Where to begin...

It's been a bit since I've done some major updating.  The holidays are always so busy and this year wasn't any different.  I'll do my best to try and remember some of the happenings during the last month...

Some sad news--Our friends the Nudd's officially moved to North Carolina:(  I'm so excited for them, but it's definitely been hard for everyone here in Chicago, especially Mike and Melissa, as they were best friends.  For a farewell party, some of us ladies went downtown for a ladies night/day:)  We stayed at Hotel Sax.  It was so fun.  We had a blast shopping, laughing and staying up almost all night talking.  It's been a few moons since I stayed up that late and it took me days to "get right", but it was definitely worth it.  Oh yeah, did I mention we ate?  Well, we ate and we ate good.  Here are a few pics:

Tulsa was our destination for Christmas.  We were so excited to get back home and I can assure you, the trip didn't disappoint.  (Monroe and I flew up early and Mark drove down a few days later.  We made the long drive back all together.)  We loved seeing family and friends and eating amazing food.  My parents went a little nuts on presents for Monroe, but she definitely enjoyed every second of it.  It was terribly hard to leave.  I still get teary-eyed just thinking about it:(  

 Bathing Beauties

 My wonderful parents making Christmas treats!

 Michelle and Rosie reading after opening gifts

 Me and my love ready for bed.

 Monroe pretty exhausted after opening her gifts.  

 Such a tiny little person and such a huge tree.

Some of her loot:) 

In other news, my sister-in-law, Michelle, has FINALLY started a cooking blog.  We have been trying to get her to do it for awhile now, and am so excited that she decided to take the plunge.  Here is a link to her blog.  I can't wait to try her bread recipe.  She has a knack for finding/creating the best recipes that are easy to accomplish.  I never thought I would ever make homemade apple sauce, until Michelle gave me her recipe.  I made it on Sunday and it was SO yummy, SO easy and SOOOO healthy.  

This is pretty random, (but when is this blog not?) but have you ever been to one of the theaters where you are served food during the movie?  I had never been to one, but Mark and Mike took Melissa and I the other night.  When we got there, every movie we had wanted to see was sold out, so we ended up seeing "Little Fockers".  It was pretty cute and believe it or not, the food was pretty good.

So we all know that Monroe is on her own time schedule.  She decides when she wants to do things and it is usually extremely late or extremely early.  She started taking steps a few weeks after her first birthday and we were so excited, because for once, she was doing something around the norm.  Well, she continued to take steps when she pleased for the next three months!  She is such an efficient crawler that it seemed she really didn't see the point of walking. When we arrived at home in Tulsa, everything changed.  The first night, she stood up in the middle of the living room and walked across the room.  She's been walking pretty consistently since.  I really think part of the delay came from the fact that she hates hard wood floors.  We have them throughout the house.  My parents just put in the most amazing carpet ever and I think it helped with the process.  She didn't seem as nervous to fall.

Here is a video of her walking after we got home.  

So this has gotten a bit long.  I am going to wrap it up for now, but I will continue later.  

  

In a nut shell...

I know I’ve mentioned it before, but my child is nuts. That’s nuts in a hilarious, rolling on the floor laughing, kind of way. The kid makes me smile constantly and there’s not a day that goes by, that I don’t thank the Lord for such a little character.

Last night, I was chatting with Shelley,  the wonderful lady who watches Monroe, and she filled me in on the goings-on of RoRo this week.  On Tuesday, Dani, Shelley’s daughter, went upstairs to check on Monroe who was supposed to be sleeping.  Dani put her ear to the door to see if she heard anything.  This is what she SWEARS she heard, “Help, Help…It’s Rosie!”  When Dani opened the door Monroe was standing up in the play yard with a huge smile on her face and her arms up, ready to be gotten.  Monroe seemed to be quite pleased that her little ploy worked.  What a little nutJ 

Winter Snow

     One of the blogs I read that truly inspires me is Lindsay Letters.  She does calligraphy and is just plain talented.  I have always dreamed of having her abilities and if I had been born with them, I would definitely be a calligraphist(is that a word?) right now.  She posted this on her blog the other day and it made my day.  It's the words of my all time favorite Christmas Song.  I listen to it all of the time though, because the lyrics are so....I guess, perfect.  I just think of all the ways Jesus could have come to us that night in Bethlehem.  Instead of choosing the most grand, he choose the most humble.  I still feel that's how God communicates with me now and it makes me feel such comfort.  I hope you enjoy them!  Go buy the song on itunes if you haven't already! 

In other news, we are supposed to get 8 to 10 inches of snow this weekend!  Wowzer! 

It's beginning to look a lot like...

...CHRISTMAS!  And I am pretty darn happy about it.  If you know me, you know I love Christmas and I LOVE decorating for it.  On Friday evening, we finally were able to "do it up" and for the past few days I have been basking in its beauty.  Is it me or does everything seem just a little more peaceful when decorated for Christmas?  It's just so magical.  Our whole house makes me want to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa.  It's just plain amazing. I have totally forgotten about the three hours it took to rearrange the living room to make the tree fit.  It's like it never happened.

I finished wrapping all of the gifts tonight.  I know, I am being super on top of things this year!  This is so unlike me and if I'm not careful I might start to get a big head about everything.  Oh wait, too late!  I am just so proud of myself.  I have pretty much ALL of my Christmas shopping done, house decorated, gifts wrapped, and my Christmas Cards addressed and ready to go.  Last year, I started calling them Holiday Cards, because they were sooo late.  

Here are a few pics I took this evening of all of my hard work:) 

All the pretty presents...

I wrapped a few presents in these little jewelry/accessory boxes.  I thought they were so fun and the receiver will enjoy having a useful box to use after.  I hope they like them:) 

The Christmas Cards all ready to be sent out. 

Tonight, I also worked on the belts I was telling you about.  I think they are just so lovely. 

I also wanted to show you my new Toms that Mark got me for my birthday.  They are pretty dazzly, aren't they?!  I think they will be perfect for the holidays.  

I hope your Monday was phenomenal.  Please be praying for Ezra...he is a sick little guy!   

 

Kiss & Tell

You gotta love a girl who knows what she wants:)  I love this video of Rosie and Ezra.  It makes me smile every time I watch it.  Hopefully, it will do the same for you:)

Almost forgot...

The other day I posted about my Chicago Birthday Party and mentioned that everyone was there but the Nudd's and Kelsey...then it hit me this afternoon...our friends the Meharry's weren't there!!!

The Murrill's, The Meharry's, & the Meharry's (Senior) 

Nicole and Zeb were some of my closest friends in college and you don't even know how happy we have been that they moved to our area!  It was literally an answer to prayer.  Since they have a little guy, Ezra, a few weeks older than Monroe, it is even more perfect.

So anyway, we are headed over to their homestead for dinner tonight and I can't help but be thankful to have such amazing people in our lives.

I remember feeling so isolated and lonely when we first moved here.  I worried all the time that this place would never feel like home, but it truly is starting to feel like it!  We have the nicest friends and we LOVE Monroe's child care provider.  Now, if only I could convince our parents to move here it would be great!

This morning Monroe and I went over to Kelsey's for a little tea/coffee cake/chat time.  It was so nice.  She is the sweetest and they have the cutest place.   She also is an incredible healthy baker.  The vegan raspberry coffee cake was to die for!  Can't wait to hang out more.

So anyway, hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday!  I can hear the laughter of my hubby and little lady and nothing warms my heart more.  I better run so I can play with them!  Love you all.

By the way, I really need to post more about our fabulous Thanksgiving!  Will do that soon!

Defeated

I'm really sad.  Some news I was hoping wasn't true, was confirmed this morning and it is really breaking my heart.   One of little girls from my very first class is pregnant.  To me she will always be the little 4th grader with dreams of stardom.  The little drama queen with lots of personality and a huge heart.  Of course she is the same person, but the sweet little girl innocence is gone.

I had always worried this would happen.  Her mother had her young and her sister got pregnant really young as well.  I just hoped that I could make a difference.

As she grew up I would always talk to her pretty bluntly about things.  We were very open with each other and she shared with me her secrets and struggles.  I would always tell her that I would be there for her, but more importantly, so would God.

She would promise me that she wouldn't get pregnant young and tell me about her plans for college.  But after we moved and I started seeing some of the pictures she was posting on myspace/FB, I became worried that something like this would happen.

Do I think she will make a good mommy?  Of course!  Do I think she will make it through?  Definitely!  I just know that the next few years are going to be harder than she ever thought imaginable.  Being a parent is tough at any age, but when you haven't even figured life out for yourself yet...so much harder.

So anyway, please pray for this little lady.  Pray that she has strength and wisdom.  Pray that her family is there with support and love.  Pray that the baby's daddy is super involved--with his time and his money.  Just pray...I know I will be.

What I've been up to...

The very adorable Colton Heinrich's first b-day is coming up and Tasha asked if I could make him a shirt and hat to wear at his party. I was already planning on making him a shirt, so it worked out great.  Here are the finished products...

I've also started working on some flower belts.  I saw something similar on Etsy and thought, "Hey, I could make those." I thought they would make great bows for Christmas gifts, then the recipient could use it for a belt after they unwrap it.  I made TONS of the flowers in brown, cream, grey and black.  I think I may make a few into hair accessories.

It's my parties...

Have I mentioned how amazing my hubby is lately?  This guy went all out for my big 3-0!  Not only did I have one surprise party with my Chicago friends, but after arriving in KC on my birthday he surprised me with another party with the Mott's and the Heinrich's!  It was so much fun!  Here are a few pics from my parties:)

 The Chicago Surprise...Monroe and I are looking pretty rough.  It was a lazy Sunday and I hadn't taken a shower yet!  That's the only complaint I have.  If you are going to have a surprise party for your wife, MAKE her take a shower beforehand!!!  

 Our Chicago friends!  Well, actually we were missing Kelsey and the Nudds!  

The KC Suprise...A fun group of friends at CPK in the Plaza.  After eating, we shopped around the Plaza and then were going to go ice skating, but because of super cold temps, we decided to watch a movie instead. 

Our Dear Bro & Sis

 

Carlos and "Adrianna" 

 Besties 

 More Besties

Muggin' 

 Mustaches were the topic of the evening...can you tell? 

Me with Michael Tait at Urban Ourfitters...I'm a BIG fan:) 

There's a story behind this bandaid mustache, but I would rather not dig up old wounds...

The Murrill Mustaches

I got right on it...

Top Ten Moments Christmas Card

Make a statement with Shutterfly Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Christmas Came Early

Sending out and receiving Christmas Cards was and is one of my favorite parts of Christmastime.  I love getting pictures and letters from my family and friends.  It's one of the few times people send "snail mail" anymore and that makes it even more special.

This year I couldn't decide what I wanted to do for Christmas Cards.  That is until I received the most amazing flyer in the mail from Shutterfly.  Inside they had the most unique photocards I have seen around.  They have so many that I love, I can hardly decide.  Here are a few of my favorites... (Imagine them with pics of our family, of course!)

Be sure to check out their website so you can find some special cards for yourself.  Not only are there hundreds to choose from, they are super affordable, too!  Does it get any better?  Well, to answer my own question, "Yes"!  They also have calendars and photo books!  They both make amazing Christmas gifts for parents and grandparents.

I was so excited because they offered a special deal for bloggers!  (Thanks Angie for sharing!!!)  I'll make sure to let you know how they turn out!  Merry Christmas...a little early:)

Love,

Steph

An Uninvited Guest

This past weekend we celebrated my sweet little nephew, Max Lincoln's, first birthday. 

It was a great day full of food, fun and friends...but also, the flu.  Somewhere in that party lurked the icky stomach flu that is picking off each of the guests one at a time. 

It hit Mark and I on Monday as we were leaving work.  We both looked at each other and said in harmony, "I don't feel so good."  

We arrived home and it got progressively worse.  I will spare you the details, but it was bad...real bad, for both of us.  We were so thankful that Monroe seemed to be cheerful and feeling great.  We put her to bed around 8:00 pm and we climbed into our own bed soon after.   Around 8:30, I heard Monroe start crying.  I went to see if she just needed her binky, but as I was feeling around in her bed for it, I felt something gross.  I flipped on the lights and found her covered in throw-up.  Now that I am a parent, I can think of nothing worse than having my little person sick!!!  It's horrible because you feel so helpless.   

The two of us set up camp on towels outside of the bathroom, while Mark was in bed or in the restroom (he was too weak to do much).  Monroe and I continued throwing up in unison for the next few hours until I ended up calling our moms and they both recommended that we take Monroe to the emergency room to make sure she didn't get dehydrated.  

So we packed up our sick little group and headed to the hospital.  We must have looked pretty pitiful...actually, I know we did, because I saw the ER doc that treated us on Wednesday at work and he said just that, "You guys looked pretty pitiful." 

After what seemed like an eternity, we finally arrived back home around 2:30 am.  We each fell into bed and although I was up a few times during the night, we were doing much better by morning.  Definitely not 100% better, but better.  By the evening we were able to eat a light dinner, although we regretted it after.  

We went back to work on Wednesday and now it all just seems like a bad dream.  I know that it wasn't just a bad dream, because I had to clean the house yesterday and it took me ALL DAY!  The place looked like a very horrible battle had been fought there.  Apparently, when WE get sick, we go absolutely insane and use every blanket, towel, piece of clothing we have ever worn, plate, dish & bowl and leave it on the ground. Ugh!!!

So anyway, today I am thankful for our health.  We just had to suffer through that madness for 24 hours, I can't imagine what it must be like to be terminally ill.  We are very blessed.  I am also thankful for a clean house.  

On Monday, Melissa and I are taking Monroe and Max and heading to Kansas City for Thanksgiving.  Mark, Mike and Mason will follow on Tuesday.  I am so excited to see all of our family.  It's going to be an extra special Thanksgiving because the Mott's (Andrea & Carlos) and the Heinrich's (Tasha, Bill & Colton) will be in KC, as well.  It will be amazing to see some of our closest friends.  I couldn't be happier!!!

I hope everyone has an amazing Thanksgiving!  I will keep each of you in my prayers for safe travels and a blessed holiday!  

In Honor of Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving upon us, I think it's only right to repost this video.  As many of you know, I have a love (bordering on obsession) with As Seen On TV products.  My friends indulge me and sometimes surprise me with such gifts.  In fact, at the Harvest Party, our friends, The Brown's, brought me Leaf Mitts...the perfect fall gift.  So anyway, here is one of my favorite products, Tater Mitts.  They were given to me on my 29th birthday by Tasha.  This video was taken last  November when we were still living in Florida.  I hope you enjoy the video and run right out and get yourself a pair of these pretties. 

It's been a long time...

So things have been super busy the last few weeks.  I've felt like I haven't had any time to update the ole' blog, but I finally realized that I need to make time.  It's on my list!!!  I need to make it a priority.  I am still very excited about my list.  I am finding that it's always in the back of my mind and it is truly helping me to get things done.  The two things on the list that I have been focusing on lately, are 


# 6 Tell at least one person a day I will pray for them, and do it
#11 Call one of my friends every week


I am really horrible at staying in touch with people.  Facebook has made it a lot easier, but nothing is better for catching up then a nice phone call.  I have been really taking the initiative to call a friend (more than one) every week.  It feels so good.  


This next week I am going to focus on the calendar goal.  I really want to get my life a lot more organized.  My mom is so great at always having a little calendar with her for all of her upcoming events.  I'll let you know how that goes.


So, to catch you up...
        *   We had both sets of our parents come visit in the last few weeks.  It was so nice.         
             Monroe had a blast being spoiled by them:)  
        *   Mark celebrated his 29th birthday
        *   Monroe was a cute little 50's girl for the Fall Fest at Church
        *   We had a wonderful Harvest party at our house.  It included yummy food, a cornhole 
             tournament, and 27 friends and tons of fun.  


Here are a few pics from the last few weeks...

 Monroe in the worst mood ever at the pumpkin patch

 Our little sweetie

 Nana and Monroe

 Monroe and her Papa

 Our little 50's girl 

 Her new "mad" face...

 Kelsey and Maria 

 Jen and Ella 

 The Hargrett's

 Will and his daddy 

 My Love 

 Kenneth and his love 

Jimmy and Bryan