Raining!

It's raining! We haven't got much in the way of rain yet this fall/winter, but it's coming down right now. I like rain. I just pulled some banana bread cookies out of the oven and, yum, they turned out pretty well! I had some of those over ripe bananas to use up and wanted to do something other then bread, so I looked around on allrecipes.com and came up with these. I really like that site by the way. The cookies really aren't that different then bread, they're basically just really small breads.

Mommy and Junior went to exercise class today and we sure got a work out. Some of it was soooo hard! And there some points where I went ahead and quit for a while. What we really need is to exercise more!

A special treat!

One of the special treats I got on this trip was that my husband took me to Longwood Gardens! They were beautiful!!! There were extensive and beautiful grounds, a lot of which we were able to see during our time there. There is also a huge conservatory with room after room of lovely plants. I've done three posts this morning with pictures from our time there...so if you want to see more pictures, check out the two additional posts below.

The Orchid Room!

The orchid room was one of my favorite parts! They had tons of orchids in one room... and I really like orchids! I don't know that I've ever seen so many in one place at one time! Stephen took some good pictures of several of them.

More Longwood Gardens Pictures

Lots of Blue

Happy Thanksgiving to you all a couple days early! As it's unlikely I'll be posting on the actual day, may I wish you all a wonderful day full of blessings, good food and fellowship with friends and family, and most of all, hearts full of thankfulness to our Lord for all the countless blessings He has poured down on us!!!! And for those of you who know my brother, Randy, his birthday falls on Thanksgiving this year, so after you've had your fill of turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and pie, maybe you could call him up and wish him a happy one...before you take that nap or plop down to watch a football game!!! :-) Happy Birthday Randy!!!

Well, we started buying baby stuff last week!!! Yay!!!! We now have a crib, some bedding, a car seat, a stroller, and one of those baby carriers that you can wear either in front of you or on your back. And let's just put it this way...should my Dad be right and "his granddaughter" REALLY IS on her way...then she's just going to have to put up with quite a bit of blue. :-) But think of it this way, by the time she's old enough to start learning her colors she'll probably have a brother who is using most of that stuff anyway!!! :-)

Family visit, Thanksgiving, Morning sickness, and EARLY CHRISTMAS MUSIC! :-)

Good morning everyone! Hopefully, you all haven't just quit checking for up-dates because it has been so dreadfully long since my last post!

Well, how about a little news about life in our household. We got the privilege of having my Mom and three youngest siblings here from Monday night until Saturday morning of last week! We had some fun times together! Mom spoiled us while she was here and, among other things, bought us some lovely plants for our back yard! Caleb and Melissa did A LOT of swimming in the pool, even though the temperature in there is down to around 61 - 62 degrees!!! They're tough! We played a bunch of games together as well. Some of you might be surprised about how crazy and feisty I can act sometimes. You might have to look twice to make sure it's me! :-) We took a little hike at a place a friend had recently introduced me to. We also took a drive and they got to look around and see a bit more of the area. They were able to go to Bible study with us and meet some of our friends from the chapel. One day, while Stephen and I were at the funeral of a friend, they went to a park that a neighbor had told us about and then found a McDonalds with a really big play area. The morning they left Stephen took Caleb to the park near us and they tried out Caleb's new boomerang. So...that is some of what happened while they were here. Thanks again for coming family!!! Come again soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Over the Thanksgiving holiday we are planning to head to the east coast to see some of Stephen's family. It also got arranged that my brother, Mark, is going to join us for that time, which I was quite happy about!!! Yay!!!

Well, it looks like I may be getting over the morning sickness, though it was never really bad in the first place! That is a way in which I am glad I did NOT take after my mother!!! No offense Mom! :-) And I think I was the one who made her the most sick!!! Hopefully, this pregnancy is the one I get the sickest with too! :-) Well, we are scheduled to find out if we're having a boy or a girl sometime during the end of December. I don't remember the date exactly. My Dad is already talking about "his granddaughter" and Stephen says he thinks it's a boy.... :-)

OK, one last, shocking thing to tell those of you who may be reading this and are one of those who think that all the Christmas stuff should start AFTER Thanksgiving...I'm currently playing Charlotte Church's Christmas CD! All you "after Thanksgiving" people, please forgive me...and hopefully, we can still be friends!

Company, Drawing, and a Sandwich

I'm afraid it has been about three days since my last post. My "sincerest" apologies to one of our regular readers who says if we have a blog we should post EVERYDAY!

Life has been pretty eventful around here. Besides some regular activities we had company over Thursday night (as I mentioned in a previous post), then we were over at someone else's home on Friday for supper. Later on Friday evening a friend came in at the airport and was here for the weekend. Sunday he had lunch with some other friends from the chapel and we had three different friends (also from chapel) over for lunch. Our friend who was here for the weekend left this morning and we're expecting my Mom and three of my siblings to arrive some time this evening. We will probably get to have them here for at least most of the week! I haven't seen any of them since August when we went to the camping trip.

Today I have art class, which is usually fun. At this class we're suppose to do a picture that includes at least one tree and water. One of my latest attempts in the drawing field is a portrait of my handsome husband in his uniform. I'm not done with it yet, but so far I'm pretty happy with it. Maybe, when it's done I'll take a picture of it and put it up on the blog.

Ok, anyone want an idea for a DELICIOUS grilled sandwich???!!! I got this idea from a Taste of Home cookbook, but have done it a little bit differently. But very basically, this is what you do. Take a piece of focaccia bread and cut it into two horizontal layers. Spread the sliced sides of the bread with basil pesto (I've used both homemade pesto and store bought, both with delicious results :-)) Then, layer ham or turkey, sliced apples, and cheddar or mozzarella cheese. Put sandwich together and grill on an inside grill. I used a George Forman grill (great wedding gift!), you know, the kind that closes kind of like a waffle maker. When the sandwich is hot and the outsides are crispy, take out and enjoy! Stephen and I both REALLY like these! I think I'll have one later today!

Camping!

This is a picture that was taken when we joined the family earlier this year for a family reunion / camping trip up in the Sierras. That's one of my Uncles being funny in the background. :-)

Neighbors and company

Last night we got to have two couples that are neighbors of ours over for dinner. We had fun sitting around chatting and laughing. We chose to do one of those menus that keeps you busy for awhile! We had tenderloin, shrimp, asparagus, homemade rolls, homemade cranberry sauce and Parmesan potato wedges. My husband very kindly helped out when he got home from work. We're blessed with some very kind, fun and interesting neighbors. We've been invited to go to dinner tonight at the home of some different neighbors. So, this is kind of our neighbors week.

Then later in the evening we're planning to pick up a friend from the airport who is going to be here for the weekend. And, Lord willing, my Mom and little sister will be be coming in for a visit beginning of next week. So, the next days should prove busy, eventful and full of blessings!

I went to stretch and tone class today. Man! She really gives you a workout! Sounds like such an easy class too!

Plumbers and a Doctor

Well, that's what happened today...plumbers and a doctor. We got a really bad case of backed up plumbing in both of our bathrooms...you know, the kind where you run the washing machine and it comes up in the toilet and bathtub...nasty! Well, Stephen found a company that was willing to come out almost right away and they dealt with it pretty quickly.

Then, we had our OB doctor visit, which went pretty well. One of the things that happened was that we got to hear baby's heartbeat again! This was Stephen's first time to hear it! It sounded good to the doctor...I wouldn't have much of a clue regarding what was a good heartbeat and what wasn't. Our next visit was scheduled as well as an ultrasound in December, at which time, Lord willing, we'll be finding out if it's a boy or girl! Yes, I know, there are those of you out there who are saying "NOOOOOO don't do that! Make it a surprise!" Well, if you REALLY want to be surprised maybe we can put you on a "Please Don't Tell Me If It's A Boy Or Girl" list. Just let me know! :-)

Nice Day For A Walk

Awwwwwww! Don't I have the funniest and sweetest husband???!!! If you don't know what I'm talking about, see his post below. Sorry to break this to all you ladies out there looking for Mr. Wonderful... you're not going to find him...because I have him!!!! :-) Ok, ok, ok so there are some other good guys out there...but they're not quite like my guy! :-)

Well, today was a nice day for a walk! Still a little on the warm side, but not too bad. I got to go to a park I'd never been to and walk with two of my new friends from Moms club. The trail we were on was nice and big and paved...good for strollers, which both of them had. I'm not quite at that point but, Lord willing, I will be in about 6 months. We had a walk and then sat in a picnic area, had the lunches we'd packed and chatted. Anyone know how good a cheese and tomato sandwich tastes after not eating for a while and a walk? Really yummy!!! My Dad and I are both sort of cheese and tomato sandwich fans. :-) And don't forget the garlic salt on the tomatoes! It was a beautiful day for sitting outside...in the shade. And how great to have two nice, interesting, neat new friends!

Tomorrow we have our next appointment with the OB/GYN. Hopefully, it will go really well!

The Stephen in Stephen & Gracie

Hi, This is my first official post to our blog. According to the IRS, I am the head of household, but sometimes I wonder. I have learned much in the last 9 months of marriage and I am already planning my counselling sessions for the near future to show the millions of young men who read my blog exactly what life is like within a marriage covenant. I have many other things to say as well.

First of all, if you are one of the individuals that reads our blog everyday (as some fan(s) have reported) then you must post your comments. A blog without comments is more like a blah. I am also ordering everyone who reads this blog to vote for Mike Huckabee for President because he has wise views on protecting life, fighting war with honor, belief in God and not being ashamed to admit it, he's capable, he's funny, and because I said so; especially you hippies in California (I use the term hippies in the most affectionate manner).

The Momma of the household is doing well. She walked a lot today doing errands. She has been in a ornery, cantankerous mood lately. I have decided that it's probably the prenatal pills that are doing this. Heirgo, reread my second sentence. I love her madly. My favorite things about her is that she's the prettiest little thang in the world (esp. in pink!) and she can melt my heart in a second, and she knows it. She is smart and has the wittiest comebacks, sometimes at my expense, but for some reason I like it when she does that. She respects me even when I don't deserve it. She cares for me and does thankless jobs without complaining (Thank you for all you do, Gracie!), and she will be the bestest mom ever!

Good night for now, America!

Stephen
Father to be

The House!!!

Ok, all you many friends and family who we have not yet had the privilege of hosting at our new home, you might like getting a bit of an idea of what our house looks like. Come see it for yourself some time!

1. Master Bedroom
2. Living Room
3. Kitchen
4. Dining area with an open area and then the other side of the living room (then was shown in the other picture) in the background.
5. Guest Bedroom (sorry it's such a dark picture. It will look much brighter when you come visit us and stay in it :-) )
6. Guest Bathroom

Last Several Days

Well, hello again! We had a pretty full weekend here with some friends staying for most of the weekend, another friend joining us for breakfast on Sunday and then a fellowship luncheon at the chapel.

We've been thinking of our friends in the San Diego area in light of the devastating fires that they are having. Last we heard, there had been no loss of property for those we know at the chapel there. But, they would likely appreciate your prayers.

I had fun at drawing class yesterday...I usually do. Drawing was never something I really got into, but having this class that actually MAKES me do it, has been an enjoyable experience. The last three weeks we've worked on aspects of portraits, and that's been one of my favorite things to do. It would be neat to get to the point of being able to do people I know really well!

Last Night

Last night was mid-week Bible study at the chapel and we had a special treat this week. We had a couple men visiting from I.N. Network (formerly "International Needs"). One of them is a from Egypt and he has been in full time ministry over there for about the last 20 years. He had an impressive testimony. As a six year old boy he was standing next to his father, a pastor in Egypt, when his father was shot to death by Islamic extremists. He grew up with a great deal of hatred and unforgiveness in his heart and, as a child, his dream was to one day get a gun and go back and shoot the people who had killed his father. However, at age 11 he accepted the LORD Jesus and was completely changed by Him. Years later, he came back to that same village and started a Bible school. He told us a lot about the state of the country and the ministry he does, which includes a great deal of teaching and training of other pastors. Should Nathan, with I.N. Network, visit your church or one in the area during his time in the states, do take the opportunity to hear him speak!

More About Baby

Ok, more now about the newest member of the family. As I already mentioned, junior is due around May 7th, which puts us now at 11 weeks. I got to go have an ultrasound on the 10th of this month, which was special! It was neat to see our little one's head, body, arm and leg! We could also see and hear the heart beating. Unfortunately, Daddy Stephen wasn't there, but at Bible study that night he handed around a picture I was given from the ultrasound. I then framed it for the proud Daddy and he has it on his desk at work! Also, should you be in the homes of either of our parents over the course of the next months, they might just be willing to give you a look at their shot. :-) I was told by the lady who did the ultrasound that at this stage everything looked good and the heart beat was normal! Thank You, Lord!!!

I haven't seemed to be hit too hard with morning sickness. It has not been completely smooth, but I'm up and around and it's not too bad. A big key seems to be not letting my stomach get too empty.

Have we worked on names at all? Yes, indeed we have!!! And we currently have a first and middle name for a boy that we are seriously considering. However, when it comes to girl names we pretty much have a blank page. Feel free to pass on any good ideas!!!

A Couple More Wedding Pictures

Wedding Pictures

I know this is rather old news, but maybe there are some of you who were not at the wedding and would like to see a few pictures...or maybe even those of you who were, but haven't seen pictures yet!

The VERY first post!

Hello everyone! I, Gracie, thought it would be fun to have a blog. I ran the idea past Stephen and here we are! Our sister-in-law, Sarah, kind of helped start the trend! Thanks, Sarah!!! I enjoy getting on her blog and checking out the latest from their little clan.

If any of you have been wondering if we are still alive...yes, indeed we are! For those of you who don't know, we were married on January 6th, 2007. Right after the honeymoon we moved out of state because of a job opportunity for Stephen. That job didn't turn out to be a great situation, but the Lord has provided us with a new one that is MUCH better!!! Stephen reached his 90 day mark with the new company yesterday.

I have been able to stay home and be a homemaker. The Lord has provided us with a lovely home of which I get to be the keeper! Besides house work, some of the things I've become involved with are a little gardening, an excercise class (consistent excercise is NOT one of my strengths), a drawing class, which I've quite enjoyed, a mom's club, and a craft club. And for those of you who are wondering why on earth I would join a mom's club, let's just say that one of the other things I've been involved with lately is dealing with a little bit of morning sickness! :-) Our little blessing is due to make his / her arrival into the outside world around the 7th of May.

We have a chapel fellowship that has been very kind and welcoming to us. Stephen has become pretty involved with speaking occasionally, taking turns leading Bible study and he recently agreed to help organize the Sunday school program.

Well, hopefully, this will prove to be a good way of keeping many of our friends and family updated on the news of our little family and also to hear from some of you as well!