Bluebonnet Beauties

As an official Texan, I have been bit by the bluebonnet bug! (try saying that 10 times fast!) They are simply everywhere around here, and make driving anywhere worth while! Bluebonnets are the TX state flower, and look absolutely stunning in bunches. I had heard about a great field not far from me, where I could take the girls and snap a few shots. It was on government property, and they don't mind one bit (friendly Texans!) So, without further anticipation, here's a few shots from last week's photo session!

Pink it is!

Better late then never right? Well, our stubborn little baby finally showed us it's "goods." It's a GIRL!!!!

Looks like we're destined for pink around here! We've already got her crib up and her new bedding in. We went with pink cherry blossom trees and birds as the "theme." Her name will be Olivia Joy. So, our girl's middle names all "go" together.....we have Grace, Faith, and Joy. I suppose if we do try for one more and it's a girl maybe we'll have to use Love? =)

Anyways.....here she is, sweet as can be, at our last ultrasound (around 25 weeks)

Oh, and as of today, I am 31 1/2 weeks....won't be long now!!!

Blessings!

Ali

My baby is 5!

Happy Birthday to a beautiful, loving, gentle (when she wants to be), caring, God loving, spirited, spunky, silly, adventurous, social little Kayla Grace! We love you so much and are blessed beyond words that God chose US to be your parents! What an honor it truly is to watch you grow, in body and spirit! You teach us so much about ourselves and of love, and we are so excited to continue with you on this journey of life! Happy Birthday sweet Kayla girl!!!!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

A beautifully blessed snow

I'm a bit late getting this out, and from the weather we've been getting lately, it feels as though it's been over a month since we saw this winter wonderland, but it was only a week ago that we were seeing this.....















We had a TON of fun playing in it! We made a snowman, and David and his folks who were visiting for the day, made a HUGE angel Gabriel. I may have overdone it a bit, because I was sick the next day, but it was totally worth it!!!

23 weeks and counting...

Maybe it's because this was the first baby that we officially "tried" for, maybe it's because we suffered two losses during our 10 months of trying, but whatever the case, this pregnancy seems to be crawling by! I know I will be thankful for that fact at some point, but right now I just want to meet my sweet baby! Things are going very well, and I feel great! I have another ultrasound in a week and a half where, hopefully, the baby will cooperate and show us the goods! We tried about a month ago, and those little thighs were glued shut! I have complete nursery ideas picked out for a boy and a girl, and names are ready to go too! All we need to see now is which it will be! Here is a picture of me at 23 weeks (all dolled up for the gym!)




Blessings!

Ali

God speaks.....even through chips and salsa

So, I've been on a huge spicy food kick ever since finding out I was pregnant. I've been making homemade salsa on a very regular basis, which also means I've been buying lots of corn chips to go with it. Yesterday as I was nearing the end of the bag of chips, only to get to the "bottom of the bag" chips, you know the ones I mean. They are all broken, small and some are even reduced to mere crumbs. Now, what do we usually do with these chips? Most of us probably just toss them because they are too hard to mess with, especially if you are wanting to dip them in something.

So, I tossed the bag....didn't really give it another thought.

Now we all know that God can use any situation in our lives to teach us something, but this? Surly not! However, through chips and salsa, God spoke...Early this morning, I heard His heavenly whisper say to me....."Aren't all my children like those chips you tossed? Broken, crumbling and small? Yet, I delight in these chips! They have purpose and flavor, just the same as the others!"

As I sat there in my bed, the quietness all around me, I thanked the Lord for such a beautiful word picture as this! What a joy to my heart to be reminded of these things. For one, I am broken, but glued together only by the undeserved saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Two, I do have purpose, even when those around me don't see it, HE does! As for my "flavor," I have to remember that each and every person on this earth is made by our Almighty creator and I should love openly, wholeheartedly and fully, each one of them, because He does!

Have a God filled day, and remember, don't throw away those bottom of the bag chips! They're yummy!!!

In His Grace alone,

Ali

From tiny baby to little lady

Happy Birthday to my sweet Anna girl! I can't believe it's been 3 years already. She blesses my heart with her precious laughter, constant cuddles, love of dress up shoes, and her constant use of "oh man!" I love you so so much sweet girl!!!