A Clean House is a Happy House

I'm interested to know - what is your cleaning program?

I like to clean. In fact I'm a pretty big neat freak. But the problem is that I only have about 3 hours at night from the time I get home until I go to bed and that includes cooking dinner, eating dinner and trying to relax a little. And that's the nights I don't have something planned. And then on the weekends we always have something going on. And even when we don't - I just hate spending my precious spare time to clean my house.
Plus right now I'm tired and lazy. I'm starting to get my energy back but my house has suffered from it.

One thing I love to do if I can get into it is to break up the house into rooms - and try to clean just one or two rooms a night during the week and just REALLY do a good job on each of those rooms. I only have to spend about 30-45 minutes a night that way and the house seems to get a lot more clean when I'm not taking on the whole house at one time.

Do you have any great cleaning tips? I'm always looking for anything to help me clean better. I'm sure we'd all like to read some helpful hints!

Random Wednesday

I just finished a Bible Study last night that our Sunday School Teacher's wife wrote last year. She had it published and she just led a group of us through it over the last 7 weeks. It's a 6-7 week study and if you are going through any kind of trial, have been through a trial or expect to ever go through one (that covers everyone) - I highly recommend ordering this and going through it.

You can order it here or here.

Secondly - we have had a pretty good response on getting all the NWA bloggers together but unfortunately - August and September are pretty booked up and there were a lot of conflicts. Plus we couldn't get the Jones Center where we had hoped to have it. So if it's okay - we may postpone it for a little while - but we will have to for sure try to all meet up soon! I'd love to meet all of you in person.

Is anyone going to Siesta Fiesta in San Antonio in a few weeks? I SOOOOOOO wish I was going but it just won't work out this year. My mom and I were talking last night about how badly we wish we could go and hear Beth Moore and meet all of our favorite bloggers.

And last but very important....................................

WILL YOU WATCH THE NEW 90210?????????

I'm honestly very sad that they are trying to re-do one of the greatest shows ever and I am pretty sure I will never like the new one. (Then again - I'm a little older than the demographic they are shooting for). But I have a feeling I may sneak a peek.

Guacamole and Lasagna cups

Here is my 16 week picture - Baby H is the size of an avocado.

This picture made me laugh because just last night I told Scott I was really worried because I didn't feel like I was showing much and I've only gained 2 lbs and what if the baby wasn't growing? And then I looked at this picture and I think things are probably okay. I think the baby is sticking out both ends. ha!

(I don't know where Dawson was - I guess he doesn't like avocados? He is usually no less than 4 inches from me at all times)

I got a new "Southern Living" this weekend and thought I would try a recipe in there. It was a different version of the meat cupcakes I got off of Annalee's blog earlier this year.

Lasagna pizza cups

1/2 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic gloves, minced
1 jar pizza sauce
1 can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375. Cook first 3 ingredients in a large skillet over medium heat until meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain well. Stir in 1 cup pizza sauce and remove from heat.
Press biscuits on bottom and sides of a lightly greased muffin cups. Spoon 1 tbls meat mixture into each biscuit cup. Top with ricotta cheese (about 1 tsp) and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes or until golden. Warm up remaining sauce and serve with the cups.
This was very tasty and something I think kids would probably really like.

The Waiting Game

Being pregnant has been just the most wonderful thing in the world. I wake up and the first thing I think every morning is "I'm having a BABY". I can't quit smiling. I have never been more happy in my life. Every day I spend time thanking God for this wonderful, wonderful blessing.

But at the same time - I have been SO burdened because I know there are so many of you out there who are still waiting and are still feeling hopeless and I know how that feels and I don't want anyone to have to experience that. I want everyone to feel as happy as I am today. There were so many dark days where I just never really thought I would ever end up pregnant or that I would ever be this happy. I know how it feels to go to a baby shower or church or even Wal-Mart and feel like everyone but you has a baby belly or a little child with them and it's so lonely. I understand how you can feel sometimes like God just must not be hearing you.

I just want to offer some encouragement to those of you who are waiting. I have heard so many miraculous stories lately and it has encouraged me to spend more and more time earnestly praying for women who want to be moms. I believe with all my heart that God has a plan for each of you.

I get a lot of e-mails from all of you who read my blog and a lot from women who don't have blogs. I received two e-mails in the last few days that just thrilled me. One was from a girl who has been trying for over 4 years to get pregnant. They have tried EVERYTHING including IVF - even using donor eggs. I mean they have done EVERYTHING. And recently they went on vacation and she started feeling sick and you guessed it - she is pregnant. ON THEIR OWN! And another girl e-mailed me to share her story of how they couldn't get pregnant so they finally adopted earlier this year and then soon after discovered they were pregnant and she is due with their second child in a few months! NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD! I want so badly for all of you to believe that.

I have heard from moms who adopted and said even though that is not what they had planned - they wouldn't change a thing because they couldn't imagine life without their child now. That gave me so much encouragement for those of you who might be led to adopt.



The whole time we suffered with infertility - I listened to this song above over and over. I had to get to the point where I could sing those words and believe them in my heart. I had to be able to praise God even if He wasn't blessing me right at that moment. I had to praise Him in the hard times. We sang this yesterday in church and it takes my breath away because God truly is Good. He is the same God and loves us the same - whether He gives us what we think we want or need or not. He has perfect timing. He is not a "fair" God - but he is a Holy and Just God.
I'm praying that God gives you the same joy I have now and soon!

P.S. Speaking of joy - Sunni has some great news today! I'm ready to drive to Dallas so I can eat burritos with her and Amanda. It seems our babies love mexican food!

P.P.S. There is a friend of a blogger friend who has suffered infertility and is now 22 weeks pregnant and just went into labor. Can you please lift her up in prayer? You can read the details here or visit her blog and leave her a comment to let her know you are praying. Thank you!

Hot Time Summer in the City

We have had a fairly busy weekend but it's been a lot of fun. It's just SOOOOOOOOO hot right now. It is definitely July in the south. I just can't hardly stand to be outside.

We started off our Saturday morning by taking engagement pictures for this lovely couple! My friend Hillary and Josh are getting married in less than 8 weeks and Scott took pictures for them this morning. It was fun but it was so hot - even at 8 in the morning.
After we did pictures - we went and ate breakfast with them at where else but Mimi's! They just have the best breakfast ever! (I just realized that I haven't taken any food pictures in a while. Probably because food isn't really my friend these days but a girl still has to eat.)

Saturday afternoon - we had several projects to get done. I worked on pulling weeds in our landscaping and nearly had a heatstroke. (Don't worry - I wasn't working hard - it was just so hot!) (Have I mentioned it's hot?)
We got a little treat Saturday night because Laurie's parents are in town and they kept the girls so we could go on a double date with Laurie and Steve. We went to Shogun and it was so yum!

This was before we stuffed ourselves silly.

Afterwards we hit up Cold Stone Creamery.

Then we went back to Laurie's house to visit with her parents and see the girls. They are always entertaining. Emily put on a show for us.

And I got to hold sweet Sarah Kate.

Today after church - Scott and Steve decided they really needed fried chicken so they picked up KFC and we went back over to Laurie and Steve's house and ate with them. The guys played a short game of lawn darts before they decided it was WAY too hot for this. (this is the only picture I took at lunch).
Scott and I had to make a run to Sam's after lunch and then we decided the one thing that could really fight the heat is a good old snow cone.
Scott got a Red Bull Brain Freeze (YUCK) and I had a strawberry margarita snow cone.

We are inside and resting in the air conditioning now. How was your weekend? What are you doing to fight the heat????

Baby Shower

This is Mary Avery and her little boy John Michael. John Michael was born in May and she opted to have her shower afterwards so we celebrated them last night.
We had a dip themed shower. We had a couple of savory dips and a few sweet dips - fruit dip and chocolate chip cheese cream dip (if you haven't had this - it's HEAVEN!)
Vonda and Amy
Ginger holding John Michael
Julie, Michelle, and Lisa

I had meant to take more pictures but I helped write down the presents for Mary Avery so I missed out taking more pictures.

This is my signature spinach dip. I make it all the time and it is soooooo good. To me - it's the best spinach dip recipe I've ever found so I have to share.

Spinach Dip

1 pkg frozen spinach

8 oz cream cheese

8 oz Monterrey jack cheese

6 oz Parmesan cheese

1 can Rotel

Cook the spinach according to package. Add cheeses and melt in microwave for 3-5 minutes until liquid form. Add rotel and mix together. Serve with crackers or bagel chips or melba toasts.

Last night I made cherry limeade punch. Everyone wanted to know if my friends at Sonic gave me the recipe. I figure they would since I'm their best customer but I actually got the recipe off the net! It's very yummy. This recipe is just 1-1-1 so you can double or triple accordingly. (I doubled for last night).

Cherry Limeade Punch

1 can frozen limeade concentrate

1 bottle Sprite

1 jar of maraschino cherries

1 lime

Put in the limeade and then add the sprite. Pour in the juice from the cherries. Then add the cherries and sliced up lime for looks and taste.

"Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On"

Last night I helped with a really fun baby shower and I took pictures I wanted to post and I had a few recipes I was going to share - and I left my camera at the host's house. So I'll go pick it up at lunch and post about that later.

I'm not a jeans wearer. I NEVER wore jeans in high school or college. (I know - I'm a freak)
I'm just not comfortable in jeans. I have a few pairs that I will occasionally wear when I'm feeling thin.
But I got these Citizens of Humanity maternity jeans off of e-bay and I thought I would try them out and wear them today. Hello - LOVE! That maternity panel makes all the difference.

Would it be weird if I kept wearing these WAY after I have the baby? Because I want to wear these every day I love them so much already.

Where have you been all my life maternity jeans?

Secret Baby Closet

When we got home on Sunday - I found this awesome onesie in the mail. Staci had sent it to me! That was so extremely thoughtful Staci!!!! Scott thought it was the greatest thing ever. I can't wait to put the baby in it!!!

My father-in-law was here in town for a meeting he had so he stayed with us last night and we took him to dinner at his (and our) favorite restaurant - Doe's. They have the BEST steaks!
Afterward we dropped by to see Laurie and Steve and the girls. Emily really entertained us - she danced around the living room and tickled Scott and Bill. She took a big liking to Bill. She wanted to sit with him and when we left she said "Bye Bill". She was cracking me up. I forgot to take my camera in to take their picture.

Scott's dad brought us a package from Scott's mom and his aunt. His aunt sent us a blanket, the razorback diaper bag (and after I took this picture I realized she also sent us a razorback pacifier, razorback booties, and two razorback onesies). I think she knows what we love. Scott's mom sent us a picture frame, two GIRL outfits and a neat little mother/child figurine. I am LOVING getting these sweet baby gifts!!!
I thought I would show you my collection of razorback baby things! This picture gets me so excited!!!!!
And here is a small glimpse of a few things in my secret baby closet. As you can see - I am up a small creek if it turns out to be a boy. I will be thrilled - I just seem to only have things with "Harper" on them. ha! (Just wait until I show you the rest)

And here is my 15 week picture. Baby H is now the size of an apple. I can't wrap my mind around the fact that there is a living, breathing thing the size of an apple floating around inside of me. It is such a miracle. I also love that in all my belly pictures - Dawson is right next to me trying to get a bite of whatever I'm holding. ha!

I had an appointment today and we heard the heartbeat. It was so great to hear! It was around 150 so my doctor said now she was leaning towards boy. So who knows? We find out in 27 days (on August 19th) what it is and I am counting down the minutes! I just pray it's healthy.

Do your remember what your baby's heart beats were before you found out what they were? I'm curious to see if the heartbeat matches the sex for ya'll or not? I'm doing my best to guess pink or blue!!!!

Hurricane Dolly

On Saturday when we were in Corpus Christi, we were driving to lunch and I was looking at all of these beautiful homes across the street from the water and it reminded me so much of how Mobile, AL looks (only I know how Mobile looks after Hurricane Katrina). And all I could think about was how horrible it would be if a hurricane came through and how I would never, ever want to live near water after seeing the devastation of Katrina.
My family all went on and on about how hurricanes NEVER hit Corpus and it would be so rare for a hurricane to come through but I just kept thinking about how the weather has been so bizarre lately that anything is possible.
And sure enough, just 2 days after leaving there - Hurricane Dolly is heading that way. Please pray for the people who live near the path of the storm. I'm thinking of all my new friends I made at my brother's wedding who live there.
I'm sure we are in for a rough hurricane season and I pray for all of those who live near any type of coast. It's when you see people go through these kind of things that makes me be so grateful for the home I do have to sleep in each night. We may have a cabinet door that has fallen off or a window that leaks or whatever other little issue that nearly every home has - but God has blessed us with a home and I can't help but thank Him every night before I go to bed for my home and for my health and for my job and for each blessing He has given me - especially this baby! How can I NOT be thankful?

What are you thankful for today?

My little brother's wedding

We just got back from being in Corpus Christi,TX for my brother's wedding. We had SOOOO much fun. It was just a great wedding. I want to share a few of the hundreds of pictures we took so settle back - this is a long post.

We flew out very early Friday morning and arrived in CC around 9:30. We got checked into our hotel and it was time for me and my mom, aunts and cousin to go to the bridal lunch while Scott and my dad and my brother and uncle picked up their tuxes and ate lunch.

This is my mom, her sister Linda, me, my cousin Molly and my dad's sister Kathy

This is Carrie (the bride) (front row on the right) and her college friends from the University of Texas where she was a Kappa

The cute gift table and paper mache bride

Carrie and her mom

At the rehearsal dinner - this is the bride and groom

Carrie, Chris, Me and Scott (their wedding was in an art museum)

We had the rehearsal dinner at the Yacht Club. After the bridal lunch - my mom, Aunt Linda and I raced over to decorate tables. We worked most of Friday afternoon and got back to the hotel with barely enough time to get ready for the rehearsal. The rehearsal dinner was SO much fun. We had a mexican buffet that was so good and everyone gave wonderful toasts to Chris and Carrie. Chris' friends gave some hilarious speeches that had everyone rolling. My dad gave a wonderful speech that made everyone cry and then Chris spoke and cried and cried (my family is VERY emotional family) and it was so sweet. I heard several of Carrie's friends telling him they wanted him to give them a speech next. ha!

This was the view from the yacht club

Saturday - we slept in and then went and ate lunch with my family. Scott and I hit the beach by our hotel for a little bit but it was not the beautiful beaches like they have in Gulf Shores or Destin or Hawaii. It was kind of dirty and very crowded and hot so we didn't stay long.

It was picture fiesta before, during and after the wedding. Here are Scott and I.

Chris' groomsmen picking him up

My beautiful new sister-in-law - her dress was gorgeous

Here she is with her bridesmaids

And with her house party

The reception was held in another part of the art museum and it was set up so pretty in her colors of green and brown. They had a GREAT band and it was just so much fun.

Chris and Carrie and my mom and dad

Our new family

The kids - and yes - I'm the only one looking at my camera

The buffet table at the reception

The first dance

Cutting the cake

Throwing the bouquet

This was their surprise get away car her dad set up for them. It's an old, old truck and they rode in the back to their hotel. It was so cute.
Chris and Carrie are just perfect for each other and they both looked SO happy on their wedding day. I'm so glad they are finally married and their wedding was just so much fun!

Hope you all had good weekends too!