It's so crazy that as I put JP down to sleep every night I just never want to let him go. As I snuggle him I listen to his breathing....feel his breath on my neck....his little hand sometimes clutching my shoulder or hair....as I pray over him I pray life over him. We pray for health and peace, long life, that he would always walk with Jesus and never stray, we pray for his wife that she is being reaised by godly parents that love and nurture her and accept him as their own...we thank Him for his sweet spirit and that it always stays sweet. It's so crazy the love you have for your child. It's overwhelming...I don't want to put him down. I just want to snuggle him forever and never let him go. He's not been burdened by this life. He doesn't know what it means to be stressed out or overwhelmed by surrounding, earthly things that ultimately don't and shouldn't matter now. His greatest problem is not getting to climb high and run in place on the couch, or not get anymore food when we are done or I've given him one too many bites of yummy ice-cream. He's always so happy and loves to play and make his 'vroom' sounds. His smirky little smile is what really gets me. I just melt. In the mornings he's usually happy and chatty in his crib before we go get him. Lately, he always points to the elephants on his crib sheet like "look mama, this is so cool!". I'm so grateful for this life that He has entrusted to Matt and I. Thank you Jesus for this precious little life.
Well, I still need to get his 15 month picture taken in his growth chair...as I have been extra naughty and not done if for a few months! YIKES! I don't want him to to grow up. I know, I'm selfish. :)
Well...I have a lot of pictures to post on FB (and here!) from this fabulous day....
Oh!...there was a 7.2 earthquake just south of the CA / Mexico border this afternoon. People in my area felt it! I think I felt something but didn't think anything of it because I'm pregnant and have wierd feelings and stuff happening quite a bit.
We have an appt. with Dr. in less than two weeks when he is going to give us the 'slip' to get an ultrasound to find out if we have little missy or a little mr. for JP to be a big brother to. :) Can't wait!! At the same time I can. I kind of don't want to find out....but if it's a girl I want to sew her crib stuff.....so I guess I have to know. :)
Well, this has been fun and exciting but I'm really tired now and gotta get to bed STAT!
Pictures to come soon!
xoxo

Sew....I've been busy...:)

2010-04-01T22:41:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to say I've been working feverishly....well, okay, maybe not that hard!... on getting my business up and going! I am so excited and can't wait to launch! I have been browsing and seen some really awesome things...I just need to remind myself that I'm doing this for fun and for some extra moolah! JP and the babe are my inspiration. Can't wait!

Time is tickin'

2010-03-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

Wow! Time is going by so fast! I'm naughty and haven't blogged since JANUARY!!! Right now my blog is in some wierd mode...I need to get Matt to fix it! :)

JP is almost 15 months (April 1st)!!! He's such a big boy! It's amazing how fast he is growing and learning and changing. I'm so happy he's healthy, but it makes me sad how fast time goes. He's always so happy. He could eat anything in sight...I'm a little afraid for when he's a teenager! He's all over the place and tries to climb anything he can touch! Right now he's snoring on the floor having a nice little nap. It's a miracle!
He still LOVES to take Maverick for walks and is obcessed with his collar and leash.
His new thing lately is to touch/point to his diaper when he's wet or dirty and sometimes even goes to get a new diaper. Big boy!
He knows when his books are upside down and quickly turns them right side up when reading his books....which he does several times throughout the day! In the middle of doing whatever he'll just sit down and go through one of his books, sometimes I'll get to join him, and then go back to what he was doing!
Everything is 'DA' or 'DADA', and the dog is 'DOG' and cat is 'CA' and sometimes 'CAT'. He knows "Mama" but saves that one for when he's really tired or crying. :) He's so precious!
He brings carpet fuzzies to us constantly so we can get rid of them! (I think this goes back to him trying to eat the carpet fuz and we would race over to him and grab it out of his hand!)
He loves his juice (mostly water)!
He LOVES balloons! Everytime he sees one he says "DA!" and points repeatedly at them!
He loves rough-housing with daddy and squeals with joy when they play together!
He also likes to mess with my sewing pedal when I'm sewing as I have most recently discovered!
Usually when I'm folding clothes he likes to come over and pick up the piles and throw them around. Silly boy!
He loves his toy cars and makes the 'vroom' sound when playing with them. It just melts my heart!
He also loves to throw just about anything that fits into his hand which can get a little dangerous...we're working on that one!
Well he just woke up and it's a tearful one so I should go...

Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk...

2010-01-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

Okay...here we go. So I burned the first grilled cheese sam. While waiting for the 2nd one JP and I were slurping on some tomato soup and I turned ever so slightly and he grabbed that big ol' mug of soup and I caught it, but not before it spilled all over the counter, down the wall and on the floor covering nearly ever square inch it came near....and milliseconds later I had bumped another mug over while catching the tomato soup mug and that mug fell onto a large piece of glass that was on an old trunk. So I get to clean up glass with 1/2 the vacuum parts missing (where are they mom?!). Now, they say don't cry over spilled milk, but I nearly did when I pulled the milk out of the fridge thinking nothing could go wrong...but...I was indeed wrong. The milk exploded out of the top as I opened it all over the counter and down the cabinets and on the floor. :) I'm not kidding people, all of this happened just as I say. Would you cry over this spilled milk?

The Flu? or Not The Flu?

2009-11-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

After 4 hours in the waiting room (Matt) and my 2 trips to Walmart, Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, and 2 1/2 caff. starbucks we found out that Matt does NOT have the flu....he's got the FLUBBERBUCK! Yes, folks, the flubberbuck. It's our name for the crappy crud of fever, body aches, headaches, sore throat, and just plain old feeling like total crap...flubberbuck. Doctor's orders (and mine) are to rest, drink lots of fluids, eat good and healthy, rest and more rest...oh, and some Tylenol.

Baby and mommy are well. :)

Not Me! Monday!!!

2009-10-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well...It's Monday again and it's a relief to know I'm not the only one admitting my imperfections and reading about others', too.

I most certainly did not fill my child's pack 'n play with small loose toys again and again only so that he could take his time throwing them out and I could have a tiny little moment to myself (rrrright!) 4 feet away from him on the chair reading a magazine, no! not me!! I also did NOT 'recycle' the leftover pasta for 3 dinners, 3 days in a row making my oh so manly husband eat it, once again...nope, I didn't do that!!! Oh, and I definitely did NOT wear my most cherished, favorite article of clothing (VERY comfy black skirt) 3 days in a row without washing it!!! Nope, I couldn't ever imagine doing that!!!

So, do you have anything you'd like to share? Please do!!

Put It Away or Give It Away!!!

2009-10-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

So, I'm joining the Procrastinator's Party!
Yes...I totally admit it. I'm a procrastinator. I get overwhelmed by CRAP and don't do anything about it. I hate this and am going to change. Now. I'm changing now. I'm changing now. (Just keep swimming, just keep swimming....) ANYWAY....my new friend (no, she doesn't know it yet!) is hosting a Procrastinator's Party and I'm in! We announce to the world (by picture!!!!! YIKES!) what our project is that we have procrastinated on. We have two weeks to do something about it. Yes...only two weeks. But, c'mon people! That's a lot of time and the way I see it, if the president was coming over, it would be put away like now...right? Right! SO...get to it. This is my project. I know. It's scary. It is the office/music/sewing room. BTW, the 'sewing room' seeps into the dining room. I'm okay with that because I'm starting a new business and I need more than one square inch of space. BTW, I don't care if no one reads my blog. This procrastinator's party is for me, and me alone. I will enjoy the result and so will Matt and the boy...and the dog and cat. I digress....SO...I'll post pictures later tonight. You may want to shield your eyes as this is going to be a painful experience for me! I will feel so much better! The way I see it...a cluttered house leads to a cluttered mind and a cluttered spiritual life. I don't want clutter. I hate clutter. Clean up the clutter and you have room, literally, to create and grow! Yeah! So, if you do read this...you have permission to keep me accountable. There I said it....GO! GO! GO!

BEST BUY $200 GIFT CARD CONTEST!!!

2009-10-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

So, my blog 'friend' (I say friend becuase she's my friend, but she has no idea who I am!!! I read her blog...) is sponsering/promoting a contest to win a $200 gift card from Best Buy. She is a blogher reviewer and was given the totally awesome opportunity to review some of Samsung's products. Poor girl. Unfortunately for her she had to review the WASHER, 4.5 cu. ft. front load steam washer, and DRYER, a 7.4 cu. ft. super capacity electric dryer. It's such a pity. Such a rough job to have to review such a totally new, free and super expensive but beautiful product. Such a shame. So they are having this giveaway thing....and I'm blogging about it so I can get another chance at winning my $200 gift card from Best Buy. Yep..that's right. I said MINE. Now this $200 would not even give me a sneek peak at the W/D set...but I might be able to walk near it once in the store. So...go on over, check this thing out for yourself...you could enter but...why waste your time? I'm going to win. I'm brutal, but I'm honest. http://angiesgiveawaysandreviews.blogspot.com/
Have a great sunny day!

I'm back.....!

2009-09-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

Here's our preciousness for his 8 month picture...I SO need to post that last several months...He's such a doll baby! (Oh, btw...the outlet does have covers on it now...don't worry...we are always with him anyway when he's playing on the floor in his room. :) )

Here's JP and dada. :) He has just started saying the 'da' sound and we are all so proud! He knows who 'dada' is when I say he's coming home! He's so cute! His precious little face lights up with a huge smile!
Here I am with my precious little darling. We are in Poulsbo visiting for my grandfather's memorial. JP got to meet him, though he has changed since I last saw him a year ago. I'm sorry he couldn't have met JP earlier. He's his 23rd great grandchild.

WOW! It has been too long! So....we have internet at home and I will begin blogging (probably daily) again...soon...so for now just enjoy some pics of the joy of our life!

JP is crawling EVERYWHERE at top speeds! It takes him a blink of an eye to cross the room. He's pulling himself up like the snap of your hand! Last night he took a step away from the couch and let his hands go and just stood there for a minute before lowering himself to the flor. He's so happy and smiles big when you look at him! We are so blessed to have such a beautiful, precious baby.

We just got a new rug for our living room last week and it sheds a LOT! It will be for quite some time...we'll be doing a lot of vacuuming for a while. But, in the mean time....JP (at his current stage anyway) puts just about anything he can gret his darling little hands on in his mouth...so, he grabs some carpet fuzz and tries to put it in his mouth. When I'm across the room from him and I say "JP, no" he drops it and starts crawling away at mock speeds! He's so precious.

Okay..so I said I wasn't going to write today...and look at that!

Well, I must go now...he's beating my back like drums and should really eat some breakfast! :)

Videos, Videos And More Videos For The Greats!

2009-06-05T06:54:00.000-07:00

Here are a few videos so my grandparents, JP's great grandparents (we call them the greats!), who are in Washington state, can see some active movement of the boy, and also other fun stuff....here we go!!!!

This first one is of the nursery....yes, I know we have pictures below...but this is better...minus my ugly, undone hair, no make-up, hang out clothes. Ignore that. :)

Here is another one of our preciousness jumping in his new jumperoo at home...I think I love it just as much as him....can you say 'babysitter'? Just kidding. If you must know...I can actually fold a whole load of laundry now, though. Don't worry...I don't leave him in very long...I'm a nervous nelly and don't want his alignment screwed up or something....:) No matter what we are doing...he is ALWAYS on the move. He only stops when he's out cold. :)

This next one of our darling little boy just giggling away. I LOVE it!!! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!!!

As you can see, I could do that all day with him! :)

Stay tuned for more fun in the Vosburgh household!

Kelly's Korner/s "Show Us Where You Live" Fridays.....Nursery Edition!

2009-05-29T12:33:00.001-07:00

Here's my precious little muffin man with his best friend, Maverick. He says, "Welcome to my kingdom!"

We are in an apartment right now and it is SMALL!!! We have a lot of stuff crammed into each room....I took the swing out of the room to take the pictures because it makes it look messy/overstuffed!

This first picture shows some messiness and disorganization....! Oh well! It is obviously of the changing table, dresser and part of the crib. The rug is a part of the crib/bedding layette that I longed for!!! I worked at Pottery Barn Kids before the baby was born and managed to buy it before I lost my discount!!! I really liked it and I also loved elephants when I was a little girl. I thought it was boyish enough and totally cute!

The next pic is of the crib and shelving. We recently added those and it is SO refreshing to have a place to put everything. Imagine the room without it....All that stuff was stacked on the rocking chair and floor!!! Too bad you didn't get to see the room before the shelving........right. :) Still needing some organization... And finally showing the other corner of the room. Window panels are hung on the rocker for now...just another little project for my hubbs. The rocking chair is the one my husband's father bought for his mom when she was prgnant with him. Cool, hu? And...of course, the afghan my mom made for me.

So there you go! It is JP's little kingdom!

Sweet Meat

2009-03-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a little love from our little Love Muffin!

Joys In My Everyday Life

2009-02-09T22:02:00.000-08:00

Beautiful little chubby smile....

Taking Daddy lunch... Maverick knows how to work it with the boppy pillow...
JP cooking with Mommy...he's learning early!

Not Me! Monday

2009-02-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

For some time now I have been reading another blog which hosts "Not Me!" Mondays. I am participating for the first time this week....

(For now...right click on it to open in new window...)

As a first time mommy to a 5 week old colicky baby I am completely wiped out! I have the blessing of help from hubba hubba (hubby) and family...but I'm still completely exhausted.

- Yesterday at worship practice I did not attempt to take a drink from the microphone instead of my bottle of water...no, NOT ME!!

- And for some time now (pretty much since having the baby) I do not repeatedly ask my husband or mom if I had just told them something because I CANNOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME remember if I just told them that something...no, NOT ME!

- I did not FINALLY get my thank yous out last week from the baby shower that was in November (but, you must know that I wrote them before the baby was born)...no, NOT ME!

- And finally...I did not get peed on last week and most certainly did not stay in that cami because I had nothing else to wear...no, NOT ME!

SMILE!!

2009-02-06T15:24:00.001-08:00

How can you not love this beautiful little face? SO CUTE!

Me Too, Buddy, Me Too

2009-02-03T23:10:00.000-08:00

Miracles Do Happen!

2009-02-02T22:09:00.000-08:00

Baby Shower Thank You's....

Addendum: These were written before the baby was born...I know, it truly is a miracle they went out so soon. :)

GO STEELERS!

2009-02-01T13:44:00.001-08:00

Here's the CUTEST Steeler's fan!!!

To All The GRANDPAS Out There

2009-01-29T10:03:00.000-08:00

His Royal Cuteness...

2009-01-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

Just look at that darling face....I could eat him up!

We took a walk to the apt. office to get a package this morning...
Working on that chin...

This is one of the first things I bought for JP (as a gift to Matt)...those shoes (from Auntie M and Uncle D) are just a little too big still...

First bath in his bath tub...check out his kung-fu grip on the tubing...(his knuckles are white!)

Glory Halleluia!

2009-01-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

My husband ROCKS!!! He's such an amazing, STUDLY man! :) He works hard EVERY day. He gets to work at 630am (some days 730a) and doesn't get done with work until 6-7p-ish. So...let's just say that he works a long day. Yesterday I realized we were going to be out of wipies (baby wipes) very soon, nearly out of pampers (in the next day or so) so I called him and asked him to go to store on his way home. He gladly (well, I don't really know if it was done in a 'glad' way...but there was no opposition) said that he would. Another thing on the list was batteries (so we could FINALLY bathe our baby in his awesome bath tub that Uncle Larry and Aunt Carmen gave us (via gift card..Thanks guys!! - thank you note is on it's way!) (btw people...we HAVE bathed our child already in the sink or spit baths...)......

Also on the list was coffee. Now...I have been out of coffee for 10 days now...it has been a long 10 days. (I went without it for most of my pregnancy..I have NO idea how I did it...love for a child, I guess :) I decided that since I have had 2 migraines this week (probably NOT due to lack of coffee, but lack of sleep/stress) that I needed coffee anyway. I had on the list the BEST cheap coffee I have found...YUBAN. It's pretty darn good when you have forgotten the taste of Starbucks. :) So anyway...my darling husband gets home...and I ask where the coffee is because I don't see it. Now this is where the Glory in the Glory Halleluia comes in. He bought me Starbucks! What a man! What a surprise! He didn't have to do that...because our budget certainly allows for the extra $$ to go for the diapers we get to buy....not my addictive habits. :) I love him!

As tired as he is at the end of each day he often graciously changes the next poopy diaper that comes our way (trust me, I get my fair share of these bad boys...) and offers to try to soothe the seemingly unsoothable screaming baby too. JP loves his daddy and often calms down for him after I've tried for SEVERAL painfully loud minutes. :)

Now, you don't think I would post without any pictures, do you?

Here is our preciousness after a diaper change yesterday looking as pleasant as ever! :)

This is not from today...but it is about what he looked like for most of this posting....(I had to take a break...it didn't take long to type it... :) )
This is from last week sometime...he's SO precious!

He's growing SO fast. :( It makes me so sad. Some of his newborn onsies are getting a little snug. I can't believe it!

Praise God we have such a precious, sweet baby. :)

The BEST Job!!!

2009-01-19T10:47:00.001-08:00

Our lives turned upside down 19 days ago! We are so happy! It is amazing how fast 9 months go by...I loved being pregnant. I felt great the entire time...and I had 9 months to look forward to our precious boy. It's amazing that you wonder for 9 months what your precious miracle is going to look like...how cute his little feet are going to be...who he will look like...wondering what it's going to be like to be a mommy and a daddy.

I can't believe it has already been 19 days. I'm kind of sad that time has passed so fast. I want to freeze time and just cherish every single moment in slow motion.

I was reminded last week (when I was really tired and the little man was wanting to eat like every 20 minutes and I was just a teeny bit frustrated) that this is something I have wanted my whole life. It's SO true. This time in my life I have waited for forEVER. This is the job I have wanted and I finally have it! I could just stare at him all day long and kiss him every second. The miracle of life is so amazing. Our precious little boy was known by Him before we ever thought of him...before he was even two cells joining together. God is so good!

So...here is our precious boy again...

I LOVE this picture...it was captured just a few moments after he decided to wee-wee all over daddy's arms and the floor making a nice large puddle!

We borrowed my sister's camara and had some fun taking pictures. It's amazing what a nice camara can do for your skills! :) I wanted one before...now I REALLY want one. I don't know what happened to this second picture with the lighting...but oh well. He's cute anyway! What I really like about this one is that it (barely) shows Matt's tatoo and his wedding ring and of course our preciousness looking up at daddy...

JP having a nice little nap on daddy's chest.
Taking a nap with Maverick...

Just chillin' being so darn cute!

A Little JP Love!!!

2009-01-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of our precious John-Patrick!

This first picture is of him on the blanket that his Great Grandma Hinton made for him!!

This next one is just an ADORABLE picture of him! :)

(Thanks Conner for the outfit!!)

John-Patrick Has Arrived!!!

2009-01-05T21:10:00.001-08:00

It has taken some time to update but...here is our precious boy!

Born on 1/1/09 @ 12:58am

John-Patrick was 8 lb 4.6 ounces, 20 inches long, head circ. 13 inches

Just moments after birth...so precious!
Brand new family...!

Going home for the first time as a family!

3 days old...We love him so much!!!

Baby JP

2008-12-30T09:40:00.001-08:00

So...since I am PAST DUE!! my dr. wanted me to have another biophysical profile...ultrasound to check the baby's practice breathing, movement, heartrate and amniotic fluid. He scored another 8 out of 8!! Good boy! Here are some more pictures of our chubby looking baby JP!

If I'm still pregnant tomorrow...we will see the dr. again and set up a time on Saturday to be induced. Please pray he comes like..... NOW!

UPDATE: The First 48

2008-12-29T15:15:00.000-08:00

Well...I'm sad to say that the kid upstairs passed away from his stab wound(s). It seems that the police/investigators know who they are looking for. That makes me feel good. I guess the kid, 19, knew the guy who stabbed him. I don't know what happened or what went wrong..but let's pray for the his family and friends. What an awful thing to happen. I can't even imagine. I hope he knew Jesus. :(

Any Resemblance...?

2008-12-28T15:11:00.000-08:00

Just look at my two boys...aren't they so precious?:)

Game Day!

2008-12-28T10:54:00.000-08:00

Well, it's too bad I didn't get a 'going to the game picture'... :( ...but the boys (Matt and his dad) are going to the Seahawks vs. Cardinals game today!!! They have AWESOME tickets and I'm a little jealous. I can't believe I said it. I'm a little jealous. :) I know they are going to have a total blast!!! We all just need to pray little JP doesn't decide to make his grand entrance this afternoon. So, since I don't have a 'going to the game picture'...this one from Christmas will do for now. :)

The First 48

2008-12-27T22:41:00.001-08:00

It does raise a little hair on your head when you have MULTIPLE missed calls from your sister and you find out that your apt. complex has 15-20 police cars surrounding your place with police tape all around...and then you find out that the crime scene involves your actual building...and they are looking at blood trails...and you are told that the guy that was stabbed right above your apt. and "hasn't died yet"...now keep in mind that the apt. above you is the one you've already called the police on a few times and the same people you asked to be quiet about 4-5 times since they moved in..............yep. That's right folks...there's a little crime scene investigation going on right outside our very apt. right now.

They finally let us go in our house and we can't leave. Matt of course has taken it upon himself to offer any of his expertise involvling the first 48 hours of this mystery. We were actually 'interviewed' (if you will) about our neighbors. It sounds like they are looking for the suspect....

The investigators still don't know exactly what happened earlier tonight but let's pray that kid makes it out of surgery to live a long, healthy life. And...let's also pray that they find the very naughty person who stabbed him.

It's D DAY!!!! 12-27-08

2008-12-27T04:56:00.000-08:00

I can't believe this day has come! It's amazing how fast these past 9 months have gone by! I remember the exact moment I found out I was pregnant! It didn't seem real! I remember getting butterflys when I told Matt we were expecting and both of us were in awe of the miracle of life that was already created. We are both so anxious to meet our precious boy and whenever he comes will be perfect.

One of the first things Matt said to me today was "Don't you dare have that baby today!". Today is a busy day for him. He is already at the store preparing for the big Light Rail Grand Opening. The Urban Commuter has a booth there and Matt has worked very hard in preparation for this. It is FREEZING outside and I love it! It's 36 degrees outside right now (Poulsbo, WA it is 38 degrees!) and I'm certain the boys would love for it to be a bit warmer. I'm sure those two pairs of long underwear underneath his pants will do some good, though. :)

Anyway...the big day has arrived and JP just isn't quite ready to meet the world I guess! (I SO thought I would have him a little early...just one of those feelings that I had.) I CAN'T WAIT!!!

One final inter-utero photo shoot!

2008-12-23T22:53:00.000-08:00

So...we had another dr. appt today. :) We are 39 weeks, 5 days. The timer has long ago popped out and the baby is ready! The baby's amount of movement has decreased a little in the last couple days and the dr. was concerned about this. He sent us to an assessment center at the hospital to monitor the baby. When the dr. was alarmed...this alarmed me. I was okay at first...then got to thinking about all the potential scenarios....if things were not great, I would be admitted and induced...if things were fine, then okay to go home. We are grateful our dr. was cautious and our obvious goal is to have a healthy baby boy. :)

We had an ultrasound that would tell us four things: heart rate, fetal movement, amount of water/fluid and breathing. The baby could get a score for each one: either a 2 (good) or a 0 (bad). The goal was to get a score of 8 out of 8. Well, our boy got an A+ and scored an 8/8!!! Good job JP! :) While we were looking at the ultrasound she switched it over to 3D!!!!! So, here is a picture of our precious baby boy. I am (obviously) far along...so, we can't see as much of baby as you normally would with this type of u/s. We were SO surprised and absolutely THRILLED to get to see our baby in the first place....then to see him in 3D was AWESOME!!!! So here he is...he wouldn't move his hand, which is covering part of his face. He was also crammed into a 'corner' and wouldn't budge..so no full front shot. Isn't he DARLING though? :)

We realize the pictures are slightly distorted...but you can see his eye open just peeking at us, and part of his nose and mouth. He's SO cute!

Now, if he would just come out of there!

Baby On The Way?

2008-12-21T21:50:00.000-08:00

We may have the baby on his way! I have been having contractions throughout the evening...nothing major or too uncomfortable...but they are there and noticable. :) Yeah! Matt is rooting for this to proceed tonight! He says he wants to extend his weekend and not have to sleep tonight! We got a chance to get a fun pre-baby Christmas picture tonight....also one more of me pregnant, if we don't get another chance. :) Notice the snow...it snowed at the Tempe Marketplace tonight! (for only about 12 minutes or so.... :) ) I WISH it were real. :)

Labor Pains and Late Night Psychotic Cleaning...

2008-12-21T04:20:00.000-08:00

So...I've been up for a while. I can't sleep. What's new, right? :) Matt was scrunched up right next to me...practically laying on me...:)..elbowing me...trapping the sheets so I couldn't budge..:) I love being close to him when we sleep! I really do..except the funny thing is, is usually it is me bombarding his sleep space.

We got home late last night and I decided, though I've been 'cleaning' for days now, that I couldn't handle our home the way it is. I told Matt that "If I go into labor tonight, I am going to wake you up and make you clean the house with me until I am satisfied to come home to it..." blah, blah, blah. Poor man. He was lying on the bed reading an article with Maverick. I just couldn't handle our place that way it was. Our little storage area was out of control. Our place is small, and anywhere we have air we have stuff shoved into it. That drives me nuts. I of course couldn't move the heavy boxes in and out of it, change the cat litter, etc...so I comissioned his help with a threat. He quietly and lovingly obliged. As soon as it was cleaned out (15 minutes later or so) I felt SO MUCH BETTER. I felt like a weight had been lifted. :) Silly, I know. Just one little room that no one looks in (but I know it's there!!!) and the rest of the house could have used more love. Oh well. We just have more 'stuff' to take to storage. Once that gets out I swear I will be able to breathe better. (What totally sucks is that one might not know I've been cleaning for days...it just seems to get messy as soon as turn around... :( )

Oh, while I was desperately trying to go back to sleep I was thinking of Washington. I miss it SO much. I miss everything about our life there...everything. :'( I'm happy here..but I really miss 'home'. It is freezing right now...actually, it is 27 degrees right now with a 'wintery mix' of a snow storm heading their way. I want to be there SO badly. I love cold weather, though if I was in it right now, I may be cursing it...I just love having to be bundled up with sweaters, coats, mittens/gloves, scarves, 14 layers...LOVE IT!!! I love the snow! I love blizzards! I love that fact that when it snows outside like it does with a storm...time seems to slow down, life seems to slow down a little and you are forced to enjoy life a little more. :) Sometimes, you even have (HAVE) to stay home from work because you can't get there! :) (This didn't happen to me last year...bummer.) I remember last year we lived in the beach house...it was so beautiful! It was snowing...our little Mav got to play in the snow. We watched heavy, thick snow flakes fall into the sound. What a beautiful place to live. I kind of wish we still lived there. I miss it so much! I must remember the 60-something (or was it 70??) steps we had to endure just to get to our car. Oh yeah... . :)

I think I had one seriously painful contraction earlier this late night too. I've been thinking for days now..."Okay...today is the day. This is it!" I want it to be 'it' so badly! I'm anxious for our little precious one to arrive...I just wish I could know when it will be.

Matt informed me and JP the other night that this weeked would be the time to go into labor..that he has plans on our due date and it would really be helpful for me to have the baby before then....don't worry, he's not being totally insensitive. :) You see, my due date is 12-27-08. On the 27th...there is the grand opening of the light rail. This is a HUGE thing that is happening in our area. There is a big thing that is going on that our store (The Urban Commuter - my parent's store) was invited to because we are local, green friendly, etc. This could (and WILL in Jesus' name) bring a lot of awareness of the store and a lot of business. Matt of course has a hand in the preparation and would be bummed to miss it. Also, on the 28th, he 'plans' to go to a Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals game at the Cardinal stadium with his dad where they have AWESOME seats! Of course...if the boy comes on or just before those days he is happy to be with me and the baby...but if I have him early enough...he can do the others. What a crisis, hu? :)

Anyway..this is turning into a really long post and I doubt anyone is still reading it...so, if you are...know that I haven't had the baby yet, I miss the **SNOW**, if you haven't talked to me lately, then shame on you, you should call. :) (Unless...if you are Camilla, I understand. I know you will call once you are back in the country my dear friend.)

I couln't find a picture of our snowy days in Washington...but here is a picture of Matt and I when we first arrived in WA. It was at the beginning of our journey there...actually, it was snowing in that very picture....and FREEZING cold. I remember. :) That was almost two years ago...I can't even imagine what our life would be like had we not gone there....

Isn't my husband SO handsome!!!!!

Christmas Traditions

2008-12-19T14:49:00.000-08:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper!! I **LOVE** wrapping presents..and always feel sad/bad when I give a gift in a bag...on the other hand, my husband loves to use bags. :)
2. Real tree or Artificial? REAL!!! I love the smell of the tree in my house! I really don't like fake trees. I love the whole experience of going to pick one in the freezing cold weather, shivering and shaking and loading the tree up on the car! Unfortunately, I didn't get to freeze my hiney off this year...it's too warm! :( I didn't think we were going to get a tree this year but my darling husband surprised me and bought one for us. (I had BEGGED him to let us just look at trees...so I could get my fill...and he bought one. :)!! Thank God the lady gave us a good deal!)
3. When do you put up the tree? When we can...usually first week or so of December...
4. When do you take the tree down? As late as possible. I have to confess...one year when I was living alone in Tulsa I left my tree up until just before Easter, I think. I know I'm going to seriously regret admitting that...but I needed help getting it out of my house! My friends made a parade of it and totally humiliated me with it!
5. Do you like eggnog? YUMMY!!!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? My grandpa Mac made my sister and I a doll house which was AWESOME! Also, there was a doll that 'grew' with me...she had a switch on the bottom of her foot that went from baby "gaa-gaa", to toddler "ma-ma", etc. I didn't think I was going to get her because I knew we were tight that year...it was AWESOME!
8. Easiest person to buy for? Nobody. I always want to get the 'perfect' gift for the people I love..and never seem to know what that is. Matt is pretty easy...he knows I put my heart into it and is so grateful and thankful for anything. :)
9. Do You have a nativity scene? I do now...I 'stole' one from my mom. She doesn't know I have it. When we were moving from Washington, we moved the nativity scene from one of her boxes to our Christmas box...she hasn't been over since we decorated. :) (My grandma had given it to her and so I stored it for her in our garage...)
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail! Although...this year everyone is getting shorted. We are waiting for the boy to arrive to send out greetings! :)
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Never got a bad one.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The old Rudolph one...and Charlie Brown.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually within the last week before Christmas. Though I start mentally preparing a few months before....
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No...probably should have though. Actually...I'm thinking of one right now I could probably recycle... :)
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas morning my mom always made the BEST sausage egg cassarole. It is heavenly and I will always carry this tradition on. Thank goodness my husband likes it! :)
16. Colored or white lights on the tree? White! I like how it makes the tree look simpler...Matt says our tree is sparkly this year! :)
17. Favorite Christmas song? Silent Night, Selah's 'Rose of Bethlehem' CD
18. Travel for Christmas or stay home? I like to stay home...(but I wish we had snow!)
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Hmmm. Not today!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Well, we haven't found the right one yet. Last year Matt printed out an angel on paper and put her up on our tree....I love him!
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? I grew up opening one present Christmas Eve and the rest Christmas morning. When we started getting less presents...I opted to open all Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Some people are rude and pissy. They suck! But...more than likely, they probably don't acknowledge the real meaning of Christmas.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red and silver...Simple tree with white lights, red and silver ornaments and a red ribbon wrapping around the tree.
24. What do you want for Christmas this year? My baby!

Would You Do This?

2008-12-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

Congrats to my sis and her hubby! They ran their first 1/2 marathon last weekend! They have been training for a long time for this and it sure paid off! I'm so proud of them! Just looking at some of the people crossing the finish line made me glad I was not involved in this run...but Meg and Daryl had smiles on their faces as they crossed the finish line!

Wide Awake...Again!

2008-12-12T04:01:00.000-08:00

Well...once again I'm wide awake. This time it is not the pregnancy. Well, that fact that I'm still awake could be. :) My awesome neighbors think it is 'so much fun!, like totally!' to be awake and screaming like 10 year old girls at a slumber party at 3:30 in the morning!

Anyway...I'm not bitter or anything. :) Being awake gave me a chance to catch up on a blog that I have been too busy with life to do lately. :)

I am reminded of our precious Jesus. It is so great being a child of God. He loves us so much. He has the best things planned out for our lives. It is such a priveledge to know Him. :)

As a child my parents taught me to pray for my husband. So...I spent many years praying for him. I prayed that he would know the Lord..that he would not 'stray' (such a christianese term!), that he would be musically inclined, be funny, tall, dark, handsome, etc. :) Whatever. I don't remember exactly what I prayed for...(I know there is a list out there in one of those 'growing up boxes' somewhere!). Anyway...I prayed for Matt. I am so amazed how awesome God is! He did good when He made Matt! :) I have said this before..but I could never have even planned out all of Matt in one person. I don't think I thought there could be someone made so perfectly for me. I didn't even consider it. God knows me so well...He gave me the perfect complement to spend my life with.

Since we found out we were pregnant we have prayed for our baby. It has been exciting to talk about what he might be like, what he might do with his life...all the possibilities. The one thing I really do hope is that he has Matt's eyelashes! I know...I'm a dork! They are WONDERFUL! :)

Anyway, it is a priveledge to be able to trust in God and know that He has you in His care. To know that even though I may have prayed for silly things when praying for my husband...He takes care of us and knows what is most important. He brings things together in ways we could never plan.

This is my insight at a now 5 am in the morning. Hope everyone else is sleeping fine!

Red Hot Gift

2008-12-08T03:18:00.000-08:00

So, I'm WIDE AWAKE. I have NEVER in my entire life been an early riser. NEVER EVER. I was the child who you had to practically drag out of bed in the mornings. My sister, on the other hand...was always the "I'm totally wide awake and it's 6am...", jumping on my bed, getting nose to nose with me telling me to get up! I think she is still like that. I love her!
Well, anyway...as you can see, I have documented my early morning. This is the time I finally got out of bed because I was too awake to try to force myself back to sleep. This is after I awoke at 3:22 (earlier than that..I just finally looked at the clock at 3:22). I layed in bed for a while...listening the Maverick lick something, Bella jingle a little as she moves from one side of Matt to the other, Matt breathing a heavy sleep, the baby playing some sort of serious sport in my belly. I even contemplated whether it was lightly raining outside...thinking that it could possibly be because it was a little cloudy with a nice chill last night.... This was confirmed like 10 minutes later with a two minute blast of heavy rain falling out of the sky onto our covered car parking area just at the head of our bed. It was either that or about 10 people getting some serious shopping done at Food City at a near 4am while they all take their shopping carts through our parking lot. Pretty sure it was the rain. :)

So, now I'm sipping hot chocolate while I blog away. Yesterday afternoon was an exceptionally emotional day for me. I don't know what got into me. Could be the overwhelming idea that my life is about to change forever. I don't feel ready, even though I must be. I mean...all my life, ALL of my life, I dreamed of getting married and having babies...having a beautiful family. I am SOOOO excited...but at the same time kind of scared. I know, that's silly. I know I am going to be a good mommy, Matt is going to be an AMAZING daddy. We are going to have a wonderful family. It's just the thought of..."This is it!".. you know? I would never want it any other way. It could be that I'm a planner. Really, deep down inside, I am a planner. I like to know what is going to happen and when. I love surprises...!!! But, as far as being spontaneous, that's not quite me. (I always used to think I liked to be spontaneous...but at some point in my adult life, I realized I am SO not a spontaneous person. It's hard to deal with for me.....I'd like to be spontaneous, though. :) This could be my issue. The fact that I don't know when JP is going to make his grand entrance into this beautiful world...I think that could be my stress. So...I just have to think if it as one big, huge surprise!! :) Atta girl!

ANYWAY...my emotional day. I was laying on the bed trying to compose myself last night. My wonderful, darling, studly husband comes in and tells me that he has a great idea. I love him. I love it when he talks with a sparkle in his voice. He tells me that he can paint my toes. :) Now, before you get too sarcastic and make some dorky comment you must know the following: this was a completely unselfish act. For weeks now, I have been wanting pretty toes. I mean, I have been wanting to do my toes...I must have thought about it every day. Life just gets busy. I had an offer from my mom, but we didn't get around to it. To top it off, I can't even reach my toes. Well, I can, but if I painted them, if might look like a 4 year old did it. Let's just say that if I had a 'grabber' or 'reacher' (you know, one of those things old people use to pick something up or put their socks on), life would be easier. :)

I could say it is my sister's fault. She had the cutest toes. She does have some seriously cute toes...but a few weeks ago, she had the **BEST** color of red on her toes. So I asked her what color it was...OPI's Hip Hop Holly. You've gotta say it with a little groovin'. :) Simple. She got it at ULTA. So, I was on a mission. Well, it turns out the people at ULTA know what I'm talking about...but it was apparently discontinued last year. Whatever, I must get this color. I go to another ULTA and they know what I'm talking about...but the same thing. D/C'd last year. Fine. So, my sister got the final secret stash. I could borrow hers..but I want my own. I give in. I'll settle.

Matt and I are at ULTA yesterday and after an hour of smelling cologne I'm asking him what color he likes. I have three...OPI's Rosie Mistletoes-ies, Ruby for Rudolph, and Red Hot Gift. I couldn't decide. I liked them all. The first two were kind of sparkly, the third flat. At this point, he doesn't know their names...he's just looking at the color. He says he likes Rosie Mistletoes-ies. I said, "Really?", still doubting and uncertain, and he says, "Yeah, I like it. It's sparkly. That one is flat." I'm still debating as he pulls one out and says..."Now, this on is SEXY!...Red Hot Gift." He's getting all excited about this color...and I say, "REALLY? You like THIS one?" :) He puts the two together with my slight sarcasm and confirms he really does like it and that is the one I should get, even though it is flat. :)

Back to my emotional moment. So, my wonderful, thoughtful husband is offering to paint my toes. He knows I've wanted pretty toes forEVER now. He knows what a task it would be to do it myself...and he knows I have committed to having pretty toes when I deliver this child. That was a committment. I am going to have pretty toes when I have the baby. And since we know the time is near...we were running out of time. So, for the first time ever, my awesome husband painted my toes after, of course, he brought me my foot soak with hot water. :)
I am so blessed that my man is not too proud to do that. It was a completely selfLESS act of love because he wanted me to feel better. He wanted me to be happy. Well, of course, I am happy already because I'm married to the most amazing man and we are saved..and we have wonderful families..etc....but you know what I mean. :) So...here are my newly painted, puffy toes. Don't look too close...my nails are pretty short and my feet are presently fat. But, notice the fine job he did! :)

Here are some fun pics we took at my parents store yesterday. My mom decorated the store yesterday and we were trying to get the little Christmas tree in the picture...but you can't really see it. Oh well. :) What fun anyway.

Low Ri-der...

2008-12-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

Well...I am getting larger and larger with child every day. :) There is something about being pregnant that I just LOVE! Over the last week or so, I have felt like he is getting lower and lower. It has been difficult to bend over for a while now...but getting even more and more difficult to sit like a lady comfortably :) . The difficulty in bending over, even just the slightest bit, has been enhanced lately by my low riding baby. My wonderful husband who is so very thoughtful and kind surprised me yesterday. I was in the shower when I noticed he had put all of my items (shampoo, coniditioner, body wash, face scrub) on the upper shelf for me so I wouldn't have to bend over. He is so cute. I just LOVE him so much! I TOTALLY appreciate his thoughtfulness. Seriously, I have resorted to picking things up with my toes if they are small enough when I drop them...or I just leave them until I can ask my darling studly man to pick it up for me. Speaking of...there are some thank-you cards that fell behind the desk about a week ago that I can't get to....squeeze myself thin enough to reach them...uh-mmm...baby, do you mind? :)

We had a dr. appt last Tuesday. The baby was about 5 lbs, heart rate in the 120's, head down, butt up, I measured 27 cm, I was 35 wks, 5 days. We have another appt. this am and I'm curious to find out what I measure. They say you measure in cm what you are in weeks. For several weeks now, I have measured a bit larger than what I 'should' be. I know everyone is different...but it makes me wonder if we are a bit farther along than we think. This little boy just might show up before Christmas!

We are totally able and ready to care for a child...but I have had some freak out moments. Not FREAK OUT, like "How do I care for a child, I don't know what to do"...but freak out like..."Holy crap! are we ready for this?!!!" Yeah, I know, what's the difference? :) We are totally ready, but I'm feeling unprepared. I realize nothing can quite prepare one for a brand new baby in their life until they just do it (literally :) ). Just kidding. I'm serious, though. I don't think that we can be any more prepared (other than completing the folding of the baby clothes, putting stuff away in the baby's room, etc.). I don't think you can prepare yourself fully for what's to come. That's exciting! It is going to be a brand new, HUGE adventure. And what fun to do it with your best friend! I can't wait to see him...to see his precious little feet, and look into his eyes. It is going to be amazing! See you soon, my little low-rider :) .

The Wee Hours Of The Morning...

2008-11-25T07:11:00.000-08:00

Well, as I have mentioned, I haven't been sleeping well the last several weeks. In fact, it's been getting worse, which explains why I feel crappy with a sore throat. Ask me later if my large bowl of cereal (with milk, of course) helped at all this morning. Anyway, moving on to cooler, more important things...Amongst all of the AWESOME things we got, uh-umm, JP got, for the shower was a stroller! Yippee skippy! The day of the shower turned pretty busy and Matt and I got home pretty late that night. He was wanting to put it together. Me, being a control freak, wait, I like to be involved!....was too tired, and knowing it was already late, suggested we do it Sunday afternoon after church, when we would be resting and hanging most of the day. Matt reluctantly agreed, admitting he was a little tired. (Plus, we had an early morning the next day anyhow.) So we went to bed after beginning to sort and go through all the cool stuff.

Early, very EARLY, Sunday a.m. I am just NOT sleeping and finally give up. I get up. It is like 3:00-ish in the morning. I don't normally get up, but my mind is racing and thinking about how I can write my next blog post (see previous post)...so I get up and start blogging before I forget what and how I want to write it. :) During my tossing and turning, and more tossing and turning, I managed to stir Matt just enough, that he knew I had gotten up. Now, he can't sleep and he shortly thereafter joins me in our living room about 4:00-ish. We are both totally WIDE awake and start talking....we look at the MASSIVE box of stroller and both kind of say, "Do you want to put the stroller together?" So, my darling, studly husband begins the awesome task. It was crazy to think about the fact that WE were putting together a STROLLER..something that real, live, babies go in! :) (Don't worry, we've known for a while what we're in for!)

The only job I took on, other than continuing my blog post, was to be the photographer and capture these moments. I just wanted to be 'there' with him while he put it together and be a part of it. At some point...I did mention to him, after investigating the progress, that something didn't look right. It looked abnormal to me and all I wanted to know was if it was right...this, of course, led him to inform me that he wasn't done with it yet and that I could critique, errr...examine...his work when he was finished. What a lovely discussion at 5 o'clock in the morning. :)

(Now let me take a moment here and say something: Men and women are SO different! I don't think I will ever stop being amazed and surprised at our differences. All I was saying was a simple statement. I wasn't at ALL trying to criticize my studly man's abilities. I was seriously, simply just asking a question. I do realize, now (and after I opened my mouth in the wee morning), that to a man, what I said and the way I said it could come across as a 'doubtful' and 'questioning'. But, simply, I just wanted him to take a look at what I was pointing out and tell me it was fine. That's all. TRUST ME, there is NO way I would have wanted to put that stroller together. I'm not patient enough and would have gotten frustrated quite quickly. You think I would have learned two weeks prior when we, uh..Matt, put the baby swing together. I just simply want to be there. And advise. :) )

So, anyway, after some delicious toast (somehow, it is so tasty at 4:30 in the morning) we managed to finish the stroller and tested it out in our apt. early that morning. Matt put it together pefectly. He's such a pro! :)

Oh, and Maverick and Bella just had to be a part of it too...though Maverick crawled back in his bed after about 20 minutes of excitement. :)

At this point...it is 5:45 and we are both exhausted and pretty tired, so we decide to take a little nap and sleep until 6:30am. This leads me to my next point...my naps. I'm telling you, I have to take a nap every morning. My nap times vary based on my work schedule...but I'm telling you, whether they start at 9:00 or 11:00, I could sleep all day. My sleep is heavy. It's like I am drugged! Now, why can't I just flippin' sleep like this at night, when the rest of the world is sleeping???!!!!

Now, it is Tuesday morning, and our car seat has been installed (yesterday morning before we left for work... :) ) and we have another Dr.'s appt today. We found out yesterday (PRAISE GOD!!!) that I have insurance so we are anxious to get another ultrasound of our boy to see him again. :) I doubt the u/s will be today, but the thought of seeing him again is exhillerating! We will definitely post his picture once we get it! :)

It's Shower Time....!

2008-11-23T03:03:00.000-08:00

It's one of the few times where family and friends all gather together! What a wonderful thing that Matt, JP and I could benefit from such an event! This is such an exciting time in our lives! Very early this morning (while I wasn't sleeping...which happens to be for most of the night at this point in my pregnancy) I was giddy like a little girl just thinking about my shower and how special it is to me. The last time I remember feeling like this was on my wedding day (OH, and when we found out we were pregnant too!). There is another significant day that stands out in my mind....when I turned 4 years old. I remember so much about that day...it could be that I have seen the pictures so many times...but I remember what I wanted for my birthday, and I remember getting it! It was an elephant that my mom and I saw at a craft fair at the bottom of the hill and it had a giant sucker in it's belly pocket. I wanted her so badly and was SO excited when I opened her up! I fondly named her Elli.
Anyway...that was a very special day to me, and so is today. We were showered upon!! We were overwhelmed and overjoyed at the love we felt today. We received so many wonderful, thoughtful things and we just can't wait to put them to good use! It is so much fun opening the gifts again as we put them away and organize them. We can't wait to meet our precious little John-Patrick.
My sister put on the FU-SCHIZZLE baby shower!! I felt the way I should...the way she wanted me to feel! I felt like I was some extra special person who was getting it all! :) We had magnificantly delicious hors 'd oeuvres, beverages and 'displays'. :) She really does know how to put on a par-tay! No one does it like my sis! We were showered upon like none other I have ever seen and we feel so blessed to have such thoughtful family and friends. It was a joy to be able to see people and visit too!
Thank you so very much to everyone who was involved and able to come! We love you all and can't wait to introduce you to our baby boy! M&C

My feet these days..

2008-11-02T20:43:00.001-08:00

So...thought you'd like to see the feet. Normally, these shoes are a lot looser than they appear in this photo. If you look closely...you can see my puffiness popping out where the space is in the shoes. :) I'm drinking TONS of agua too. Imagine what they looked like when I took the shoes off...I had quite the design embedded into my feet. :)

Happy Meowloween!

2008-10-31T22:21:00.001-07:00

Happy Fall!!

2008-10-30T19:17:00.001-07:00

Okay...so these pictures are in the WRONG order...and I'm not in the right mindset to have to go back and switch them! :)

Matt and I went to Schnepf Farm on Sunday and totally had a blast! It is such a great place to go as a family (to-be!)

We got the chance to just hang out and be with each other...it was a nice fall date! We had a scrumptious over-priced dinner that I'm sure my love loved! It was so much fun to kick back, hang out, walk around, eat some junk food and just be together. Thanks baby! You are an amazing hubba hubba! You rock my world!

10 Weeks Left....

2008-10-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

WOW! Time has passed so quickly! It is amAZING to think about the fact that we found out we were pregnant at 3-4 weeks. We are now 30+ weeks and revving up for the big, exciting days we have ahead of us. It is CRAZY to think that we will be a mommie and daddy in a few short weeks! This morning I had a moment of "Oh my gosh!!" thinking about how we are not yet ready! There is still so much to do! We don't have a changing table yet....or a dresser....but we might do some shelving. I DON'T KNOW! :(

While I'm in my mini panic about this, Matt is casually watching The Good, The Bad And The Ugly on TV at 7 in the morning!! He's going to flip when the baby gets here! He's going to be so goo-goo ga-ga about our little baby boy. He was so funny at one of our dr. appts. a few months ago. We were going to talk to the dr. about the process of "when I think I'm in labor", etc. He was asking if, when we were on our way to the hospital, if he should call 911 to tell them he would be the speeding silver Toyota Corolla and that he would not pull over, and that they should give him an escort to the hospital, etc. or "how does that work?" type thing. He was so cute. I told him we would probably have some time to get to the hospital before the baby came. :)

My goals this weekend (potentially UNrealistic):

Get all of the boxes in storage that need to go to storage STAT!!!

Go to Michaels or JoAnn Fabrics to look at wall letters (for his name or initials)

Attempt to decide on a 'theme' for his room...(don't worry, I have SOME idea of what I like...and this may require some bribing of Matt)

Not baby related: Make it to church! :)

Give myself a nice little foot soak - I would do the pedicure part but I would get irritated at not being able to sufficiently and comfortably reach my feet

Immediate: Buy new work shoes: I have been coming home with my feet BLACK from the dye in the shoes. I'm wearing socks..but to no avail, I still have black feet every day. I have been SCRUBBING them every night because I don't want it to stay on me, or cause some funky wierdness to the baby.

So, that's it....we'll see what I accomplish. :)

More random thoughts:

For the last couple of weeks, my belly button has started to 'pop'. :)

I just realized that the hot chocolate I just "had to have" for our trip down here is practically unopened. I only had two packs....on the same night. Hmmm. I guess I could have done without. :)

My 'pantry' / bookshelf full of food stuffed in there to fit looks like crap

Our house is a mess (this has GOT to change)

I'm the most blessed girl in the world to be married to the coolest dude of them all! :)

29 WEEKS!!!

2008-10-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

Well, we are 29 weeks pregnant today! We didn't think we were this far...based on WA dr..but that's okay. It is that much more thrilling! It is SO exciting to think about meeting our son in just a few short weeks...okay...2 months is more than a few, but I'm sure we will look back and think about how fast the time went.

My belly button is starting to pop every so slightly! :) The baby has gone through some growth spurts lately and I can totally tell when he moves around that that boy has some muscles!

We had our first AZ dr. appt today and that was exciting. We think we are really going to like him...his whole staff is very kind. Our dr. in WA was so awesome, we were a little concerned (well, I was a little concerned) about finding one just as good here in AZ. :)

Still needing to get that boy's room cleaned out and the crib set up....anyone interested in some sanding and painting??? :)

Also, still looking for some fun big belly picture ideas....I should just ask my sis, as I'm sure she has some cool ideas.....

Nesting....

2008-10-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't been much for blogging lately. It's not that we haven't had anything to blog about...because we have! I have seriously lacked motivation. I think it is because there is TOO much to do that I get overwhelmed and then just don't do anything. I tend to do that. I hate that.

ANYWAY....my sister is a photographer. Her work is AWESOME and I'm excited because she said she would take some 'big belly' pictures of Matt and I. I want these to be special. They will be. I'm wanting some ideas for the shoot. I know the typical one with the hands making the heart shape around the belly button...but I want more ideas....original, creative....So if you have any big belly ideas....leave them on the comments please!

I'm starting the feel the nesting groove come on. I'm anxious for the baby's room to be set up. We still have boxes filling the room from our move. We don't have much to set up once we get it cleared out..but I want to be ready. I want to be able to just go sit in there and hang out with the babe. We only have a crib right now...I'm sure I'll be much fonder of it once it gets painted. :) We've been so busy I haven't had a moment to think about his room. I've got pretty much no idea what I'm going to do with the room. :( I'd like to get letters for wall hangings...for his initials.... Other than that...I know, it's so sad. I'm a first time mommy and don't have the room put together 3 months out like most people I know. Anyway, the groove is on and we must start getting it set up. :)

WE'RE HAVING A......

2008-08-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

BOY!!!

We couldn't be happier!! We are so thrilled and can't wait to meet him! :)

He is defninitely not shy and had no qualms about showing his goods! :)

Last week at our ultrasound we found out this exciting news of our little boy! He is about 6-7 inches long, roughly 13 ounces (+ or - 2 ounces) and his heart rate was about 142. He is perfectly lined up with where he should be. We are still due 12/27/08. :) He had all of his fingers, toes, legs, arms, etc. We also got a picture of the 4 chambers of his precious little heart and also got a high-5 from him. He is doing great! His brain is developing perfectly. His little profile is as precious as ever! :) We are always amazed at such a beautiful miracle that is being made from us.

I have been feeling the baby move for quite some time now. He is one strong boy!! Matt has felt him move too. It is so cool! He is very active especially when I lay down for bed at night. I'm wondering if this is just a little sample of what is to come when he is out of my belly. :)

Speaking of my belly....it is growing and getting in the way when I bend over or lean over. I don't mind whatsoever! I painted my toes a few weeks ago and it was kind of hard...I had some difficulty and Matt thought it was kind of funny. Just wait until I have him paint those toes or he gets to pay for a pedicure.... :) I can't quite dash up the stairs like I used to, either. I love it!! I wouldn't trade it! There are things I am so grateful for due to

the benefits of being pregnant:

Your husband is sure to always get the door for you (wait, he always has!!)

He gets the car door too

He helps you up with his hand....(wait, he's done that one too!)

You don't have to lift heavy things or slightly heavy things or questionably heavy things anymore (YES!!!)

You get some new clothes (thank GOD!!)

You ALWAYS have a good excuse for a nice nap

You can eat pretty much whatever you want.....wait, WHENEVER you want without being questioned :) I still eat whatever I want. :)

You already have an excuse for crying (as if being a girl wasn't one already)

People complement you on your growing size... :)

These are just a start to my *growing* list. :)

Announcing The Baby!

2008-07-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Here it is... the long awaited video of us and our family finding out the fantastic news! Enjoy!

Guess What?!?

2008-06-15T21:25:00.000-07:00

Yep!! You guessed it!

We're PREGNANT!!! :)

We are totally excited!! Today, I am 12 weeks. We had our first ultrasound on Friday and got to see our baby! He was moving around so fast....springing from one side of the yolk sac to the other, bending over, turning around, moving arms and legs so fast!! It was the coolest thing we have ever seen!!! The heart rate was 167 and our estimated due date is December 27th. I of course cried...and Matt just kept saying, "Oh wow! Look at that! Wow!!!" Really, we were both in awe of the miracle that has been made from us!

God is SO good and we are absolutely thrilled!!

I feel great!...other than being completely exhausted 24/7.

We can't wait to meet our precious little miracle!

Happy Father's Day baby!! I'm so in love with you! You are my favorite person in the world and I'm SO happy I get to be with you forever!! You are the best husband...more than what I could have ever dreamed up. Thank you for loving me and treating me like the most important thing to you. You are going to be the best daddy!! I love you forever!!

Rise and Shine!!

2008-04-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

We have 're-discovered' some pictures our friend Daley Hake (http://www.daleyhake.com/) took of us last August...he is a really neat person. Aside from my sister...he is one of the most AWESOME photographers I know. I mean..the man can capture things that you don't just normally see anywhere.
Oh...and one of Maverick and Bella gazing out the window.

Well, this morning was an early morning for me on a Saturday! I woke up super early and just couldn't go back to sleep! I just love the sounds of nature in the early morning. As I was taking Maverick out the birds were chirping, the air smelled delicious! I love it! The rest of the world/neighborhood was still asleep. I love these times because I feel like I am getting to experience something no one else is. And, of course,right now as I am writing this Bella is beating Maverick up. He was messing with her and sometimes she just can't stand it! I have attached some pictures just for fun.

Side note: Here in Poulsbo, WA it is 44 degrees right now. It is suppsed to get up to 65 degrees, with a possible high of 71 degrees. It is BEAUTIFUL out and I love it!

Most of our family is in Phoenix, AZ where it is 65 degrees right now and supposed to get up to 88 degrees today, and a whopping 95 tomorrow!!! WOW! It's only April!!! :) (YOU KNOW YOU GUYS SHOULD COME AND VISIT US!!!)

Scootin' Along...

2008-03-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

This is my dad and Smith! They are off to work! Aren't they cute?!?!

There's No Place Like Home....

2008-03-14T17:30:00.000-07:00

Somewhere, over the rainbow....! This is our new home!! We moved into our new home two weekends ago. We are so blessed to be surrounded by SO many wonderful and awesome people that were so willing to help us move! These are the same AWESOME people who helped us move into our beach house....down 65 steps. Well, of course, moving out meant going UP those 65 treacherous steps! We really are so very grateful for having such precious people in our lives! Speaking of... we now have plenty of room for our friends and family from Arizona to come visit us. (So now you have another reason to come up here other than getting out of the flaming hot sun of Arizona!)

Waking Up...

2008-02-15T23:59:00.000-08:00

This is what I woke up to this morning...

This is what I hear...

Guess Who's 32 today???

2008-02-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATT!!!!!

Almost : Part 2

2008-02-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

Almost...

2008-02-09T19:01:00.000-08:00

Adverb
1. (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; "the job is (just) about done"; "the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded"; "we're almost finished"; "the car all but ran her down"; "he nearly fainted"; "talked for nigh onto 2 hours"; "the recording is well-nigh perfect"; "virtually all the parties signed the contract"; (`near' is used informally for `nearly' as in "I was near exhausted by the run"; `most' is used informally for `almost' as in "most everybody agrees").

Food For The Soul....

2008-02-02T21:29:00.000-08:00

There are some things that you just can't live without. There is one thing that kind of brought Matt and I together. Music. Music is really an amazing thing that livens the soul! Now, how can I not love this???

We were given a guitar by one of Matt's co-workers....it's destiny was the trash so we gladly took it. What a blessing! How fun it is to have an acoustic guitar now. :) Today we got new strings and of course Matt just had to break it in! :)

Don't worry people...we haven't completely turned into REDNECKS.

Are We Cute Or What???

2008-01-28T20:38:00.000-08:00

How funny...we are both wearing yellow.

Bliss....

2008-01-27T19:50:00.000-08:00

JOY

Happiness
Good Times
Laughter
LOVE
Together forever!!

I am so blessed! My marriage is a gift to me that is as beautiful as the sunrise. Words cannot describe how wonderful life is inside this lifelong, forever committment. I am so happy I get to share life with the coolest person on earth! :)

The BIG Day!

2008-01-26T16:43:00.000-08:00

So, this morning I was so thrilled because my darling, studly husband made me breakfast! :) Yummy! I had no idea what it was going to be....I only knew it involved eggs. It is an omlet with a special sauce he made which is seriously delicious! It is topped with avocado slices and tomato with a side of toast covered with homeade pear butter. It was a 5 STAR meal!

Here is me just before devouring my delicious breakfast!
This next pic probably deserves it's own post because it is the point of the post today. This picture is like the picture you just have to get on the first day of school.....that's how important the day is! Today Matt is going to see RAMBO!!!! I have been hearing about this since this summer. Everytime he saw a commercial for it he would get all pumped up and announce the date. We even had a countdown for the last 3 months or so. :) I love my hub!!! He is so cute! So here in this picture, he is leaving to go meet up with the rest of the guys from our life group to go have some man time with RAMBO!!!

I am left home alone with the kids (Maverick and Bella) cleaning the house, ironing, preparing dinner....I better have something meaty for him to eat when he returns because I'm sure he'll come home with loads of testosterone pumping in his veins after the movie!

I'm so blessed! I love him with all of me....!

Saturday Fun!

2008-01-19T19:48:00.000-08:00

Okay...so my mom came into town kind of last minute! It was so GREAT to see her and hang with her! Of course the visit was way too short...but I'm grateful I got to see her! She is one of the few people in my life that I have never felt like a dork around....she totally accepts me for me and can be (most definitely!) totally goofy with me! She rocks! Love you mom!

On our way back into town, Matt was just had a hankerin' for some Frisko Freeze. You can't go all the way through Tacoma without some good old fashion nasty, down and dirty, greeeeeasy food. It's actually pretty good...but you really have to be in just the right mood for it!

"Damn, it's good," sayeth the Lord.

We definitely loved it tonight!

God is SO good!!!

2008-01-15T21:25:00.000-08:00

Well...we have so not updated in the last month (we are SO bad!!). There is much to update everyone on...and we will just have to do it soon.

There is something that has captivated our hearts. I don't even know how I learned of this family...probably through a friend's friend's blog or something....but I wanted to share the wonderful miracle God is doing!
Check out http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/

I have been obsessed (well, maybe not obsessed....but, maybe so) with checking it daily. I'm checking it because I'm expecting to see updates on these precious girls (momma and baby). I find myself thinking of this family and praying for them throughout the days. God is SO good for this precious young woman to be on the road to recovery (YES!!!)...and then go back for more (double lung transplant). They have a 25 week+ preemie in the NICU who is infection free and on her own little road to thriving.

Please join us as we speak health and life over this family and please pray that God would envelope them with His peace that passes all understanding.
If you have a minute...check out their site...it definitely shares part of their life with you. There is also a link to donate to her fund.
I know this is silly, but I feel like I am getting to know these complete strangers....but, when you think about it...they are family..I just haven't met them yet. :)

Seattle Seahawks!!!

2007-12-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

Today is the BIG day!! We are heading over to Seattle to go to a Seahawks game!! :) Matt is beside himself! He got all dressed up last night in what he is wearing today! :) Hee hee! Of course we are going to be bundled up with the chance of rain and snow....oh joy! He is going to wear his official NFL jersey....! We are both wearing long johns beneath our jeans...I feel frumpy :) . Oh well. I just pray we are both wearing enough layers.....

It's going to be SO MUCH FUN!!!

PEACE!!

Let It Snow!

2007-12-01T21:36:00.000-08:00

It's snowing folks! It's not just weak snow that melts as soon as it hits the ground. It's pretty much totally sticking! :) We now live in snow-covered winter wonder-land! This was seriously an exciting day today! How fun it is to have snow! The flakes were HUGE....!!!

Matt Hates Shopping...

2007-11-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

Here is our shopping day video!

Doesn't he just look thrilled to go shopping?!!! I just love my hub!

More Please!

2007-11-24T19:53:00.000-08:00

Hubba, hubba, hubba! Here is my handsome stud on round two of our Thanksgiving feast!

SHOPPING!!!

2007-11-24T12:33:00.000-08:00

OH MY GOSH! Let me just tell you how happy I was yesterday!

Okay, so I've never, not to my knowledge or remembrance, ever gone shopping at the crack the day after Thanksgiving. :) Never. Well, this year, I wanted to. My husband actually agreed to go with me too. How totally crazy is that? No, he didn't even have alterior motives...nothing. Just awesomeness and the total coolness of being the best husband ever! :) It's true.

So, he set the alarm for the morning and then proceeded to hit "snooze". Well, he actually didn't hit snooze. He hit that one button that you never want to hit when you have somehwere important to go to. We didn't get up early and I was a little bummed, but totally cool with it. We strolled out of bed about 9am and then got ready to take the ferry into the city! We went to Bellevue Square to go shopping! YES!!! We don't really have a real mall here in Bremerton. It contains like, only...2-3 stores that I enjoy...and I can't even call it a mall. I've only been there a total of 3 times since we've lived here. So anyway....we went to Bellevue Square because they are one of two places in the whole area that has a Crate & Barrel. We have had two gift cards since we got married and have never used them! So, yesterday, it was our mission to spend those two gift cards. :) We did!

We got to walk all over the mall. We went in and out of stores looking at everything! I had so much fun! I must say that the only money we spent was on lunch at PF Changs, Seattle's Best (for a latte for me) and a couple bucks to cover the rest of our Crate & Barrel purchase!

What did we get?!?? We got three mixing bowls. They are AWESOME! We haven't had any until now so this was a really exciting purchase! :) It really is! I broke them in this morning when I made pancakes and eggs. :)

Anyway.....that was my day yesterday. Matt never complained. I was truly amazed! He really didn't. Well, he did say in our last store that his feet hurt. Which, normally he is telling me that his feet hurt before we even get out of the car when we go to Costco or Target. So, I'm really proud of him. He really did well! :)

We'll have to post a picture or two from the day later on! Have a fantastic weekend!

Did you go shopping?...And what did you get?

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2007-11-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the day is already here again! I love this time of year! It is my FAVORITE!!! I wish I could just freeze and repeat now until Christmas and the New Year!!

We just returned from visiting our home in Arizona. We stayed for a week and I almost didn't come back! We got to see everyone we love so dearly! Our week was full of so many things...I really don't think we actually, really rested. But...I guess that is how some vacations go. :) We took lots of pictures and if I can convince my darling husband to help me with it...we will have them on our photo page.

While we were home I injred my back. Never before have I hurt myself like this. It seriously felt like my nerve was being sliced. It's crazy how much you feel....the muscles, nerves....crazy pain! I wasn't even doing anything out of the ordinary...just bent over and stood up.

Anyway...today we are going over to my grandma and grandpa's house....my aunt and uncle will be there as well. I'm glad we have family here to spend this holiday with.

Happy Holidays!!!

M&C

Trick or Treat!!!

2007-10-30T21:19:00.000-07:00

Bella and Maverick say Happy Meowloween!

As Matt says....well...I think I'll just let him say it as he explained it so well already....

"My wife and I don't have kids yet. But we have a great dog (Maverick). He has more toys than some children and eats the highest quality food and is very loved. We are insanely in love with him and have become exactly what we once despised... people who buy clothes for their pets.
We have a problem and counseling is nowhere on the horizon. But at least Maverick is living well while we slip away into foolish pet obsession.
Oh yeah... Maverick will be dressed up as Peter Pan this halloween, I'll be capt hook and my wife is tinkerbell.
How cute!... (BARF!)"

The Count Is On...!

2007-10-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

We have 13 days left until we are home!!! I can't wait!! We are so excited! We will be home for a solid week....our days will go by fast I'm sure! :( Our time is being filled with family and friends...I won't want to leave! Our little Maverick will be coming with us....so let's all pray he does great on the plane. :) It's called doggie drugs. I know he'll do just fine! Anyway...we love you, miss you and can't wait to see you all!!! M&C

Blessed!

2007-10-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

I just want to say how blessed I am. I am married to the best husband ever! I really feel blessed that God gave me someone so amazing to live life with! He has such a wonderful heart that is always so willing to give of himself. He loves me and takes care of me! He's a hard worker and wants to give us the best life possible. He loves God and really is an amazing husband! I love how God knows us so well and gives us what we need most in our life! He provides for us in the best way possible! He gave me a mate that is perfect for me! I love you baby!

What Would You Do.....?

2007-09-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

What would you do for a KLONDIKE bar?

Matt: "I don't know, unwrap one"

Cristin: "Beg my husband to go to the store with me after a delicious dinner at 8 o'clock at night and then climb about 70 stairs just to get to the car once he gives.....

I have the best husband :)"

Check Us Out!!!

2007-09-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

These are some of the pics from our photo shoot with Daley Hake! He totally rocks!

Sunday Afternoon.....

2007-09-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

Here is my own, personal chef! I love Sunday afternoons! When I was growing up, Sunday afternoons always meant we were going to have an extra special meal! The day meant relaxation, good food and family fun. There are sounds that bring me back to being a little girl...like taking a nap on the couch while I heard the chicken sizzling in the kitchen. The yummy smells of the delicious meal to come. Today reminds me of my wonderful memoris!

I am not taking a nap on the couch...I WISH!...but I am getting ready for church tonight..ironing, keeping the dog somewhat occupied....and while I am doing this my studly husband is making Spaghetti with Chicken Parmesan. The smell and sounds are so delightful! Oh, and of course...the football game is blasted so that we can hear it from any room in the house. Oh well..I can handle that I guess. :)

Just thought I'd share some of my life's awesomeness with you today!

Our Photo Shoot

2007-09-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we finally got to meet the great Daley Hake. He is an artist (photographer, musician, etc.) with whom we won a photo shoot. He lives in the LA area and while on tour he stopped in the Seattle area for a few days. It was such a great time hanging out with him getting to know a little bit of him. He took pictures of us...and let me just tell you...the guy can make anyone look good! :) Of course it was us he was shooting...so of course we looked good! Hee hee!I'm not kidding though...the man has an incredible eye and can capture something that only lasts for a split second. He's an amazing artist and we are really blessed to have had the opportunity to meet him and hang with him for a day or so. Check out his website while you can... www.daleyhake.com ...scroll down the main page and find some pictures of us and our surrounding area here in the Puget Sound. If we are not on that page, you may need to go to a previous post....so here he is....the great Daley Hake!....

Our Newest Addition

2007-08-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

On Friday, July 13, 2007, we adopted a precious little baby. :) We named him Maverick. He is a pure bred Lhasa Apso who was 2.015 lbs the day we got him. He really has changed our world! We have been so busy since the day we got him. He is pretty much potty-trained...we only have a few accidents every once in a great while. He has been on a feeding schedule, he sleeps through the nights! (Praise Jesus!!) We consider it training boot camp for the real deal when it comes along! No, we are not pregnant. Anyway...we have been seriously busy and havne't blogged for too long. We promise to stay current and keep everyone posted on our lives! Seriously, check back soon! Here's our precious little Maverick!

Too Long!

2007-07-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

Alright...It has been WAY too long since we have posted. We are true SLACKERS! But, things are about to change. We have SO many new and exciting things to post....so, just be patient and the time will come for our updates!

Oh, by the way....this is far too great to not mention it....we just had our FIRST ANNIVERSARY!!! Woo-hoo!!! It was WONDERFUL :) and I feel so blessed to be married to such an amazing and wonderful man! More to come on that!

Love you all and miss you!

Date Night

2007-05-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you had a date night? The other night was awesome! We have had so many changes going on in our lives lately....moving, getting settled, moving again, getting settled, out-of-towner visits (which we LOVE!!!)...so, we can say we've had a lot going on. :) Since we've been married, we've tried to make it a point to have two date nights a week, and if not, at LEAST one. We don't necessarily go "out" like to a movie or dinner and always spend tons of money....let's say we've made it a point to be together on purpose! :) We would either be making dinner together, play a game, watch a movie (again, and again...and I say, again!), taking a walk around the apt. complex (in AZ-which I seriously miss the beautiful pool and fountains, green grassy areas) or streets....anyway, we'd spend time together on purpose.

Since we've moved to Washington, we really haven't had much time to enjoy each other's company, alone. :) We've been really busy. We did make it to Seattle for a quick one night trip to "escape" the madness and make some decisions about our situations and our future....and then shortly thereafter we moved again.....and we've had some family in town, fun times....but we really haven't had "quality" time together. I know, it's wierd. We live together, we see each other every day, we sleep in the same bed......but we haven't "dated".

As we've been getting settled this last time, (it's for good for a while), we have talked a lot about our dreams and plans and desires for our life. We want to be successful in our marriage, in our careers, have a family and our OWN home....we've talked about the stresses (and dealt with the stresses) and I think through all of this, we have quietly made an effort to enjoy each other. I think we have on our own, without discussing it, realized how important "WE" are. I've noticed a change in our communication, a free "upgrade" in our marriage.....We have this non-verbal communication that is taking place in our love life, our marrage, that says "I need you, I love you, I appreciate you!" We are a team and it feels more like a team than ever before! :) We are bonded and are only getting stronger!

This great date night we walked down to the boardwalk. You can see it from our house....and we haven't gone down yet to walk it and really see what's there. The city of Bremerton is really making some changes and has a lot of plans for the future. It's becoming more beautiful every day. We decided yesterday that we want to buy our place that we have now and make it "ours"....so, we'll see in a year what we can do about that! :) They just opened a park this weekend.....it's beautiful! It has water fountains that "dance" or "explode", wading areas, tables for picnics, etc....as we were walking through it we were amazed at how awesome it was and how great the environment was...relaxing and fun. There were families enjoying each other, children giggling...it really felt like I was walking through a scene in a movie.

On our way home, we decided to finally get on our beach! There really isn't a place to get down to it, so we crossed some "NO TRESPASSING" signs next door (condemned house; yeah, lovely I know.) and got down there. We walked along the beach! How cool is that?!!! :) It's not the greatest of beaches...but it's OUR beach! :) hee hee. No more trespassing though. That was pretty questionable. Rotting wood stairs....yeah, I know, no more. :) Anyway, we got home and BBQ'd. We hung out together like it was summer and we were kids. It was great! I'm so glad I have forever to be with my best friend!!!

When was the last time you went on a date and had some extra FUN???!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2007-05-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

Mom,

Happy Mother's Day! I love you SO much! Thank you for being the greatest mom! Your 'momness' has blossomed into a very cherished friendship. You are one of my best friends and I love hanging out with you and doing silly things!

I still remember one time when I was in high shool and we were driving home from a track meet. For some reason, you slowed down for no reason...there were no cars in front of us. I asked what you you were doing and I realized as I looked my right...in the other lane. There was a school bus FULL of boys coming home from a game or something. You would not speed up as we drove alongside them for a mile or so giggling our guts out! I was SO embarrassed!

I also remember whenever we were in church...you would get the tic tacs out or gum and crinkle, crinkle, crinkle. You would eat one piece for only a minute and get another one, totally eating a whole pack in one service......oh, you would also get me laughing...and then you would start laughing...and then we both couldn't stop! We practically got kicked out of church every week!!! Oh, wait....you still make me laugh in church!

I want you to know how much I LOVE YOU and how much I appreciate your AWESOME 'momness'!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Crissy

Housewarming BBQ!

2007-05-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

Check this out! Isn't this beautiful?!!! We are so blessed to have gotten a BBQ from mom and dad Vosburgh! I think we should have a housewarming PARTAY!!! This BBQ is seriously awesome....there are so many features! It has a rotissore for chicken (Matt thinks we are going to get a piggy up there but I'm fighting against it!), a place for veggies or beverages to be stored on ice, an extra burner/area to cook with a pan, a warming area, and a place for spices to be stored or towels to hang....really, it's great! It really is the best thing out there to have in a place like we are in....so you can have a BBQ on the beach! Yup, that's right folks, I said it....if you lived closer, you would be invited too! :) Actually, we do invite you...just let us know when you will be arriving...! :) Anyway, we are thrilled to have such a great BBQ and can't wait to have you over! So, here are some pics of Matt getting it ready to grill (putting it together!) and then there are some of me weed-wacking the grass....I was so excited to finally have a way to cut the grass that I just had to do it, later realizing that it's not my favorite thing to do.....seriously, my arms were still vibrating for like 2 hours after!

History in Seattle

2007-05-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago, dad Vosburgh came up to WA and took us took us to Seattle for a few days! It was SO MUCH FUN!! We stayed at The Westin...which was AWESOME!
Matt and I got up super early (not really) on Sat. morning and walked down to the ferry; yes, we walked! When we arrived in Seattle (where we met dad) with our suitcases we were greeted with love and flowers! :) Let me tell you, that's the life! Two boquets, yes, 2! :) Anyway, we promptly dropped our luggage off at the hotel (NICE!) and started our history tour of Seattle! You see, Matt was born in Seattle 31 years ago! So, he has some history! We drove by the hospital where he was born, took some pictures of course!
Oh, wait, the first thing we did was go the 13 Coins. It is a restaurant (it's been around for YEARS) where we ate a scrumptious breakfast. Of course, we got a few stories in there....it's open 24 hours a day....oh, and they apparently haven't changed a thing with it's decor! :)...so we hear.
We also drove up to the house where Matt lived for the first year of his life! There was a guy outside moving the lawn (electrical mower, poor guy) and we stopped to talk with him for a minute, and believe it or not, he let us go inside and check it out! That was really cool for M to be able to see something he has only heard about for so long! It was an itty bitty house!
That night we went to the Space Needle for dinner at the revolving restaurant! That was so great! Delicious food and amazing view! As we saw the city so high up, Matt's dad was able to point things out and give us the history and stories! It was really cool!
Sunday morning...you'll never guess. We went to Queen Anne Baptist Church where Matt went and spent much time in the nursery! His dad recognized a few people there who still go to the same church (30+ years!!! WOW!). It's funny, but Matt looks like his dad did 31 years ago so that was pretty hilarios because people were recognizing his dad through Matt....you get it? :) Funny, hu?
Do you think you've had the best hamburger or cheesburger in the world??!!! Well you probably haven't unless you've gone to Frisko Freeze. That place is still around and looks exactly the same, they say! This seemed to be the highlight for the boys. :) It's food, you know? What can you say? Anyway, I was wondering what the deal was, but I do agree, the burgers are pretty good! They seem so basic, but they really do taste delicious, and I'm not the biggest fan of meat! There was something about the malt shakes too....!

We will have more pics posted on our photo page in a new album so you can see more of the fun!
We had so much fun this great weekend in Seattle! What a fun time! Thank you SO MUCH dad!!!

What Happened To Your Hair?

2007-04-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday I had a "lazy" day....I'm running low on make-up so I decided to go without...which really isn't a huge deal, because I used to NEVER wear make-up. I go through my times of consistancy....AND, I have been busy getting the place put together, things put away, just busy, busy, busy. So, I got dressed (normal cuteness :) ) and didn't "do" my hair. You see, if I "do" my hair, I have to dry it with the hair dryer. If I don't use the hair dryer, then my hair dries naturally and isn't exactly smooth, it's "bigger". It's thicker, and can be kind of frizzy....just NOT SMOOTH, if you get my drift. Well, I had picked Matt up from work and we went to the store, and I got out of the car and we were walking away from it, and he asked as plain as day, seeming somewhat confused....."What happened to your hair?". Now, of course my reaction was, "What? What do you mean?" I got all...like, insecure, you know? My husband has never really said there was anything wrong with me, and tells me if he likes my hair or whatever a certain way...but, he's never come out and basically told me there was something WRONG with me!!!! It was really funny, I got all worried and took my hair out (of the way I had done it, originally thinking he might like it....but obviously the cuteness left by the time I got to him with a more wind-blown frizzy look.....)....because if he is going to say something about it....then it must look really bad! But, it was like totaly shock. "What? What do you mean? What's wrong with my hair?" I guess I was just as shocked as he was.... :)

We Are The Champions!!!

2007-04-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

We are the champions, my friends...........!

Okay...so, this is WAY cool! We have been in Washington for just over 2 months now....and since being here, we have been avid blog readers to keep up with all of our family and friends. I have no idea who's blog/website we found this one on, but it was through someone we know, or someone they (the someone we know) know....:) I know, it seems like it doesn't make sense, but it does! :)

www.ragamuffinsoul.com is the website we found that we frequently visit...like on a daily basis, thanks to our RSS feed. :) We saw that they were having a 150,000th visitor contest...and the winner getting a photo shoot with Daley Hake (www.daleyhake.com). What an awesome thing, right? Well, it turns out....that, although I think we only entered twice (yes, only twice!!), we won!!!!! So, all we have to do is get him to where we are, and we get the photo shoot!! :) How fun and totally cool is that?!!!? We are excited and so very happy...so, Daley....see you soon!

Our New Home On The Beach!!!

2007-04-09T07:10:00.001-07:00

The beach house....! So, here we are! We have just moved (one week ago) and are getting settled in. My folks were SO KIND to surprise us and bring the rest of our stuff down this past week (it was in storage in AZ)....which was an AWESOME thing because we would otherwise be living here with one living room chair, the office and the bedroom stuff. So, SNAPS to mom and dad MAC!!!! :) We decided to do a fun little video to give you a taste of what we wake up to every morning....it's just a rough life, you know? :)

Check it out.....
video

Happy Easter!!

2007-04-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everybody! We were SO close to sleeping in yesterday morning and going to the later service....but it felt good to pull ourselves out of bed and have the rest of the day to play. :) We hope you had a wonderful Easter! Growing up, we both had HAM for our special Easter meal....did anyone have any other special meals or traditions for Easter?....other than the whole color the egg thing....(which I so did not to do this year.....!) Okay...this pic makes me think of high school dance pictures...you know, having the guy hold the girls hand in front... :) hee hee!

9 Months and Counting...

2007-03-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

Sweetheart,
You are my forever love! :) I can't believe it's been 9 months! You are my best friend...through the good, the bad and the ugly. Though we have gone through a lot, and will go through more, we will ALWAYS get through it with God. This time has gone by so fast and I want to say how much in love I am with you! I want you to know that when I say I love you, it means I am committed to you forever, my best friend, lover and companion. I want you to feel it in your toes...how much I love you. I want you to remember always that you are the most important thing in my life and I cherish every single second I get to have with you! :) Only you know how to make my giggle and smile the way you do...and just thinking of you makes my heart flutter. :) I smile when I think about the silly things we've done together, all the hard work you did to get me to go out with you and the moment you asked me to marry you. I love you forever baby! Happy 9 months of being married!!

Love,
Cristin

I got a horse!

2007-03-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

So, Matt and I needed a little Wendy's tonight for dinner.
I got a kid's meal because I wasn't hungry for a lot....
for my drink, I ordered a chocolate frosty. Have you ever had one of those?
It is probably like 3 ounces....totally not big at all.
But, after my initial reaction, I was grateful.
I only needed the little taste in my mouth. :)
After we ate he asked me if I like my toy.
Of course, I said "yes." :)
He then said, "You've always said you wanted a horse."
I just love him. He is always so funny...and so very thoughtful. :)
I have always wanted a horse, and this will suffice until
we can afford a bigger, more real one. :)

Vacation in Seattle

2007-03-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

So, we just went to Seattle this weekend....(SAT and SUN) to get away and rest. It was great! I SO did NOT want to come back. My Aunt Pam is visiting from New England and we thought we'd take our chance to escape while we could for some relaxation and fun!

Of course, Matt will probably load most of the pictures in an album on the PICTURES page later today....

We "toured" Seattle and visited Pikes Place Market and saw many different characters there, as always. We also went to Pioneer Square where we went on the Underground Tour...Matt will fill you in on some of this later.

Our hotel was AWESOME and very cozy...it was SO great...I felt like I was on a little second mini-honeymoon....(which we still have to take!).

Anyway, we disappeared for a few days and loved every second of it. We totally splurged and pretty much ate whatever we wanted, no limits, no holding back. We probably gained 10 pounds...but then again, we walked almost everywhere we went, so we probably lost 10 pounds...I'd say we ended up pretty even. :)

Check out the pictures page in a day or so and see all that we saw! :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!

2007-03-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!

This is a McEnnerney family tradition. :)

video

Madly in love!

2007-03-14T06:09:00.000-07:00

My husband is the BEST! I seriously have an amazing husband who totally loves me and treats my like a princess. :) I'm so blessed! He takes the time to tell me he appreciates me and that he loves me....and that the food I cook, though not the BEST ALL the time, he still tells me dinner was delicious and even asks for seconds. Okay, now, I'm not a horrible cook, but sometimes unexplainable things happen that I have no control over!!!!

Anyway, last Wednesday he came home from work with a long stem single red rose. :) Just because he loves me and that I'm beautiful, he says...and that he appreciates me. Then, on Friday, he brings home a bouquet of red and white roses in a cute little round vase with a darling bow telling me he loves me and appreciates me for everything I'm doing.

I'm madly in love!!!! Who came up with that phrase, anyway? :) Check this out: http://amos.indiana.edu/library/scripts/lovecrazy.html

So, next time I'm a little extra crabby, or just plain pissy, I can totally use the excuse that I'm madly in love with him, right? After all, our vows contained "the good, the bad and the ugly"....Okay, I won't go that far....:) If it goes to that, and I'm crabby or just plain irrational (uh-umm, pms; I can blame that, right?), if I were to ever be like that...he sure knows how to turn me around and make me smile or lose it in the giggles. :) He is my best friend, my hero, my rock star, my own personal comedian, my lover and husband who still makes my heart flutter and who I'm madly in love with!!! He's amazing and truly the best thing that could have ever happened to me!

So, though the pictures don't give them justice, here are my roses! :)

None But Jesus

2007-03-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

So, after reading someone's blog this morning, I got motivated to post. I have a new favorite worship song. None But Jesus, by Hillsong United on their United We Stand CD. When I'm feeling frustrated, stressed or overwhelmed by something....I seriously come downstairs and listen for just a minute, or sing it to myself and I am reminded of how AWESOME God is....and how now matter what I am experiencing...God is my delight.

Here are the words to this amazing worship song....and then listen to it...how can you not be grateful for Him and what He's done for you? :) Check it out!

NONE BUT JESUS

In the quiet, in the stillness, I know that you are God
In the secret of your presence, I know there I am restored
When you call I won't refuse
Each new day I get, I choose

There is no one else for me, none but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise

In the chaos, in confusion, I know you're sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do your will
So when you call I won't delay
This my song through all my days

There is no one else for me, none but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise

There is no one else for me, none but Jesus
Crucified
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise

I am yours and you are mine (X3)

All my delight is in you Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All of my delight is in you Lord, forevermore!!!!
Repeat

There is no one else for me, none but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring him praise

Now, take a listen: None But Jesus

Okay, now is that not the most awesome song ever? Great worship....The Life at Scottsdale, http://www.wedolife.com, you guys should seriously get it in the rotation. :)

Monsters in the closet....

2007-03-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

Okay....so, the other night....Matt was SO tired and couldn't wait to get into bed. So, we are laying in bed for a few minutes.....and he suddenly lifts his head and says "It just occured to me why I have to sleep the way I do".....(he HAS to sleep with the sheet and blanket wrapped around his feet...so, he untucks the sheet and blanket, lifts them up and flips them under his feet; doing all of this with his feet every night) and I say, of course, "Why?"......."Well, when I was little, there were monsters in my closet, and I thought that if I made a seal around my feet, that I would be safe." And I laughed and said, "That is so cute...so, you thought there were monsters so you sealed up your feet to be safe?"....and he said, "No, I KNEW there were monsters....not thought...I KNEW. I could see their shapes and stuff." :) This has been a mystery revealed. Until this very night...I have not known why he has to sleep like that....he didn't even know why. He says he can't sleep unless the sheets and blankets are like that. This certainly does mess the bed up and makes it that much more of an effort to make the bed in the morning....but I love him and I wouldn't change a thing about him if I could. :)

Us

2007-02-28T19:25:00.000-08:00

Oh, here is a pic of us tonight before we froze! :)

Brrrrrrr....It's SO Cold!!!!

2007-02-28T18:11:00.000-08:00

Hi guys!!!

Well, today was a super COLD day!!! It SNOWED!!! I wasn't home to see it snowING...but Matt told me all about it!!! and we have the picture for proof. When I arrived it was still there but beginning to become slushy. Yeah! I got to see snow! First time in 4 years!!! :) Oh, what joy! :)

So, aside from that cool incident, I thought I was going to freeze today. For some reason, 30 degrees feels a lot colder up here than down in Arizona! :)

I went to Seattle with my grandma today for a Dr. visit so it was fun to go over on the ferry...but no city fun. I worked on my scarf (croshitting as I call it; otherwise known as crocheting) on the ferry...and got stuck listening to some guy pin me into a discussion about car engines, planes and eventually Galileo...hmmm....whatever...several times I tried to talk to Gram but to no avail, he kept on and she didn't save me!!!! :) Oh well, I guess he just needed someone to talk to for a while. Bless his heart.

So, there you have it. :)

I miss Arizona. I never NEVER thougt I'd say those words...but it's true.

Matt just told me a few moments ago he would like me to start ironing his socks........? Hmmm. I don't know what he ate today at work...but, I'm pretty sure that won't be happening...as long as they are dry! :)

Cristin

POST HERE DAD :))

2007-02-23T16:14:00.000-08:00

The following has been moved from the guestbook. It's just getting too crazy... ha!

John - 2007-02-22 18:20:51
As I was driving home this evening, I heard this song and thought of the 2 of you ... Can you name the movie? www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ELS1jDwh6Y John (Matt’s Dad)

Cristin - 2007-02-22 19:42:12
Hmmm....before I even listen to it....I’m thinking it may have something to do with BULLITT??? ;)

Cristin..... - 2007-02-22 19:44:50 That one Elvis movie we borrowed from you.....? WHAT IS THE NAME??????????????????????? ;))) Matt says you are talking about some other movie....I think it is the one we borrowed....but can’t think of the name. ;)

Matt - 2007-02-22 22:30:59
Okay folks...here we are. You may now comment on any post you’d like. Be nice...or else!!! Enjoy!

John - 2007-02-23 04:58:49
So how do you comment on other posts? Like this? Cristin - name of the song is? Movie is of the same name. 1962. Lady in the youtube clip is mother of Tatum O’Neal. Do you know her name? What was her regular TV series role?

FREE TIME

2007-02-22T22:20:00.000-08:00

Baby...I"m so proud of you! You have done a wonderful job creating our website....and I love it!!! :) I"m proud of you getting up early and working so hard and earning $$$ to pay our bills while I slave away making freshly squeezed orange juice (actually haven't done the O.J. yet)homemade chicken noodle soup and pot roasts all while listening to Matlock and Little House On The Praire.....it's been so long! :) Oh, but I love it!

Okay...so, doesn't our site look awesome!?!!!! I love it and he has done a most excellent job. I realize that he is still adjusting to a routine still and has come home now two days in a row with fevers...poor baby. We are trying to get used to things...I think Matt has adjusted a little quicker than myself...but, time will pass and I will adjust.

Bella (the bundle; kitty) spends her evenings meowing with us. She comes in the room and meows. I don't think she has realized yet that we are here permanantly and Smith will not be coming over anytime soon. :(

Okay for now. We must get to bed. :)

Cristin

WHITE FLAG

2007-02-22T21:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I've decided to throw in the towel for now on trying to build my own blog... I have figured out a lot of stuff, but it's really complicated. Anyway, I'm ashamed that I've been defeated and have to succumb to blogspot. What's the saying?... "you're unique... just like everyone else". Oh well, I'm glad that comments can now be posted for specific blog posts, as well as in the regular guestbook. It seems a bit redundant but not really I guess. They really are 2 different things.

So, I started my job this week. It is cool! I'm training, so I have a commute... which means I have to get up way early (5AM). But it's a really great company with excellent people! This could easily be the best job I've ever had.

Cristin is wonderful! She has made lunch for me to take to work and put a little note on my napkin. She has been working very hard taking care of G&G. It's really a challenge, but she's handling it like a pro. I'm proud of how radical she is! I totally love her and she deserves lot's of pretty things that I can't afford right now... doubt ye not the glorious damzel that yet I did marry!

Anyway, be sure to check out Wes' website. There are some really amazing musicians on the new album... ahem! ;) Seriously though... Wes worked super hard (and Tonya made a significant sacrifice also). It's a great project that showcases a lot of talent on the instruments, vocals, production and spirit. I'm very stoked on it!

Anyway, we've been seeing a little sun here lately (which is really weird!) although it's been super cold! Everyone here say's "it's all about May thru August"... hmmm, we'll see. All in all, it's very nice here and we are truly enjoying it.

We've both been really busy and are trying to make the most of the little free time we have, but it's great to hear from you all and we will try to be in touch more. We Love You All!

Peace out homeskittles!

Matt

RAINBOWS

2007-02-18T16:25:00.000-08:00

(Okay, so first of all, I'm going to say that I don't agree with Matt's posting earlier today. That's all I'm going to say, because I do have a strong opinion of my own.)

Now, today after church we went out on a little date and that was so much fun! We went and looked at bikes.....we want to get some bikes. :) We both found one that we really liked and now we just have to save up for them. They are really cute, well, mine is! Mine is pink, just like I've wanted. Then we went to Red Robin for lunch and THEN to Starbucks to enjoy some fine tasting coffee. :) I love just "being" with Matt. It is so enjoyable for me to be able to spend time with him just hangin'. We came home and then saw this:

It is so amazing....God's creation! You can't really tell in the picture...but the rainbow is actually pretty close to us. In the bible the rainbow represents God's promises to us as Children of God.....and whenever I see a rainbow, I think about all that God has told me, and the things He has called us to do as a couple, and I'm so thankful for His promises and His words to us. It is truly a blessing and an awesome reminder when I see something so beautiful and amazing as this. It is so wonderful to look out the window and see that....It's like a surprise and He's been waiting all day to give it to me. :)

Have a fantastic day, and remember how much He loves you and how much joy you bring to Him.

Cristin

SUNDAY

2007-02-18T09:38:00.000-08:00

So... it's Sunday morning and we're about to head off to church, and I saw this video on someone's blog. I believe in the power of God, but Benny Hinn is ridiculous beyond belief. The video is totally funny!

Oh well... anyway, I'm happy to say that we have found a cool church. We went for the first time last week and really liked it. We're going back today and will most likely continue.

Also, I would like to encourage everyone to learn about feeds. You'll notice the atom link on the right. It's really cool if you find yourself checking blogs and/or news websites periodically for updates and what not. Click this link to learn more about how cool it is.

Anyway, peace out everyone... have a totally rad day!

Matt

SUNRISE

2007-02-16T08:37:00.000-08:00

Good morning! We are trying to get up early, but it's kinda difficult sometimes (Cristin's favorite time of day is morning, as long as she's laying in bed... haha). So, we got up this morning and right before Cristin started her "kick-yer-butt" Billy Blanks workout, we saw this. I just had to share it with you all.

Matt