By The Fireside

Nana's 83rd Birthday!

2012-02-11T15:23:00.004-05:00

My beautiful nana turned 83 years old on January 24th! Mom and I threw her a brunch with some of her friends and had so much fun celebrating her life. Nana is such a gift to everyone who knows her - truly Christ's hands extended, full of grace, compassion, joy and spirit!

Thank the Lord for genetics - my mom and nana are the MOST beautiful :-)

Love these women!

Aunt LuAnn found a practical use for the party favors...

I love you, Nana, and praise the Lord for your life. I am so blessed to be your granddaughter!

West Coast in the Winter

2012-02-11T14:34:00.007-05:00

We really enjoyed our time in Oregon visiting Kenny's family and enjoying God's creation...even if that did include a winter storm with 115 mph wind gusts off the coast. ;-) It was a rainy and windy week, but we loved visiting with family, eating delicious fish, and drinking lots of (decaf, sigh) coffee!

We spent one day just driving up the coast and I finally had a chance to see Cannon Beach, which was spectacular. I could seriously move to Cannon City if I could pack up the fam and take them with us! It is the coolest little coastal town with tons of great restaurants and vibe-y stores, etc. Love.

We also stopped in Tillamook, OR to tour the cheese factory. I heart cheese.

And purchased some awesome blankets at the Pendleton outlet store, which was super exciting. Pendleton wool blankets are so cozy and we had been hoping to invest in some for a while...we got 3 blankets for what less than ONE would have cost. I was pumped :-)

Isn't the Oregon coast stunning?

Leah and Auggie, Jeanett's labs, came along for the ride!

Jeanette threw us a beautiful baby shower while we were there, too! I just loved meeting her friends and visiting with everyone. I was truly overwhelmed by their generosity and kindness towards us...it was a great night!

Melody MADE me this awesome tote bag for baby things!

Kenny was so excited about this Oregon Duck's sweat pant-suit...can you tell? Micah has a pretty sweet Duck's wardrobe now...

Grandma Ione and Aunt Karen (Kenny's dad's mom and sister)

We also spend a great afternoon with some of our favorite people, Jason and Kara Enright...oh, and their too-cute-for-words little boys: Trey and Brohdy! We ate at the Portland Bagel Co., and Kara and I had panic attacks watching the fathers of our children walk to the edge of tall cliffs during a storm to take pictures. gulp. We drank coffee in the car ;-)

Kenny took a couple of 24 week photos of me (and Micah) on Sunset Beach in Coos Bay, his hometown.

And this one on Cannon Beach at 25 weeks :-)

It is always such a treat to visit Oregon...it really is God's country! We're looking forward to visiting again later this year...with Micah in tow :-)

What Glucose Test?

2012-02-01T21:12:00.003-05:00

Cookie Dough Dip

I may have a glucose test coming up this week, but that won't keep me from indulging in this recipe I came across today - I plan to make it for Super Bowl Sunday. AND...I can eat it, because it doesn't actually have raw eggs...major bonus! Thought I'd share the chocolate-y goodness:

{Ingredients}

½ cups Butter
⅓ cups Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 block (8 Oz. Block) Cream Cheese, Softened
½ cups Powdered Sugar
¾ cups Chocolate Chips

{Recipe}

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture starts to bubble. Set aside to cool, and whisk in vanilla.

Cream together cream cheese and powdered sugar for 60 seconds. With mixer on low speed, add in brown sugar and butter mixture. Mix until combined. I added the chocolate chips at this time so the mixer could break them up into pieces. You can so that, or just fold in the chocolate chips.

Garnish with additional chopped chocolate. Serve with fruit, cookies, graham crackers, pretzels or a spoon.

{24 Weeks}

2012-01-31T16:46:00.008-05:00

{Month 6}

How Far Along: 24 weeks!

Favorite Maternity Clothes: GAP maternity jeans I bought this week – what was I THINKING trying to stretch the use of the bellaband?! They are a-mazing.

Best moment this month: Putting together the nursery! Kenny and his mom painted it a light earthy peach-ish/brown over Christmas vacation ...and I enjoyed purchasing some artwork on etsy.com, helping kenny put together our white Jenny Lind crib, and sitting in the rocking chair day-dreaming. :) We also spent week 24/25 of the pregnancy with Kenny's family in Oregon...hence, the beach photo above. No, Cincinnati did not acquire a lovely beach-scape ;-)

Movement: Micah moves a lot! And the kicks and punches are getting stronger (ooff!). I love feeling him, it’s so reassuring.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Zero aversions. Major appetite! At my 24 week appointment, I put on some weight, so I’ve gained 12 lbs so far…I don’t know what that means, but they said it was “good weight gain”…I plan to just keep eating ;-) I’m doing my best to pick healthy choices for this sweet boy!

What I miss: Spicy tuna sushi rolls!

Sleep: Sleeping great, so thankful. It’s just a matter of time before my precious sleep is interrupted by a MORE precious baby boy!

What I am looking forward to: Starting our Bradley Method birth classes on Feb 6th, and finishing up our registry. Every detail of preparation is such a sweet reminder of the precious gift of this child!

Belly Changes: Behold, the bump!

Symptoms: Back aches, especially in the morning and nighttime…realizing my body gets sore doing things I always used do and that’s a little frustrating because it’s hard to admit you’re needy! Some Braxton hicks, but not many (usually when I overdo it – oops).

Prayer for this month: Lord, you know the cry of my heart: that Micah would come to know you personally at an early age. I pray, Father, that his heart would be bent toward you, even now- and that he would have a deep love for Your Word and desire to follow after you all the days of his life. Give Kenny and I the power, through your spirit, to shepherd his little heart.

Third Annual {Brunch of Joy}

2012-01-02T21:38:00.006-05:00

Well, I'm catching up on some blogging now that the holidays are over. It was such a wonderful season for us, and so special being pregnant over Christmas! Since we moved into our home in 2009, we've hosted a Christmas Eve Brunch each year that we like to call the Brunch of JOY! As we continue to prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ's birth, we love to gather around the table with family and start the day off laughing, sharing...and of course eating! Here are some snapshots from our brunch...

The Master Chef preparing his mascarpone stuffed french toast with Strawberry compote!

Not the best picture of us...but you get it: we were there ;-)

Jeanette stayed with us Christmas week - we had so much fun!

The girls always get their gift on Christmas Eve morning after brunch!

It was a JOY filled morning, indeed :-)

It's a BOY! {Gender Reveal Family Party}

2012-01-02T14:48:00.011-05:00

Wednesday, December 21st, Kenny and I found out firstborn child will be a BOY! Our 20-week ultrasound was two days earlier, but we had the tech keep it a secret by putting "boy" or "girl" in a sealed envelope and not telling us at the appointment. We took the envelope (immediately) to our favorite local bakery (Bluebird Bakery, where our wedding cake was made) and had the owner bake us a very special cake for the party. Until Wednesday night, only the ultrasound tech and Jenny at Bluebird bakery knew whether baby Sinclair was a boy or girl! :) We invited over a small group of family (and a little extended family) to join us in revealing BOY or GIRL! It was so fun and memorable. Mom and Abigail put so much work into making the event special for us...

Abigail made this sweet box with little cards for each family member to write a little word of encouragement or just babble with excitement! (My mother-in-love wrote WOW!!!! on hers...I think she was excited...)

She also had a space for everyone to guess BOY or GIRL before we cut the cake...they would tally their guess on a chalkboard, and then wear either a bow or tie pinned to their shirt :-) Abigail made all these - thank you, sister!

Sweet banner :)

Tally board... there were a lot of wrong guesses....me included!

The cake of mystery ::insert dramatic music here::

Reaction photo {shock meets joy meets hysteria}

It's a boy...TOUCHDOWN ;-)

Grandma Nettie was right...it's a little boy!

Mom's beautiful spread of yummies:

We are so in love with this little boy of ours! I REALLY thought baby was a girl (not necessarily because I had a preference, I just thought it was!) but once I found out he was a boy, I thought, "Of COURSE it is!!" It was just so perfect and right. :)

::BLUE booties::

Thus begins a slew of photos involving Kenny, myself, the banner, and our sweet family :-)

Sports pose...to symbolize a boy, of course.

Kenny took this photos just before we left for the party (20 weeks along).

Micah, we are SO GLAD you are our SON - exactly what God planned for our family! My heart is full as I think about God's goodness in bringing you into our lives in HIS perfect timing. Oh, how I love you, my sweet son, and look forward to the day I will hold you in my arms. For now, your daddy and I continue to pray for YOU, Micah Daniel, by name, as we lift up your precious life to our heavenly Father...who loves you even more than we do. But I'll tell you more about that when you're here...

{20 Weeks}

2011-12-22T21:41:00.009-05:00

{ Month 5 }

How Far Along: 20 weeks - halfway!

Favorite Maternity Clothes: This is such a fabulously awkward clothing stage. :) So, my pants all fit with the BellaBand…and I have some cotton maternity shirts…but I can’t find dressier (think: attractive) maternity clothes that I really love. I’m going to hit up some non-maternity clearance racks for larger sizes and baggier styles (i.e. Gap, Fossil, Anthro) in hopes to find some nicer shirts/tunics to wear with leggings.

Best moment this month: There were TWO!

{1} Our 20-week ultrasound! My heart was full to overflowing seeing the answer to our prayers for a child on the ultrasound screen – what a miracle, and what a God we serve! We watched baby reach for his/her toes, yawn, and kick. The ultrasound tech had one hand on the wand, and the other was handing me tissues ;-)

{2} Our baby gender reveal family party! We’re having a sweet baby BOY!!

Movement: Kicks, swooshes, rolls and flips…this baby loves to move! Kenny felt the baby kick for the first time last week (19 weeks) and that was a sweet moment to share together…I wish I could have photographed the smile on his face. Mom (Nana-to-be) was so hoping to get to feel a kick, and FINALLY got a good hard one right in the palm a few nights ago…those of you who know her can imagine her expression, I’m sure. ;-)

Food Cravings/Aversions: Hello, appetite. My only serious craving has been Kashi’s Berry Blossom cereal…like, 3 bowls a day. Still averse to Indian. Boo.

What I miss: A Jersey Mike’s Club Sub this month ;-)

Sleep: Still sleeping well, used to getting up at night…except when I’m coooooold. I can’t wait to get up to a BABY!

What I am looking forward to: Meeting/holding/kissing/squeezing our sweet little BOY!

Belly Changes: I love watching my tummy grow, imagining the precious one in side! Enjoying the journey of pregnancy…not freaking out about the lbs and enjoying every minute :)

Symptoms: Easily overwhelmed (bawled all the way through the movie “Eight Below”), hormonal, over-the-top maternal instincts, HUNGRY!

Prayer for this month: Lord, is it really possible that You, the King of Creation, came to earth in the very form you are fashioning inside me…a tiny baby? How we worship at the manger of the King of Kings this advent season, so thankful that you became GOD with US…Emmanuel! What a mystery...I am more in awe than ever.

Here we are soon after finding out we're having a SON!

Then today, Kenny's mom and I hit up some baby consignment stores for boy clothes and Buybuy Baby to put final touches on our registry. I was rather proud to finally be able to park in the special "Expectant Mother" spot ;-)

Um...we went crazy. All this for under $100!!
I heart bargains. And tiny things. And my son :)

Kenny and I are overwhelmed with JOY!
Micah Daniel Sinclair

"Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him." {Psalm 127:3}

{16 Weeks}

2011-12-11T11:51:00.007-05:00

Month 4 {November}

How Far Along: 16 weeks!

Favorite Maternity Clothes: No more buttoning of the jeans for this mama – I haven’t moved to maternity pants yet and am getting by currently with the BellaBand. Hoping to buy a second one soon! I’ve worn 2-3 maternity shirts just because I love the length of them so they’ll cover the BellaBand completely.

Best moment this month: Feeling baby’s first strong flutter at the Cincinnati Symphony celebrating Kenny’s 30th birthday last weekend! Baby must have enjoyed Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade” …and tympani!

Movement: Can’t wait to feel more – especially when Kenny can feel it, too. I know that will be such a special moment for us to experience together!

Food Cravings/Aversions: The strong aversions have passed, which is really nice. Indian & Mexican food (formerly my favorites) are both still not options…it’s crazy how hormones change your palate. Also realized I’ve been enjoying Skyline Chili more recently, and milkshakes. Especially Chik-Fil-a’s Peppermint Milkshakes.

What I miss: Smoked Salmon…why can’t I stop thinking about it?! {get a grip}

Sleep: I noticed in the past week I’ve begun getting up more often at night to use the restroom (and during the day) – We’re considering turning the bed so I don’t have to go through a labyrinth in the dark, without my contacts in, jumping over both sleeping dogs…to the restroom. ;-)

What I am looking forward to: Four weeks until we find out if Baby is a boy or girl…FOUR WEEKS!!! {breathe}

Belly Changes: I’ve definitely popped out a little just in the past week. If I’m wearing a baggy sweatshirt, it’s not super noticeable….but in a regular cotton shirt, there’s definitely a little bump! Kenny lovingly exclaimed to me yesterday, “You look poochy!!” Thanks, dear.

Symptoms: Definitely dealing with some hormonal pregnancy tears/outbursts this month! Sorry, Kenny :)

Prayer for this month: Father, may I continue to focus my eyes on You during this season. May the words I speak and the things I do reflect You to this precious baby - even while he/she is inside my womb…

{12 Weeks}

2011-11-01T11:35:00.006-04:00

Month 3 {October}

How Far Along: 12 weeks! What an answer to prayer - Sayonara, first trimester!

Favorite Maternity Clothes: Found some great bargains on maternity clothes at Gap outlet and various local consignment stores! I haven’t worn any yet, but I’m getting ready to begin using the BellaBand with my regular jeans…you know “it’s that time” when your pants are unbuttoned more than they are buttoned. ;-)

Best moment this month: Seeing baby Sinclair wiggle and dance around on the ultrasound at 9 weeks…and then hearing it on the Doppler at 12 weeks - the sweetest sound my ears have ever heard…and I’ve heard a lot of beautiful music. :)

Movement: I felt a few flutters…or what I thought could be… beginning at 11 weeks. I guess time will tell if it was “for real” or not once they get stronger. I’m pretty sensitive, so I think I really did feel something, although I know it’s a bit early.

Food Cravings/Aversions: The week finally came when I could not…to my dismay…eat at the Indian Food Buffet after church on Sunday. * sigh * Weeks 10-12 have been the roughest so far - nothing seems to sound good...my two cravings have been Arby's curly fries (with cheese, of course) and chocolate milkshakes (super healthy). I lost the 3 lbs I put on at my 8 week...but the doctor said that was just fine...and to enjoy my curly fries - he'll tell me if I've gained too much ;-)

What I miss: Random foods that sound good just because I know I can’t have them. I think a lot about bagels and lox (smoked salmon) from Kenny & Zuke's in Portland, OR :)

Sleep: I heart sleep…still.

What I am looking forward to: Finding out if baby Sinclair is a boy or girl - which will be Christmas week! This is one excited mama :)

Belly Changes: Hello, BellaBand.

Symptoms: Getting energy back! Major food aversions, nausea (finally threw up for the first time at 12 weeks, ha), excess trips to the restroom…

Prayer for this month: Father, may our lives, and the life of this child bring you glory!

Here's baby's photo from our 9.5 week ultrasound :)

We took a video on my iphone of our 9.5 week ultrasound - you can see our wonderful Doctor explaining what's on the screen...and baby dancing away in the beginning! Considering I stand next to the drums playing the guitar/leading worship at church, like, 8 hours a week, I think baby is bound to love music :)

And at 12 weeks, Kenny and I heard sweet baby's heartbeat for the first time using a Doppler (running around 160 BPM). How nerdy do I look/sound/act? I was SO thrilled :)

We are treasuring every precious moment!
{Soli Deo Gloria}

{8 Weeks}

2011-10-25T10:42:00.005-04:00

Month 2 {September}

How Far Along: 8 beautiful weeks!

Favorite Maternity Clothes: In my regular clothes still…I’ve heard it’s the luxury of a first baby ;-)

Best moment this month: Seeing baby’s heartbeat at the Dr’s office at 7.5 weeks…what an answer to prayer! Kenny and I were overwhelmed with thankfulness!

Movement: Only that little heartbeat!

Food Cravings/Aversions: For the most part, feeling great. Did hit a rough patch week 6 with food aversions and minor waves of nausea…downing the water!

What I miss: Bye-Bye sushi…

Sleep: I heart sleep.

What I am looking forward to: Passing that First Trimester milestone…we are learning to trust the Lord in new ways and are thankful for every day I have the privilege of carrying this child! (But oh man, it will feel good/reassuring to get to 12 weeks!)

Belly Changes: Jeans are beginning to feel a little tight when I’m sitting… ah, the beauty of unbuttoning ;-)

Symptoms: Fatigue, food aversions, minor nausea, excess trips to the restroom…

Prayer for this month: Beginning to pray for specific parts of baby’s body that are forming. I’m enjoying reading the pregnancy books mom gave me and they have been a great guide to help me know what to pray for. May baby’s feet bring good news, may her hands hold loosely to the world and firmly to her Father, may his mind grow in the knowledge and wisdom of his Savior…

5.5 week ultrasound showing a well-formed yolk-sac and a little shadow of a baby :)

7.5 week ultrasound showing beginnings of placenta and a little peanut with arm and leg buds!
At our 7.5 week scan, we also saw the heartbeat for the first time...such a miracle!

{4 Weeks}

2011-10-25T10:31:00.007-04:00

4 Weeks - Month 1 {August}

How Far Along: 4 weeks – we just found out and are SO thankful and excited to be expecting!

Favorite Maternity Clothes: Not yet…would that be some sort of record?

Best moment this month: Seeing those two beautiful lines show up on the pregnancy test (AHHH!!!!)…and running in the room to tell Kenny with tears streaming down my face :)

Movement: Just me…jumping up and down repeatedly.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Hungry! I heart carbs.

What I miss: I AM SO HAPPY TO BE PREGNANT I DON’T MISS A THING.

Sleep: Getting up a few times at night to use the restroom…which is rather uncommon for me.

What I am looking forward to: Everything.

Belly Changes: Not yet!

Symptoms: Fatigue, exhaustion….nap-time, please.

Prayer for this month: Praying the Lord would allow us to hold this little one in our arms here on earth – for a safe and healthy pregnancy. After our miscarriage last March, we don’t take the miracle of life lightly! What a joy it will be so meet this precious little one…

This was my $2 preg test from Walmart I took two days before I "should have" and it came up right away!! I told myself that if it was negative, it didn't mean anything because I tested early, and...it was cheap ;-)

Psalm 66 has come to mean so much to Kenny and I on this journey...what a beautiful promise of God answering prayer in His time, and bringing us to this place of abundance. We praise You, Lord!

Expecting!

2011-10-24T21:40:00.007-04:00

Our hearts are full to overflow...Baby Sinclair is due May 7, 2012!
Kenny and I are THRILLED to be expecting and give the Lord all the glory for the precious miracle growing within me. We had been praying for quite some time the Lord would allow us to be parents...it was a long road, but one that was not in vain. Through the pain of having to wait for the desire of our hearts (and a pregnancy loss in the middle of that long wait), God taught us what it meant to love him, trust him, and desire HIM more deeply. That is the greatest gift of all! I am feeling great at 12 weeks and looking forward to updating soon with some "belly" pictures (I say "belly" because I'm not really "showing" much yet...but I've been diligent in taking monthly photos...for posterity, of course ;-)) For now, just feeling overwhelmed with gratitude and looking toward the future with breathless anticipation as we await the arrival of this precious baby! (EEEEEEEEEE!!!!!)

A sight I will never forget...thank you, Lord!!

...and baby makes THREE :)

Habakkuk 3:17-18

2011-03-15T13:28:00.002-04:00

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (New International Version)

^"17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,

¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior!"

i love him

2011-03-07T23:22:00.005-05:00

I am thankful today for my husband, the love of my life.

Why? I'll tell you :)

I'm thankful I have a husband who loves the Lord and earnestly seeks Him. He is passionate about God's Word, absolute truth, and all things good, noble and right. I love that he appreciates the simple pleasures in life: enjoying a cup of coffee together, taking hikes, laughing at our dogs....just the day to day joys. I love what he brings to my life: safety and comfort, comic relief, an endearing dryness, an appreciation for all beautifully created things, a warm chest on which to lay my head, provision for my life and my heart, a rock for life's storms, kind eyes that understand, arms that embrace all that I am...the beauty and the beast. He is God's most precious gift to me.

I adore this man.

Spring is Coming

2011-02-14T12:20:00.002-05:00

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land. -Song of Solomon 2:12

"Sweet is the season of spring: the long and dreary winter helps us to appreciate its genial warmth, and its promise of summer enhances its present delights. After periods of depression of spirit, it is delightful to behold again the light of the Sun of Righteousness; then our slumbering graces rise from their lethargy, like the crocus and the daffodil from their beds of earth; then is our heart made merry with delicious notes of gratitude, far more melodious than the warbling of birds--and the comforting assurance of peace, infinitely more delightful than the turtle's note, is heard within the soul. Now is the time for the soul to seek communion with her Beloved; now must she rise from her native sordidness, and come away from her old associations. If we do not hoist the sail when the breeze is favourable, we shall be blameworthy: times of refreshing ought not to pass over us unimproved. When Jesus himself visits us in tenderness, and entreats us to arise, can we be so base as to refuse his request? He has himself risen that he may draw us after him: he now by his Holy Spirit has revived us, that we may, in newness of life, ascend into the heavenlies, and hold communion with himself. Let our wintry state suffice us for coldness and indifference; when the Lord creates a spring within, let our sap flow with vigour, and our branch blossom with high resolve. O Lord, if it be not spring time in my chilly heart, I pray thee make it so, for I am heartily weary of living at a distance from thee. Oh! the long and dreary winter, when wilt thou bring it to an end? Come, Holy Spirit, and renew my soul! quicken thou me! restore me, and have mercy on me! This very night I would earnestly implore the Lord to take pity upon his servant, and send me a happy revival of spiritual life!"

- CH Spurgeon

Christmastime

2011-01-04T22:55:00.003-05:00

We all gathered at mom and dad's to celebrate Christmas Day!

Christmas jammy pants! :-)

The traditional photo at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning ;-) Are we too old to do this? I think not.

The custom artwork we had created and framed for mom and dad to celebrate God's Faithfulness in 2010 bringing Mom through breast cancer...a gift from the 4 kids :)

Papa and Nana's 2011 Calendar :)

Grandpa made dad a game board!

Jon and Kenny in their Territory Ahead sweatpants - posing with the catalog. classic.

Only my husband would toast with the whole gallon of milk!

Brunch!

Joy to the world, the Lord has come; Let earth receive her King!

Brunch of JOY

2011-01-04T22:40:00.003-05:00

We hosted our 2nd Annual Christmas Eve Brunch and loved every minute! From the planning to the preparation to the gathering...it was such a special memory!

Olive Oil Muffins

Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast

With Orange Compote and Hazelnut Whipped Cream!

Both sets of grandparents were there....isn't that incredible? :)

Grandma & Grandpa Weber

Ducky!

Even the dog-children were there! They opened their Christmas presents, too :)

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great JOY that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord!" -Luke 2:8-11

Snow Dogs

2011-01-04T22:23:00.003-05:00

This is Emma & Leona. They are snow dogs!

They like to play in the snow with Daddy while mom takes pictures.
Emma likes to eat snow off the shovel.

Is this a stuffed animal or Leona looking unbelievably adorable?

Call of the Wild?

Daddy's helper.

Kenny is an excellent shoveler.

While Kenny continued to shovel, I made Hazelnut Whipped Cream for our Christmas Eve Brunch :)

The girls really appreciated this endeavor.

Then Leona modeled her new collar. The one we got her because she chewed up six metal ID tags. Six.
And Emma looked cute, which is commonplace.

It was a lovely snow day with the snow dogs :)

Deck The Halls

2011-01-04T22:13:00.003-05:00

Just some photos of little Christmas touches around the home before we take them all down! Mostly, because I promised my mother-in-love, Jeanette that I would :-)

Fa la la la la la la la laaaaaa!

A Social Network Christmas

2010-12-18T17:18:00.000-05:00

I love this video - such a unique, modern twist on the birth of Christ through the eyes of Facebook!

Kisses Make Everything Better

2010-12-14T17:04:00.000-05:00

'Tis The Season...

2010-12-13T13:39:00.000-05:00

While listening to this...
... I made these:

Jeanette Sinclair's Reeses Bars

1 package graham crackers (ground to powder in a food processor or blender)
1 box powdered sugar
2 sticks butter, room temperature
2 C creamy peanut butter
32 oz hershey's chocolate bars melted

Mix all ingredients but melted chocolate together in kitchen aid with paddle attachment
Press into a buttered 9x13" baking dish
Top with melted hershey's chocolate
Let sit until firm

...and these...

Debra Sadler's Scottish Shortbread

1lb unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 C white sugar
5 C flour

Press dough with hands and rolling pin into a large 9x15" cookie baking sheet. Score into rectangles with a plastic knife and prick with a fork.
Bake at 275 for 1 hr. (Yields 48 biscuits)

Hoping to make this Mocha Cocoa as a delicious pairing with the shortbread - excited to try this recipe :)

Homemade Instant Hot Cocoa Recipe

4 cups dry milk	1 cup non dairy creamer	1 4oz pkg chocolate pudding mix
1 1/2 cup sugar	2/3 cup cocoa powder	1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

How to Make

First finely grind or chop chocolate chips. I used my Magic Bullet Express Mixer to grind the chocolate chips to a powdery texture so it will melt completely. I tried a slightly more coarse texture which results in a longer melting time in the mug. The taste is the same, just took a few more minutes for the chunkier chocolate to melt in the liquid.

Place the dry ingredients in a food processor and pulse a few times till thoroughly blended. Store in an airtight container. Makes approximately 32 servings and yields 8 cups of instant hot cocoa mix.

Mix and Serve. Mix 3 tablespoons of hot cocoa mixture with 8 ounces of boiling water or hot milk.

*****

Or this twist (with decaf or regular instant coffee)...

Instant Mocha Cappuccino Mix

1 1/2 cup instant coffee	2 cups hot cocoa mix (recipe from above)
2 cups non dairy creamer

How to Make

Blend all your ingredients in a food processor until they are the same consistency. Makes approximately 33 servings and yields 5 1/2 cups of instant mocha cappuccino mix.

Mix and Serve. Mix 2 tablespoons of instant mocha cappuccino mix with 8 ounces of boiling water.

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

2010-12-13T13:28:00.000-05:00

With our Christmas Outreach Concert, "The Wonder of Christmas" coming to a close this past weekend, I'm left pondering the words to one of the songs we sang: "We hear the stories, we sing the songs; but is there any wonder left in us at all?" Abba, I don't want to lose sight of the WONDER of YOU! As Kenny and I prepare our hearts for this Christmas Season, we're looking forward to reading through this book together, "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" by Nancy Guthrie. I don't want this Advent season to go by without really taking the time to ponder the mystery of it all: Emmanuel, God is with us! Oh, the wonder of it!

Fate!

2010-12-03T22:46:00.000-05:00

Just one pair...sitting abandoned on the DSW check-out counter... FATE! :-)

I probably loved them so much because I love THIS...
...and THIS :-)

What do YOU think? ;-)

Merry & Bright

2010-11-19T16:02:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday, we grabbed our Canon (along with my brother to photograph!) and headed to historic downtown Glendale, one of our favorite local spots, for Christmas pictures! It's always eventful attempting to reign in two enthusiastic huskies, and one unenthusiastic husband (heh) but we managed to get some fun shots! Enjoy :)

Leona burrowing her way under Kenny....camera shy?

I love that sweet Emma :-)

They are NOT cooperating...and I am amused :)

::MUSH::

This is probably my favorite from the lot -from an artistic standpoint. I love how both the girls are looking straight at the camera (thanks to Abigail who's antics we're quite amusing in effort to get the dogs to look at her) :)

May your days be merry and bright!!!

Wrong...On So Many Levels.

2010-11-08T21:54:00.000-05:00

Election Day!

2010-11-02T22:20:00.000-04:00

We did our part on this historic election day!

Something In The Water

2010-10-23T22:36:00.000-04:00

Brooke Fraser: Something In the Water, Video

I'm in love with Brooke Fraser's newest album, "Flags" which released earlier this week. Musically, it's like a gourmet meal for the senses!! I can't get over all the different facets and layers of the production...simply: it is magical :) The best "feel good" track is cut #1, "Something In the Water" which I can't listen to without smiling and tapping my toes :-D And, I'm equally crazy about the song "Crows and Locusts" ...epic. Thanks, Brooke, for an incredible and inspiring album!!

Split Ends, No More!

2010-10-20T09:17:00.000-04:00

After 7 months, I finally got a haircut! Nothing spectacular...but it just "feels" better :) (girls, you know what I mean!) She just fixed the layers and trimmed the ends...ahhh...a fresh haircut!

Bluebird Bakery

2010-10-16T23:09:00.000-04:00

I got to have lunch on Friday with some of my favorite people at one of my favorite places! One of my oldest and dearest friends, Lydia, was visiting from Colorado with her 11 mo. old, Aida and I was excited for her and Steph to meet. Of course...Ethan came along, too :) We met up at the Bluebird Bakery in historic Glendale and had a delicious lunch and shared good food and even better conversation...

Whimsical table numbers made me smile:

I had the harvest salad (yum) with ham and bean soup! Perfect Fall combo :)

Aida drank out of a big girl cup!

I feel so blessed to have such wonderful friendships and to be able to love on and invest in their kids. Love you girls!

It Started With Crazy Eyes

2010-10-16T22:42:00.000-04:00

It all started as we were leaving. One of my best friends, Stephanie and I usually spend Fridays together since I am off work and she is still on maternity leave. We were gathering our things and buckling Ethan into his pumpkin seat (getting ready to get our Maxx-inistas on) when he made these crazy eyes:

And he continued making this hilarious expression every time she lowered the top down!! We got laughing so hard we could hardly stand it - especially when she proceeded to include the theme song from psycho (think: "eee eee eee!"). Then, Ethan started laughing at us... (we are pretty funny)

...And thus ensued the Ethan photo shoot in his pumpkin seat :)

I mean, how could I resist this face???

And then I looked outside...and the sun had dipped behind the trees and the leaves were falling and I just had to get them out in the yard for more pictures :) hehe. (TJ Maxx...you'll just have to wait!)

You'll probably remember Steph from the materninty photo shoot I did with her back in June! It's hard to believe Ethan is actually here now :)

I love this child.

Did you just adoringly put your hand over your heart? Yeah...I thought so ;-)

Ethan and his Gigi :)

We did eventually end up paying a visit to TJ Maxx...but not until we uploaded the photos and "ooo-ed and ahh-ed" over his sweet little faces....and a brief (but delightful) rendezvous to Starbucks!

The Unwelcomed Welcomer

2010-10-16T22:34:00.000-04:00

Fievel, the praying mantis that has lived in our door-frame for about 5 weeks, was just devoured and replaced by a female one - 10 times his size!! It hissed at me when I tried to use the front door yesterday...after which I shrieked and decided to enter by way of the garage. I miss you, kind little Fievel :-(

I finally worked up the courage to take a picture of her...it doesn't really do her justice...she's about 7-8 inches long!! I've decided to name her Wilhemina... of course.

Let's just put it this way...I'm entering through the garage this week ;-)

Some Enchanted Evening

2010-10-02T14:29:00.000-04:00

This past week, sweet Papa and Nana treated the whole family to a lovely evening at the Aronoff to see one of their favorite musicals, SOUTH PACIFIC! It truly was an enchanted evening...full of soaring music, beautiful sets, family togetherness...and Gold Star Chili! And at 10:30 as we were leaving the Aronoff, we exited to the sound of honking horns, hoots and hollers: The REDS had made it to the Playoffs! Cincinnati, you really stold our hearts that night :)

Eating at Gold Star...the great start to any evening!

Kenny...not a Cincinnati chili fan...opted for Arby's take-out on the way ;-)

Papa and Nana gearing up for an evening of excitement!

Cheers!

Papa modeling for me - we're making memories!

Cousin Greg is interning in Cincinnati until Christmas and living with mom and dad - it was fun to have him with us!

Neighbors! :)

Beautiful Aronoff Center...

Poor papa somehow got stuck with my purse while I was flitting around taking photos!

Ready for the show to begin!

Thanks Papa and Nana for a wonderful evening - we are so blessed to have such wonderful memories together as a family!!!

Fall Festivity

2010-10-02T14:11:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Sinclair home....decorated for the Fall :-)

I was trying to explain to my "mother-in-love," Jeanette, over the phone how I had decorated our home for Fall and then realized it would just be easier to show her! Since she lives in Oregon, I promised to post pictures, so, here they are :) I just LOVE Fall!

Kara, do you like my Scentsy?!? I have pumpkin pie in it right now - we LOVE it :-)

Seasonal soaps make me smile :)

Front door photo!

I picked this up from a Fall Festival before Kenny and I were married and couldn't wait to put it on the front door of our future home - now here we are 2 years later!

I hope that's a glare on the TV and not dust...ugh...Swiffer anyone? :-/

I love this little owl Abigail and I saw at Hobby Lobby...I couldn't pass it up! It's gracing our wood stove in the family room...

Harvest plates on the stand Jeanette gave me for my birthday last year!

Well...there's the official Fall tour. Ya'll come back now! ;-)

Norris Lake 2010

2010-09-10T23:29:00.000-04:00

A family tradition for about 8 years, we spent Labor Day Weekend at Norris Lake in East TN! We drove down with Jon and Abigail and met up with Mom and Dad, Aunt Dawn, Uncle Harold, and cousins Andrew and Greg...and his girlfriend Rebecca :) I took a bazillion photos because we had such a great time...although not many of us on the boat, being that I was paranoid my beloved Canon would fall into the lake! Here's a photo from the deck of the house we rent:

Took a few pictures of Greg & Rebecca...we're excited Greg is going to be living with my parents for the next three months because he has an internship here in Cincinnati! (My dad's sister and family live in Atlanta.)

Abers!

The newlyweds!

Dad enjoying a quintessiantial lake snack: Yoohoo & cookies!

"Welcome to the Lake!!" :-)

Jon & Kenny demonstrating how short the bed is...

The boys played rook...and rook...and more rook! (Abgail, am I right?)

So, um...the girls braided each other's hair :)

Pretty sissy :)

Dad slalom skiing!

Sisters-in-law!
Sisters-in-law AGAIN!

A beautiful fog rising off the lake the morning we left!

We had such a great time of family togetherness and refreshment! :)

Happy September!

2010-09-03T22:17:00.000-04:00

The girls would like to wish you a very happy September :-)

Chandler {Senior Photos}

2010-09-01T21:02:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share s few photos from my new friend, Chandler, who's senior photos I took earlier this week. His mom, Pam, works at the church with me and I was thrilled to be included in such a special part of his senior year! Chandler is such a cool guy, which a great "indie" laid back personality, so we tried to capture that in the photos. We even got some with his guitar, skateboard, and karate get-up :) Enjoy!

{yum}

2010-08-30T16:17:00.001-04:00

Kashi Cocoa Beach Granola & Greek God's Honey Greek Yogurt...the perfect snack combo :-) Mmm...

SIT! SPEAK! STAY!

2010-08-28T00:05:00.000-04:00

Nothing promotes obedience quite like the promise of a TREAT! Kenny and I were in Complete Petsmart when Emma was a puppy and the nice cashier offered her a bacon treat which she took, and then promptly spit out right at his feet!! [insert embarrassment here] Can you believe that?! I guess you really can form a dogs taste-buds by being choosy about what you feed them! We typically offer them a Buddy Biscuit or a variety of Eagle Pack's holistic treats - and we've discovered that both our girls prefer the healthier, organic treats to the Milkbone or Beggin' Strips by far! So....I decided to try to kill two birds with one stone: feed them what they like, and save some money! For the last month, I've been making my own organic dog biscuits! Yes, I am fully aware that they are DOGS...but I reserve the right to nurture my fur-babies until the real things come along ;-) Plus....ugh...they are so cute when they lay on my feet while I cut them out with my bone-shaped cookie cutter!

Here's a recipe I found to use as a fulcrum - I had fun getting creative. First, I made this general recipe, but since then I've tried one with fish stock, apple & apricot! They LOVE them :)

It was fun cutting them out!

Baked them for 20 minutes on one side, flipped them, and 15 more minutes on the other side @ 350!

Here's the final product!! WOOF :)

Hooray, 30 Years!

2010-08-27T23:42:00.000-04:00

Kenny and I hosted a 30th Anniversary party to celebrate my parent's LOVE! We celebrated together in Hilton Head, but I wanted to provide an opportunity for them to celebrate with some of their close friends! My parents love to have FUN, so I held a dessert and lawn-game party!

Some of the ladies enjoying the cool summer evening just chatting away :)

Some of the men after their cornhole championship!

Team Christmas! :)

Bocci Ball!!!

Their gorgeous cake make by The Bluebird Bakery in historic Glendale, OH. (http://www.bluebirdbakery.com)

Cutting the cake!
Dad fed mom some cake...

...and then Mama fed Dad some cake...

...and then she fed Kenny some cake....wait a second...
Hours before the party, I realized there was a small part missing for the machine...I went all charismatic on that chocolate fountain!! I was SO happy it worked :-D
That blessed chocolate fountain! *sigh of relief*
Backyard fun...

"Orange You Glad We're Married?!" Punch :) [Orange Sherbert, Gingerale & Orange Concenrate - it was like a dreamcicle punch!]

Orange you glad I posted? :)

Two Years is Beachy Keen

2010-08-27T23:23:00.000-04:00

I'm taking the "better late than never" approach to blogging these days...so without further ado, here are some photos from our Hilton Head, SC beach trip! We spent the last week in July together with mom and dad celebrating their 30th anniversary, and our 2nd!

Mom & Dad...celebrating 30 years of God's faithfulness!

Kenny and I...celebrating 2 years of God's faithfulness in our marriage!

I love this man so much!

We also celebrated Dad's birthday on July 29th!

Kenny waiting for our Anniversary dinner at Ruan's Thai Cuisine on the island.
Here's lookin' at you, kid.

The Sinclairs...bring on year #3!

YUMMY gelato. UGH, I want some right now!

Kenny being artistic with our [semi-new] Canon Rebel :)

We woke up early Saturday morning before leaving the Island and watched the sunrise. It was glorious :)

It was such a special vacation!

Update on the Girls

2010-07-19T17:12:00.001-04:00

Just an update on the girls!

Leona will turn 1 year on August 14th :-) Her favorite pastimes include sniffing people in inappropriate places, getting into trash cans and meticulously ripping apart stuffed toys. She also derives great joy from sitting for hours in front of our picture window and watching for guests at our bird feeder! We typically refer to Leona as one of the following on any given occasion: Little one, Pooper, Blue-eyes and Sweet Cakes:-). She will do almost anything for a treat and is our low-key, even keeled darling!

Emma is a year and a half and and is our faithful companion. She's a true daddy's girl and her favorite pastimes include laying under our feet while watching TV, surfing the web or eating dinner, catching flies and other household pests (egh), pacing and pretending she needs to go to the restroom...just so she can go outside again. She also loves to lay on her bed and "knead" her stuffed mallard duck while falling asleep... which is almost too cute for words. She prefers ice-cubes to dog-treats and responds well to the following: Emmaline, Dumpling, Toots, Pumpkin spice latte and Emma-cake. :-D

I'm feeling a little concerned after reading this post. If I love my dogs this much...what am I going to do with a baby?! Oh, for heaven's sake!!!

Jon & Abigail's Wedding

2010-07-16T12:10:00.000-04:00

June 25, 2010 was such a special day!!! Click here to view Jon & Abigail's wedding slideshow (note: turn up the volume, and grab a kleenex!):

http://www.lcrobbins.com/slideshows/weberwedding/

To view some "stills" visit leahrobbins.com and click on BLOG. Just scroll down or type "Jon & Abigail" into the search engine. :-)

This picture is particularly special to me! I was so honored to sing at their wedding...it was one of my life's greatest joys!

And here's the wedding party...all 20 of us + bride & groom :)

And now....they live two doors down from us! WOOT!
Let the par-tay begin!

The Garment of Praise

2010-07-16T11:59:00.000-04:00

What the Lord is teaching me recently:
The garment of PRAISE is for the spirit of despair!

[The Lord will] provide for those who grieve in Zion—
bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor. - Isaiah 61:2-3

And this one, I am memorizing to speak over my fearful heart:

‎"Your ways, O God, are holy. What God is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles. You display your power among the peoples...My times are in your hands." - Psalm 77:13-14,31:10

For you are GOOD, Lord! And your promise never fails me!
Thank you, Abba, for your faithfulness!

Stephanie & Ty...Expecting!

2010-06-10T09:39:00.001-04:00

Steph & I met when I began working/attending Hope and hit it off immediately! She sings on the worship team and her husband Ty plays drums :) I am SO thankful for her friendship and was delighted when she enlisted my hacker photography skills to document her pregnancy! Baby boy Coffey is due August 13th..I can't wait to meet him!

Lead Me to the Cross

2010-04-09T11:28:00.000-04:00

Last week, I helped plan the Good Friday and Easter Services, coordinated the bands and special brass players for both worship services, rehearsed the bands, played for both, opened for the band Gungor who came through town, and put in a 50 hour work week. It was beautiful chaos :) Working at a church, Holy Week would really seem like a blur if I didn't make myself sit down, and take time to reflect and worship at the Savior's feet. One of the songs we sang on Good Friday was Hillsong's "Lead Me to the Cross" and just rehearsing it and singing it around the house helped prepare my heart for worship:

Savior I come Quiet my soul, remember/ Redemption's hill Where Your blood was spilled For my ransom /Everything I once held dear I count it all as lost/ Lead me to the cross Where Your love poured out/ Bring me to my knees Lord I lay me down/ Rid me of myself I belong to You/ Oh Lead me, lead me to the cross

I love being in ministry. It's hard to believe that a year ago, I had no idea what the Lord had in store for Kenny and I in Cincinnati, and I was so nervous I wouldn't find work...and then...he provided this amazing opportunity to be in ministry at Hope and be a part of His kingdom work every day. I don't want to ever take that for granted or become desensitized to what the Lord is doing around me!

The services went really well and it truly was a precious time to reflect on God's redemptive story...and victory! After church, we all headed over to Papa and Nana's for Easter lunch - Honey Baked Ham, Green Bean Casserole, Corn Souffle, Hash Brown Casserole, Baked Beans, Deviled eggs; any calories I lost running around all week, I gained back on Easter ;)

Didn't Nana do a cute job decorating the table for Easter? :) Mom made the flower arrangement!

One of my proudest moments as a "bakestress" was the accomplishment of a 3D lamb cake! I made it in my great grandmother Gudberlet's cake mold and was told that it "wouldn't turn out" because the ears always fall off, etc. Well, I was determinted! Isn't he cute?

Yes, I realized I took a lot of pictures of my dear lamb cake. It was an all afternoon project, so I needed documentation of my success.

Papa got a wind-up Chicken for Easter that "lays" eggs as it hobbles along. It probably entertained us all more than it should have.
I don't think we'll ever really grow out of Easter baskets! Mine had a Yagoot gift card! Woot!
Sweet Jon & Abigail :)
Notice the boys aren't "cheek-to-cheek"...

I love them.

Uncle Joe and Aunt Kathy drove in from Columbus to spend Easter with us! It was so wonderful to see them!

I love her!!

Kenny doing what he does best on Sunday afternoons...

I hope you all had a relaxing, and blessed Easter too! He is Risen!

A Honken Good Time!

2010-04-04T17:32:00.000-04:00

Last week, my bestie Lydia Honken was in town from Colorado with her precious 5 month old, Aida! She had a few friends over to her parent's home in College Hill for a fun-filled evening of laughs...and snuggling! (with Aida, of course ;) ) (Aside: although my baby-doll shirt blowing in the wind would suggest otherwise, I am not pregnant ;) )

Seriously, how adorable is Aida?

Aunt Jenn loves her Aida Ann!

Ellen & Aida

Mama's girl

Mr. & Mrs. V with Ellen's beautiful daffodils! Thanks for hosting us - and for the yummy salmon dinner!

My two besties since middle school...hard to believe we're procreating now ;)

Darling girl...

Linnea (Lyd's sister), Sarah, Mr. V (incognito) and Katie just catching up in the kitchen :)

Aunty Sarah with her pumpkin!

Lyd, it is so wonderful to see you as a mother! It makes my heart glad :) Thank you for your friendship - I look forward to watching Aida grow into a beautiful woman of God...just like her mama.

____

After dinner, Lydia made a FABULOUS dessert which I must have again soon! She posted the recipe on her blog, I'll post it here, too....it's just THAT good :)

*LYDIA'S FRUIT PIZZA w/ PRETZEL CRUST & RASPBERRY SAUCE*

Crust:

3 cups finely crushed pretzels
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups cold butter or margarine

In a bowl, combine pretzels and sugar; mix well. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into a 9 x 14-in. pizza pan. Bake at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack; refrigerate for 30 minutes. (NOTE: It's a bit hard to predict the saltiness of the crust using regular pretzels. Buying unsalted pretzels and adding coarse salt to taste gives you more control).

Frosting:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

In double boiler melt chips and add heavy cream, mix until smooth take off of heat. In mixing bowl cream together sugar and cream cheese until smooth, slowly add chocolate mixture. Mixture will thicken up as the chocolate cools.

Topping:
Any fruit you want! I like fresh berries :)

Sauce:
Frozen raspberries
Sugar to taste
1 -1 1/2 c. Water

Puree desired amount of raspberries while frozen. Add enough water to make a nice thin mixture. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer. Add sugar as mixture cooks till desired sweetness is reached. Simmer about 15 minutes, till thickened. Sauce will thicken more as it cools.

After crust is cooled, top with frosting. I add the berries and sauce to individual slices because leftovers will become soggy overnight if you do it all at once. Whipped cream would be good too :)

5 Dogs + 2 Couples = Happy Weekend!

2010-04-01T21:28:00.000-04:00

What a fantastic weekend we had with our sweet friends, Kathryn & Aaron...and their three dogs: Zeke, Huck & Nick! For the weekend, our home certainly went to the dogs :) Kathryn and I have been friends since early high school years and I am so thankful for her! How neat to share so many wonderful memories together: we were both present at some point during our first dates with our husbands, we were in each others weddings...the list goes on!

They drove in late Friday night from Nashville and we sipped decaf and caught up for a few hours. Saturday, we enjoyed a leisurely brunch at our local cafe, took the dogs for a hike, and ate a delicious dinner in Mt. Adams! Sunday, we worshiped together at our church, gobbled up some Mexican food, and then they headed home that afternoon! It was a whirlwind of fun!

My greek omelet was....yum.

Aaron loved his souffle...

The whole clan...er, pack? :)

Our little family.

I enjoyed taking some pictures of the dogs for them to frame in their home! Here's one of Zeke...

Sweet Nick boy...

Huck, the love....

The view from Mt. Adams at The Rookwood

We love you two!! Thanks for visiting us...and come back soon :)

Twenty Five is Nice

2010-03-28T15:20:00.000-04:00

Last week, I celebrated a quarter of a century of life! It was a lovely day, March 24th, full of sunshine and warm breezes...and presents! :) My parents have put this sign out in the front yard for me every year for as long as I can remember - I have pictures in front of it with teeth missing, with bangs, and with the fabulous perm of 1995 (10 was an "off" year). But all of them have been special because I've been so blessed!

The Marballi's - some dear friends of our from our church- took Kenny and I out to dinner last week (just before my birthday) and to the Cincinnati Symphony - which was breathtaking - and gave me this fabulous traditional Indian Saree because we all share a love of Indian Food! (Her husband is from India, where the dress came from.) In any case, I couldn't wait to wear it and decided my birthday would be the perfect time! Dad picked up my traditional birthday request - Indian Food - and I was arrived ready for the event!! Isn't it fabulous?! :-)
Yes, I did wear it most of the evening...complete with the Bindi (dot on forehead) which signified that I was married :-)
Papa and Nana got me a bird watching book! Woot!
Mom and Dad bought me this adorable birdcage necklace from fossil - which I have worn 3 out of 4 days since I received it ;) (Can you sense a theme?)
My hubby and I enjoying the Springy outdoors...
Mom made my favorite dessert...CREAM PUFFS. And they were decadent. And I had two. hehe.

Sweet Poppy and Nana...I love them! (Note the beginning of the necklace obsession.)

Twenty five years. God is so good :)

The Toy that Lasted a Day

2010-03-23T13:22:00.001-04:00

I passed this delightful toy perusing the pet aisles at Target and found I could not, in fact, go home without it. The abdomen has a squeaker, the wings are stuffed with some sort of crinkly plastic that makes noise, and the head and bottom of the bug have a rope toy to chew on. It was a hit...for 4 full hours. Currently, it's in 4 pieces, but all in all, it was totally worth it, and made my girls quite happy for its short-lived existence here in the Sinclair household. Thank you, darling colorful bug!

Leona gnawing in ecstasy...

They share so well ;)

Happy Spring, to all!

Honoring Mom

2010-03-21T22:41:00.001-04:00

Many of you have been praying for my mom since she discovered in November, after an annual mammogram, that she had breast cancer. What a journey these past 4 months have been - and what a faithful God we serve! After two lumpectomy surgeries, mom began radiation treatment therapy two weeks ago. She will have 6 weeks total, and is doing beautifully. (We praise God she does not need chemotherapy!) Not only does she look radiant, but the Joy of the Lord is her strength - and it shows through and through. What a legacy.

During mom's two surgeries, we were overwhelmed by the cloud of witnesses that surrounded us with support in tangible ways. Both times, we filled up the waiting room with upwards of 25 visitors each time! Friends brought coffee, bagels, doughnuts and warm hugs - showering us with love and support. They helped the time pass quickly and went before the throne of grace with us as we prayed for mercy, and healing.

After the surgery, when we told mom who had come to visit (i.e. after the vicodin wore off...), she joked that she was sorry to miss out on the party. This gave our good friend, Mary Dudrow, the idea to have a Brunch in mom's honor - it would include all the women who had visited her in the hospital - and mom wouldn't miss the fun this time! Mary has the most incredible, historic, Victorian home (which she and her husband re-habbed to perfection), and was so kind to open it to our family and friends. Here are some pictures from the grand event!

Mary and Mom

Reflecing on God's promises...

Leisel - the photogenic pooch :)

Seriously...how cute is she?

Delicious roasted tomato basil soup, pizza, and salad!

I want to marry this Viking stove...

Joy!

"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." - Psalm 126:3

Birdwatching & Corned Beef

2010-03-19T18:42:00.001-04:00

I've always loved birds.

The day I came to know Christ personally - the day I asked Him into my heart - I was 4 years old and I had found a dead sparrow in the backyard. As I prodded it with a stick, I asked mom in earnest if this bird was in Heaven; she kindly told me it wasn't, and explained that birds did not have souls. She went on to explain how humans are different from birds or animals in that they have eternal souls - and the mystery of reconciliation. That warm spring day in 1989, my heart found God to be very real, and very present; I invited Him to be Lord of my life. Of course, it has looked different for me as I have matured from the precocious age of 4 to the age of 24. But the Lord has used the idea of a Sparrow to minister to me throughout my walk with Him. Specifically, verses in Matthew 10 when Jesus is sending out His disciples, who were afraid:

²⁶"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ²⁷What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. ²⁸Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹Are not two sparrows sold for a penny^d]">[d]? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. ³⁰And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

I matter to the Creator of the Universe. He has counted my hairs, and created my inmost being. He has bought me at the highest cost, and has called me His own. Hallelujah!

And on that note...we have invested in bird feeders! :) They are are new source of entertainment...and are enjoyed by us almost as much as they are relished by Emma and Leona. Especially Leona, whose current soul delight in life is to make us aware of any squirrel that should intrude on our feeders.

Kenny and I bought the feeder above first, but Squirrels were mooching all-to-easily, and we bought our second feeder: THE SQUIRREL BUSTER! Which worked for 3 uneventful days, until Fatty McButterpants went all "Mission Impossible" on our feeder...*sigh*
I carry the torch now for a Sinclair family tradition: St. Patrick's day Dinner! Traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage, potatoes, carrots and Irish Soda Bread! Sinclair is an Irish name, and Jeanette (Kenny's mom) cooked this most March 17ths :) We had my parents, grandparents, Jon and Abigail over and it was a great night!

65 degrees here today! It's pansy time here in Cincinnati and I potted some arrangements for our home in the beautiful Spring sunshine. Kenny was tearing down the rotted fence in the back to make room for the new Kentucky Board Fence we have going in soon! (Thank you, tax return.) I figured I'd make myself useful around the house as well...perhaps I have a green thumb??? (to be continued...)

"Y'all come back now...Ya hear?" :)

Paper-cutters & Photographs

2010-03-02T21:01:00.000-05:00

Happy March to you! Our forecast promises abundant sunshine and 50 degree weather this weekend...and I am ever-so-hopeful :) Kenny is working a 64 hour work week and I'm keeping busy at work and with some additional freelance design work. I've been doing a lot of that recently, and, after spending way too much time mooching off of Kinko's and the church, I finally talked myself into purchasing a decent paper-cutter! I'm probably more excited than I should be about office equipment, but I'm okay with that :) Here she is:

...and I got the cutter just in time to finish up these Baby Shower invitations for my dear friend, Kim (Greer) Barker who is having her first in May! She is decorating the nursery in a woodland animal theme, and came up with this cute idea!

Other than paper-cutters (chuckle), another thing that brings me joy is shopping at Trader Joe's! I always set aside lots of time when I shop there because I enjoy meandering around, tasting their coffee samples, and checking out their new products and packaging! One item they had two weeks ago was this Weeping Pussy-willow, which I plopped right into the cart with little arm-twisting ;) Kenny and I have enjoying watching it bloom over the weeks and here it is today...almost through blooming, but still whimsical!

I've also been enjoying the Scentsy plug-ins given to me by Kenny's family and friends from the west coast! They are the coolest inventions...and have saved us a lot of money on candles! They come in plug in or table-top warmers and you can buy packets of various scents to go in them. Currently we have Holiday Chai in our bathroom and Mochadoodle in the kitchen! Visit their site here for a list of their products: www.scentsy.net. If you're interested in purchasing any, let me know, and I'll direct you to a sweet friend of mine who is a seller!! (kind of like Mary Kay.)

Kenny gave me an early birthday present today, too: a "Life is Good" tire cover! Now I'm really representing the West Coast with my LIG gear, Human Bean and Multnomah Falls bumper stickers ;) (Please disregard my disgusting winter-beaten SUV)...

And of course...here are my girls - they are getting tired of me following them around with a camera - they wonder what that strange "clicking" noise is ;)

LEONA:

EMMA:

"Spring has returned. The earth is like a child that knows poems. " -- Rainer Maria Rilke

I Heart Camera

2010-02-27T15:01:00.000-05:00

At long last....we got the new camera we ordered at Christmastime! We haven't learned a lot about it yet, but we can stick it on automatic and take beautiful pictures with ease! We're looking forward to experimenting more, but here are some pictures we took today! First, we went with Jon to have Kenny and Dad fitted for tuxes!

When we got home, the dogs almost pulled us out the door to get a glimpse of these beautiful deer!

Leona is 6 months, and oh-so-photogenic these days!

Emma is our cross-eyed beauty! :)

Kenny (reluctantly) let me take a picture of him:

...and then took a couple of me :)

We love our new toy!!! :)

White as Snow

2010-02-15T10:39:00.000-05:00

Kenny really blessed me yesterday with this beautiful card and precious words. We fell in love writing, and when he takes the time to put his love for me in words, it rekindles those butterflies I first felt when we were sending emails three years ago.

He also brought me home this beautiful hydrangea - my man knows my heart yearns for spring!

I really do love this man!

We're snowed in again today - 6-9 inches expected. I think we're going on 4 right now; that is, on top of the 12 inches that are out there already! Whew, what a winter! My little snow dogs are looking outside longingly. Kenny took my SUV to get to work so I may be hitching them to my sled to get out...

The icicles have been absurdly large...mom and dad have one that is almost 5 feet long! Here are some in front of our front door, prior to Kenny knocking them down, of course. He's a good protector :)

My love is also a wonderful photographer - here is a photo he took after our last snow in our yard!

Well, I'm watching one of my favorite movies: "Love Comes Softly" while I fold some laundry, make coffee, design some baby shower invites, and well...blog :) It's such a wonderful series...sort of makes me want to go back in time and live during the Oregon Trail...and then I remember how much I love hot showers and electricity, and am grateful to live in 2010!

Father God, thank You for this precious gift of snow; and for the gift of your Son, who's resurrection life has made us as white as snow!

Not So Deep (Random) Thoughts

2010-02-14T21:36:00.000-05:00

While browsing anthropologie.com, I came across this exquisite "Snow-Covered Fields" dress and decided to post it because well...it is delightful and springy :) Come soon, Spring! (Aside: what are the chances of getting Kenny to purchase this for my birthday next month? hmm...)

Now on to things I can actually have ;) Here is our new camera which we ordered after Christmas! Everything but the camera body has arrived on our doorstep...I guess that's what we get for finding a bargain; it's coming...just on back-order! Although, I am finding it increasingly difficult to take photos without a camera body...

Currently, we have this Canon case:

This lens:

(almost) this Canon Rebel body:

And this whimsical strap from etsy.com!

This is the forecast for tomorrow:

I do love snow.

I'm also loving this cozy evening in with my Valentine: Indian food, Graeter's Ice-Cream and Star Trek, the movie.

In addition, I am enjoying writing this blog without rhyme or reason!

Happy Valentines Day, friends!

Mama Moose Bowtique!

2010-02-12T08:08:00.000-05:00

My sweet friend Jess just pioneered her new etsy.com store specializing in little girl hair accessories! She has two A-DORABLE little girls herself (Grace, 2 and Eden Mae, 7 months)...and has also been bestowed with fabulous taste! I love her shop (Mama Moose Bowtique) and was thrilled when she asked me yesterday to design her store banner. Anyway, please enjoy looking around her shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaMooseBowtique

Here is a sample of the banner...we don't have it up quite yet in the store and may make some changes, but this was the idea! (Click on image to enlarge):

Now, all I need is a little girl to wear the clippies...like this one *sigh*:

Cookies & Snow Cream

2010-02-10T08:22:00.000-05:00

I must give credit and major kudos to Debbie Collins, whose recipe I was reading on her blog during these snow days and decided to try! She claimed they were the "Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies" ...and my stomach couldn't say no! Kenny and I agreed they were absolutely delicious. I've tried a bunch of chocolate chip recipes (Kenny has a major sweet tooth) and they've been pretty good, but this recipe really stood out and the cookies were "just right" - crispy on the outside, and gooey on the inside! Thanks, Debbie!!

(Debbie's) Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe in the World

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tablespoon vanilla
3 cup flour
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon soda

Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla & eggs. Mix dries and combine. The dough will seem kind of dry and thick.Add one bag chocolate chips. Bake 10 min at 350.
___

A favorite "snow" treat in the Weber home is "Snow Cream" which I looked forward to eating every winter as a child. Just find a clean spot in the yard where the snow is fresh and untouched (yellow snow=bad idea) and gently scoop some large ladle-fulls of snow into a large bowl. Back inside, combine snow with milk, sugar, and little vanilla. You can make it as mushy, or as thick as you like it! It takes like a snow cone on steroids :)

We'll, I was off work yesterday, and the church building is closed until at least noon today with more snow on the way. Looks like it's time to eat some of those cookies!! :)

Snow Much Better

2010-02-06T20:05:00.000-05:00

Someone once said "When things go bad, they can only get better;" I guess snow has been my "better." The bad started Wednesday night in the car on the way home from Papa and Nana's when Kenny and I were tickled by what we thought was a play on words when we read on a Walgreen's sign "Ham Flu Shots Here!" We were laughing hysterically (distracted) as we made a left-hand turn at the intersection and then suddenly...hit the curb gracefully at 25 mph. My front passenger side wheel made a loud pop-scraping noise (never good) and we were thankfully able to pull into the nearest parking lot. You guessed it: we busted the tire. (I say we...but let me take a brief moment to note that I was not driving.) We were unable to get the tire off to change it (it was lodged...probably from all those years of not needing to be changed since it's usual driver is so safe and careful) so we had to call AAA - who were eventually able to remove it (kicking was involved) - and then finally got home around 10:30 pm. sheesh.

12 hours later, I'm driving to work in said vehicle when I turn right from Springfield Pike onto Glendale-Milford Rd. Shortly after this turn, I notice blinking police lights behind me and pull to the side to allow them to pass me (I inwardly scoff at the speeder he must be in pursuit of ahead). To my surprise, he pulls up behind...me! I think to myself "Self, maybe there's something wrong with the way my tire is on, or maybe it's illegal to drive an SUV without the spare on the back..." He approaches my car, I roll down the window and then he says it..."License and registration please." (gulp) "Sir, " I say in my meekest voice, "Can you tell me what's wrong?" Take Home Lesson: When a road is being re-paved in a particular township, be sure police will pull you over for ridiculous reasons and give you unreasonably high tickets. You see, I turned right on a yellow arrow (yes, I did see the "NO TURN ON RED" but since the arrow turned yellow as I was turning, I didn't think I was breaking the law...silly me) ...and this constituted a $150.00 ticket. Thank you, City of Woodlawn.

They say bad things come in threes. Now, I'm not a superstitious person, but let me just say...there was a third horror. Yesterday morning, I was working at the church and, as is the case every day, needed to use the restroom. Mid-zip-up, the stall door DE-TACH-ES from the hinges, swings from the wall, whacks my forehead and then propells my head against the tile wall - leaving me with a giant welt on my forehead (and in utter shock). I wish I was kidding. This really happened to me. Stall Door: 1; Jenn: 0.

So, now it's Saturday...and the Lord took pity on me and snowed us in to prevent any further bodily and/or financial distress.

The Lord IS good :) And all this snow is such a beautiful reminder that we are His beloved....and He is ours. How He showers us with blessings...despite busted tires, tickets, bruises and bumps along the way. Kenny and I had a sweet time of togetherness by the fireside this afternoon reading God's Word in Job 37:

⁵ God's voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.

⁶ He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,'
and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'

⁷ So that all men he has made may know his work,
he stops every man from his labor. ^a]">[a]

⁸ The animals take cover;
they remain in their dens.

⁹ The tempest comes out from its chamber,
the cold from the driving winds.

¹⁰ The breath of God produces ice,
and the broad waters become frozen.

¹¹ He loads the clouds with moisture;
he scatters his lightning through them.

¹² At his direction they swirl around
over the face of the whole earth
to do whatever he commands them.

¹³ He brings the clouds to punish men,
or to water his earth ^b]">[b] and show his love.

...What a precious reminder about how we need to stop from the daily labors and take note of our Creator. He is majestic, indeed!

Here are some pictures of our yard in His snow...we delight in it!

And of course, what blog would be complete without a couple of pictures of our dog-children Emma and Leona?

This & That

2010-01-28T22:32:00.000-05:00

Kenny's in bed catching some Z's before his early shift tomorrow morning, and I'm sitting up late watching The Food Network and playing around on InDesign with ideas for Jon and Abigail's Save The Date cards. They asked me to design all the paperwork for the wedding and I am so excited! I can't wait to find the perfectly weighted paper to match the idea in my head...I also have some 3D ideas which include ribbon and pictures perking ...so I promise to take a picture of the final product. For now, it's looking like this:

They also had their engagement pictures taken by the one and only Leah Robbins who shot our wedding almost two years ago...wow! Check out some of their pictures on her blog: www.leahrobbins.blogspot.com

Tomorrow is a big day: Mom's second surgery. Her first surgery, a lumpectomy in December, left cancer in the margins, and they hope going in again will prevent mom from having chemo. How we pray so! I had coffee with her this morning and she said (in a way only Julie can say) "If the oncologist tells me I only have to have radiation, I'm going to fall on my knees and praise God right there in the office!!" :) I hope she does! The Lord who hears our prayers is strong and mighty. He hears us when we call, Psalm 40: 1-2. Thank you for your love and prayer support at this time!

-By the way, my mom has facebook now! I think the earth has tilted on it's axis.

-I also have a new crafty obession: Anna Maria Horner textiles! She resides in Nashville, has 6 children and an imagination that just won't stop. Check out her blog here: http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com.

-I love snow with the best of them, but am so very ready for Spring! Which reminds me of a quote from Charles Spurgeon which has ministered to my heart in this season: "O Lord, if it be not spring time in my chilly heart, I pray Thee make it so, for I am heartily weary of living at a distance from Thee." It's tulip time :)

-I also have 11 pegnant friends. What is in the water these days? Don't worry...I haven't been drinking it ...yet ;)

Okay, well...maybe I am getting a little sleepy. Goodnight, world!

Nashville New Years

2010-01-07T17:42:00.000-05:00

Kenny and I rang in 2010 with some dear friends from Mobile, AL who we hadn't seen since we moved in May! It was such a special, hysterical weekend and we really enjoyed catching up, exploring my old romping grounds, staying in shmancy hotels, eating delicious food and laughing...a lot! I probably uploaded more pictures than anyone would have time to look at, but hey, we had a great time!

Here we are on top of the Natchez Trace extension bridge: Brian & Bethany Engl, Dararith & Lydia Kuy and Us :)
Delicious frozen yogurt at Cece's in Downtown Franklin!
SO cold!
The Engls being cute ;)
Kenny drinking his manly latte...a "Pink Poodle" at Fido's!
Lydia and D :)
My special wasabi leaf which came with the sushi! Yes, we photographed it.
Kenny and I at Bound'ry on New Years night
Room @ The Hutton Hotel...They had espresso machines on the floors!
Percy Warner Park Photos

Drinking coffee...again :)
Coco Cafe for lunch on New Year's Day...we were glad they were open!
My handsome hubby
Bethy and I! We were happy to be reunited :)
Awesome steps at Union Station Hotel - a step back into time!
Playing "Last Word" in the lobby of Union Station to ring in the New Year. The boys were mad at us for winning...
The girls were tired of their geeky answers
Kenny and Jenn...literally by the fireside :)
Freezing our rears off sitting on the Parthenon steps New Years Eve...brrrr!
Bethy & Bri
Happy New Year!!!
New Years Eve Dinner at Rotier's: Thank you, Lord, for French Bread Cheeseburgers!!
Union station reunion :)
Beautiful Union Station Lobby
Girls being girls!

We sure miss you guys! We had the best time and couldn't imagine celebrating with any dearer friends...Happy 2010!

Growing Girls!

2010-01-03T22:40:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe Leona will be 5 months next week (Emma is 13 months).She is such a sweetheart and she and Emma have been best friends from the start...that is, as long as she stays away from Emma's beloved stuffed kong ;) She is growing up so quickly...20-ish lbs already and the most laid-back temperament. She a wonderful compliment to Emma's energetic personality! Kenny and I rather enjoy our "dog-children"...here are some recent pictures!

This is what happens every morning when I eat breakfast. She's such a little moocher.
Sisters!
Daddy took them for a romp in the snow...which they of course enjoyed. Hello...they're snow dogs!

Christmas Makes Me Smile

2009-12-29T21:48:00.000-05:00

Whoever penned the phrase, "It's the most wonderful time of the year" was really onto something. Traditions are deeply steeped into our family all throughout the year...but never as much as Christmastime, which is indeed the most wonderful time! It brings families and friends back home, and beckons us to a warm cup of cocoa by the fireplace. It is also reminds us of the Light that came into the dark world...a baby, who was the King of Kings! A Savior! Hallelujah!

One very special Christmas moment for me this year was meeting my best friend, Lydia's 5 week old baby girl, Aida! She was perfect in every way and it was so incredible to see Lyd as a mom! She and Peter are wonderful parents and I enjoyed visiting and laughing with them :)

The Honken Family!
________________

And speaking of traditions, we started a new one this year! This was our first Christmas in our new home and we hosted a Christmas Eve breakfast at our house for our family!

Thanks to many of you who have been praying for mom...her lumpectomy surgery went well on Dec. 15th and the cancer had not reached her lymph. She did, however, have cancer remaining in the margins, and the surgeon will do an additional surgery to remove this in February. Please continue to lift her up in your prayers! She is in good spirits :)

Our beautiful new Christmas pillow from Aunt Sue!

Doing what boys do...

Christmas decorations...

Our Christmas Emma! Aren't her crossed-eyes the best?!

A Few Oregon Pics & K's 28th Birthday

2009-12-29T21:24:00.000-05:00

Well, I left my camera in Oregon...but now that my mom-in-law came to visit for Christmas, I get my camera back! Blogspot, here I come :) Kenny is a landscape lover, and I'm a lover of people...so below is a slew of our favorites from the trip!

Driving to Portland...

Coos Bay roads

Foggy west coast

Jeanette & me

Winchester Bay Viewpoint

At long last....my "Human Bean" Supreme :)

________

Kenny turned 28 on November 14th (did I mention I left my camera in Oregon?) and we celebrated by spending the night in Lebanon, OH...a quaint historic district north of Cincinnati. We meandered through antique stores, marveled at Victorian architecture, ate at "The Golden Lamb" (the oldest hotel in Ohio) and spent the night in a cozy cabin!

A home-cooked dinner at The Golden Lamb...I was obsessed with the apple butter (which, fortunately for me, came in a giant ceramic vat) and their "warm slaw" with vinagar and bacon. Delish.

Kenny: "Are you seriously taking another picture of me, babe?"

A kiss for the birthday boy

Lebanon, OH

Our cabin...which we smoked ourselves out of when we attempted to start a fire because the flu was old . It was quite romantic.
Ah, memories :)

A Coos Bay Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T17:32:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that we're already back in Cincinnati...we've looked forward to our Coos Bay, Oregon Thanksgiving for months, and now it's a wonderful memory! We really enjoyed our time there... but it is always good to be back home :) We enjoyed spending most of our time with family...Kenny's mom, sister, grandma, and aunts/uncles/cousins! I (of course) drank WAY too much coffee...but how can you not when there are fabulous, unique latte's on every corner?!
With names like "The Human Bean," "The Coffee People" and "Java The Hut"...who can resist? We went shopping at outlets (yay columbia outlet!) and took serene walks on the beach each morning. It was magical :) What a perfect way to get away and just reconnect with one another! And, of course, Thanksgiving was DELICIOUS! We ate at Kenny's Aunt & Uncle's house and I brought some traditional "Weber" sides...Sweet Potato Casserole, Corn Souffle and German cucumbers; Jeanette (Kenny's mom) and I also make pumpkin pies together! One of my sweetest memories it of our afternoon with Kara, Jason & Treyton Enright! Jason is probably Kenny's oldest friend and he and Kara are such wonderful people...and GREAT parents to Trey, their 6 month old son. Those of you who know me well, know baby fever is creeping up on me, and I adored holding precious Trey, who I rocked until my arms were numb! (I don't have mom arms yet, what can I say?) Here are some pictures from that day!

Precious Trey!

Beautiful Coos Bay, Oregon
Kenny and I being beach goobers
Three Cheers for Thanksgiving in Oregon!

Going To The Chapel...and the Maternity Ward!

2009-11-14T19:58:00.001-05:00

Today was such a special day because Abigail invited mom and I to come with her family to try on wedding dresses! We spent the afternoon at Bridal & Formal in the Reading Wedding District...just "oohing" and "aahing" over pretty much everything she put on :) She especially loved lace-ridden, feminine gowns...which fit her style so well! She ended up buying the second dress she tried on, but of course, you'll have to wait until the "big day" to see that one! Below are a few snapshots of our time...

Pretty Abigail and her new ring :)

Libby (MOB), Abigail and myself...yes, I'm as happy as I look!

To two moms with the Bride-to-be

The gown gang: Abigail, Libby (mom), Martha (cousin), Hannah (cousin), Mia (niece) & Andrea (sister-in-love)!

These are MY gowns! :)

Another SUPER exciting bit of news, my bestie, Lydia & her husband, Peter welcomed a beautiful, healthy baby girl into the world this morning - 7 lbs 2 oz. and 20" long... AIDA ANN HONKEN! Oh Joy!
Beautiful Aida!

Aida Ann after her first bath! Isn't she gorgeous?!What a special day...not to mention it's Kenny's 28th birthday! Yay for November 14th!

Just Another November Day...

2009-11-11T20:28:00.000-05:00

Not much time to write today...Kenny and I are keeping busy with day to day things...we're both singing in the Christmas choir at our church (we have concerts Dec 11 & 12) and I'm also heading up all the Press and Design work for the event...which is keeping me on my toes! I also daydream a lot about how I'll decorate our first home for Christmas...usually while listening to pandora.com's vintage carols :) Kenny's 28th birthday is this Saturday and I've rented a cabin in Lebanon, OH for a special overnight date...I'll post pictures of that soon! I just wanted to put up a few pictures of everyday life together :) Emma & Leona just love each other and get along so well ... I couldn't resist taking these adorable pictures of them sleeping together on the kitchen floor.

"I'm Going To Marry That Jon Weber!"

2009-11-08T13:57:00.000-05:00

Friday night was terribly exciting...my little brother, Jon, proposed to his beautiful (inside AND out) girlfriend, Abigail! We had known from the beginning they were God's BEST for one another and their love story is quite romantic! They have actually known each other from infancy... mom hosted Abigail's baby shower when she was pregnant with Jon! We spent time together as families when we were young (up to 4-5), and one day at the pool, Abigail told her mother quite frankly, "Mom, you see that boy over there? Well, that's Jon Weber, and he may be little now, but some day...he'll get bigger! And when he does, I'm going to marry that Jon Weber!" The Krugman family moved about 30 minutes north and although our parents stayed in touch through the years, we really lost track of the kids...and Jon and Abigail hadn't seen each other in nearly 17 years until this past summer! We reunited as adults when we began attending Hope Church earlier this year (where her family also attends), I saw Abigail's mom, Libby, and joked "Jon is bigger now! How is Abigail?" We teased about setting them up, and then that afternoon, relaxing on the couch, I pulled up Abigail's facebook profile and added her as a friend. As I was doing this, Jon walked by, behind the couch, and exclaimed, "Who is THAT?" (obviously pleased with what he was looking at ;) ). I told him, and suggested asking her for coffee...and he didn't waste any time at all...maybe 1 day? :) Well...they went out...and the rest is history! We loved Abigail immediately like she was just part of the family. Her family is also incredible and we all have so much fun together! We just keep shaking our heads at God's faithfulness...His creativity...and His sense of humor! I'm oooozing with happiness! Anyway, here are some pictures from the big night...

The newly enaged couple!

Jon and Abigail...the early years :)

We were pretty excited...
Jon lit over 700 candles on mom & dad's porch, the place where he first told her he loved her! You could see the glow from down the block!

Abigail's gorgeous ring...good job, Jon!

Our Little Family, 2009

2009-11-02T19:45:00.000-05:00

Sunday, November 1st, was a beautiful Fall day and we couldn't resist some family photos in our back yard! Jon came over with his old 35 mm and shot a few rolls. Here are some of our favorites...you'll probably be seeing these again in our Christmas card! :)