2013 Goals accomplished and those that just didn't get done

1. Read a book for every week of the year. Done with 3 extra read!!!
2. Finish the blue cable knit blanket. Done!
3. Knit something out of my comfort zone. Done, but it is a gift so no pictures at this time.
4. Do something crafty with Charles. My two attempts at Pinterest crafts turned bad so no pictures. I'm counting it because I attempted.
5. Play in the snow. Not getting done. It has been too cold and slippery for this pregnant lady.
6. Rake leaves and jump in. This is another no go.
7. Color eggs and go to a Easter egg hunt. Done, and we enjoyed our time.
8. Try a new recipe. Done, I tried a new recipe at Thanksgiving when I made the Italian Cream Cake.
9. Go tubing or white water rafting. This just didn't happen this summer.
10. Donate 10 inches of hair to Locks of Love. I did this on June 15, 2013.
11. Make or do something on Pinterest. Done see number 4. Plus I am going to attempt a wreath over Christmas break.
12. Do a moviethon with Patrick. We watched quite a few movies this year. Currently we are going through the Harry Potter movies.
13. Encourage others. I believe I have done a decent job at this through various ways. As always I can always try harder.

10 out of 13 complete. Now I have to think of goals for 2014. If you made goals for this year how did you do?

28 Weeks

Nothing like posting 2 days before 29 weeks. This time around I feel like I need to hit pause because it is going by so quickly. Maybe I need to count down like I did with Charles and it will slow down?!
I went to the doctor today. Baby Meredith is growing and doing well. Her heartbeat was 150. All is right with me too. I am gaining the right amount, my blood pressure is staying normal today it was 114/68, and I am not having any problems.
I am looking forward to seeing family really soon. Last time they did not get to see me pregnant except in pictures. This time they get to see me big as a barn and will get to feel Meredith kick.

Finished Early

Of my 13 goals that I made for 2013 this was probably one of my favorites. I love to read! I was able to read 52 books in less than 52 weeks.
Here is my list of all the books I have read:
1. Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer
2. A Tailor Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer
3. Love Find You in Daisy, Oklahoma by Janice Hanna
4. The Rose Legacy (Diamond of the Rockies 1) by Kristen Heitzmann
5. Sweet Boundless (Diamond of the Rockies 2) by Kristen Heitzmann
6. The Tender Vine (Diamond of the Rockies 3) by Kristen Heitzmann
7. The Real Enemy ( Sophie Trace Trilogy 1) by Kathy Herman
8. Two Brides too Many (The Sinclair Sisters 1) Mona Hodgson
9. Too Rich for a Bride (The Sinclair Sisters 2) Mona Hodgson
10. The Bride Wore Blue (The Sinclair Sisters 3) Mona Hodgson
11. Twice A Bride (The Sinclair Sisters 4) Mona Hodgson
12. The Last Word (Sophie Trace 2) by Kathy Herman
13. Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann
14. Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann
15. My Weirder School #7 Kraft is Daft by Dan Gutman
16. Picture Perfect (Weddings by Design 1) by Janice Thompson
17. The Right Call (Sophie Trace 3) by Kathy Herman
18. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
19. Unveiled (Lineage of Grace 1) by Francine Rivers
20. Hatteras Girl by Alice J. Wisler
21. A Wedding Invitation By Alice J. Wisler
22. The Ideal Man (Buchanan-Renard 9) by Julie Garwood
23. False Pretenses ( Secrets of Roux River Bayou 1) by Kathy Herman
24. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
25. Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews
26. Unashamed (Lineage of Grace 2) by Francine Rivers
27. Sweet Talk (Buchanan-Renard 10) by Julie Garwood
28. Dangerous Mercy (Secrets of Roux River Bayou 2) by Kathy Herman
29. Unshaken (Lineage of Grace 3) by Francine Rivers
30. Stealing the Preacher by (Archer 2) by Karen Witemeyer
31. Relentless Pursuit (Secrets of Roux River Bayou 3) by Kathy Herman
32. The Breath of Dawn by Kriste Heitzmann
33. Tested by Fire (Baxter 1) by Kathy Herman
34. Day of Reckoning (Baxter 2) by Kathy Herman
35. Vital Signs (Baxter 3) by Kathy Herman
36. High Stakes (Baxter 4) by Kathy Herman
37. A Fine Line (Baxter 5) by Kathy Herman
38. Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
39. Raven's Prey by Jayne Ann Krentz
40. Wedding Belles (Belles and Whistles 1) by Janice Hanna
41. Not By Sight (Ozark Mountain Trilogy 1) by Kathy Herman
42. The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
43. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
44. The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
45. The Icing on the Cake (Weddings by Design 2) by Janice Thompson
46. Secrets Over Sweet Tea by Denise Hildreth Jones
47. Be Sweet by Diann Hunt
48. Ruby's Slippers by Leanna Ellis
49. May Cooler Heads Prevail by T.L. Dunnegan
50. Hotshot (Buchanan-Renard 11) by Julie Garwood
51. Out of Control (The Kincaid Brides 1) by Mary Connealy
52. Too Close to Home (Women of Justice 1) by Lynette Eason

I am currently reading: Facelift by Leanna Ellis

Books on Deck:
1. In too Deep Kincaid Brides 2 by Mary Connealy
2. Over the Edge Kincaid Brides 3 by Mary Connealy
3. Don't Look Back Women of Justice 2 by Lynette Eason
4. A Killer Among Us Women of Justice 3 by Lynette Eason

Books I am looking forward to:
Books 3 and 4 by Janice Thompson The Dream Dress and A Bouquet of Love
Books 2 and 3 to the Ozark Mountain Trilogy by Kathy Herman- I don't know the titles yet but book one was awesome and I am ready to see what happens in books 2 and 3.

What I took to Thanksgiving

Like we should always do let us start with the dessert.
Italian Cream Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degress
Ingredients:
1 box white cake mix
1 pkg vanilla instant pudding mix
1 1/3 cups water
1/4 cup oil
4 eggs
1 1/3 cups coconut
1 cup pecans
Combine all ingredients. Grease and flour 2 round pans. Pour batter in and bake 32 to 37 minutes.
I let the cake cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then  flip out/wrap in plastic wrap, and laid my layers flat in the freezer for 24 hours.
Icing: Cream Chease Frosting:
Ingredients:
1/3 cup butter
8 oz cream cheese
4 cups powdered sugar
4 tbsp heavy whipping cream
1/2 tsp vanilla
Beat all together until smooth. Then ice your cake. Garnish with coconut flakes and pecans.


Sweet Potato Souffle:
3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/2 stick of butter
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
Topping: I double each of these ingredients
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 stick of butter

Mix together potato ingredients. Pour into a greased baking dish and sprinkle topping over souffle. Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes.


Pineapple Casserole:
1 (20oz) can chunk pineapple
1/3 cup sugar
3 tbsp. flour
3 tbsp. pineapple juice
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crushed saltine crakers
1/2 stick of melted butter

Drain can of pineapple into a seperate bowl. Combine suger, flour, and juice. Mix them together. Add in your pineapple and cheese. Top with crakers; pour melted butter on top. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are so blessed in so many ways. We also enjoyed spending dinner with our friends and their family.

Yummy

Charles' description on his first experience with French toast was tonight. It was a hit. He said ummm yummy.

The recipe I used.

24 Weeks

How far along am I? 24 weeks 
Clothes: All maternity at this point it is just more comfortable.
Cravings: I have just been really hungry and it doesn't matter what it is as long as I get to eat. I will not turn down sweets though.
Loving: Feeling little kicks and punches that are getting so much stronger. I'm pretty sure I felt the baby doing flips in my belly too. I know this will not happen much more because of room issues.
Not Loving: All the bathroom trips daytime and nighttime. I'm still struggling with sleeping because of my hips.
Looking Forward to:Tomorrow I go in for the BIG Ultrasound! To say I am anxious is an understatement. I look forward to seeing this precious baby's face, hearing a healthy heart beat, and just being in awe of this special little one. Please pray all is well and healthy. We are also going to make double sure that it is a girl, so hopefully the baby will behave so we can be certain. 
Not Looking Forward to: The waddle.

Soon I will post baby bedding choice and what the baby's lovey will be. Big Ultrasound pictures too!

Reading Link Up

So if you follow this blog you know how much I love to get into a good book. I love sharing with each of you books that I enjoy and like to try out books you suggest.  Today I am linking up with http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2013/11/whats-on-your-winter-reading-list.html. You will find so many great suggestions. So many books so little time.
These are the books I have read so far in November:

 The Icing on the Cake is the second book in the series, so check out Picture Perfect first.

 Secrets over Sweet Tea is a wonderful southern book about 3 different families finding healing and renewing their hearts. There is also a devotional the author wrote to go along with it called: Reclaiming your Heart: A journey back to laughing, living, and loving. This book will have you laughing out loud and at other times hurting and crying along with the characters. Secrets over Sweet Tea is christian fiction.

Be Sweet- takes you through two middle-aged daughters coming to grips with their past and moving on toward a brighter future.

Books on Deck:

One of my goals for the year is to read a book a week. My current standing is 47 books read, only 5 to go.

I would also like to say happy Veterans Day to those that served and are serving. Thanks also to your families because you make huge sacrifices too!

Date Night

Last night Patrick and I went on a date to see a play: Thoroughly Modern Millie. It was so much fun and the high school students did a fantastic job as always putting on a show. I am so impressed with the talent at such a young age.The play was a fun representation of a young lady moving to the big city from small town America in the 1920's. Of course I loved not only the acting but the costumes were fantastic. Mr. Faris did an amazing job as always getting everything just right. He is an excellent director. Mr. Sweeney's work with the students on their songs was just right.Mrs. Klein worked with the many dance numbers and they did a wonderful job. Lastly, Mr. Nissen, a retired art teacher from CHS, came back to do the beautiful sets. Way to go all!
I would also like to state that this date would not have been possible if not for our great friends the Oxleys. They provided care for Charles while we went out, and let me tell you he just loves going to their house and playing. We reminded him of who he was going to visit before supper, and told him he must eat well in order to go. He ate great! After he finished eating he was in a rush to get us out the door. He kept saying shoes on mommy and daddy. Because we were not moving fast enough he would go get our shoes and bring them to us. In other words it was a great night for everyone.
If you live in the Carroll area you should check into tickets for Saturday night and go support these talented young adults. If you live in other areas check with your local drama teacher at your high school to see when they have their next show. Then go check it out!

Shower

Yesterday a very sweet and generous faculty and staff at Carroll High where Patrick works gave a shower for those of us that have had or will be having a baby this school year. It was a lot of fun and there were some really tasty treats to eat. 3 of the 4 babies have already entered the world I was the only pregnant lady. It was so much fun getting to see and hold all the cute little babies.

We are so thankful!

Love, 

Patrick, Brooke, Charles, & Baby Meredith

In the Jungle

Our sweet friends Mike and Kim recently had a baby boy. We were able to attend a lovely shower for them and sweet baby Jace. Kim has been a huge Lion King fan for a very long time and the baby's nursery is Lion King, so her shower was very fitting. Each food item related to the movie. It was a very cute and thought out shower. Plus he is just a cute little bundle of joy.

This was a very fun get together because we used to all hang out a good bit, but jobs have moved Kim and Jill to different counties and we don't see each other as much as we would like. Thank goodness for phones and Internet!

Melts My Heart

 Cuddle time while watching television.

I love that he will look at books, and that he loves to be read to. He will chill out with books just like he will with his toys. It does this Mommy's heart good to see him engrossed in books.

Happy Candy Day

May the force be with you...

Happy Halloween 2013

~Yoda

Classic Reading for the Month of October

I have been on a C.S. Lewis kick lately. I am reading the Chronicles of Narnia Series.
So far this month I have read  1.) The Magician's Nephew, 2.)The Lion, the witch, and the wardrobe, and 3.) The Horse and His Boy. I plan on finishing the whole series at some point, but I went to the library and found some really good books that I am going to try first. I look forward to reading Secrets over Sweet Tea by Denise Hildreth Jones, and book 2 of the Weddings by Design Series titled The Icing on the Cake by Janice Thompson. I have a lot of books to keep me occupied for the upcoming cold weather. How about you?

Should I????

I have always been really attached to my long hair, but lately I have had a huge urge to just chop it off. My biggest fear is that my face will look chubby and round and I will just hate it. I would love to be daring enough to cut my hair like Ginnifer Goodwin, but face it if I totally didn't like it--it would take FOREVER to grow back. So I am thinking a cute sassy little bob like Katie Holmes might be the trick, and the plus is that it will grow out easier than the pixie. My biggest hold back is that I am 22 weeks pregnant, and face it will only be getting bigger, so should I or shouldn't I? Oh the choices. Why oh why can't we have a button that we could mash so we could have different length hair on different days?

My Newest Project

This is a heirloom blanket I am making for Meredith. I made one just like this for Charles before he was born in a grey. I will use these blankets on them while they are little, and then I will wrap them up to preserve them for my grandbabies. I have almost 4 1/2 inches completed. Only about 35 1/2 inches to go to getting it complete. I hope I can get it finished before February because I really want to make her some other things.

NO NO NO Mommy!

This is how Charles reacted to getting his picture made at the pumpkin patch this year. He saw the wagons, four wheelers, and tractors and that is what he wanted to look at instead. Boys and their toys starts early.

 

Here he is saying, "NO, No, No Mommy no want wagon." I got about 5 pictures and none of them where of him smiling. Oh well.

Half Way

How far along am I? 20 weeks
Clothes: All maternity pants, and I am in need of some fall/winter tops.
Cravings: Captain Crunch, Sweets, and French Fries. I also enjoy just eating. I have been extremely hungry lately. Sometimes I feel like I could out eat a man.
Loving: Feeling little kicks and punches that are getting so much stronger.
Not Loving: All the bathroom trips daytime and nighttime. I'm still struggling with sleeping because of my hips.
Looking Forward to: Seeing her sweet face on ultrasound in 4 weeks. Praying for a wonderful report.
Not Looking Forward to: The waddle.

Look What Was At Our Door

We had a brown box on our doorstep. Look what we found inside.

Charles is having a blast playing with the truck and blocks! Thanks Pop and Mama C.
I also had a special surprise inside 2 maternity shirts! SCORE!!!!

Help Please

I am having a really hard time figuring out crib bedding for Meredith. Please tell me your favorite and why. If you have found something supper cute somewhere else that is affordable let me know.
Here are three I have found that I like:

Nesting

Apparently I am not the only one nesting.

Hanging out watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

What happened to September?

It seems like I just blinked and September was over. A great deal has went on this month to make it fly by so quickly:
1. We sold our home.
2. Moved to an apartment for the time being. We are slowly getting everything where it goes.
3. Found out our baby is going to be a little girl. I was so shocked that I forgot to make an appointment for 20 weeks before leaving the doctor's office. I had to call later to set up an appointment. It has been 115 years in Patrick's direct line since the last girl, so I kept telling myself it is going to be a boy.
4. I am doing a short term substitute job for someone that is on maternity leave. This is with grades 4-6. I teach 4th grade math and 5th and 6th grade social studies.
5. Homecoming week which is always busy. I was so happy that I didn't have to plan it this year. I got to enjoy it. Patrick has to be at like 3 performances that week which makes it a crazy week for us.
6. I read 2 books: Wedding Belles by Janice Hanna and Not By Sight by Kathy Herman. Both great books. I did not reach my goal this month.
7. Took care of and played with Charles. My major fail is that I only got 4 pictures of him this month. The camera has been packed most of this month. I have it ready to go this month, so be prepared for picture overload.
8. Trying to find girl bedding that I like that doesn't cost a fortune.
That is a nutshell of what September looked like for us.

Meredith's 1st Gift

I went to the mailbox today and look what I found! A precious monogrammed sleeper. Aunt M strikes early. I am so looking forward to hairbows, ruffled bloomers, and dresses.

On My Heart

1. My cousin Brooke Thomas was diagnosed with breast cancer and would appreciate any and all prayers. She is a wonderful woman of God, a wife, mother, daughter, and friend. We are praying that she kicks cancer's butt. She is writing a beautiful blog about her journey. Her posts are very inspiring and show her heart. It would be so very nice if you would stop by and let her know you are praying for her here.

2. Some very dear friends of ours that we have been praying for are getting a precious baby. They have been through the fire of infertility and would love your continued prayer and encouragement. I have been on cloud 9 since hearing their wonderful news. They are going to be fantastic parents. I personally can't wait to see this sweet baby we have been praying for in their loving arms. I have already cried tears of joy for them, and I know when I see them I will have tears streaming down my face. To see their journey and to show them some love visit their blog here.

16 Weeks

How far along am I: 16 weeks
Clothes: Still wearing most regular clothes and a few maternity things. I am at that stage where my regular pants are too tight, but maternity clothes are a little too big as of right now.
Cravings: I am loving sweet stuff right now: cheese cake, cookies, and snickers bars. I also have times when french fries hit the spot.
Loving:  I am excited to know that Meredith is healthy and strong. That I am feeling better and have more energy.
Not Loving: Trying to keep myself on my sides to sleep at night. My hips have been bothering me so side sleeping becomes trying.
Looking Forward To: Many more healthy checks at the doctor. Feeling baby girl have bigger movements.
Anxious About: Keeping up with two busy little ones, raising them the way they should be, and the weight gain that will be in my future.

A Few Things

1. It has been crazy busy lately for us. We are finally moved into our new place. If you need our new address either email or put a comment below with your email. Moving stinks in so many ways. We now have to find a home for all of our stuff. I sometimes wish I had powers like I Dream of Jeannie or Samantha from Bewitched. I don't of course and will be organizing for the next week or two.
2. I had an OB-GYN appointment today. Our doctor did an ultrasound and it looks like we will be welcoming a bouncing baby girl come February 26th. Bring on the bows and dresses.  Her name will be Meredith Estelle Box. The name Meredith has been our girl name for a really long time. Estelle was my Granny's name and is very special to me. I will do a baby bump photo for 16 weeks hopefully by Sunday and post so all can see my little bump.

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles

1. Charles has an obsession with trains and he is addicted to watching this 9 minute train clip. Every time we go near the computer he says trains. Meaning I want to watch the train clip. When we go home for Christmas we are checking out the Misty Mountain Model Railroad Museum in Blairsville, GA.

2. Charles is also into trucks and cars. When we drive down the road he has to tell us if it is a truck or car. If it is an 18 wheeler he says big truck. Conversation in the car: " truck, bye bye truck, where did the truck go, I don't see it, I don't know." This is repeated like a broken record, but it is very cute when he gets all excited.
~I really don't have much to say on planes other than he can spot them at various times. He has 3 toy helicopters.
~Are these obsessions of boys from a young age or what?

A Coach Like No Other

I am grieving a very special man. He was an inspiration to me starting back in 6^th grade. His name was David Kellar. I will not tell a lie. I was terrified from all the stories of mile runs and the crazy hard 50 true false football test. I came from an elementary were physical education was running like 5 laps around the gym then playing freeze tag, duck-duck-goose, and simple easy games. So when I got my schedule for 6^th grade and saw I had Coach Kellar I was beyond scared.  I quickly realized that he expected hard work and lots of effort. I have no idea in what he saw in me. I barely could do a mile under 10 minutes when I started his class, and in three years my mile never got below 8 minutes, but I was in the best shape of my life in middle school.  He choose me to be a huddle leader of all people.  A huddle leader would get equipment together before and after class and to lead stretches and exercises. We also took attendance on the bus ride over to the recreation department.  I got close to this awesome man during my three years in his class:  the first year because of sheer luck and the last two because I went up to him on the first day of school asking him to switch me to his class.  He retired the same year I finished 8^th grade, and I will never forget him coming up to me and saying how much he enjoyed having me in class and that he wished me the best.  Over the years I continued to stay in touch with him. He was a major reason why I went into education majoring in middle grades. While in college I was able to interview him and the main thing he reminded me of was to demand respect, be though, and the kids will respect and enjoy being in your classroom.  I can only hope to be such a well-respected and loved teacher. So when I was sending out wedding invitations around 8 years ago he was at the top of my list of who I wanted to invite.  I was so honored to have him at our wedding it made the day so much sweeter. I will now treasure the picture of him, me, and Mrs. Elrod even more. I hope my children have a teacher just like him one day.  I will never forget him and I would like to thank his family for sharing him with all of us. I will think of how healthy he is now running the streets of gold now smiling down on us. May God comfort his family and all that loved him.

If you are trying to find out visitation and funeral arrangements check here. You may also share your stories of Coach Kellar.

Charles' 2 Year Photos

I decided to try my hand at taking Charles' 2 year photos. I believe they turned out pretty well. I know I am a novice in photography, but I would love to learn some professional photography tricks.  Here are some of my favorites of our sessions:

I decided to do photos on two different days on purpose. This little guy would have never made it through a wardrobe change. Having two days about a week apart gave him a nice break. He is such a ham in front of the camera.