Everyone Say "Awww"

Tonight my mom, sisters-in-law Cara & Leigh, and myself are starting a cake decorating course. It'll be lovely having time together, and fun learning to be more crafty!

But even cuter, my dad and Dan are watching the baby together, and having a steak dinner together. Dan says he wants to have it by candlelight. Hehe!

Is that not cute? :)

Menu Planning Monday

Inspired by the new year, and the most energy/drive I've had since having the baby I am trying to get my life organized and in order. Along those lines, I've committed to menu planning each week. It makes grocery shopping and life so much easier when there's a plan!

So without further ado, my menu for the week of January 5th:

Monday:
Steak
Salt Crusted Baked Potatoes
Broccoli
Salad

*Tuesday:
Lasagna
Garlic Bread (Mom)
Salad
Broccoli
Wine
**Pumpkin Custard

Wednesday:
Whole Roasted Chicken
Stuffing
Broccoli
Salad

Thursday:
Leftovers

***Friday:
Beef Tenderloin with Bleu Cheese Sauce
Salad
Twice Baked Potatoes
Broccoli
Honey Wheat Rolls
Wine
Cheesecake with Raspberry Coolie

Saturday:
Bacon
Scrambled Eggs
Fruit
Blueberry Pancakes
OJ
Dinner Out

As always, our menus are fairly broccoli/salad heavy. Dan is rather picky about his veggies, so those are the darkest greens I can consistently get into him. Thus, we have a lot of broccoli! :)

*Tuesday we're hosting a church leadership meeting, so I wanted something that was easy to make (I'll actually be making the lasagna today), and low stress.

**My pumpkin custard is basically Libby's Pumpkin Pie recipe, made with honey, instead of sugar, and baked in individual ramekins (custard cups). Because I bake it separately, it doesn't require a crust, and with the honey it is essentially pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, honey, and spices--so very healthy! Plus it's a delicious and fairly guilt free way of indulging!

***Jeff & Arleen, (Dan's brother's family, whom we love dearly) will be visiting this weekend to meet our little Claire-Bear. Dan wants to make it very special, since we don't see them often, so he requested I make "my" famous beef tenderloin (I stole the recipe from my mom!), and really go all out. That's not a normal dish in our household, but for special occasions it's spectacular, and really more cost effective than going out.

For more Menu Planning Monday, organizing tips, and ideas, visit http://orgjunkie.com/.

Monday Funnies

I usually hate forwards, but a few dear friends send them anyways. This story alone made all of them worth it. Dan & I both laughed until we cried! I hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as we did.

JAMES (age 4) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: 'The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned to salt.' Concerned, James asked: 'What happened to the flea?'

It's Just Baby Weight, Really!

I think that re-joining SparkPeople is in my future. This baby weight STILL isn't gone! I thought nursing would make it all just fall off. Here I am, 12 weeks postpartum, with that number on the scale mocking me. *sigh*

What better time than the new year, right?

New Year

Goodbye 2008, easily one of the biggest years of my life so far.

2008 brought the biggest blessing I can imagine:


Our Beautiful, Claire Ella

So bye to 2008, and hello to this new year, 2009! I'm excited about all the possibilities, and potential it has.

Happy New Year, and God bless you all!

Lexington was amazing. The fellowship, worship, and fun was far more than I expected. I was especially moved by the worship service on Sabbath---the music was exceptional and moving. It always feels amazing to stand with hundreds of believers and praise our Lord. Especially coming from a small congregation.

I'm recovering from a migraine now, with the help of my wonderful husband. Yesterday after I tanked up Claire with lots of "nummies" (Mama's milk) Dan took her out on some errands, and let me rest. It helped immensely to be able to rest without worry. He came home with beautiful flowers that Claire had picked out for me :) How cute is that?

The rest of this week I'll be enjoying Dan's last few days at home for the holidays (he had to work today but has the rest of the weekend off), sewing with mom on Claire's dress, and getting ready for Dan's brother's family to visit.

I'll also be learning how to comfort a teething baby. That's right, 12 weeks old, and she's teething already! It's not bad yet, mostly drooling and a tiny bit fussier than normal, but I expect it will progress in the next few weeks.

To compensate for the extra fussiness, she's giggling and laughing a lot now (her first laugh when tickled was Dec. 23rd, for my own records more than anything), which is cuter than I ever expected! My baby makes me so happy.

Alright that's the best entry I can manage with this migraine and a nursing baby. Ciao!

A Tough Weekend

A 7 Week Old Baby, In The Womb
The loss of a child at any time, whether early in pregnancy or later on, is devastating.

This weekend someone very dear to me lost their unborn child. As much as it hurt to relive my own experience, I was so grateful to be able to support another woman as she went through this tragedy.

It helps to bear one another's burdens, and it is a blessing to be able to make beauty from the ashes of our own trials. God is so good, even in the darkest of night His light of love shines through. The numerous miracles I witnessed this weekend made my soul praise Him, even though my heart was breaking.

It also has convicted me that I might have a ministry to women who have suffered miscarriages. I might do a series on that, later. For now, my family is in a grieving period, and I am so glad my daughter can be a comfort to this woman, as her son was a comfort to me when I lost my baby.

Alone Again

Well, as of this morning Dan's back to working away from home during the day.

And yes, I miss him already. Even though he was working from home during the day before, I could still pop in for a kiss, and we had lunch together everyday. Now it's just the Claire-Bear and me.

Mom's coming over in a few minutes though, so I'll get to catch up with her after her trip to California. It's such a blessing having Mom & Dad live close, when they're gone I appreciate it all the more. It's cute, Dan even misses them. I feel so blessed to have such a close family.

In an attempt to get on a better schedule and be more productive (I've been fairly lazy with Dan home, just soaking up time together) I've got a to-do list today. Forgive me for being boring and posting it.

• Laundry: Baby Clothes
• Laundry: Whites
• Laundry: Sheets/Towels
• Laundry: Colors
• Fold/Put Away Clean Laundry
• Unload/Load Dishwasher
• Change Sheets/Make Bed
• Put Away LNT Shopping Stuff
• Sort Through Pictures for Hanging
• Clean Master Bathroom

In other news...

Dan's brother's family will be visiting us January 9-11, and we're so excited. It'll be their first time meeting Claire, and our first time seeing them in over a year. We've missed them! They have two children, Adelle & Lane, who are so sweet and well behaved! We always enjoy time with them, and wish we could see them more often, so we'll make sure to make the most of this visit!

Now it's off to get some stuff done before Mom comes over--I'm hoping we can either work on some scrapbook stuff together or get some sewing done. Mom's teaching me to sew! Yay!

Thinkin'

I'm usually pretty good about avoiding the "coulda, woulda, shoulda" route... but every now and then I get stuck dwelling on what might have been.

Which is a great opportunity for me to look at what is and how I wouldn't change it for the world.

Mom's Fellowship

Ginger with her daughter Hannah, Sarah with David & Rachel, and Kate with Claire

One of my biggest regrets is that I don't have a lot of young mom's in my area. Which makes visits with my sister, and dear friend Ginger so much more precious.

This is from the day after Thanksgiving. Sarah and her family were staying with us for the holiday and Ginger was visiting up from Arkansas. It's edifying to have women who are in the same season of life to talk about all the details of mommy hood, birth, breastfeeding, etc with.

Now I'm just going through withdrawal. I wish I had some young moms to fellowship with here in the Indy area. Until that happens though, I'll savor the visits!

Spoiled

There are times when a mommy gets exhausted. Which provides a chance for daddy to step in, and that's what my Danny did Friday night.

Dan took the baby for a couple of hours and told me to take a bath.

Believe me, I didn't have to be told twice.

I cut up a plate of brie and selected some dark chocolate covered almonds, poured myself a glass of Merlot in one of my nice crystal wine glasses, pulled out C.S. Lewis's Surprised by Joy, lit some candles, and drew myself a hot bubble bath.

Soaking in the tub, uninterrupted reading, and just chillin' was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Having the opportunity to enjoy a hot bath and some grown-up pleasures made me appreciate how much my husband loves me, and how much I value him and our beautiful daughter.

Points for Style!

Really, after all that work, can you begrudge him the meal?

Thanksgiving/Nicki's Trip Pictures

Here are a bunch of pictures from Thanksgiving and my Aunt Nicki's trip to Indiana.

For the record, this was by far the best Thanksgiving I can remember. Dan kept talking about how much he loved it, and we really enjoyed hosting! I think we'll try and host my family again next year.

We had, in all, 18 people (my immediate family, Aunt Nicki from California, and 3 friends from the neighborhood). It was so fun talking, laughing, teasing, playing games, and of course, FEASTING!

Mom cooked the moistest and most delicious turkey, everyone contributed yummy sides, desserts, etc. Everything was wonderful, and best of all, absolutely no drama! :)

This year I am incredibly thankful for such a wonderful time of fellowship and fun with family and dear friends!

Kate & Aunt Nicki--she's the "Favorite Aunt" and I'm, of course, the "Favorite Niece"!

Also, as a side note, still freakishly tall--She's 5'7", you do the math!

Sarah, Nicki, Daniel, & Faith go through the line while Daddy carves the turkey

Daniel & Rachel sit at the table waiting their turn.

Claire was quite the drama queen!

Mommy Ooohs and Awws over her 2 Turkeys!

Mommy, Claire, and the spread!

The Ambrose Family & the Turkey

All the men (except for Mat), in hats from Nana's famous "Imagination Station"

The women (sans Faith & Karen)

Sarah, Nicki, & Claire-Bear

Ben does battle (at a slight disadvantage I might add) with David while Daniel refs.

Uncle Jonny & Princess Rachel cuddle by the fire.

The men pow-wow in the living room

Cara & Nicki survey the table

One of our Thanksgiving Centerpieces (or Cornerpiece?)

Daniel & Rachel made Thanksgiving Turkeys which we displayed.

King Daniel prepares to fight.

Uncle Dan & David confer by the fire

Claire gets a bath in the kitchen sink before the festivities.

Workin' Out!

Last week we took Claire to the gym for the first time. Since I only stopped bleeding in the last week or so, it was my first time back at the gym too.

Here's Claire Ella with her daddy in her new work out clothes. Cutie Pie!

Thankful

This year, I am more thankful than ever, for the abundant blessings the Lord has poured out on me and my family.

I am thankful for...

1. ...God's Grace, for His love, for the Holy Spirit, and for the sacrifice of Jesus.
2. ...My husband, Dan. His patience with me; his tenderness towards me and our daughter; his ability to calm and comfort me; his steadiness; his love and passion; his friendship; and the security I find in him.
3. ...Claire Ella, my beautiful daughter. She brings more joy to me than I ever knew possible. I am madly in love with that baby!
4. ...My parents, Guy & Jennifer. Their help and support my whole life, and especially this past year has been one of the biggest blessings for both of us. Their example of marriage has taught both Dan & I how to love each other better. Their example of parenting helps us grow. And their constant exhortation lifts us up.
5. ...My siblings (in no particular order): Sarah. She is one of my best friends, and we can talk about almost anything. She encourages me to be a better wife and mother, and is always ready with an ear to talk to, a shoulder to lean on, and good advice to give. Her example of motherhood constantly challenges me to work even harder.
6. ...My siblings: Ben. He is gracious, steady, and helpful in every circumstance. I always know I can rely on him to help. He is kind to everyone, and has the driest sense of humor that keeps me in stitches.
7. ...My siblings: Jon. He is one of the most fun people to be around. He can make me laugh no matter the circumstance (even in my worst migraines he can cheer me up). He also is such a deep thinker and I love to converse with him and debate. I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy being around Jon, and I love him dearly.
8. ...My siblings: Jason. He is a loving husband and father. He works hard for his family, and always is ready to have fun. I enjoy the girls nights that he provides refreshments and a male perspective for!
9. ...My siblings: Cara. She is one of my best friends, and has been since I moved to Indiana over a decade ago. She radiates kindness and peace. We can talk about anything, and she always leaves me feeling more uplifted than before.
10. ...My siblings: Jeff. He is a truly good man, who works to make peace wherever he goes. He has many times smoothed over a tricky situation, and brings out a playful side of my husband which cracks me up. He is a wonderful husband and father, and someone I wish I knew better.
11. ...My siblings: Arleen. She is so calm, I never see her get worked up, even under the worst circumstances. When I'm dealing with difficult circumstances, she is able to empathize with me, and encourage me not to let them get to me too much. She's an amazing mother, and has raised her children well.
12. ...My grandparents. I lost my Grandma Swenson this year, and it only makes me appreciate more the wisdom that comes with age. My grandparents, Jim & Sarah, are quick, fun, funny, and wonderful examples.
13. ...My aunts and uncles. Especially my Aunt Nicki who made the trek all the way to Indy to spend Thanksgiving with us.
14. ...My friends. Who are many, and true. I'm especially thankful for the lasting friendship of Kelly, who is my oldest friend. And for having a dear friend in my neighborhood, Karen, who I can run over and talk to anytime.
15. The fact that I don't have to move again, Lord willing, for a very long time!