Busy Busy!

Of course this season is always busy. Here is what we have been up to the month of December.

1. Work has been a bit nuts as I prepare for maternity leave. My last working day is December 31st. Then I will start my leave but will retain some projects that I will do from home. I will take this moment to say that I don't know yet what I will be doing upon completion of my maternity leave with work. When I know, I will let you know.

2. Baking with my new Kitchen Aid Mixer that Santa brought November 30th. He knew that my 8 month pregnant body would greatly appreciate that present early for all my baking. Worked fantastic for my mashed potatoes too!

3. Watching the Broncos not fair too well and the Packers sometimes win and sometimes lose! What a season by the way!

4. Christmas Eve dinner for 9 friends. Fondue is so fun and you would think not much work as I don't have to cook much. The clean up is always more of a process than I think but it so FUN! Mom, the plates were awesome; thanks for sending them early!

5. Opening presents is always fun. Our highlights thus far (we are doing Christmas with my family in January when Adley comes): Entire Twilight series, entire Harry Potter series, the start of my super cute dishes that will be mixed with the same set in brown, Cory's new weather station that he is obsessed with at the moment, his new punching bag, tools from parents, and blu-ray movies.

6. While Christmas without family is hard sometimes, this Christmas was such a blessing with the friends we have here. Mayers, love you and so blessed to spend out Christmas with you, our dear FAMILY .

7. My brother gets to go to London, England on an all-expense paid trip to lecture at a magician's convention and shoot a DVD! How sweet is that!!??

8. Last minute preparations for Adley such as: packing my bag, packing her bag, weekly appointments, inserting the car seat (by the way, please leave a comment and tell me if you would place the infant car seat behind the driver or the passenger. Cory and I are in a debate about this and we would love to know your opinions!), organizing her clothes and room, etc. See what I mean about the planning thing?

9. I almost forgot that we also have been busy having only one vehicle as Cory's truck is getting its clutch replaced. And yes, we still need to get the Corrolla's bumper fixed from the construction truck that backed into me. Go figure that both cars would need to be worked on at the same time! C'est la vie!

Funny thing about how busy December has been, I can't even imagine the change come January! Baby comes, mom comes, family comes, 2nd Christmas, baby dedication, Cory's birthday, and more. Here comes the new year!

Planning...

Are any of you planners? I definitely am, and not knowing when the baby is actually coming is starting to frustrate me. I just like to plan and God doesn't let have enough control sometimes!

I should take that back because if I was given more control, I would screw it up. I just wish I can plan things like:
1. When family should come so they aren't staring at me waiting to have a baby and getting to Montana is expensive!
2. When to have a baby dedication with both sets of parents in town.
3. How much time will have between start of maternity leave and actual baby time. (I go officially on January 1 and have project I will be finishing up from home for work, hopefully. I don't actually know when she will come in order to know how much work I will get done.)

God just pinged me right now: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, with prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

I will shut up now!

New Moon and New Bumper!

So this is a little late in coming, but I saw New Moon on Saturday afternoon. Verdict: Loved it! I can't describe how much better it was than the 1st movie. I think they should redo the first one because New Moon was that much better. I was worried about hating the movie because the book is my least favorite (TEAM EDWARD BABY!) but totally not my experience. The cast and director did a fantastic job. So excited for the 3rd one, my favorite book!

Also, we have to get a new bumper for my Corrolla. If you aren't aware, Cory and I now live the construction zone. All houses around us have been torn down and replacements are being built. All this said, I was stop behing a rather large construction truck (not a personal vehicle, but semi-truck style) and all of a sudden he started backing up and CRUNCH! He likely couldn't hear me honking because his truck was beeping while in reverse so he drove off. I had to follow him to where he stopped and then saw he in fact hit me. Minor accident but scary nontheless. The project manager met us on scene and he gave me all company insurance and his business card to contact with any question. Wonderful start to Wednesday but tomorrow is Thanksgiving!

Have a great Turkey Day!

Blessed Baby Shower

I cannot believe that I have lived in Great Falls, MT just shy of 3 years, and yet the blessing of my friends and family was overwhelming as if I had known everyone here for decades. Thank you all who attended my shower and the amazing outpouring of love I felt. I have written 48 thank yous.

Thank you to Ellen and Jaime too. They threw the beautiful shower that was elegant and not focused on games. YEAH!

By the way, Debra (green shirt) had a baby boy early Sunday morning, November 15, 2009. Congrats!

Enough is Enough!

So many people have been asking me. These are from a 2-3 weeks ago. I don't think I actually have as big as the pictures show, but it is all in the front. People tell me that I don't look pregnant anywhere but my tummy which is good I guess.




I am now 30 weeks and November is already flying. Chris and Cassie are currently in Billings, en route to Great Falls for the week. My mom flies in tomorrow; my shower is on Saturday and they both are here for it!

Then Cory's parents come for Thanksgiving and before I know it is December.

By the way, I have my mom, brother, sister-in-law, Cory's parents, and Cory's sister and husband all done for Christmas. When I mean done, I mean all gifts are even wrapped! I don't think I will have as much energy in December and now I have just a few left other than Cory. YEAH!

Will post pics of the shower hopefully!

Is that your final answer?

So, Cory received orders yesterday to report to Korea no later than 10 February 2010unaccompanied for 12 months. You just read the previous line correctly.

Many of you know that we have been praying and discussing for quite some time leaving the military for a career in the civilian police force, hopefully Austin, TX. When Cory's orders dropped, he had until the end of the day to make the decision final: deny the orders and thus tell his command he is separating in December of 2010 or accept the orders to Korea and leave for 12 months when Adley at most 6 weeks old. Long story short, the only reason Cory contemplated staying in the Air Force was the financial security net it provides as he does not have a job offer yet because we are 15 month from actually separating. Therefore, after counsel from wise mentors of ours, friends, family, and where we believe God has been leading us for some time,Cory has told his command to deny the Korea orders as we are separating in December of 2010.

Awesome thing about this entire situation: I was already planning on going to work at 11:30 instead of 8:00 and thus Cory could come home and we could talk and pray before making our final answer. And so, please pray for us as we embark on the unknown. Our largest fear is no job offer yet, but we know full well that God provides and has never let us down. Specific prayers: Cory interviews for the Austin Police Department in February. We want this job and would love to be in Texas for the heat, the culture, and the family. However, we also wants God's will, so please pray for that. The options are limitless now. So exciting!

And by the way: did anyone see the Broncos record? We are one of four teams still undefeated!! 6-0 BABY!!

5-0

That's right! My Denver Broncos are 5-0. And yes, believe it or not, the image is a picture of the ugly uniforms both teams played in today!

The odd thing about this 5-0, I still don't have high hopes. Every time Orton throws, I cringe. And now, I am not too sure if the the special teams can be trusted. Go figure. Better not complain though; the Broncos are 5-0!

The best part of this weekend too; it continues tomorrow! Yeah for Columbus Day and no work tomorrow. Cory and I officially have no plans; hopefully we will continue to get healthy as we are both recovering from a cold. No fevers thankfully, and Adley is doing fine as far as I can tell.

We also registered this weekend at Wal-Mart for baby items and are gearing up for the shower in November when my mom and the Donatells will visit. Then Knops are coming for Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then Adley. OH MY GOODNESS! Time is flying by.

Enough of the random; hope you had a great LONG weekend too!

Mom and Baby Creations

You have to go check out my friend's new website. It is small right now but with hopes of growing. Everything she makes is beautiful! I am not had the opportunity to extensively use the burpies she is currently selling, but she has made me crib bumpers, quilt, duvet cover, two fitted sheets, 3 receiving blankets, and has become a personal seamstress of sorts for me with all my weddings and now too long maternity jeans! Please check out what she is selling whether you are having a baby of your own or for a great shower gift. Remember, she is growing and you can always email her for options! Check out my Fellow bloggers and visit Mom and Baby Creations!

The Verdict Is...

I had another doctor's appointment today and Cory, being as curious as I was, asked if there was another way to get an ultrasound to have a better, more sure determination about the gender of our baby. Dr. Whitaker, being absolutely fantastic, said absolutely. Let me go get the machine. Right then and there she did it for us and her determination...

GIRL! 99.9%. I love the feeling that Adley will get to wear the Denver Bronco cheerleading outfit her maternal grandparents have already purchased for her. They also have jersey onesies by the way! HINT HINT for anyone out there looking to purchase me something for her. Please no Orton or Bailey though. Maybe I am to picky!

Other than gender, Dr. Whitaker was well pleased with my pregnancy thus far and Adley is doing great! God is so cool by the way! We saw her open her mouth and completely flip over while doing this ultrasound!!

Not much other news. You should definitely go check out my wonderful new friend's blog, Ann Oettel. I had the blessing of actually hanging out with her some on our church women's retreat. The pictures of her family and the McAdam family are GORGEOUS!!

Now Reading...

So my fantastic friends, John and Ellen Mayer, told me about this book. I was going to try and buy it but before I got the change, John bought and gave it to me. Did I tell you how super awesome the Mayers the are???

Anyway, I have updated what I am currently reading because I finished the Francine Rivers series forever ago but couldn't decide what to read next. Non-fiction is not usually my choice, but after just one chapter, I am pleasantly suprised with this book. Now, remember only one chapter read thus far, but super excited to read future ones.

Highlights of Chapter 1:
1. We overpraise our children in order to build self-esteem and the reality is we are creating children that don't take risks for fear of failure.
2. Example: Telling a child they are smart no creates an image the child has to live up to and the child believes she has no control of the ability. Herego, when given choices to challenge herself, or appear smart, she choices the easier, non-risk taking way to appear smart.
3. Best suggestion for praise is to praise specifically. ie: The way you worked through and processed that math problem was excellent! The way you were looking to pass the ball to your teammates was great!

I definitely don't do the chapter justice, but I suggest the read!

It's A.....

...GIRL!
At least that is what they are saying currently and what we are tentatively planning on. Girls are more difficult to determine because the radiologists have to make the call based on what isn't being seen as opposed to a boy. We could not be more thrilled.

Cory couldn't come to the appointment so my friends Ellen and Veronica came with me to the ultrasound and then we had a pizza party at our house that evening. Friends came over and at the center of the table was a white cake (food colored pink) with chocolate frosting. Cory came home from work and cut open the cake where he discovered in front of everyone that it was a girl because the cake was pink on the insided! His smile was HUGE!

Over Labor Day weekend Cory's sister Erin got married too. Her wedding was awesome and our family spoiled us rotten. We returned with the following items:
1. Baby cradle my Grandpa Jack made a long time ago.
2. Baby girl tights to wear underneath Denver Bronco cheerleading outfits (I say outfits because my parents bought one for the season and one for next!)
3. 5 blankets, a sweater, and booties all hand made by Mawmaw (Cory's grandmother).
4. 2 blankets hand made by Aunt Wanda.
5. Cutest sundress, pacifiers, rubber duckies, Are You My Mother Book?, and panda bear from Rae!
6. An HD video camera and my entire Graco travel system from Uncle Chirag

I can't believe how very blessed our family is!!

Obviously I Have Been Busy

Hello fellow bloggers. My bad for the absence. This is what has happened in August.

My parents came to visit and we had a blast at Glacier National Park for the weekend. I am seriously slacking in the picture department, my apologies.

Family Connections (where I work) has moved office locations and that has been and still is a fiasco in itself! YEAH! It is beautiful though and was built to suit so that we are blessed for the most part in the endeavor.

I find out the gender of the baby on August 31st. I promise I will not forget to blog more quickly then this one.

Erin's wedding (Cory's sister) is September 6th so we will be in Colorado Labor Day weekend. Hopefully some pics will get up here for that. I have been also busy assembling her wedding programs and planning her bachelorette party and bridal brunch.

And,when home, I like to relax and sleep. Therefore, not on the computer much at home and work has been hectic (no internet all last week) I have not had much time.

Miss you but am back hopefully!

16 weeks and MUST SEE

So my 16 week appointment went great and I was going to post more ultrasound pics but decided this video was way better. Thanks to Lisa, my coworker, for giving this to me. Don't know gender yet; will know August 26,2009. Also, baby is showing all signs of healthy!

WATCH THIS! I hope our child is like this; but not all the time!

Cory's Home!

YEAH! Cory came home yesterday afternoon and I couldn't have been more ready! His absence was again filled with lots of movies; all the Bourne movies, Italian Job, and Spy Game. I think I have been drawn to the action movies. I just miss him when he is gone and excited he is back.

Now we have to gear up for my parents arrival on Thursday. Laundry, cleaning, and organizing the office in order to move furniture to make a nursery. The dressers in the guest room is going to the office and the desk in the office is going to the guest room so that the office can become the baby room. No painting because I don't want to paint back when we move, but pics should do just fine. No crib yet, but want to use my parents help while they are here.

All weekend we will be in Kalispell and visiting Glacier National Park! Cannot wait. Haven't been in a while and love to see the awesomeness of God in His unbelivable creation. I also will have a baby update as my 16 week appointment is on Wednesday!

That's my week! Will post pics of Glacier when I get back!

Week 1 Alone

For those who don't know, Cory is on the first of two back to back week long TDYs. So, what have I done in his absence. Two words...Harry Potter movies. Since we own the first 5 and we are going to see the 6th when he gets home, I decided I should get caught up and that is what I have been doing. YEAH!

Other than that, I am been incredibly blessed by Ellen and John Mayer including me enough to not feel alone and yet not 3rd wheelish. Mayers, love you and thank you for thinking of me and not only when Cory is gone!

Cory comes home at 11:30 Friday night, hopefully with Chick-Fil-A to be reheated in the oven for me, and leaves at 3:00 am Sunday morning for another week. Luckily he is not missing any doctor's appointments.

And this is what baby Knop is doing currently...

Well...

Due January 14, 2009.

12 week ultrasound


The 1st ultrasound at 9 weeks....

Psalm...

First of all, is it Psalm or Psalms?

Moving on; I was reading Psalm 10 today and felt convicted by the writer's behavior. At the beginning, the psalmist says, "Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hid yourself in times of trouble?" To me this clearly is a person feeling distant from God and somewhat irritated that he can't seem to find Him when he feels he most needs Him. The psalmist continues for the next 9 verses somewhat complaining about why the wicked seem to prosper. The psalmist quickly transitions to asking God to arise and lift up His hand, and then to praise him and King for ever and ever and many things He does. Why the sudden change from verse 1 of God being distant to praising God and rmembering His acts in verses 12-18?

My answer may be simple, but words repeated can often change your heart and how you feel. The psalmist was remembering what and who God is now making Him maybe not so distant. Praising God in turmoil and distance from Him, often brings your heart back to knowing the promises of God and how He hasn't truly abandoned you at all. I always try to convince myself that I will change the way I think about this or that, but never do I actually give words to such a revelation. Confessing truth could in fact be the way to change my attitude toward a situation instead of the other way around. Words are convincing and life changing; maybe changing attitudes start with confessing the new attitude I want enough times and reading it enough times for my heart to be convinced instead of mentally convincing myself to change and never saying anything.

Sorry about this rant but felt convicted about confessing with my mouth challenges God is working me through. Blogging was the best way I could confess with "mouth" (fingers on a keyboard) while at my work computer on lunch. Later I can tell more people!

Remember who God is and what He has done for you especially in the depths. He will never leave you nor forsake and knowing that in your head and believing it in your heart are truly two different things. God Bless and confess!

My Out...

So last night I was playing softball with my UNDEFEATED church team. I play catcher which is perfect for me because while I am athletic and competitive, softball is not my best sport. I make goals every year, and this year's goal was to get an out at home. I will sacrifice my body to prevent the other team from scoring, just never had the opportunity, until last night.

The other team had a man on 2nd and 3rd and the guy on 2nd ended up trapped between 2nd and 3rd. Thus we had to choose where to throw and chose to throw to 2nd thus allowing the man on the 3rd to try and run home. My dear, dear, friend Ellen was playing 2nd and proceeded to throw from 2nd to me at home. It bounced once, I caught it, and dove to the left barely making the tag preventing the run! It was so awesome that I threw my glove and ball into the air in celebration totally forgetting about other base runners. Like I said before, softball is not my best sport and I have only played for 2 summers. But, luckily, the ball went straight up and straight down.

I love summer!

Currently Reading...

So I have started the 2nd book in Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series. Please do not let the images the covers of the books deter you from the read. While they look incredibly feminine, please know that it is completely and utterly worth the read. This is the 3rd or 4th time I have re-read the series. To put that into perspective, I have read it more times than Twilight.

The series has oodles have inspiration about serving and trusting God in the even lowliest of circumstances. You leave refreshed and enthused for the Hadassah's heart.

PLEASE READ!!

Blood on White Couches

My Zoey! So while this picture is from her puppy days, it is still a picture of how sweet she is. Last night she managed to break off her entire back right claw and it bled everywhere! My next door neighbor happens to have an animal first aid kit (you have to know my neighbor to know she has everything and can do anything; I am spoiled). We had to cut all the fur away from her paw, clean it with iodine, and stop the bleeding with a big gauze pad. She was such a trooper. While holding her, she just kept licking me over and over again looking at me hoping it would be over soon. She is walking with no limp though and playing rough with sister Savannah like always. What a night with dog blood on white couches! Needlessly, I am exhausted. Have a great weekend!

Jamaica Revealed

So while it can take awhile to describe everything, here are favorite pics of mine and quick highlight list of what we did.

1. Beach volleyball everyday! SO FUN!
2. Swim up bar
3. Frisbee in the ocean.
4. Wakeboarding
5. Kayaking
6. Food, food, and food!
7. Cliff jumping!
8. Catamaran Cruise
9. Relaxation
10. Yummy alcoholic drinks
11. Night snorkeling-saw a puffer fish small and then puffed up and a canon that came from a pirate ship.
12. Great time with amazing friends. Micki and Richard, love you and so excited that we got to spend this time with you!

The additional couple in some pictures are Jimmy and Krista. We met them in Jamaica and hung out with them as well. Fabulous people who live in Denton and celebrating a honeymoon.

Favorite Story:
Cory wore Micki's khaki pants to dinner because Richard forgot to bring khaki pants to eat at one of the restaurants. The picture of Richard in a skirt is what he almost wore until Cory tried on Micki's and they fit. Then Cory gave Richard his pants so we could go to dinner.

Not Forgotten

I have not forgotten the blog but since returning from Jamaica, we have been BUSY!!! I promise pictures soon!!

Preparing for the Longest Week...Followed by the Shortest

I am officially one week away from driving to Colorado and then getting on a plane to fly to Jamaica for 6 glorious days! Unfortunately, there is what will be the longest week between now and then.

Have you ever noticed that? When I am super excited and looking forward to something, the days seem to tick by much slower than usual. I have this huge hunch next week is going to DRAG! I have finished major projects at work and thus have very little to make my workday go by quickly. The other negative to this conundrum is that the almost week I am in Jamaica will fly by because I don't want it to. Go figure! The week you want to go by fast drags and the week you want to drag speeds up.

All that said, we are super excited to see the Knop family, celebrate a late Mother's Day, and celebrate Erin's graduation. All in 24 hours because then we are off to Denver with lifelong friends Micki and Richard to go to Jamaica (the man and woman on the far right of the two pictures)!


So fun! Don't know if I will get back to blogging before we go, but please pray for safe travels and beautiful weather. I know I am not great with pictures, but we are ready for this trip and pictures will be posted when we return!

Here comes summer! For those friends living in Texas, I know you have had nice summery weather already, but I live in Montana so give me a break. We had the snowiest April in Montana ever with over 2 feet dropping in Great Falls. Cory and I are ready for summer!!

Other randomness before I go. Wendy, I love you and so blessed to finally chat with you this week. That hour conversation was awesome! And, Erin, CONGRATULATIONS! Love you!!

CATS...

If you know me at all, you know I am not a huge fan of cats. But, I thought, Great Falls, MT doesn't have many theatrical performances come to the area so why not?

Last night, girls from small group went out to dinner (I had crab legs) and to the musical CATS. I had absolutely no idea what it was about, so I figured I would go. At the intermission I told Jenny I had absolutely no idea what was going on. She actually told me to just enjoy the dancing and singing because there is not much of a plot. If you are a CATS fan I apologize, but there really is no plot. I read the program at intermission and found out it is simply about choosing the next Jellicle cat and they were just letting us know which cat was which and their qualities.

The music was awesome, but the dance left something to be desired in my opinion. I was a gymnast for 11 years and quit when I was 13. I felt that most of the dance I could do given 6 months or so to increase my flexibility again. I could not however sing like they did.

Bottom line, not sad I went, but hopefully I will more opportunities to see plays and musicals I like more. Especially with more of plot and maybe some more dialogue as I am TERRIBLE and understanding words in music. I know that is my problem, not the cats.

The Magician's Nephew

Odd title for a blog yes, but not so odd if you realize it is the first novel in the Chronicles of Narnia. To ward off any arguments, The Magician's Nephew is simply written to be placed first in the series, though it is the last one C.S. Lewis wrote.

When I read these books before, I flew through them not truly reading for any sort of detail. I knew that you could read them separate from each other without missing too much. I am so stoked to now see how the connections from The Magician's Nephew to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. As many may not have read the books but seen the movie, did you ever wonder where the wardrobe came from. I can't believe I didn't remember it! Digory, the young boy in Magician's Nephew, planted an apple core from Narnia at home in his world where it grew into a tree. Decades later, a storm came and blew the tree over. Because Digory knew about the tree and was attached to it, he decided to make a piece of furniture from the wood. That piece of furniture was none other than the wardrobe that Lucy will find at the beginning of the classic The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Those of you who knew that, sorry if this seems stupid. I just love realizing how altered childhood memories can become. My first impression reading the series was great! Now, they are still great!

Stay tuned for anything about The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I will be reading this series for a bit as it is 7 books, though smaller. And while good, it still is not quite the page turner Twilight was! You knew I had to mention that somewhere!

Twilight Mania

The last couple weeks have been fun! Chris came home from a deployment and we have spent a lot of our time catching up with him and Becky.

Also, this weekend, Cory experienced the Twilight movie. He was so intrigued, he started the book the same day! My husband is incredible. A friend of ours actually bought it for us in BluRay at a midnight release party. So, we got a copy and didn't have to wait up late! Thanks Amanda!

I was obviously searching for a new blog background too. I couldn't find one I really liked for awhile. I chose this one because of colors and less changing of fonts. But I almost picked this one.

You know why? It is titled Breaking Dawn! Mania I tell you!

We are planning on submitting Cory's Austin Police Department application before we go into Jamaica in May so we have been working hard on that. Pray for God's will please!

I gained more responsibilities at work thus shifting my work load, but it is good.

Right now I am being taught not to be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, present my requests to God. And the peace of God will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus beyond any understanding of my own. See Philippians 4.

Love you all!

Sorry for the Delay

The last month has flown by and I apologize for the lack of blogging. Here is a Top 10 of my last month!
1. Hosted our small group for Valentine's Day Fondue. DELICIOUS!
2. Started to help Erin, Cory's sister, plan her wedding on September 6, 2009 as the maid of honor (I really don't like the word matron!)
3. Cory enjoying the men's retreat with our church, but unfortunately coming home sick!
4. Eating the Stockman at MacKenzie River and going bowling for my 6.25 birthday. Ellen, it was fun looking creepy with you in the black lights! Also, eating the most delicious Snickers cake from Albertson's for my birthday!
5. Babysitting baby Eleeson, Willow, and Annabelle with yummy smores!
6. Hearing that our dear friends Chris Wood and Micki Smeeding will be returning from deployments any day now. God, we praise you for their protection.
7. Seeing God's awesome provision when we owe more than expected to the government for taxes. Apparantly we need to buy a house or have a child because we make too much! I certainly don't think it is too much though! SERIOUSLY? Actually, we can pay the taxes and still pay for Jamaica, coming in MAY!
8. Watching and remembering how awesome the Lord of the Rings trilogy is!
9. Re-reading the Twilight series; currently in the first 1/3 of Eclipse. It is still almost as hard to put down the second time around.
10. Experiencing God's awesome power in our marriage and our friends marriages as we seek to strengthen our marriage before Satan or the world can ever have a foothold.

Pray for Cory to get better. He is really sick, and I miss kissing him! Also, he is getting his wisdom teeth pulled on Monday the 9th.

God is awesome!

PICTURES!

So while these are random pictures, they relate to most of my recent posts.



This is Eleeson Douglas (mostly likely going to be called Eli). Eleeson is dad's middle name from grandmother's maiden name). He was born on the 4th and was 20.5 inches long weighing 7 lbs 11 oz. One down, lots to go for 2009. His sisters are Annabelle (6) and Willow (3).





This is Axel my neighbor loving Rock Band! Obviously this is on two different nights too, one of which was for Cory's birthday! He also sings when Ellen doesn't!



And my girls... SO CUTE AREN'T THEY?

I'm late...

If you thought anything except for telling you about Cory's birthday, you are wrong. A brief summary...
The breaking of the fast was fantastic. Cory's birthday involved cards, RockBand, Boston's, and ice cream cake that was SOOOOO TASTY. Did you know you can make any DQ ice cream cake from their Blizzard list? AWESOME!! We ate Chinese food, Boston's, Jaker's, and anything else we hadn't eaten for three. Needless to say, we probably consumed all calories we didn't for three weeks in three days.

I found out another friend is pregnant and that makes my count 12. CRAZY! So far, all babies are healthy and the first of many to be born is happening tomorrow.

Cory and I started a racquetball league and it is so fun. Of course, I am the only girl which is awkward but the guys are so sweet to me and think it is neat a girl is willing to play. I jammed my thumb really good though. And so good that people think I got fingerprinted my thumb was that bruised.

SuperBowl was fun to watch though I was pulling for the Cardinals. I actually have no preference normally so it was that sad when the Steelers won. Good game and the best commercial in my opinion is the crystal ball Dorito one followed by the Bud Light staff meeting. HILARIOUS!

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you and miss you!

Lately...

I know I haven't posted lately, but not a lot has been going ong the last couple of weeks. Cory and I did start sign language classes again, and we have been getting back into our routine since Christmas.

Things we are looking forward to this weekend are a whole other story.
1. Our church has been doing a Daniel fast for the last three weeks and we celebrating the end of it tomorrow at sundown by going out to dinner with friends! No meat and no dairy and only whole grain, fruits, and veggies have been our diet the last few weeks. You could say we are ready for some meat. Lesson learned: Dependence on God is vital AND I do have self-control as God calls us to have meaning I control what goes in my mouth and I don't HAVE to eat just because it is out.
2. Friday, we are playing cards and having dinner with the Lycans. YEAH! It has been awhile, but we have lots to catch up on.
3. Saturday, I am going to brunch with some friends to celebrate the soon coming baby of a friend AND that night Cory and I are having Asian food night with my coworker. She makes the best homemade eggrolls!!
4. Cory turns 25 on Sunday and we are going out to lunch, coming back to the house, playing games to include RockBand, and having ice cream cake.

I hopefully will be better with pictures and will let you know how the weekend goes!

Also, I gave the blog an update for Valentine's Day. I thought I wouldn't, but fell in love with this background. I LOVE RED lately!

We Suck at Pictures

So, it has been awhile and we have since left our home for over a week, celebrated Christmas a few times, and driven back without taking a stinking picture. Neither one of us thinks about it. Anyway, here is what our 12/25 looked like.

1. Wake up at 3:00 am and cook breakfast for Cory's troops that had to work Christmas day.
2. Open presents with just Cory and me and done by 7:00 am.
3. Watch the Dark Knight in Blu-Ray by 9:30 am (AWESOME).
4. Finish cleaning and packing for our trip.
5. Go to friends for Christmas lunch, card playing, and Guitar Hero (got hooked enough to buy ROCKBAND in Colorado).
6. Get home in just enough time to go to Christmas dinner at our other friend's house.
7. Leave by 8:30 pm to go to sleep; get up at 9:30 pm to repack our car into our truck and leave for Colorado to try and beat the snow.
8. Drive 120 miles in more than 4 hours and stop at hotel to sleep because we can't see the front of our car the snow and wind is so bad.
9. Get up at 8:00 am and drive the rest of the way in a 14 hour car drive.
10. Celebrate Christmas with the Knops.

The remainder of the trip from 12/27-1/3 consisted of:
1. Meeting Erin's boyfriend Tim (pretty cool dude :)
2. Getting some basic djembe lessons since I have owned one for 3 years.
3. Read two books: Finished The Other Boleyn Girl and The Shack (good reads)
4. Lots of Wii Sports, MarioKart, and Excite Truck.
5. Tons of Hoof and Mouth and I Want It.
6. My best friend from high school proposed and I got to be part of the party!!
7. SHOPPING in which we bought a bluetooth headset, RockBand and Guitar Hero to have two guitars, a sweater, skirt, and slip.
8. Time with family and friends (Knops, Gandhis, Perkins, Donatells, Doners, Holdiers, Meiers).

Those are the highlights. We will work on the picture thing!

P.S. Found out 2 more of our friends are pregnant!