Yep, we are home again. No matter how good a trip is...it is always good to get home.
The kids did awesome on the way home. Almost makes me want to take more road trips =)
I am such a nut that from the time we got home yesterday until I went to bed we had already unpacked, washed, dried, folded and put away all the laundry, and restocked the refrigerator and pantry by a quick grocery shopping trip. Oh yes, I also cleaned the house =) I am paying for it today though...after church I crashed on the couch and now I can't seem to do anything!
We did promise the kids that we would go get our Christmas tree tonight. But, that normally involves a major living room rearrangement...and I am just not sure I am up for that tonight?
We will see...
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
do we have to go home?
We have had such a good and relaxing time here at the beach with all of Jeremiah's family...that the looming car drive home is making me quite sad. Normally when we travel we have a blast seeing family and friends...but I wouldn't call it relaxing.
If you have little ones, you understand =)
But this trip has been awesome, the kids have settled right in, slept good and played really well with their cousins, and I have been able to rest a lot. Family, lots of good food, walks on the beach, rides on the golf-cart...and lots of time with my husband have made this a Thanksgiving to remember.
The only sad part about this trip is that I forgot my camera. What?!!! Me? I have felt "naked" all weekend without it!
One more last night of family togetherness...and then we head home.
If you have little ones, you understand =)
But this trip has been awesome, the kids have settled right in, slept good and played really well with their cousins, and I have been able to rest a lot. Family, lots of good food, walks on the beach, rides on the golf-cart...and lots of time with my husband have made this a Thanksgiving to remember.
The only sad part about this trip is that I forgot my camera. What?!!! Me? I have felt "naked" all weekend without it!
One more last night of family togetherness...and then we head home.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
It's the little things..
As promised,
the littler things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving:
Little things...
and all the in-between things...
I realize how blessed I am.
I am so thankful.
Praise you Lord!
the littler things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving:
- Ginger-ale...it just makes my tummy feel so much better
- My oh-so-soft sheets...sliding in them is just ahhhhh
- My black old-navy yoga pants...nothing says comfort better!
- CVS black friday deals that started today...free stuff...lots of free stuff...need I say more (I might even post a picture later!)
- Being pregnant over the holidays...I wasn't with Ezra and Ella...and let me tell you, I didn't know what I was missing with all the yummy food I don't have to feel guilty for eating!
- Taking a nap on the couch with all the family togetherness going on around me
- My kids taking their nap despite all the family togetherness going on
- Watching my husband learn to ride a rip-stick...who is turning 30 this year?
Little things...
and all the in-between things...
I realize how blessed I am.
I am so thankful.
Praise you Lord!
The real thanksgiving eve...
I just realized that tonight is Thanksgiving eve...not yesterday.
Can we say baby-brain! =)
Can we say baby-brain! =)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thanksgiving eve...
On this eve of Thanksgiving I am reflecting on all I am thankful for...
The big ones:
The big ones:
- My incredibly funny, sweet, sexy, and Godly husband
- Two happy and healthy kids that fill my days with blessing after blessing
- Three sets of extended families...all of whom love the Lord and love us
You might be pregnant if...
You make pancakes at 3 in the afternoon...just because they sound good to you =)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Giving up my capability...
So, I admit...today was a rough day for me.
Whoever thought to call it "morning" sickness was just wrong. Yes, you might feel sick in the morning, but it is most definitely not limited to morning. I vote we call it morning-noon-and- night-sickness.
Hmm...doesn't have quite the same ring to it though =)
I had a long list of stuff I wanted to get done today...11 to-do's to be exact.
I got 3 of them checked off.
However, I did manage to clean, dress, feed, and play with the kids...so, I'll call it a successful day.
I knew that with this new pregnancy that I would have days like this. That's why I think the Lord has been showing me so much lately about my weakness...and his strength. I have always considered myself a capable person. After all I am a list maker, type A, go-get-um and just do it "one of those" kinds...
With the news of the new baby I admit that one of my first reactions was total overwhelment. (I mean, I was just feeling like I was getting the hang of two! How do you go anywhere with three?) I could feel my capability slipping away.
The Lord showed me that very same weekend that we learned of baby #3 two things:
1) I can't
2) He can
I know, I know...very deep truths here. You might need to read them a few times or with a dictionary by your side =) But, no matter how basic those truths are...I desperately needed to hear them at that time...and I repeat it to myself several times a day now. You might have noticed that a lot of my memory verses lately have been ones pertaining to the Lord's strength being made perfect in my weakness.
So, here goes...I am giving up my capability, and resting in the strength of my savior.
Even if I am struggling with morning-noon-and-night sickness =)
Whoever thought to call it "morning" sickness was just wrong. Yes, you might feel sick in the morning, but it is most definitely not limited to morning. I vote we call it morning-noon-and- night-sickness.
Hmm...doesn't have quite the same ring to it though =)
I had a long list of stuff I wanted to get done today...11 to-do's to be exact.
I got 3 of them checked off.
However, I did manage to clean, dress, feed, and play with the kids...so, I'll call it a successful day.
I knew that with this new pregnancy that I would have days like this. That's why I think the Lord has been showing me so much lately about my weakness...and his strength. I have always considered myself a capable person. After all I am a list maker, type A, go-get-um and just do it "one of those" kinds...
With the news of the new baby I admit that one of my first reactions was total overwhelment. (I mean, I was just feeling like I was getting the hang of two! How do you go anywhere with three?) I could feel my capability slipping away.
The Lord showed me that very same weekend that we learned of baby #3 two things:
1) I can't
2) He can
I know, I know...very deep truths here. You might need to read them a few times or with a dictionary by your side =) But, no matter how basic those truths are...I desperately needed to hear them at that time...and I repeat it to myself several times a day now. You might have noticed that a lot of my memory verses lately have been ones pertaining to the Lord's strength being made perfect in my weakness.
So, here goes...I am giving up my capability, and resting in the strength of my savior.
Even if I am struggling with morning-noon-and-night sickness =)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
It all began with a little fairy dust...
We celebrated Ella's 3rd birthday today with a Tinkerbell party! Family, friends, a jump house, fairy pudding, and presents made for a fun filled day for our little girl...
She was wiped out and more than happy to take a nap with her
new tinkerbell blanket and pillow...and fairy wand of course =)
Friday, November 21, 2008
we couldn't believe our eyes...
We woke up to a coating of snow this morning!
What?
This is North Carolina...and in the six winters we have lived here now...we have only gotten one measurable snow storm.
Normally, even for this small dusting of snow, the local weathermen would have scared us to death with the threat of a major winter storm and sent us all to the grocery store to stock up on necessities =)
Ella was so excited that she went out with her aunts this morning and "played" with it. It was so cold she only lasted a (very) few minutes.
This blast of winter weather made me realize that I didn't have a winter coat for Ezra or a hat/gloves/etc for either of them. So, we made a quick run to Old Navy this afternoon...
Now we are set for more snow =) Bring it on!
What?
This is North Carolina...and in the six winters we have lived here now...we have only gotten one measurable snow storm.
Normally, even for this small dusting of snow, the local weathermen would have scared us to death with the threat of a major winter storm and sent us all to the grocery store to stock up on necessities =)
Ella was so excited that she went out with her aunts this morning and "played" with it. It was so cold she only lasted a (very) few minutes.
This blast of winter weather made me realize that I didn't have a winter coat for Ezra or a hat/gloves/etc for either of them. So, we made a quick run to Old Navy this afternoon...
Now we are set for more snow =) Bring it on!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
happy day!
Ezra woke up this morning without a fever! And he actually smiled for me...praise the Lord! He still didn't eat much and got really tired really fast...but, I think he is on the mend!
My mom is coming in today along with some of my siblings...Mya, Lily, Ben, Tia...for a visit and for Ella's big 3year old birthday party...we can't wait!
Oh yes, one more thing...Jeremiah is off today!
Happy day!
Here is a picture of my happy boy (taken last week) to make you smile...well, at least it makes me smile =)
My mom is coming in today along with some of my siblings...Mya, Lily, Ben, Tia...for a visit and for Ella's big 3year old birthday party...we can't wait!
Oh yes, one more thing...Jeremiah is off today!
Happy day!
Here is a picture of my happy boy (taken last week) to make you smile...well, at least it makes me smile =)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
pitiful little guy...
I wrote yesterday about Ezra having a virus...
Well, he is no better today and just so pitiful. He shuffles around the house with his blankie and paci and periodically just lays his head down...
Ella is being a good big sister and doing her best to comfort him...and he will just snuggle right up to her. She even generously offered him one of her coveted stuffed animals =)
I really hope he feels better soon...I just hate it when my kids are sick. I always feel so helpless to do anything to make them better. I am always reminded of how not-in-control I am...and forced to just trust in the Lord.
Well, he is no better today and just so pitiful. He shuffles around the house with his blankie and paci and periodically just lays his head down...
Ella is being a good big sister and doing her best to comfort him...and he will just snuggle right up to her. She even generously offered him one of her coveted stuffed animals =)
I really hope he feels better soon...I just hate it when my kids are sick. I always feel so helpless to do anything to make them better. I am always reminded of how not-in-control I am...and forced to just trust in the Lord.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
tis the season...
I took Ella today for her 3 year check-up at the pediatricians...only to find out that she has pneumonia. She has been battling a cough for almost a month now, but she has really handled it well...and I had no idea it had gotten that bad. She is on a strong antibiotic now and will hopefully be able to kick the cough in time for our Thanksgiving trip to Myrtle Beach.
Also, Ezra has a nasty little virus that is making him miserable...fever and fussy and refusing to eat. Anytime he doesn't eat you know he doesn't feel good!
My poor little babies!
Besides the pneumonia...the visit went well (considering I had both of them with me!) The doctor seemed quite impressed with Ella's development. She is almost off the charts for her height like always and actually made it into the 40% for her weight at just shy of 30lbs! She didn't do so well on her hearing test, so we have to make a follow up appointment at the ENT to check on that. The visit ended with a flu shot...but she handled it well.
Ella insisted on bringing Guacamole (her beloved baby doll) with her and requested that the doctor check her over too =) I'm sure you will all be relieved to know that Guacamole is in good health.
As we were getting back into the car I told Ella that because she was such an exceptional helper to me at the doctors I was going to let her have a "special treat"...usually a small toy or ice cream.
However, today she told me that for her special treat she wanted to "go see my Daddy".
How sweet is that.
Also, Ezra has a nasty little virus that is making him miserable...fever and fussy and refusing to eat. Anytime he doesn't eat you know he doesn't feel good!
My poor little babies!
Besides the pneumonia...the visit went well (considering I had both of them with me!) The doctor seemed quite impressed with Ella's development. She is almost off the charts for her height like always and actually made it into the 40% for her weight at just shy of 30lbs! She didn't do so well on her hearing test, so we have to make a follow up appointment at the ENT to check on that. The visit ended with a flu shot...but she handled it well.
Ella insisted on bringing Guacamole (her beloved baby doll) with her and requested that the doctor check her over too =) I'm sure you will all be relieved to know that Guacamole is in good health.
As we were getting back into the car I told Ella that because she was such an exceptional helper to me at the doctors I was going to let her have a "special treat"...usually a small toy or ice cream.
However, today she told me that for her special treat she wanted to "go see my Daddy".
How sweet is that.
Monday, November 17, 2008
you might be pregnant if...
1) You tell your husband his breath is making you want to throw up =)
2) You feel bad for saying that...but instead of apologizing you...
3) Send him to the grocery store (at 10pm!) for some cottage cheese and celery, which all of a sudden sound like the best combination in the world!
Thankfully, my sweet husband just takes this all in stride and laughs at me.
I am a blessed woman!
p.s. you might want to pray for him over the next few weeks =)
2) You feel bad for saying that...but instead of apologizing you...
3) Send him to the grocery store (at 10pm!) for some cottage cheese and celery, which all of a sudden sound like the best combination in the world!
Thankfully, my sweet husband just takes this all in stride and laughs at me.
I am a blessed woman!
p.s. you might want to pray for him over the next few weeks =)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Bloggy-block...
I've been so uninspired to write anything this week...
maybe it's the weather?
So, I'm asking you...anything you want to read about going on in the Hambrick world?
maybe it's the weather?
So, I'm asking you...anything you want to read about going on in the Hambrick world?
Friday, November 14, 2008
Rainy, dark, blah, blah, blah...what a dreary day.
Since me and the kids are still kinda under the weather (no pun intended...we just can't seem to shake this cough!)...and I didn't feel like braving the rain...we have just hunkered down today.
It's been a productive day...the house has been cleaned, laundry done, and bills paid. Oh yes, and Ella and I played about 85 games of memory...and read "Harold and the Purple Crayon" about 285 times.
Now I'm ready to be unproductive and make some tea and read my book while the kids nap =)
Since me and the kids are still kinda under the weather (no pun intended...we just can't seem to shake this cough!)...and I didn't feel like braving the rain...we have just hunkered down today.
It's been a productive day...the house has been cleaned, laundry done, and bills paid. Oh yes, and Ella and I played about 85 games of memory...and read "Harold and the Purple Crayon" about 285 times.
Now I'm ready to be unproductive and make some tea and read my book while the kids nap =)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Contentment Experiment, wrap-up
To read the contentment experiment introduction, click here.
Our two weeks of experiment finished about a week ago...
Truthfully, it was harder for me than I thought it would be. I thought at the beginning...no big deal, I really like not spending money.
Remember, I am frugal to the core =)
And really, it wasn't the lack of spending money that was hard...it was realizing how much I really do depend on acquiring things (even if they are deals!) for a rush of happy feelings. Realizing that I can be lazy and not want to deal with the mess of one more meal or the mundane-ness of peanut butter sandwiches...so lets just eat out. Realizing that I choose to be "picked up" by a starbucks coffee verses reaching out to my "living water" during moments of stress.
Yes, me...supposedly already content me.
Now, I'm not going off the deep end...I know that the Lord is the "giver of all good things" and there is no guilt to be found in enjoying all the incredible things he has blessed me with! But...I was reminded over the two weeks of my need to continually renew my mind to find my true and deep-down contentment in my relationship with my Lord.
It was a great experience and a great reality check. I realize this isn't something that I just learn once...but, it is something I will have to keep reminding myself of over and over again.
Our two weeks of experiment finished about a week ago...
Truthfully, it was harder for me than I thought it would be. I thought at the beginning...no big deal, I really like not spending money.
Remember, I am frugal to the core =)
And really, it wasn't the lack of spending money that was hard...it was realizing how much I really do depend on acquiring things (even if they are deals!) for a rush of happy feelings. Realizing that I can be lazy and not want to deal with the mess of one more meal or the mundane-ness of peanut butter sandwiches...so lets just eat out. Realizing that I choose to be "picked up" by a starbucks coffee verses reaching out to my "living water" during moments of stress.
Yes, me...supposedly already content me.
Now, I'm not going off the deep end...I know that the Lord is the "giver of all good things" and there is no guilt to be found in enjoying all the incredible things he has blessed me with! But...I was reminded over the two weeks of my need to continually renew my mind to find my true and deep-down contentment in my relationship with my Lord.
It was a great experience and a great reality check. I realize this isn't something that I just learn once...but, it is something I will have to keep reminding myself of over and over again.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Fun in the fall leaves...
Jeremiah and I spent the better part of last Saturday "moving" leaves from the backyard to a giant pile behind the barn.
Although, you couldn't tell it today =) ...it's already covered again!
The kids have had a blast playing in the leaves...or the "yeaf pile" as Ella calls it.
Although, you couldn't tell it today =) ...it's already covered again!
The kids have had a blast playing in the leaves...or the "yeaf pile" as Ella calls it.
Ezra's Christmas List...
1) Basket to climb in and out of...
2) Chair to climb up and down, up and down, up and down...
3) Stool to flip over and conquer...
Sunday, November 9, 2008
1st Annual Frozen Turkey Olympics...
They came,
they thawed,
they conquered!
We hosted the 1st Annual Frozen Turkey Olympics at the farm for our student ministry today...
Football, fishing, a bon-fire and frozen turkey shot-put...what more could you ask for?! =) What a fun day!
they thawed,
they conquered!
We hosted the 1st Annual Frozen Turkey Olympics at the farm for our student ministry today...
Football, fishing, a bon-fire and frozen turkey shot-put...what more could you ask for?! =) What a fun day!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
the invasion...
Ladybugs have invaded our home this past week...much to Ella's delight!
She will chase them around the house until she catches one and lets it climb all over her...talking to it, "oh, you're cute!"...and sets them "free" outside. She has rescued several from the clutches of Ezra, and came to me in tears after one "broke".
I don't know how long this invasion will last...but I love watching her enjoyment over something so simple.
She will chase them around the house until she catches one and lets it climb all over her...talking to it, "oh, you're cute!"...and sets them "free" outside. She has rescued several from the clutches of Ezra, and came to me in tears after one "broke".
I don't know how long this invasion will last...but I love watching her enjoyment over something so simple.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Big girl...
I think I can safely say that Ella is now 100% potty trained! She has been day trained for months now...but, we were definitely still needing the pull-ups at night.
But...as of this morning...she has "kept my unnerwears dry" for 2 weeks straight!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Simple Pleasures...
A sunny and 75 degree day in November...
My kids finally adjusting to the time change and waking up at their normal time...
No more campaign advertisements or phone calls...
Watching Ezra walk around the house and yell for "we-wa" (Ella in toddler-speak)...
New library books to read...
Filling up the Vue for only $35 dollars...
Finding dinosaur eggs with Ella on a walk around the pond...
A whole day to spend with my Jeremiah...
My kids finally adjusting to the time change and waking up at their normal time...
No more campaign advertisements or phone calls...
Watching Ezra walk around the house and yell for "we-wa" (Ella in toddler-speak)...
New library books to read...
Filling up the Vue for only $35 dollars...
Finding dinosaur eggs with Ella on a walk around the pond...
A whole day to spend with my Jeremiah...
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I'll think I'll wait a few more months before attempting this again...
I have written about my love of the library in previous posts. I still do. However...I learned today that I do not love story hour at the library with a crazed 13 month old in tow!I am pretty sure you are not supposed to allow your child to do the following:
1) Walk around and gleefully "bop" all the other kids on the back of the head
2) Attempt to steal the book that is currently being read from the story hour person-in-charge
3) When attempt #2 fails due to moms interruption , move on to attempt to steal the books-in-waiting
4) Stand at the front of the room and clap your hands and yell in your best t-rex impersonation
5) Throw yourself on the floor and squeeze through the maze of 30-something children, chairs, bags, and parents
6) Attempt round two of "bopping" your new friends heads
Needless to say...we left early =)
Monday, November 3, 2008
one more reason to vote...
Free Starbucks coffee!
All you need to do is visit a participating Starbucks tomorrow (Nov 4th) and let them know that you voted and they will give you free 12 ounce brewed coffee.
All you need to do is visit a participating Starbucks tomorrow (Nov 4th) and let them know that you voted and they will give you free 12 ounce brewed coffee.
You can find out more details about the free coffee offer on the Starbucks site.
This will go great with the free doughnut for voting being offered by Krispy Kreme.
what a weekend away will do...
Before...
During...
After...
We had a great weekend reconnecting as husband and wife. I remembered once again the reasons I fell in love with Jeremiah as a very young 16 year old...and why I am still madly deeply in love with him...11 years and 2 kids later!
We were able to go see the movie Fireproof over the weekend. Besides some cheesy lines...it was a great movie and I highly recommend it for every married couple. Click here to see if it is playing in a theater near you.
During...
After...
We had a great weekend reconnecting as husband and wife. I remembered once again the reasons I fell in love with Jeremiah as a very young 16 year old...and why I am still madly deeply in love with him...11 years and 2 kids later!
We were able to go see the movie Fireproof over the weekend. Besides some cheesy lines...it was a great movie and I highly recommend it for every married couple. Click here to see if it is playing in a theater near you.
Memory Monday
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
Saturday, November 1, 2008
What we are not doing this weekend...
1) Changing diapers or wiping bottoms
2) Filling sippy cups
3) Living on nap and bedtime schedules
4) Buckling and unbuckling carseats
Yes, it's true...We are enjoying a child-free weekend! A heartfelt thanks to Meme for watching Ezra and Ella this weekend while Jeremiah and I have our 1st annual Marriage Enrichment-Refreshment-Retreat-Conference-Getaway =)
We almost don't know what to do with ourselves.
Almost =)
2) Filling sippy cups
3) Living on nap and bedtime schedules
4) Buckling and unbuckling carseats
Yes, it's true...We are enjoying a child-free weekend! A heartfelt thanks to Meme for watching Ezra and Ella this weekend while Jeremiah and I have our 1st annual Marriage Enrichment-Refreshment-Retreat-Conference-Getaway =)
We almost don't know what to do with ourselves.
Almost =)