Sunday, November 25, 2012

Deck the Halls

Friday, November 23






We met Shari, David, and Allie at the park to enjoy some time outside.

Saturday, November 24




One of the nice things about Thanksgiving being so early this year is that we'll be able to keep the tree up for a while without looking silly. ☺ We decided to get a new angel to top our tree this year since the other one no longer lit up.

Sunday, November 25



Even though they fight from time to time, Mara and Jack really love each other. They even fell asleep tonight holding hands.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a nice Thanksgiving with our families. This year, we had dinner with John's family, and then we went to Rob & Mindy's for dessert. The kids all had fun playing together, and Jack crashed on the 10-minute drive between the two houses.






Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Being Thankful

Monday, November 19


At work, my department had a potluck "graze" today. I brought buffalo chicken dip and apple pie drink to share with everyone.

Tuesday, November 20


Jack made a Thanksgiving hat at school this week, and he proudly showed it off to us at home.

Wednesday, November 21


With the weather getting colder, the kitties are starting to snuggle more. We came home today to find Doxy and Puck cuddled up together on our bed.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Mixed Emotions

Today's picture was supposed to be of our baby's first ultrasound, but when I went to the doctor, there was no baby and I measuring at least two weeks behind. (I would be seven weeks along on Thanksgiving.) So, it looks like another miscarriage is imminent. It's really a mixed blessing.

Earlier this year, I decided I was happy with our two children. We went through a lot to get Jack here, and I didn't really want to face that heartache again. Plus, our family feels right with just two kids. However, the timing seemed almost perfect for us with this pregnancy. Sure, we would have to postpone our DC trip next summer, but I had originally wanted Jack to be born in July (so our birthdays would be every other month) after Mara's third birthday. My due date was July 11, just four months after Jack's third birthday.

If I'm going to miscarry, I would much rather do so before I even see a heartbeat. Having been through two prior miscarriages, it is definitely much easier. I feel bad because I know of others who so badly want to have another child. Even though this pregnancy wasn't planned, this baby would have been loved just as much as Mara and Jack, but these past few weeks have served as a reminder that I'm not in control.

I was in denial when I first found out I was pregnant, and I knew then that no matter what happens with this pregnancy, I didn't want to be pregnant again. I'm not saying we're going to take any permanent measurements to ensure we don't have kids, but I don't plan on having any more. God might have other plans, just like he did with this one.

I have a Willow Tree figure for each of our pregnancies/children, and I plan to continue that tradition with this one. I think I have decided to get this one, titled "Remember."


Sunday, November 18, 2012

Quick Road Trip

Saturday, November 17
We packed up the car and headed to Oklahoma City so we could go to the zoo and do a little Christmas shopping. We've been wanting to go to the zoo ever since I found out last May that they have some cuttlefish from the Tennessee Aquarium. The kids' favorite part of the zoo visit was getting to pose with all of the animal statues that they have around the park.

































Sunday, November 18
Since we were driving by it anyway, we decided to get a closer look at the state capitol. It's still weird to see it with a dome because growing up, it had the distinction of being the only state capitol building without a dome. On the drive home, we got to experience a classic Oklahoma sunset.




Friday, November 16, 2012

Yummy Food

I know it's the week before Thanksgiving, but our week has been filled with very yummy foods.

Monday, November 12


Since it's colder now, I thought some good, old fashioned tomato soup sounded good for dinner. John doesn't like the way I make it (with milk and butter), so I just shared this goodness with Mara.

Tuesday, November 13



Jack loves cheese and was thrilled when we had more than enough left over from our pizza cones (that we got through a fundraiser at Jack's school).

Wednesday, November 14


John grilled some teriyaki chicken tonight, and I made my pineapple rice. It's been a while since we've had it, and Mara wanted seconds.

Thursday, November 15



Today was Parent Involvement Day at Mara's school. Her class divided into groups and created bridges. After school, we stopped by the book fair.

Friday, November 16


Chicken Express has quickly become one of our favorite places to eat.