Goodbye 2009

In 2009...

...I discovered that fostering a 4 day old newborn for nearly 3 months was HARD. A lot harder than I expected. It changed me and I look forward to the day when we are called to do it again.

...I learned to talk less and listen more. Discipline is golden.

...I realized that being a size 4 (or 2 or whatever) isn't important to me like it once was. I am beautiful, I have had three healthy pregnancies and have beautiful babies to show for it. Bring on the big butt and stretch marks! I AM BLESSED!

...I fell more in love with my husband than I ever thought possible. I am SO thankful for God's provision over my life when He placed my husband in it over 13 years ago and His many blessings and provisions ever since.

...I laughed so hard that I literally wet my pants (did I mention I'm preg with #3)! 'Nough said.

...I embarked on the journey of homeschooling and while unsure about this calling, felt God's hand ALL OVER IT! And it turns out I actually really like it.

...I (we) finally bought a house!!!! This was SO exciting and I am SO thankful for my humble little dwelling!

...I lead and completed my first Beth Moore study. Was super nervous about the intensity, but learned so much! Highly recommend it.

...I convinced my husband to get a cat. I have no idea how I accomplished this, but the cat is here and I am happy. And hubs even likes him.... go figure!

...I became a Twilight FAN! Who would have known that 4 books would cause such a fun obsession in my life and the lives of my girl friends?! Eclipse....here we come!!!!!!!!

...I accepted that despite all my efforts to be in control, I'm not... and I'm okay with that. I actually prefer it that way now.

Excited about all that is in store for us in 2010! Wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Out Of It....

I am 35 weeks pregnant now and completely out of it. Very uncomfortable, super tired, but WAY excited to meet our girl!! :)

I had Emma at 37 weeks and Brody at 38 weeks and so I am feeling all the stress and anticipation that comes during the final weeks of pregnancy. I am trying to be organized since I am also preparing for the Christmas festivities, homeschooling Emma, running my business, etc.

I feel super anxious about meeting this baby... And now that I know what it feels like to deliver a baby without drugs, a little nervous about that too. OUCH. But I've done it before and I can do it again. I just hope that she doesn't weigh nearly 9 lbs. like her brother did.

Below are a few pics that our friend John (who also happen to be a photographer) took about 3 weeks ago. How much bigger will the belly get??

Halloween

Halloween was a blast! Emma was a 50's girl and Brody was a little Charger. We started off with a Halloween pizza party with friends and then went around with our group of nearly 20 kids trick-or-treating! Last year the kids were kind of confused by the whole thing, but this year they had it down! SO FUN!!!

Most of the kids...

Pizza time!!

Me & my sweet Emma.

Emma with her good buddies Ian (doesn't he look thrilled?) and Kenzie.

Emma was a princess last year so we told her she had to be something different. :) She has already declared that next year she will be Aurora! These girls share names (from left to right): Ava, Emma, Emma, Ava :)

Emma and one of her best friends, Emma G.

They would storm the houses.

Our buddy Eric in all his 80's coolness.

Emma's New Love

About 8 months ago Emma began asking for a kitten.

We told her that she could get a kitten when she turned 5 and after we had bought a house, not thinking both events would happen so closely together.

Well, those two things just happened in September.

Below is Emma with her new love, her kitten (who has yet to be named...we are accepting suggestions). The kitten is a 6 1/2 week old female.

Emma is BEYOND overjoyed. I love the little thing too, she is so cute! Mark is actually really sweet with her (he picked her out). Brody thinks she's neat and Molly thinks she is the funnest "toy" we've brought home for her in a while. :)

It has been a looong time.....

....since I opened my prayer journal.

If I'm honest, probably over a year. And so many prayers have been answered (whether I liked the answer or not). Dang it! Wish I would have wrote them down in the midst of it all.

I have some things on my heart and I really want to see what God will do, how He will answer...

Emma's 5th Birthday Pics

I am FINALLY getting these up. October has been crazy! Below are pictures from Emma's 5th Birthday Party (a month late, but thats how it goes sometimes). :)

Me and my big 5 year old! So proud!

With Tia Megan and Uncle Bryan.

With Vava, who Emma adores!

Emma and Brody, best buds!

Aunt Stacie and Uncle Chad.

Nana and Papa!!

My little family. So blessed!

Auntie Kari and Uncle Adam (who were our gracious hosts)!

Time to make a wish!

My big girl! Such a sweetie!

Time to cut that ice cream cake....

but Mark broke the knife!

The birthday girl gets the first piece!

Papa entertaining Brody.

Delia and Emma!

BUSY!!!

After a week of painting, cleaning, updating and packing we are finally in our new house! What a BUSY week...and its still not over! There is so much to unpack and set-up, but I am beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel!

We could not have done this without the help of Mark's parents! Thank you Perry and Cathy for all your hard work! We appreciate you both so much!

Before and after pics to come!!!! :)

Have a great Monday!

-Alison

Emma's Ear Piercing

Emma asked if she could get her ears pierced around May. After discussing it we told her that if she still wanted them pierced in September then she could get them pierced for her birthday. She talked about it all summer long and as mid September approached she was very sure that she wanted to get them done. So the day before her birthday we headed to Claire's with all her Aunts and her Nana in tow! :)

Emma started to get really nervous once she was in the chair. Picking out her pretty pink flower earrings seemed to help her nerves a bit. I told her we could leave but she refused. :)

Marking where the holes will go.

I had to make sure they marked them just right.

"OUCH!!!" was what she said VERY loudly.

Then we both cried.

3 minutes later Emma was all smiles.

After taking a look-see my (almost) 5 year old says it was worth it!

Finished!

I learned to crochet almost 2 years ago and really enjoy it! My Grandma Borges is the master crocheter and I hope to one day be as good as she is. Below are pics of my first afghan! I started it last year and was a few stitches away from completing it. I finally pulled it out again about a month ago and finished it. Right in time for "winter"! :)

My Grandma & Grandpa. They are in the Azores right now and come home in a few days!

Fun With Friends!

We love hanging out with friends and birthday parties are always so fun! Here are the kids at another fun birthday party at the Grogan's house a few weeks ago!

Emma and one of her best friends, Emma Grogan. They are so cute and they call each other by their full names so as not to get confused. :)

Brody getting into the party fun!

The balloon game! Who can hold the most?

Emma and her buddy Christian tied!

Brody playing outside. This boy melts my heart.

My handsome guys!