photo shoot #2

photo shoot #1

Encouraging Book/Radio Recommendation:

Two big encouragements to me this week: I'm reading a book by John Piper titled "Don't Waste Your Life" and have been listening to Nancy DeMoss at www.reviveourhearts.com speaking on the lessons her father taught her. I've been waking up early and Samuel has been sleeping in, so it's given me time to "refresh" myself. These two resources are excellent! May they encourage someone else too!

Verse for today:

"To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every good work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you..." 2 Thess. 1:11-12

Pre-Celebration...

We had dinner last night with Samuel and Jenebu Ochenjele at my parent's house. It was a blessing to see them again, listen to their stories, and visit with them. They have the gift of laughter, that's for sure!

Kitchen Patrol Duty

The countdown: 3 days! Then you'll be entering the rank w/ the rest of us married folks!

Nigerians eat a very Midwestern meal! Steak, potatoes, salad, corn, and fruit salad. Ta da!

The cooks: Leah, Therese, and Me

Calling all Chocolate and Peanut Butter Lovers...

Look what i'm going to make!!! Sounds delic! Fast and easy!

NO BAKE CHOCOLATE OAT BARS:

Original recipe yield:1 - 9x9 inch pan
PREP TIME
30 Min
READY IN
3 Hrs 30 Min
INGREDIENTS
1 cup butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
DIRECTIONS
Grease a 9x9 inch square pan.
Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla. Mix in the oats. Cook over low heat 2 to 3 minutes, or until ingredients are well blended. Press half of mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the other half for topping.
Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in a small heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture over the crust in the pan, and spread evenly with a knife or the back of a spoon.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing in gently. Cover, and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or overnight. Bring to room temperature before cutting into bars

Saturday Afternoon Leisure

Chubby Bubby Owen is 2 1/2 months old and weighed in at 15 lbs! He likes his milk creamy!! :) Too Cute~

Mr. GreenThumb thought Grandma Janeen's flowers looked thirsty.

Mama and Baby~

"Mo Wata.... Peezz"

Brian and Justin~~bro's

Grandma Janeen, Samuel, and Aunt Brooke

Samuel and Connor trying to figure out the bubbles...

What's better than spending time with family? We had a great time visiting w/ Justin's family yesterday afternoon. I, for one, was thrilled that Justin didn't have to work...since he's been working quite a few Saturdays. It was great to spend time together~ Here are a few pictures I snapped...

Preview...

Less than 1 week to go!

So the bridesmaids dresses are officially done...except for the sashes. My sister is a woman of many hats...she's a gourmet cook, a neonatal intensive care nurse, violinist, pianist, music teacher, expert crocheter/knitter, avid reader, and last but not least, has proven herself to be a talented seamstress. I'm so impressed that she made my maternity bridesmaid dress--9 mo. maternity dress, to be exact--and it's actually cute...not to billowy or frumpy. Thanks Krista, you've impressed me, and surely learned lots with this gigantic project.

Just dial 1-800-KRISTA! :)

The Glories of Farm Life...

Making your own fun is something we like to do! Give him a hose, some water, some dirt, and rocks and he'll be entertained for an hour! What else does a 2 year old boy need?

Maybe a shovel, gum boots, and a bike...but that's about all! :) Who needs "toys" when ya have real life?

P.S. Whatdoyado when it's 3:30 am and can't sleep being 9 mo. pregnant? I've decided to be thankful and have fun w/ pictures!

Thankfulness was a topic on my mind this week...

I am constantly correcting Samuel for whining and complaining...now I know where he gets it! It's just one more area that he's imitating me in! We were reading Philippians 2 the other morning and I was reminded and chastened...listen to this!

"Do all things without grumbling or complaining that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life..." Phil. 2:14-16

Now, off to cherrily grab a bowl of cereal and off (hopefully) to dreamland again!

Thank you, Lord, for this healthy pregnancy and active little guy/girl.~

Engineers...

Big Boy! Can't believe he's going to be two years old!!

Samuel loves to "cheese" for the camera!

Building w/ a solid foundation...

Ok, Dad...I'm watchin'!

Dinner Out...

It was a treat to go out for dinner w/ the moving crew plus Samuel and Jenebu and David. (who happens to be taking the picture) The prime rib was delic.

And it appears that the triple layer chocolate cake was too! The guys are apparently not in on the bridal bootcamp diet! Ha!

Movin' In!

Less than 2 weeks you two! I'm so happy for you~

The 1st breakfast at the new table! George and Krista stayed up till 1 or 2 in the morning assembling their kitchen table and hutch.

The newly arranged living room. It's SO cute! The furniture looks great in there! The colors are aqua and brown. I know Krista will make her house look like a home very soon. We were just trying to move in all the "big" things. Once she gets all her pictures hung and wedding gifts put away, it will be adorable!

Bedroom~~slate blue w/ white trim

Popcorn tradition!

Samuel and Jenebu came to see the apartment and go out for dinner with us. It was a joy to see them~

Chocolate...yeah!

Organizing and cleaning in the kitchen~

More stuff...thanks to Max's muscles.

Bro and Sis

Sis and Sis--can't believe we live apart and still dress alike...accidentally.