Set Free

Three years ago I got engaged to Jon.  I have yet to write a post about that part of our love story....but until then: just know that it didn't go as plan but in the end we got married and that's what matters, right? :) So tonight it was only best to have our little family's Christmas. First I had to get us ready.  Ellie got a bath and I got a shower.  I know, I accomplished a lot today. ;) Then it was time to work in the kitchen.  This mess was just not going to work.... Then I got going on dinner.  I melted a stick of butter and poured it over some chicken tenders in a 9x13 pan.  Then sprinkled some bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and italian seasoning.  I had baked potatoes already in the oven. Cooked the chicken on 400 for about a half hour, so I could make enough for leftovers.  Then I also made a side of macaroni and cheese.  Jon brought home some grape juice, and we called it good! :) When Jon got home Ellie had fallen asleep in her bouncy seat

i don't remember my first Christmas.  i don't remember seeing my first Christmas tree all lit up and decorated.  i don't remember the first time i opened my first gift. but i do remember the first time i played Mary in the Christmas play (and many more years).  i remember the first time hearing what Christmas was all about.  i remember sitting down and listening to my dad read the Christmas story.  i remember joyfully opening presents with the family...it wasn't my first Christmas, but it has special memories. this year would be Ellie's first Christmas.  however she will never remember.  however i still plan on making it special for Jon and I, and Ellie will be right there beside us.  because we are a family.  on Wednesday we are celebrating our little family's Christmas.  it will be a special time and hopefully will continue to be a tradition (i'm a big fan of traditions). i'm going to try to think of something yummy to have for dinner.  then Jon

i didn't really mean that. i'm just kidding. why did you do that? don't they know that hurts my feelings? why are they not doing that for me? don't i deserve this? can't you do this one thing for me? it's not that important. he will understand. let me do this one thing first, then.... don't we all from time to time? you'll do it for me, right? the endless thoughts that run in our minds from time to time.  moment to moment.  why?  because we are human.  and the argument inside your mind can cause it to continue on and on and on.  and i'm so thankful for this because it saves me from the unending grace . because with out it i wouldn't be me and you wouldn't be you. and the fact is we could do nothing.  in fact we have done nothing.  nothing to deserve this. heaven and yet God gave us this and no i wasn't about to pick one of those church pictures of nicely cut hair Jesus on the cross with nails

Oh my dear Ellie you are two months old today!!  Daddy and Mommy love you so much and can't stop smiling with all the sweet little things you do!  Mommy will tell you all about it.... You are so so cute.  Who can't stop looking at you? took this pic today! 2 mo old While Mommy was doing your two month photo shoot she is reminded of all the sweet things you do, and all the things you do not like!  Ellie, you enjoy smiling and "talking" to us.  Sometimes it even sounds like you say "hi" back.  When we talk or stick our tongue out you move your mouth and play with your tongue too. ...or just watch us try to get you to talk :) Then Mommy wanted to start showing your size.  Your one month photo was in your bouncer so you had to do one good one in the bouncer for month two. one month old two months old Sorry the views are different, but you can tell the slight difference of how you are growing up!  So content!  Here's another way to sta

This past weekend was the last weekend before we start celebrating Christmas.  Jon and I both love Christmas, but we were looking forward to taking Ellie (ahem, and me) out of the house and walk around.  (Thanks Mom and Dad for letting us use your stroller so we wouldn't have to carry Ellie everywhere!) Friday Jon got off in the middle of the afternoon.  When he came home he helped me get Ellie ready to go out.  (She had a blow out just in time for Daddy to come home.)  Then we had late lunch at Pancheros.  If you know Jon at all, that is NO surprise what so ever!  Then we went to Westdale Mall near our apartment.  The mall is best for walking.  It's indoors and not crowded.  There are hardly any stores left in this mall.  Besides a few salons, Younkers, JCPenny, Payless, and Chick fil A there's not a whole lot else.  Except the Cedar Rapids Library.  So Jon and I did some window shopping.  Well, actually I got some new gloves and we got a Christmas gift!  And couldn'