{can you say ROYAL}!

Yes, I managed to wake up extra early this morning for this ROYAL event! Did you? Wow...what an event! I'm so glad I was able to watch it live (however, in my perfect little world, I would have been able to stay at home, cuddled on my couch, to watch the whole event...I had to leave before THE kiss)! I think all I've heard about all day is the Royal Wedding! I know probably annoying for some, but if you're like me, I find it all so fascinating!So what did you think of the dress? In my opinion....stunning, timeless, classic, and exquisite are a few words that come to mind! I don't think she could have looked any more beautiful! Total applause from me!And Pippa...can you say gorgeous?!?! My mom read a cute saying today as if it were coming from Pippa, "but mom, Kate got to"! I can only imagine the range of emotions she felt today....along with the parents of the bride...or duchess....or princess (whatever you want to call her)! With this ring....
THE KISS (or make that two)! How cute are they?! Well done, William!

Well it's time for this girl to get back to her "real world"! AND....I'm okay with that!

{holy guacamole}!

This is one of our favorite things to make, serve, and EAT...guacamole! Hope this makes your heart happy like it does mine (can you tell I'm a little hungry)?!

Homemade Guacamole

Ingredients

3 avocados - peeled, pitted, and smashed

1 lime, juiced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup diced onion

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 roma tomatoes, diced

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. Stir in cayenne pepper. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately.

Hip Hop...Easter Weekend Celebrations!

We had such a fun and relaxing Easter weekend and hope yours was as well! We began the weekend with Jen, Tanner, and McCain! We (well actually Tanner) grilled out steaks then headed out to the Maunday service at their church. We always have fun getting to hang out with our precious nephew (and of course Jen and Tanner too)!

Friday, I was able to sleep in until 7am! I know...I'm old! Josh went fishing and I was able to spend the day doing some shopping (even though it's very hard to shop when you're pregnant and have no idea how big or fast you'll grow), cleaning, baking and cooking! I love getting bake and cook when I actually have the time! I made some loafs of banana bread, a cobbler, and upside down pizza for dinner (thanks, Aunt Jen)!

Saturday, we headed to my parents to meet up with Jess and Jeff! It's rare that we're all together...so we loved our time hanging out! We ate lots...and lots and relaxed! I love getting to be with my family! And of course, Sunday, we met up with mom and dad at Crossroads (who had to be at church early early). I also love getting to go back to my home church! It's fun to catch up with some dear friends! We then enjoyed an afternoon of eating and eating and some more relaxing! Something that never gets old! Here is a picture of Josh and I....our last Easter just the two of us! We are 17 weeks pregnant to the day! And of course...of my awesome family all together on Easter morning!

{Thank You for the Cross}

Thank you for the cross, Lord.

Thank you for the price you paid.

Bearing all my sin and shame, in love you came

And gave Amazing Grace.

Thank you for this love, Lord.

Thank you for the nail-pierced hands.

Wash me in Your cleansing flow, now all I know...

Your forgivness and embrace.

Worthy is the Lamb seated on the throne.

We crown You now with many crowns You reign victorious!

High and lifted up Jesus, Son of God.

The darling of Heaven, crucified...

Worthy is the Lamb.

{keep calm and...}

Ever had one of those days?!?! Today might just be a day I go home and eat some chocolate....but if you know me, that means A LOT since I'm a bit of a chocoholic! :)But as I'm sitting here typing, I am being reminded of God's love for me. You see, most of you already know, but Josh and I have been trying to sell our house since the very end of July (not having any clue that we would be pregnant during the process, but oh I wouldn't change a thing)! We had a contract on our house, but the buyers had to back out totally out of the blue! I have found myself continuing to wonder, why, Lord? You know we need more room (and by more, I mean ANY type of room). You knew that there would be a baby on the way.

It is very easy to become overwhelmed, and I have to catch myself in the mornings when I'm getting ready and have extra time to think! I'm not writing all of this so you would feel sorry for us, or as a pity party, but as simply a reminder that our Lord is gracious and knows the exact times we need Him to come and sweep us up off the floor and carry simply us!

I just got a phone call from Josh that we have a showing today (and if you've ever had your house on the market, you know that a showing is just a showing unless its a 2nd time, ect...), BUT this is more than just a "showing" for me! For I know that it was God's way of simply saying, Jen...remember, I'm in control! I know exactly what you need at the exact time! Do not be anxious...for fear does not come from me. So yes, I will still probably still go home and eat some (okay, lots) of chocolate, but I think it is a little more fitting to say...

Keep Calm and Trust!

light and refreshing...its {tasty tuesday}

Here is a yummy recipe that is light and refreshing, just in time for Spring/Summer weather (or to add to your Easter lunch menu)! Ingredients

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

2 (6-oz.) bags baby spinach

1 (16-oz.) container strawberries, quartered

1 (4-oz.) package crumbled blue cheese

1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds

Bottled red wine vinaigrette

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

Toss together red onion and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle with red wine vinaigrette; sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

Boy or Girl? The verdict is out...

Josh and I went to the doctor this past Friday for a routine check-up and to get my results from my blood work taken a week ago. I knew there was a good chance of finding out the sex as my doctor does a sonogram each visit. Blood work came back perfect (except for being anemic - which we already knew), so we were very very thankful! Then for the best part....my doctor started looking and after about a second, he said do you want to know? WELL OF COURSE! :) I said...boy! He said, IT'S A GIRL! We could not be more thrilled, although I have to say I was TOTALLY shocked! My momma instincts thought for sure boy the entire time (in fact, I had already bought what I thought was our little boy, a hat and an outfit)! I didn't believe him at first (or the second or third time), so I had him zoom in again and again. He wasn't 60%, 80%....he was 100% and didn't hesitate at all! Our precious baby girl was kicking her legs and was spread eagle for the world to see! She obeyed mommy that day by letting us know her gender, but we will sure work on keeping her little legs crossed! hehe! WOW...a little GIRL! I think I'm still in shock, but couldn't be more excited! Josh was of course thrilled! The first thing the doctor asked Josh was, "do you have a shot gun ready"?! He answered immediately, "I've got it, I'm ready"! I think she already has Josh wrapped around her itty bitty finger! Below is one of the sonogram pictures....her little legs are in the upper right corner (spread wide open for the world to see)!

Now....of course I felt bad when we left the doctor because the only thing I had bought our baby GIRL was a little boy outfit...oops! So...here is my first purchase for our little one! Her first little headband to wear after she is born!

Let the fun and shopping begin....headbands, dresses, and pink OH MY!

Spring Fling....and Easter Things!

Just some fun ideas courtesy of Etsy, All Recipes, and Southern Living!

P.S. We go in for a check-up tomorrow to review my lab results from last week! I'm sure everything is great, but the exciting part is we might find out PINK or BLUE!

{butterscotch birds' nests}

Ready for EaStEr? Here is a fun and festive way to welcome the Spring/Easter season! It is an easy recipe I came across and thought I would share! Ingredients:

1 (12 oz) bag butterscotch chips

1 cup peanut butter

2 cups miniature marshmallows

6 oz chow mein noodles

candy eggs, for decor

Directions:

Line a cookie sheet (or two) with waxed paper.

In a microwave-safe bowl, carefully heat the chocolate chips until they are melted. (Microwave about 30 seconds, then stir. Continue heating/stirring in 10-20 intervals until the chips are melted). Be careful that they do not burn!

Then stir in the peanut butter, and mix until it is melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the chow mein noodles and marshmallows and continue stirring until everything is evenly coated.

Drop by spoonfuls onto the waxed paper and carefully press down the center of the cookies. Gently lay your candy eggs in the center. Let cool until they are hardened.

{just another manic monday}?!

An oldie but a goodie! Happy Monday, Y'all!

{the APPLE of our eye}

We are 15 weeks pregnant today! Baby Dearmore is about 4 inches long and weighs about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an Apple)! Our angel can move all of his or her joints and limbs and it's legs are growing longer than the arms are now. I'm so ready to be able to call this little one by name...not an "it"!Mommy is continuing to do great, even though we had a little scare on Friday. I was at a meeting for work, not doing anything abnormal (such as sitting any longer than usual), but when I stood and walked, I could tell my left leg felt really funny (and my pant leg was awefully tight)...now, I was just hoping I hadn't gained 10 lbs. while at the meeting (and sure not in one leg)! When I looked down, my calf was twice the size of my right one and hard as a rock! Crazy, I know! Thankfully, I had my sweet friends from work with me. They really encouraged me to call the doctor just to be cautious. I was just going to "monitor" it during the day and if it got any worse as the day we along, then I would call. But...I decided to listen and go ahead and call. My doctors office advised me to come in for the next avaliable appointment. I remained calm the entire time, but knew that much swelling (so suddenly) being 15 weeks along was probably not normal. After 3 1/2 hours of testing, blood work, ect., they determined everything looked fine, and their main concern of blood clots in my leg was no where to be found! Praise the Lord! I guess crazy things can happen while you're pregnant! They still aren't sure what actually caused my leg to swell like that! I guess this mommy needs to drink more water and exercise a little more! And trust me, after all of that, I can assure you I will!!! The only exciting part during the whole thing was being able to see my sweet baby!

We go back to the doctor this coming Friday just to review the lab results, but...I'm hoping just maybe, Baby D will be turned perfectly and we can see if it's a girl or boy! If not, we'll just wait until the next week! Baby bump pictures to come....stay tuned!

{coral craze}...

All things CORAL!

One of my favorite colors in almost everything...all the way from jewelry to home decor!

{tasty tuesday}

Here is a different kind of recipe for the day! It is one that is sure to sustain you! So grab a piece of chocolate and dig deep! Philippians 4: 4-9 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

little one is now the size of a...

Lemon!

Yesterday marked 14 weeks! Our little one can now squint, frown, grimace, possibly suck his or her thumb, and pee! HA...yes, pee! From head to toe, Baby D measures 3 1/2 inches and weighs 1 1/2 ounces. Growing and growing each day! Mommy is feeling good (that is if you could take away allergies/sinuses -- I guess it's that time of the year though)!

Three weeks from today, we find out whether Baby D is a BOY or a GIRl! For now...my money is on a boy! Josh still has no clue! We're taking a poll! What do you think?