Special Giveaway @ Growing Home

You can check it out HERE for yourself. I don't know about you, but there are a lot of really neat things that are being offered!  I am excited for the opportunity I have to eventually be a Christian Homemaker myself.  Can't wait for that day to be closer and I can spend every minute with our little one in my arms!

Christmas 2011 Decor

Here are some of the decorations we have at our house this Christmas. Some of the things I have had for years, some I got on sale after last Christmas, and some i have made myself using left over supplies. It is always fun to change it up from previous years and experiment with what I have to try to come up with some new things.

These cute blocks I got on discount last year after Christmas

I am reusing these vases.  The tall one is from our wedding and the short one is from a bouquet of flowers Andrew had gotten for me.  The candle was a gift from a friend last year.

Last year I didn't have curtains so I hung all our Christmas cards with ribbon from the curtain rod.

This year I wanted something different yet simple, so I hung ornaments from some left over ribbon.

I had to find a new spot for all of our wonderful Christmas cards, so I followed this idea which I know is found on Pintrest and also mentioned by a friend on her blog post.  I used some leftover ribbon I had that looks like organic hemp with a little gold trimming on the edge.

This is a wreath I made from an old garland.  I just wrapped it around in a few circles, tied a ribbon at the top and added a few berries for color.

20 weeks!

I can't believe that I am already halfway through! These last couple months have gone by fairly fast and I know with the holidays ahead, the next few will just fly by as well.

This Friday we had the privilege of seeing our little bundle for the first time. Andrew was able to be there as well and experience what he or she looks like, etc. I have not noticed any movement yet as there is a lot of fluid still around the baby, but still waiting in anticipation for when that moment arrives. I know once it starts, it doesn't stop, so I suppose I might as well enjoy the 'quiet' time I have right now. :)  The little one was very active and made it difficult for the tech to take pictures, but she finally was able to get all the information she needed.  The baby kept putting his/her feet and hands in front of his/her face, but toward the end allowed us to get a could good views of the face.

Here is what our little one looks like now

Here is what I look like now

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with the family! I know you Canadians celebrated yours over a month ago.  :)  I hope you had a great time as well.

Here are 10 things I am thankful for...

1. To God for graciously sparing me through another year.

2. The love and support of a wonderful husband.

3. The love and fellowship with both the Moerdyk and Bergsma families.

4. The health of a growing child inside me for the last 19 weeks.

5. The stability of a job I enjoy and one for my husband.

6. The ability to worship Christ without any persecution like in other countries.

7. A warm, cozy house to live in, especially as the weather gets colder.

8. The ability to purchase a new family vehicle this year.

9. The blessings of a church family environment.

10. To God for the gift of grace and forgiveness.

Baby Room Finds

Here are some Craig's List finds that I came across and wanted to share with you!  Isn't it always nice when you come across something that can work perfectly in your home and costs at least 4 times as much brand new?!?!  I always get excited when that happens.  Well, this is just a sneak peak at these two items.  You will have to wait in anticipation for the finished furnished room once I get everything I need for it.  For now, here is the crib and changing table. :)

Deals

It snowed here today and seeing that just made me start thinking more about Christmas and all that I have to do yet before hand! oh well. It still looked beautiful outside, though I wasn't quite sure if I am ready for the snow. :) Still nice to look at.

I was just looking at these websites in preparation for ordering Christmas cards and noticed theses specials that I wanted to pass along.

Snapfish has 100 prints for $1.00 or 300 prints for $3.00 till Sunday.
Codes: SPOOKY100 or SPOOKY300
They also have a buy get one free on their photo cards.
Code: BOGOCARDS

I don't know if you need that many prints, but like me, I know some of you design a regular print size 'card' and order prints instead of the more expensive photo cards.

16 weeks

Here is an update on how things are going so far with baby and me! Friday morning I had another doctor's appointment where we heard another strong heartbeat. Everything is looking and sounding good so far, according to the doctor, for which we are thankful for.

Here is a picture of what baby looks like now:

Here is a picture of what I look now: