The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Aren't most weekends in the Fall crazy-busy? Last weekend was for us. I'm telling you, I just love the time from October through December. Wouldn't it be nice if some of the fun was shared with dreary February? Secretly, I am ready to put up our tree! Practicality has won out so far, though, and I have to work several 12 hour days before Thanksgiving, so next Sunday will probably be the day for the tree! I'm so excited to decorate our new house. We've never had a mantel to decorate before. Don't you just love a good Christmasey mantel?? Anyway, back to our weekend...

I love these girls! Our friends Rachel and Keith were married Friday night. It was a beautiful, personal ceremony. May God bless their marriage!

A few weeks ago we agreed to leave right after the wedding and drive up to Frozen Head State Park for a weekend of camping. I love camping and I was so excited, but something told me that Chris and I should just commit to one night instead of two. Well, that was a good decision. Don't get me wrong, we had a blast. However, 29 weeks pregnant + the coldest night of this season = potential for disaster. I just have to say that at 4 am on Saturday morning when a.) I was wrapped up like a mummy b.) I was still frozen even though I was a mummy c.) I had to pee d.) I had leg cramps, wrapped up like a mummy, in a tight sleeping bag---I almost bailed! Haha! If my sweet husband hadn't helped me get out of (roll out of) the tent to get to the potty, helped me get (roll) back in, and helped me get warm after that, a meltdown may have occurred. Nuclear. 

Aside from the whole nighttime/sleeping thing, we had a great time. A beautiful site by the creek, great friends, ladderball, and yummy food--I really do love camping. I was fine with leaving the 2nd night to everyone else, though.:)

On Sunday was our baby shower at church. I feel so overwhelmed and blessed by all the people who came and showed their love and support for us. Jackson is going to have an amazing church family to grow up with and we are more than thankful for that.

 Noah's Ark!

 Have you ever seen such an adorable diaper cake? Just look at that baby elephant.

Future Mommy and Grandmommies. :)

I finally took a photo of the crepe myrtle in our backyard. If you remember the "burning bush" from Friday's post, this is his sister. Sadly, the burning bush lost his leaves this week so I had to settle for the slightly less brilliant, less full, sister. She's not so bad herself, though. Too bad the photo doesn't do her justice!

Thank you God for this beautiful time of year and all its blessings!

Thankful

11 things I am thankful for today:

1. The crepe myrtle that looked like the "burning bush" in our backyard this morning. With the beautiful red and orange colors + the morning sunshine-gorgeous. Should have taken a picture. 

2. A job that allows me to have days off to recuperate and get done what I need to.

3. A husband who has never forgotten, even for a day, to make sure I know he loves me. 

4. Weddings-I love weddings. So excited for Keith and Rachel's tonight!

5. Baby kicks-Jackson lets me know daily that he is still in there and I never get tired of those.

6. Newborns-my friend Jamie's little 6 pound, not very many ounces Leah who was born this week. She sounds like a little lamb when she cries!

7. Sleeping in. I don't need to explain, do I?

8. Mamas. My mama is coming in on Sunday and I can't even explain how good it is to be able to just "be" with her.

9. Fall-I am watching the leaves fall outside against the bright blue sky-best time of year. 

10. Chocolate-especially the little bag of chocolate chips I found in the pantry when I was getting out my baking ingredients. :)

11. My God who makes His presence known even amongst my fears and anxiety. I guess I really can't ever be thankful enough.

A Teeny Nursery Sneak Peak

Jackson's nursery is coming together but we've still got a lot of work to do! It's looking great, though, and I just wanted to give you a preview, especially for those asking about it. 

There you go, that 2nd picture gives an honest description of our current state of construction. Fortunately, the paint, which is navy if you can't tell from the picture, is done. The biggest project now is the beadboard and Chris is working so hard to get that finished. It's coming together!