Lilypie First Birthday tickers>

Thursday, November 26, 2009

So Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

As the week has gone on, I have begun to think about all I am thankful for...

1. an amazing God who loves us, sent His son for us and continually blesses us.
2. the best husband in the world
3. a wonderful family
4. terrific friends

the list could really go on...This morning, as I was laying in bed, I pondered on last year's Thanksgiving and how different it was. Last year, we were up at the crack of dawn because Chris was running the Thanksgiving half marathon. Last year, a few weeks prior, we had learned that I had a blighted ovum and would be experiencing a miscarriage (which pretty much started last Thanksgiving day).

This year, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our precious Sprout. I am 33 weeks pregnant today. Even in the recent loss of a wonderful granddaddy, we are still amazed at the blessings God has bestowed upon us.

I pray that He continues to bless you and your families, as well!

Monday, November 23, 2009

A lot has been going on...

Sorry I've been a blogger MIA. We've had a lot going on in the last week. It started the week of the 13th... I had a stomach bug which put me out of commission.. but I also had TWO baby showers that weekend. I was much better by the one on Sunday but Saturday was rough for me.

Last week, we began the perinatal classes that I signed us up for and I took the (maternity) leave class that the county makes us take. Friday was not the best day. Chris's granddaddy passed away. He was a great man and was loved by many. He was diagnosed this summer with lung cancer but thankfully was not sick at all until last week. Last week he just went downhill and fast. Chris and I were planning on coming to his parents to spend Thanksgiving with them since we wont' be able to come at Christmas. So, we ended up just coming a little early (on Saturday) and will be here until Friday.

This is a picture of Granddaddy and the family at Christmas 2007 (minus brother in law Frank... someone had to take the picture) :)

From Christmas 2007



Friday, November 13, 2009

It starts early

I don't normally like to post about my kids at school... but noticed something today with my second graders. I have four boys in my second grade group (yes only four and all boys... long story). They were playing games today and I was listening to them as they played. The trash talk was hilarious! Yes, boys begin trash talking early... definitely in the second grade, not sure how much earlier. Just thought it might make ya'll smile on this beautiful Friday when I'm sure we'd all rather be home!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Some thoughts on a Sunday morning

Chris is out this morning serving at a water stop for a women's half marathon. This morning, I just wasn't up for going to church alone. So, I logged on to Newspring Church's website. Newspring is in Anderson, SC. It is the church that my stepsister and her husband both attend and work. If you ever have a chance, check out Perry's messages.

Anyway, as Sprout's birth approaches, I realize how much I miss having a church home. Many of you know, Chris and I were not happy in our old church home and have been attending a church a little closer to home. We have not gotten involved, other than going MOST Sunday mornings. I enjoy the services of this particular church, enjoy the messages by the pastor, and enjoy the music. I miss being involved in a Sunday School class, or small group though. I miss knowing people where we worship and being missed when we are not there. It's so hard to take that first step to becoming more involved when you haven't been involved in so long. It's so hard to know if this church is the place God wants us.

Yesterday, I attended a Beth Hadid service for GO (Lonebutterfly's youngest caterpillar). She is being dedicated this morning in their church. It was a very special time and I am so lucky that I was included in the family's special day. It just made me realize even more how important a church home is, as we begin this important journey of adding to our family.

Monday, November 2, 2009

I just had to do it...

It's my planning time right now and I just HAD TO DO IT... I just had to!!! I have an iPOD player on my desk and we listen to a lot of music while we work (kids and all). It was too quiet in here (I have to have noise of some sort). Anyway, since I have the room to myself, I just flipped through some of my playlists to look for some "Meredith" music (I'm very careful about what I play while students are in the room). I came across my Holiday playlist and YES, I AM LISTENING TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND AM TOTALLY LOVING IT!!! Playing a little off of "Little" Sarah's post today... What is your favorite holiday? And what is your favorite holiday song/hymn?

I guess which holiday my favorite is fairly obvious!!! :) I will share my favorite songs/hymns later this week ....

Sunday, November 1, 2009

The dreaded "GD", Sprout, Halloween, Georgia-Florida, and...

Just a little update of what's been going on around the Hartley House (isn't that the name of the show that Steve's mom was on in 90210?) We have had a busy October. We finished off September with Chris's final triathlon of the season, and started the month of October with a half marathon (him, not me). I didn't go with him for this one, so no pics (I think I have plenty of him running). The following weekend, we had a pretty successful Yard Sale...despite the "threat" of rain, the loss to the Vols and the fact that we still have a bunch of stuff left. We traveled to the Redneck Rivera (yup, PC Beach) for his cousin's wedding AND last weekend, we finally started on Sprout's room. We still need a few things (like the glider, a rug, ceiling fan, lamp and I'm thinking a bookcase). We are getting our glider this month (I think I decided which one I want, we just have to go get it). Oh and the bedding :)

Earlier this month, I was diagnosed with the dreaded gestational diabetes. So the past few weeks I've been learning what I can eat successfully without making my blood sugar too high. This also means no treats for me yesterday.

For Halloween, we window shopped for a glider, watched the game of which we will not speak, and had a date night with Lonebutterfly and her hubby (oh and the VERY cute caterpillar GO). We went to dinner (Outback...yum) and then came back to our place and played Trivial Pursuit. I LOVE playing board games but never get to play (Chris says it's no fun to play with just two people... party pooper). So, I was SUPER excited to be able to enjoy a board game.