In less than a month

We bought a house! David and I have been praying, waiting, contemplating, talking, and did I mention praying? We have been talking about moving all summer, but really didn't have any direction on where to go, so we just decided we would wait and stay put. Then (randomly) through a series of events, we found the PERFECT house for us!!! We put an offer in, it was accepted, and we were clear-to-close all in a matter of 10 days. On October 1st, we closed on our house! :) Just in case you were wondering, yes, you read that correctly, and yes, that means we MOVED while I am not only pregnant, but 37 weeks pregnant at that!!!

Let me just say one thing: WE HAVE THE MOST AMAZING FRIENDS!!!!! Our friends gathered at our the duplex early on Saturday morning of October 5 and we moved everything to the new house all in one day. Seriously, when I say amazing friends, it is completely an understatement. I was pretty useless (and still am), but they all looked out for me and baby. I was in charge of food & drinks. :)

My mom came over to help unpack, and unpack she did!!! We have ZERO boxes left in the house and everything has a place. Our new house is truly a home. We couldn't have done it without her! 

Here is the front door, all ready for fall! 

We are officially ready for baby!!!!!!!!!!! :) 

Showered in North Louisiana

David and I have been overwhelmed in the past couple of months with the amount of love that has already been poured out for our baby girl! In the month of September, we had three baby showers! 

This was the baby shower that the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission hosted for the two of us. We had a great time and absolutely loved the decorations, gifts & the great parenting advice. :) 

The next shower was hosted by dear friends from Shreveport! The food was unbelievably delicious and the company was even better! It really was a great time had by all. 

The last shower was hosted by our church family. I totally didn't get any pictures, but you can rest assured, it was amazing! They had a mexican themed luncheon for us and the church literally showered us with all kinds of gifts.

Seriously, this precious child is so very loved and we all are awaiting her debut! Oh, how we can not wait!!!! 

Approved

Everything but the Kitchen Sink Cookies. 

They are heaven. Husband approved, co-worker approved, friend approved and kid approved! :) 

Just think: chocolate chip cookie meets rice krispie treat. I mean, how could you possibly go wrong?!?! Oh, and they are SO EASY to make!!! 

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients: 

1 package (18 ounces) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough (used pillsbury brand)

1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme (used great value brand)

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (used Jiff)

1 1/2 cups toasted corn cereal (used great value cereal) 

1/2 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces (used m&ms)

Preparation: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13x9-inch baking pan. Press dough into prepared pan. Bake 13 minutes.

2. Remove from oven. Drop teaspoonful of marshmallow creme and peanut butter over hot cookie base. Bake 1 minute.

3. Carefully spread marshmallow creme and peanut butter over cookie base. Sprinkle with cereal and chocolate pieces. Bake 7 minutes. 

4. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into 2-inch bars. 

**These really are a fun little dessert for any party or get together! One note that I can say: do NOT cut these cookies until they are absolutely 100% cool. If you cut prior to them being cool, they will be one big fat mess. Don't say I didn't warn you if you can't resist and cut them while they are still hot! :) 

10 days Off

How is it that too often you need a vacation from the 'vacation' you just got done taking?

The past ten days have been jammed packed with lots and lots of excitement! We started our time off heading to Dallas for baby girl's shower! On Friday morning we picked up Aly & Matt from the airport and spent the day shopping and preparing for the shower. Saturday morning David and I had the wonderful opportunity to have his sister, Robin, take maternity pictures of us! I even got my hair and make up done for the day. Talk about THE best thing you could ever do for a pregnant chick!

 

 The baby shower started at 2pm and all things pink entered the house. It was such a great time to see so many ladies and be 'showered' with gifts for baby girl! Oh how I can not wait to meet her!! :) Sunday afternoon David and I made our way back to Arcadia to get ready for all the festivities of the week.

 Monday morning we met Aly, Matt, Mom & Dad in Shreveport for lunch and a shopping trip to Sam's Club. We had 3 days to prepare, cook, & decorate for David's birthday/graduation party! Don't worry, we got some good north Louisiana sight seeing in, which included a trip to Duck Dynasty. We also didn't want to have any of the family leave the state without experiencing some good food. Luckily, living in Louisiana, there is no shortage on good food!

 

 Thursday arrived and it just seemed so surreal. For four years, David and I have walked, talked and prayed about the day he would walk across the stage with his Master's degree! It was here, and we were all ready to celebrate and share in the day with him. The graduation was held at Thomas Assembly Center at Louisiana Tech University. I am so proud.

After the graduation, we got to take pictures with family and then head over to the Arcadia Train Depot for his party! It was so great to see so many people come together to celebrate David. He is truly something special, and I am just glad I am not the only person who knows it. :)

On Friday David and I made our way to Jefferson, Texas. We stayed at a bed and breakfast there called the Azalea Inn. It was such a great experience. Both of us wish we could have stayed longer!We had dinner at a wonderful restaurant downtown called Memories & More Piano Bar. The food and atmosphere was fantastic! All too soon it was time to go.

Back in Dallas, Saturday evening we went to a dear high school friend of mine's wedding. I don't have to attend any reunions, because we just had one! It was great to see so many people I haven't seen in years, and catch up. Weddings are always a fun time, and this one was no exception!

Sunday our time off quickly came to an end. We headed back to Arcadia just in time to get in bed. It was a fast ten days, but were filled with lots of love, laughter and memories. I am thankful that we were able to see so many people and reconnect. This season is officially closed, so now we wait for direction and guidance on the what, when, and where is next! Fun times ahead! :)

Pretty, Pretty Princess

This past week David and I got to experience something incredible. We were able to see baby girl in a 3D/4D ultrasound. Seeing her move around and really start to look like a baby was just simply unbelievable. She has turned and weighs 2.9 lbs. It was exactly what David and I both needed to see to rejuvenate us and remind us why we are persevering so hard right now!!

I know I am bias, but she is beautiful. The first thing I noticed was her lips. They are mine. :)

 However, I think that is about all she has of mine..... The more we looked at the picture, the more I could see David in her. She absolutely looks just like him. The Adams family has a very, very strong family resemblance of a specific t-zone and this little one has it! David's sister Robin sent me a picture of her youngest son (who also has this t-zone) and when I compared the pictures, it was amazing.

What do you think? Can you see the "Adams t-zone"? I do not think there will be any denying David and baby girl are related. ;) Good thing I picked a handsome hubby! :) I just thought it was SO cool to see the pictures side by side. Of course, once she makes her grand entrance into the world, we will have no shortage of pictures! Such exciting times ahead. Just trying to not get ahead of myself. We have less than 12 weeks to meet this pretty, pretty princess!!!!! Ohhhhhhhhh, how I can not wait!!

Seasons

As a teenager I remember getting so unbelievably frustrated that I couldn't "hurry up and ________". That blank could have been a 100 different things, but some I specifically remember - MOVE OUT, go to college, be 18, be 21, graduate college, etc. You get the idea. Anyone who knew me during that time, you would probably more than testify that I was impatient and I absolutely was unwilling to wait - for anything. I wanted it all AND now. I didn't (and frankly, didn't want to) understand what it meant to 'enjoy the journey' and not just focus on the destination...... Fast forward 10 years, yes, I have been out of high school 10 glorious years. Yikes! Specifically the past four years, OK, really the past six months, I think I am FINALLY starting to understand what it means to LIVE in the moment or ENJOY the journey and not just focus on the destination. I have found that I am very goal oriented and by breaking down long term goals into very, very small pieces makes it so much easier to enjoy the season. It also helps to define what your expectations are for that season and who you want to be a part of it.

 Currently, the season of  "getting through August 30th" is all I can focus on. In the next 30 days we will:
-David sits for his 3rd of 4 CPA exams
-have our first baby shower
-spend weekend in Dallas
-get to spend a week with family & friends
-watch David walk across the stage with his Master's Degree!!!
-PARTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
-celebrate David's 35th Birthday!
-go to the doctor twice
-watch a dear high school friend get married
-attend a work baby shower
-David sit for his LAST CPA exam
-enter 8th month of pregnancy

Some of the things we still are not any closer on:
-baby name
-setting up a nursery
-determining where we are going to move to & when

I think if this pregnancy could have a top 2 list of best things that have come out of being pregnant that would be:
-we are getting a BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-FORCING me to wait. I have 40 weeks, period.

I am literally learning how to take things ONE day at a time, ONE week at a time. Each day I wake up and really have no idea (as far as my body) what it holds. I have never been 28 1/2 weeks pregnant before, and so, I just have to trust that my body is going to do what is was created to do. I also have to wait on seasons to pass before new ones can begin. Right now David studies in what will be the nursery. He NEEDS a desk and even though in my mind that is where the crib will go, I have to wait. Why? Because I want him to be able to pass his tests! LOL. Don't get me wrong, by no means have I sat back and just twiddled my thumbs, but I am definitely out of my 'norm' of being a master planner and already having 20 different options laid out as to how X & Y are going to happen. I simply have been trying to focus on the task at hand - like to plan a party, a graduation, help leave my hubby alone so he can study, etc. You can rest assured I have been able to get in a little baby prep here and there though - namely accessories! :) Clearly, I have my priorities ALL in line.

I am not sure if life is crazy for you right now or not, but coming from someone who is in the middle of craziness, take it from me - it is MUCH more fun to enjoy each moment as they come verses focusing solely on the end result. I can't wait for the end result, but I know it wouldn't mean what it does it we didn't have the little triumphs all along the way! Plus, if you are walking out a plan of the Lord, he has it all under control, so just enjoy. :)

Hugs,
Anna

Community Celebration

In a mere seven weeks, David and I will have a celebration of a lifetime. He will turn 35 and have just walked across the stage at Louisiana Tech with his Masters Degree in Professional Accountancy. Wow. I knew from the first day we moved into our little house on Locust Street that when the day came (because I KNEW it would) we were going to celebrate. And by celebrate, I didn't mean just a quiet dinner and a movie. :) 

If you have read a single post in the past four years, then you know that I came over here kicking and screaming. Through the last four years I have matured in ways I never thought possible. I am still Anna, but I would like to think a little better, with a greater perspective on life, and grip on reality. While it was NOT my heart's desire to live in this state, I have grown to really appreciate Louisiana, and adore my husband.

In January I really started to think about David's party. It was only 8 months away! For as much time and effort I have put into just thinking about his party, you would think I am getting married again. Thank God, I am not. (One wedding is enough, thank you). 

As I started to dream, I began to quickly get overwhelmed with all that there was to do and how much it was all going to cost to really pull this thing off right! All I could do was pray. While living in Arcadia was not my heart's desire, throwing a party to celebrate the accomplishments of my husband - ABSOLUTELY - was my heart's desire! So, I just clung to the scripture: "Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires." Psalms 37:4. 

My first dilemma was finding a venue. David wanted to have the party in Arcadia, and not only did we have limited venue options, but we were also on a budget. Alas, the doors opened to have his party at the Depot downtown. This location pretty much sums up the past, present & future of Arcadia. It couldn't be better.

Next on the list was a food menu, decorations, music, & invitations. Seriously, didn't I mention it seemed like we are planning a wedding - I wasn't kidding. 

This is the part that continues to just flabbergast me every time I think about it! EVERY time I came up with something else we needed to make David's party a success, someone in the community would just happen to offer their services for the exact thing. IT HAS BEEN UNBELIEVABLE. We have several people in north Louisiana helping us with food, decorations, music AND invitations!!!! Isn't it amazing how when you obey God's plan for your life He completely sees everything through?!?! We will not only have the party of a lifetime for David, but the party has become something of a community event, and above any expectations I originally had!

Two scriptures that come to mind are: "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20 and "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:19

If you are coming to this party, please know when you walk in that it took an entire community of people that have loved and supported David and me the past four years to make this event a success!!! And believe me, when God shows up too, it is FOR REAL!!!! We can't wait to celebrate and have an incredible time with those that we love the most in our life!  If you are not able to make it, please know we will miss you!

THANK YOU to every single person that is helping contribute. You have no idea what kind of impact that you have made on David and me. As much as I still don't like Arcadia, because of people like you, you have made this journey (dare I say) enjoyable and well worth the tedious steps to finish. Thank you again for everything. We absolutely love you and appreciate each one of you that have helped us make this party a complete success.  

Now, hurry up August 15!! We are all ready to party! :) 

Hugs, 
Anna 

  

Bill 58 to Law

This past week has been nothing short of randomly great! On Tuesday, Governor Jindal stopped by the Mission to say hey! 

Ok, ok, not exactly a random visit, but he was still there none-the-less. :) 

Why was he there? Oh, glad you asked. He came to sign bill 58, which is to make hunters donating their game legal. It was actually really cool to watch a bill be signed into law! I mean how many of you can say that you have actually watched a bill become a law!? I understand that this bill was really a 'no-brainer' and wasn't exactly controversial or anything like that, but still!! It was incredible to see the whole process and be a part of it.

The best part about Governor Jindal coming to the Mission, was that I got to meet him! Let me just say, his ENTIRE staff were SO nice, accommodating and simply wonderful! It was actually kind of shocking how 'regular'  his employees were. When I mean his entire staff, that includes his personal security, communications/PR staff, and even the state troopers! 

This experience made me even more thankful to be an American and live in a country where there is still a democracy! Such a great week. 

First Dream

Last night, I had my first 'official' (in my opinion) crazy pregnancy dream. 

It went something like this:

I am making Churros. This is a Spanish sweet snack consisting of a strip of fried dough dusted with sugar or cinnamon. *I have never made these or ever had any ambition to make them either.*

 None the less, I had just pulled the hot dough out of the fryer and filled the middle with cream cheese. Without even thinking to let the them cool down I give one to baby girl! She completely burns her entire mouth and her face resembles the below picture. 

Oh, it gets worse. 

Randomly, CPS is watching through the window and barges into the house the minute she starts screaming and spits out the flaming hot Churro! They try and take her away from me saying, "I am danger to my daughter" and "I am trying to starve her because now she wont be able to eat for weeks due to her burns in her mouth."

OMG!!

**********************************************

I woke up in a panic. Of course I do what any good pregnant mama would do. I wake up David and inform him of this horrible dream and then (in ALL seriousness) give HIM strict instructions to NEVER, EVER, EVER give our baby anything hot, because if he does he will burn her mouth! 

He just looks at me and smiles and says "you are the one that burned her mouth, not me". 

The end.