Spicy Magnolia

In Babymoon La-La Land

Top o' the mornin' to ya! We are currently enjoying a most lovely babymoon getaway here in San Antonio and soaking up every minute of it. We arrived Wednesday afternoon and the only things we've done so far have been eating, sleeping, reading, playing ping pong, catching up on my "Love Letters to My Baby" guided journal, and sitting by the pool. I can't wait to tell you more about it! Hubby is still sleeping, but when he wakes up, we're gonna head over to Sea World for the day to say "hi" to Shamu! Yippee skipee! In case this blog post looks really weird, I'm posting it from my phone...we're not too thrilled about the $10 a day Internet fee here, so we're trying to hold off. Here are some not-so-good 30 week pictures of me and Polka. Forgive the wet, unstyled hair. For those of you who have waited to vote on the poll on whether Polka is a boy or girl can now do do with more info. (grin) Hope you all have a great weekend! Have fun with your kiddos tonight if you're going out... I can't wait to see pictures of the costumes! Catch ya Monday, and many blessings to you, Internet peeps!

 

Presumption

My own political views aside, if this isn't a classic example of presumption, I don't know what is. 

‘Obama Wins!,’ newspaper declares

John King
CNN Chief National Correspondent

For The New Mexico Sun News it is either a major scoop or “Dewey Beats Truman” déjà vu 60 years later.

“Obama Wins!” is the headline of the edition on newsstands now, complete with “special collector’s edition” in red bold typeface.

The Sun News is a bi-monthly newspaper and its Oct 26-Nov 8 issue had to hit the streets, and the newsstands, before the election. So the editors decided to make a leap of faith and declare Democrat Barack Obama the winner.

In an article explaining their choice, the editors unabashedly wrote, “When it comes to calling the winner of a presidential election, everyone wants to be first. The New Mexico Sun News hereby claims that achievement.”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Definitions of the word presume, according to Dictionary.com:

1. to take for granted, assume or suppose
2. to assume in the absence of proof to the contrary
3. to undertake with unwarrantable boldness
4. to undertake without right or permission
5. to take something for granted, to suppose

Anything about this a smart decision made by the NM Sun News?  Seems more to me like some over-eager, rash editors grasping at a fleeting moment of a potential claim to fame.

The Gift of Unsolicited Advice

What sorts of things really excite you?  Maybe something you've been waiting for a long time and it comes to fruition?  Or something you've worked really hard at and that work has paid off in some way? An answer to prayer after fervently being on your knees?  Time with your family?  An extra hour of sleep?  For me, there are some staples in my life that fit into the category of pure joy, usually pertaining to my hubby and puppy.  Or vacation <grin>.  Oh, and chocolate. 

Last night on our way home from small group, I discovered something I never thought would excite me to the degree in which it did last night and will throughout today:  unsolicited advice on parenting!  Now don't get me wrong, I have a handful of precious mommy girlfriends and women in my life that when they speak about mommyhood, my ears perk up and listen like a hawk to record what they tell me so that I can learn from it; their thoughts are so welcomed!  But you know what I mean, when that belly starts popping out, you start receiving advice from all over the place...and some of it, like an offer for an actual demonstration with someone else's baby of how to nurse, some of you just might not want to get. 

To encourage me after leaving a comment on her blog post about "How Parenting is Like Golf", fellow blogger, Antique Mommy, posted a blog entitled "What Every New Mom Should Know", in which she listed for me "everything you ever wanted to know about becoming a mom but was smart enough not to ask".  I loved all the points in her list for different reasons, but my two top favorites: 

• Do what you have to do to make life easy for yourself.  I kept Sean in zip up sleepers for the first year of his life after trying to dress him in one of those cute little Osh Kosh bib overall outfits nearly sent me off the deep end.

• Never forget that motherhood is the most precious season in a woman’s life. Wring the joy out of every day.

And that's not all!  Then she asked her readers, if they had good mom advice for me, to leave it in the comments!  At the time of publishing this post, there were 33 comments from her readers who took the time to encourage and bless me with their thoughts and advice about being a new mommy!  Some have shared vulnerably from their heart.  Some have made me laugh so hard.  Some have brought a renewed sense of anticipation and joy in the coming of Polka.  Some have given me the reminder to be myself, to not worry, to not take myself so seriously.  Some have given much needed practical advice.  I feel like I've received my own personal handbook of parenting put together just for me.  I highly encourage you to take time to read the post here, and don't miss out on the comments, because they're priceless!  If you want to add your own comment with advice over there, go for it!  The more, the merrier <grin>. 

I now have one thing I know I'm going to be doing this weekend while Matt's playing basketball on our "babymoon":  re-reading all of the comments, and I hope to get back to each person who left one.  That's a goal, but in the meantime, thank you Antique Mommy for this awesome surprise!  And thank you to all you Antique Mommy readers who took the time to leave a comment to encourage and bless me!  I'm still flying high from the excitement of receiving this unsolicited advice, and am so grateful for your kind words.  Boy, this little engine is chuggin' along with a lot more steam!  Thanks, ya'll!!

The Foodie's Fall Cornucopia, Week 6: Baked Squash

I wore mittens on my walk this morning with Molly!  I could see my breath because the air was so cold!  It was absolutely delightful!  One of my most favorite things about the weather getting cooler is that Molly's frisky side comes out.  She's no longer weighted down by her fur coat and the heat; instead, she's a bouncy puppy full of vim and vigor!  She bolts through the neighborhood streets like it's her first time outside.  Now she's a happy puppy laying on her bed fading into her mid-morning nap.  I love that dog SO much!

Ok, so to the real purpose of this post:  another fall recipe to add to our collection!  Today's featured seasonal food is zucchini squash.  This recipe, one that my Momma gave to me and I am not sure where it came from (probably my grandmother), is called Baked Squash.  It's a cheesy delectable, which will likely make it more enjoyable for some of your kiddos.  By its ingredients, you can tell it's a true southern fare <grin>.  It's a wonderful accompaniment to beef, poultry or pork, and it's very simple to make, the best feature of all.

Baked Squash

6-8 medium zucchini squash, cut in 1/2 inch slices
1 can chopped green chiles
2 small cans of mushroom pieces
1 jar pimento
1 jar of Cheez Whiz (plain)
Ritz crackers (about 20-25 crackers)

Cook the sliced zucchini squash in a small amount of salted water until it's almost done.  Drain the squash well in a colander.  In a casserole dish, mix the green chiles, mushroom pieces, pimento and Cheez Whiz, mixing well.  Add zucchini squash to the casserole dish and mix well into the cheese mixture.  Crush the Ritz crackers and sprinkle on top of the zucchini mixture.  Bake at 400 degrees until browned and warmed thoroughly.

If you're posting a favorite fall recipe of yours on your blog, share it with us!  Link to your specific blog post and add it to Mr. Linky below.  Happy Tuesday to ya!

I'm Both a Teapot and a Wanna-Be Little Engine

When Matt is in a super good mood, (I emphasize 'super' because 99.9% of the time, he's in a good mood--unlike me, Miss Moody), he sometimes can cross over into pure silliness or goofiness.  He was on a roll this weekend with his comments and antics.  Fortunately, he tamed them down a little during the childbirth class on Saturday; otherwise, I might have been very embarrassed.  One of his classic comments was Friday morning after eating his bowl of cereal.  For years, I mean like 20 years, he's eaten Honey Bunches of Oats or a generic brand of Honey Bunches cereal morning after morning.  Boring, I say.  But he loves them!  A friend of ours, however, recommended that Matt try Grape Nuts.  After a week of eating them, Matt announced on Friday, "Meggie, please get me my other cereal.  These Grape Nuts are sucking all the joy out of my breakfast."  Well now, sure thing, hubby!  That's some serious dislike of Grape Nuts, and what an easy way for me to bless him and restore his morning delight! 

Then, on Saturday morning before heading out to our childbirth class, he gave me the giggles by saying, "Meggie, you should sing 'I'm a little teapot...'; I think you'd look so cute singing it!"  I guess I look like a teapot.  Beauty and the Beast costume designers just need to hire a pregnant lady to play Mrs. Potts, the teapot.  And...in order to have Matt's permission to print his comment in my blog, he made me actually sing the song this morning!  So picture me, 7.5 months pregnant with my belly, singing the following:

I'm a little teapot, short and stout
Here is my handle [one hand on hip], here is my spout [other arm out straight]
When I get all steamed up, hear me shout
Just tip me over and pour me out!
[as song ends, lean over and tip arm out like a spout]

I hope you consider that little story worth me doing such a thing at 7:30 this morning!  Just for you, Internet peeps.  Just for you. 

Our childbirth class went really well on Saturday.  It wasn't anything like what they portray in the movies:  getting down on the ground practicing breathing techniques.  We did practice the breathing (sitting in a chair), but the day was more lecture-based rather than hands-on.  Very informative and very helpful it was!  The nurser practitioner (NP) that presented the information kept it very interesting; it wasn't boring at all.  Although, I feel like we know a good amount of what to expect during delivery and our stay at the hospital, but absolutely nothing in knowing how to care for Polka when we come home.  And here's to hopin' we actually remember all that we learned this weekend!  We got a tour of the nursery wing, but a new section is supposed to open within the next month, so...so much for knowing what to expect there. 

The most emotional part of the day was when we heard about what it would be like when Polka's born; somehow the NP described it in such a way that had me in tears (good tears of expectancy and anticipation).  There were 2 couples out of 10 or 12 that are waiting to find out the baby's gender at birth, and according to the NP, our doctor has one more last kick at having fun with us couples who are waiting to find out:  upon delivery he says, "Congratulations, here is your baby!" with a towel covering the parts you want to see!  And then, after what may seem like eternity, he brings the towel down and says, "You have a girl!...or a boy!"  More tears flowing from my eyes imagining that moment.

I went in with a baby birth plan marking that I don't want an epidural, with a very high aim to do as much as I can without getting one.  I've started telling myself, "I can do it!  I can do it!", just like The  Little Engine that Could, to build up my mental strength.  I don't have anything against getting an epidural; I'd be open to one if that's what it comes down to.  But I'm trying to prepare myself as much as I can to think that I can do it.  However, after hearing about the specific stages of labor this weekend, with an estimation of how long they last on average, and that it's more physically taxing than any marathon, triathlon, etc...I am feeling rather deflated in my ability to actually go through this thing!  I have NO idea what a c-section would feel like; it's major surgery.  But there's a part of me that would so much rather have a scheduled c-section than go through labor...but that is possibly a very naive, scared Meg talking here!  I just need some help in thinking I can be the Little Engine that Could again.

Just a fun few things to wrap it up:  1) cast your vote on the left sidebar to make your opinion known if you think Polka is a boy or girl; I'm curious to know what people think.  And I'll post some new 30 week pictures soon for those of you who need a belly shot to vote more accurately <grin>; 2) our glider and baby bedding has come in!!  We'll pick up our glider next week and the bedding is being mailed from Dallas, so it should arrive early next week. I can't wait to see the nursery all put together! 3) Matt and I are headed to San Antonio for our "babymoon", (like a honeymoon, but one last little getaway before the baby comes).  We'll be there Wednesday-Sunday, and we're so excited! 4) if you've ever wanted to know how parenting is like golf, check this out...it's very clever! 5) have a fall recipe ready for tomorrow's The Foodies Fall Cornucopia series!

Maybe I just gave some of you some last minute Halloween costume ideas...a teapot or an train engine (or train conductor)!  Speaking of costumes what are you and/or your kiddos dressing up as?

This and That

After being in CO two weeks ago and then having family in town, I'm still trying to get a footing on my routine; I feel all thrown off sorts this week getting back into the swing of things.  I even rushed through my Bible study lesson (I'm studying Exodus) to have it completed by Wednesday, but I went through it so quickly I can't even tell you anything I really learned about it.  <very sad face>  Although, I did manage to clean the house, do laundry, iron and complete a whole list of other things that took priority over the Bible study...so typical of me!  Alas, I think I'm finally back into the routine and things are in order, at least for the time being.  I keep having this feeling that Polka is going to come early, before I get through all of my 'to-do' list.  That would be something that would totally happen to me as I plan to have everything in order and organized before Polka comes.  So I truly wonder if the life-long, ongoing lesson of learning to let go is going to come before my time-table has it scheduled. <deep sigh> 

I just got off Skype with my friend, Corrie, who lives overseas.  She and Jonathan had their first-born son, Guy, on the 15th of September.  How it brings joy to my heart to be able to talk to her!  The little handy webcam Corrie gave to us is awesome because I can see all three of their precious faces, too!  I just want to reach out and squeeze those full cheeks of Guy's...he's already grown so much from the first pictures I saw of him!  He's a spitting image of his daddy.

Not sure if you noticed, but on this week's The Foodie's Fall Cornucopia... post, my friend Lindsey linked to one of her favorite fall recipes that she posted on her blog!  Click here to see my post and scroll down to the Mr. Linky section and you'll see her entry (she's the 2nd one).  Just click on it and it'll take you to her awesome Pumpkin Crunch recipe.  Lindsey is also the one who came up with the most perfect caption to the picture I posted of the mummy next to the Christmas decorations:  I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus!  She's so good at naturally and effortlessly coming up with stuff like that while I sit in front of the computer racking my brain trying to think of something creative.

I also loved hearing the stories you shared about fun things your little people friends or family have said or done recently!  For those of you who didn't see the comments left on that post, you should take a quick look (click here), because they are quite precious and will make you laugh.

The morning chill in the air this week has been quite enjoyable!  It's put me in the mood to make soup.  I'm going to try out Amanda's favorite soup recipe next week:  Roasted Chicken and Wild Rice.  For those of you who love soup or want to try out a variety of soups in your menu this coming month, I discovered a fun little calendar called "Your Daily Soup" on Cooking Light's website.  Each day throughout the month of October, they're featuring a different soup.  You can hover over the calendar and take a sneak peek at what they have to offer; they sound might fine!  Click here for the calendar.

Finally, we had our 28 week doctor's appointment on Tuesday.  It was a big appointment as I took my glucose and iron tests and had my rhogam and flu shots.  Everything came back great and Polka looked nice and healthy, so onward we go, faster and faster it seems.    I don't feel all that great today, but I've gotta start feeling better because we have a very big thing going on tomorrow, a very big thing:  our childbirth class!  It's all day long.  Goodness!  We'll probably be on info overload and hopefully not too overwhelmed; I'd much rather have fun and laughable stories about it to tell you on Monday versus the alternative.  Hope you all have a fabulous weekend...any fun plans to share?  Well, until Monday, onward we go...

A Masterpiece of Creative Writing

I just received a fun email from my brother, Mac, that I have to share with you all.  He forwarded an email that one of his colleagues received and wrote, "Look what you get to look forward to reading!!  Think of all the funny things your kid will say and do."  It sure put a smile on my face and I know it will for you, too. 

The premise of the forwarded email:  A fourth grade teacher, while grading papers, came across a masterpiece.  The question asked of this little girl in a writing prompt was this...

If you could spend a day with any book, movie, or TV character, who would it be?  Why?  What would you do for the day?  Be sure to give specific details.

Her teacher wrote that the student's "masterfully-crafted response was this...enjoy...".

Anything fun your kiddos, nieces or nephews, or little people friends have shared with you recently that put a smile on your face?  Last week my little buddy, Harrison, when asked, "What's in Meg's tummy?" quickly chimed in, "A baby.  Can we open it?"  Got a couple of more months of bakin' to do, but after that, yep, we can open!

The Foodie's Fall Cornucopia, Week 5: Waldorf Salad

Have extra apples on hand that you're not sure how to use?  Or want something a bit tangy and sweet to accompany a main entree?  Then this simple, classic recipe is for you!  Adjust it to your health needs or taste buds' liking (i.e. substitute walnuts for pecans or leave the nuts out).  My momma gave me this recipe, and I have no idea where she got it from.  <grin>

Waldorf Salad

4 large red apples (I prefer Gala or Delicious), cored, seeded and chopped
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup light mayonnaise
1 cup chopped celery
juice from 1 small lemon
1/4-1/2 cup sugar, depending on your preferred level of sweetness
1/2 cup of raisins (optional)

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.  Keep refrigerated.  Serves 4-6.

Ain't that one of the simplest recipes your sweet eyes have ever read?  If you've posted a favorite fall recipe of yours recently and want to share it with us, submit your name and the URL for your specific blog post below using Mr. Linky. 

Can you believe we're nearing the end of October already?  Here's to soakin' up as much of fall as we can before it rapidly comes to an end!  Have a wonderful day!

Showered with Love

I hope there are days in your life every now and then that make you feel so loved and special.  The truth is, we're loved and special in God's eyes everyday, but there are days when someone's acts and words of kindness may set that day apart from all the others because it made you feel significantly valued and loved:  maybe somebody sent a card or made a phone call to let you know they were thinking of you; or someone threw a really memorable birthday party for you; or someone sent you home with a wonderful meal during the midst of your busy week.  There are a few precious friends in my life that teach me how to love others better, more purposefully, listening intently to what they are going through to respond in a way that shows them I care.  I've got much to learn!  This weekend, however, I was humbled and blessed and showered with love in a way that overwhelmed me to tears of thanksgiving...and many, many smiles that made my face ache!

Matt's parents, Ed and Ruth, his middle sister, Kim, her husband, Tom, and our nephew, Jadon, came into town to help celebrate with me and Matt as we anticipate the birth of Polka and some of my dearest friends hosted a baby shower for me.  I think it was a relaxing visit for everyone.  With a 5.5 month old, fatigue from travel, and the normal tiredness of everyday life, all 7 of us enjoyed some down time being together.  Molly enjoyed having a little one around to lick, and Jadon quickly took a liking to the big, furry creature.  Some of the things we enjoyed in the city:  a Hyde Park Baptist football game, the gem of all Whole Foods, the University of Texas campus, the State Capitol (just a drive-by view), The Domain, Z-Tejas, Amy's Ice Cream, and the gorgeous weather!  It was nice and cool the first two days of their visit and then it warmed up to Austin's typical fall temperature with clear, blue skies.  We enjoyed several meals outside on the patio, something we haven't been able to do during Ed and Ruth's previous fall visits because it's been too hot.  It was mighty fine weather this visit!  Here are some other fun shots throughout our weekend.  Kim brought Jadon's pumpkin costume he'll wear for Halloween.  Cutest 'ittle pumpkin, huh!? 

 

Saturday, in particular, was the day that stands out to me as the day that I felt so loved and cared for.  My dear friends, Janna, Jill, and Abbie, threw me the most precious baby shower that was polka-dot themed!  <grin>  As you walked into Jill's home, to the right were individual packages of polka-dot Kleenexes for guests to take home with a note on them that had a specific prayer request to pray for me, Matt and Polka.  So as people use these cute Kleenexes, they'll be reminded to pray for us!  There were also note cards people could write out a blessing, advice, or a prayer for us and then hang it on a beautiful tree that we now have and I want to put it in the nursery.  (I'm using pictures that Ruth took, so when I figure out how to transfer pics from my Momma's camera she let us borrow, I'll have some more of the tree and Kleenex table.)

The brunch was a feast fit for kings and queens!  The table was covered in a lace table cloth that was Gaga's.  We used it for our cake table at our wedding, and my mom was able to ship it to the hostesses.  Along with gorgeous yellow sweet peas (my favorite flower that Gaga introduced me to) that Jill was able to track down, the flowers and tablecloth were a vivid reminder to me and my momma that Gaga was a part of this shower.  It was one of the sweetest, most kind gestures that the girls thought of to incorporate into the day.  When I first heard that my friends wanted me to pick something out of Gaga's to use for the shower that could be a special reminder of her, I burst into tears at the incredible thoughtfulness.  And sweat peas are out of season, folks!  I couldn't use them in my wedding bouquet either, but somehow, they tracked 'em down!  They even played Christmas music because they know how much I love it!! 

To feast upon:  strawberries; a delightful mint punch; a spinach, egg, mushroom and sundried tomato casserole; French toast bake; muffins; cream cheese sandwiches (a favorite of mine that Abbie makes); the softest sugar cookies with a cherry in the middle of them--another little polka-dot treasure; and cupcakes with white chocolate pieces on them.  Ya'll, I can't begin to describe to you how delicious everything was.  As my Daddy dropped Momma off, he walked into the house and was immediately taken aback by the awesome wafts coming from the kitchen.  He knew that there had been some serious cookin' done, and I know he wished he could've morphed into a woman for an hour just to get some bites.  That sounds totally strange, but seriously!  I know each of those girls put lots of love and time into making everything for the brunch, and I wish I could begin to describe to you how my taste buds rejoiced at each bite.  Confession:  I hide food.  I hide food from Matt so I can have it all to myself.  As awful as it sounds, it's true.  So while I came home with tupperware full of yummy leftovers to the witness of his family, I didn't want to share with anybody, so I hid it.  Matt, of course, knows me well enough to know this about me, and he'll get some of it sooner or later.  But in the meantime, I'm enjoying my hidden stash of leftovers.   

Each lady there has a special, significant place in my life.  I had much fun sharing about how I knew each girl as I opened her present.  Even my friend, Lauren, who got married last week, drove in from Dallas for the shower!  And special friends and family of mine from out of town who couldn't make it left their imprint on the day.  A precious girl drove around for 2 hours looking for the shower and arrived after everyone left, but I got to spend some one-on-one time with her, and can you believe she persevered for that long to get there!?  It was special having both of Polka's "grandmas" there also, and even little Jadon picked out the cutest toy for his first cousin!  I was overwhelmed by everyone's thoughtfulness and generosity; it was quite touching and very memorable.  I wish sometimes I had more accurate words to describe how thankful, humbled, and truly moved I am at times like these.  It's hard to believe that people want to show love and care so profoundly, giving of their time, energy, and resources to make another person such as myself feel treasured.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  I can't wait for Polka to meet all the precious women in my life! 

Random Delights

Good morning, folksie shmoksies!  How is everyone doing this Thursday morning?  It's only supposed to reach 69 degrees today in Austin, and I am stoked!  After the rainy day we had yesterday, I am in fall heaven, Internet peeps!  Can you tell the slightly giddy mood I'm in?  I'm hoping to have a leisurely morning by walking Moos, enjoying a cup of tea, and sitting outside in the coolness of the new day.  That's what I'm hoping for.  But Matt's parents, his sister, and our nephew are rollin' into town at noon, so the last few chores I have to get ready for our guests might forego those wishes.  Alas, in addition to the fall weather, there are a few other things that I'm delighting in that I have to take a moment to share with you.

First, Matt and I bought pumpkins and gourds yesterday evening before heading over to dinner at our friends, Chris and Jill's, place for a scrumptious lasagna dinner.  We now have a cute little pumpkin patch in our front yard; well, at least a wanna-be pumpkin patch.  It was a spontaneous decision to go to dinner, and I'm so glad we did!  I didn't have anything planned for supper, so who knows what Matt would have eaten had it not been for Jill spoilin' us.  Seriously, it looked like I starve my hubby with how much he ate.  But even I surpassed his 2 helpings by eating 3!  The kiddos, Harrison and Haddie, as always, were a joy to be with, and I learned what a zerbert is!  I never knew it had a name!!  I left their place having had lots of mini zerberts from those adorable two (Harrison and Haddie, not Chris and Jill) <grin>.

Secondly, when we got home from Colorado, Matt had a surprise waiting for me!  Throughout our pregnancy, I've talked about wanting a t-shirt that either says, "Yes, there is a baby in here" (but it's a little late for that), or one that says, "Hands off my belly" ('cause I really don't like my belly touched), but he got me something even more perfect!!  Take a look:

Speaking of my first baby, she stayed with our neighbors while we were gone and there is a precious picture of Molly and 2 year old Evan on Leah's blog post.  Click here to see it.  She's so good with kiddos!  Molly must want to go over there again real bad because when we got home Tuesday afternoon and let her out front, she headed right over to Evan's house.  And then yesterday when she heard their dog, Chloe, bark, Molly started barking and running all over the house until I let her bolt outside where she stood peering through the fence to see if her bestest buds were still outside. 

J.R. brought this You Tube video to his readers' attention yesterday.  I got a kick out of it!  So will any hubbies out there.  Click here to watch it; it's pretty funny. 

My sister-in-law, Julie, alluded to it in her comment she posted yesterday, but I am now only 85 days away from Polka's due date!  Do you see that number "30" nearly covered up there on the counter!?  Holy cow, Internet peeps!  Holy cow!!  I'll probably write about it more at another time, but truly, I am scared out of my mind about the labor and delivery and our lives changing entirely....and it's all happening so fast!  I'll expound on the inner turmoil going through me later; right now, this post is about "random delights".  I must say, one random delight has been to feel Polka kicking up a storm!  My tummy is actually shifting!  It's all good as long as it's not when I'm trying to fall asleep <grin>.  It's the weirdest but most special thing at the same time.  Here's a sorta belly shot of me at nearly 28 weeks.

Ok, so I need your advice.  I wrote yesterday about how our camera has now gone kaput.  Well, we just gotta get ourselves a new camera before January.  So, any recommendations on cameras?  What do you like about it?  What are important camera features to have to capture great shots of Polka?  Any hints on how to find good deals on those expensive suckers?

Well, friends, I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!  May your eyes and heart be opened to see the random delights the Lord has in store for you to enjoy.  And if you would like a low down of amazing promises and delights He absolutely, for sure, no doubt or question about it, has for you, read this!  It'll knock the socks off ya!