Thankful

I can't emphasize enough how grateful I am for my family and friends.  I feel so lucky to have such wonderful, supportive people in my life.  Thank you all!  Here is a little pic I took today of my six month old.  That's right...6th months!  I can't remember a time without this little pumpkin.  

Meal Plan...Tuesday

So, I am totally negligent with the meal plan Monday thing.

I think I will make it more of a sharing of new recipes, etc.  Please share any easy recipes that you have!  I NEED some.  My email is sjmurrill@gmail.com.

Yesterday I made a big batch of my Dad's Tomato Florentine Soup.  It is a secret recipe or I would share:(  Sorry!  It should last us all week for our lunches.

Tonight, I am making Black Bean Quesadillas, except I just checked and I am out of black beans, so I am substituting refried instead.  Here is the recipe.

BLACK BEAN QUESADILLAS

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1-2/3 cups salsa, divided
• 10 flour tortillas (8 inches)
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
• 2/3 cup sour cream

Directions

• In a bowl, mash the beans; add 1 cup salsa. Place five tortillas on ungreased baking sheets; spread with bean mixture. Sprinkle with cheese; top with the remaining tortillas.
• Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes or until crisp and heated through. Cut each quesadilla into six wedges. Serve with sour cream and remaining salsa. Yield: 30 wedges.

Good Morning...It's Sabbath!

Wow!  Can it get any better than a relaxing Sabbath Morning?  From the time I was a little girl, they have always been wonderful.  The sounds of music filling the house, the smell of cooking food are just a few of the wonderful memories that I am excited to share with Monroe.

This week has been a good one.  I am still trying to figure things out around here.  Haven't found the grocery store I am ready to call my own yet.  Still looking for my go-to Walgreens and gas station.  I guess those are all things that take a bit of time to figure out.

Last night, I finally tried the Au Gratin potato recipe that I said I was going to make weeks ago!  It was very yummy.  I used skim milk instead of whole, and I don't think you would have noticed.  I would definitely recommend it.  It is very easy to make and you can change the ingredients to make it a bit healthier.

Monroe discovered applesauce this week.  It is her new favorite thing.  She can't get enough:)  Before she could take or leave solid food.  Now, she starts to whimper if she thinks I am putting it away.  She is also so much more aware of us eating.  She just stares at my yogurt in the morning.  I feel like I have to go in another room to eat.

She's definitely getting more fun by the day.  She just cackles and laughs and brings such joy to my heart!  I love this kid.

My boss invited us to one of the Foundation events tomorrow.  It is a brunch at a place called Drury Lane.  It is supposed to have the best brunch around.  Even better than the restaurants downtown!  I am pretty excited.  After the brunch,  the show Funny Girl is being performed.  I don't know if we will stick around for the show, though.

Today we are going over to Mike and Melissa's for lunch.  Melissa's mom is in town and I am excited to meet her.  I am sure she is going to be lovely, just like her daughter.

Yesterday was a great day out and we were hoping that today would be the same.  Sadly, it snowed over night and it's just pretty dreary out:(  Oh well!  If it is not too cold, we are going to go for a walk.  There is a park about a mile away and we might check it out.  We definitely look like Floridians when we go on walks here.  We bundle up big time...including snow pants!

I wish everyone a wonderful day!  Love you:)

 

Home Sweet Home

Here are a few pics of the new place.  We haven't had a chance to paint the guest room or one of the bathrooms, so I will post those later.  Monroe is sleeping in her room right now, so I couldn't snap a pic of that.  Also, the basement is still under construction...well, really it's just messy.  I will get those up soon.

THE KITCHEN

THE LIVING ROOM

THE DINING ROOM

OUR BEDROOM

No more roadtrips....please!

My first week of work went great.  I love my job and I think my boss is wonderful.  The boss thing had been a big worry of mine.  You never know what kind of situation you are walking into.  I have read that the biggest reason people leave a job, no matter how incredible the job, is boss issues.  So anyway, I am really relieved.  She is very passionate about her job and is super flexible.  I didn't realize how important flexibility was until I had Monroe.  With all the doctor's appts and sicknesses, it's a must!  I work every Tuesday and Wednesday and every other Monday.  I was able to set my own schedule, so I will see if this works well.  If not, I am free to change it up any time.  I am so excited to get to spend so much more time with Monroe.  It's amazing how God answers our prayers.

Monroe seems to be adjusting to her new childcare splendidly.  For a kid that doesn't seem to know a stranger, I had guessed as much.  We love the lady who is watching her, Shelley.  She is the same person who watches Max and Mason.  It's fun to know that the cousins will be there together.  The only bad thing is the inconvenient location.  I am praying that someone just as amazing comes along that is closer to our home or to work.

I can't get over how big she is getting.  We enjoy so much getting to see her accomplish new things every day.  Parenthood is sooo rewarding.  Sometimes I get worried about our finances here in Chicago.  Things will definitely be VERY tight for us and we really are having to change our whole way of life, but it is totally worth it.  When I hear that little laugh, see that little smile, smell her distinct little smell...I know we made the right decision.    

It is so funny to me how many nicknames this kid has.  The list is growing quickly.  The main ones are  Monrovia, Ro, RoRo, and Rosie. But to be honest, I call her about anything that comes to mind.  The poor thing probably has no idea what her real name is.  I frequently call her Sister Sue, Sis, Sister, Chicklet, Kid...the list goes on and on.  In fact, I even called her Jalopy one day.  Don't ask me why.

This weekend was Mark's 10 year highschool reunion in Kansas City.  I was so dreading the 8(ish) hour drive.  Especially after our long trip here.  I tried to get pumped up for it, but I have to admit, I was a big whiner about the whole thing.  I feel bad about that now:)

We left on Thursday after work.  On the way down, we caravaned with Mike, Melissa and the boys.  We didn't arrive in KC until 3 in the morning.  Monroe did great until the last hour.  I think the drive really does number on her little tummy.  It wasn't horrible though.

The alumni was very nice.  Ten out of 15 of his classmates made it and he enjoyed seeing many other of his friends.  It is always a treat to get to spend time with Mom and Dad Murrill and Grandpa and Grandma Murrill.  Grandma Murrill is an AMAZING cook. I always get excited to see what our Sabbath lunches will include.  There is always a huge spread of yummy food.  She didn't let me down this time.  She made my very favorite, potato pie.  Trust me, it's delish!

It was a short trip and we headed home on Sunday morning.  Yes, we spent our Valentine's in a car...pretty romantic:)  Actually it was romantic.  We had a nice time chatting, laughing, singing, etc.   We also found a little Mexican restaurant on the way and had a lovely dinner, topped of with a little frozen custard.  Every Valentine's get's better with Mark.  Even just riding in a car is great.  I love that guy.  I feel so blessed to have him in my life.

Anyway, that's been what's up with us.  I really plan on starting back with the Menu Monday.  I promise:)

I hope everyone is well.  Keep in touch!

Back to reality...

It's weird to say, but Chicago is now our home!  Crazy!!!  It took us about a week to get here, and I never want to go on another road trip again, but it was worth it.  I had fully intended on blogging the whole trip, but that ended up being a much harder accomplishment than I had thought.  So now, I will tell you all about the trek.  It may take me a few days, but I will do it!

Helping Mom pack

Day 1-3:  On Friday morning, we started our journey from Tasha and Billy's lovely home.  We awoke (later than planned) and packed up our little car.  Destination? Memphis.  Tasha sent us out with a huge bag full of travel snacks and the Duckett's sent us out with the new Britney CD, so we were pretty set, to say the least.  We got about 5 miles down the road and realized that Mark left his phone there.  Day one- take two:)  So, with "You Drive Me Crazy", blasting from the speakers, and twizzlers in our mouths, we were off, again.

After a long 15 hour drive, we arrived in Memphis to be greeted by our besties, the Baughman's.  It was wonderful to spend the weekend with them.    It was Mattie's birthday weekend, so it was great to celebrate with that little munchkin.  Brandon's mom, Anna, was also visiting, so it was nice to see her.  She is Russian and makes a mean Borsch.  This was my first experience with the soup and was almost turned off by the hot pink color. Luckily, I gave it a go and was pleasantly surprised by it's yumminess.  I thought maybe I could wow people and add this recipe to my repertoire, until Anna described the day-long process it entailed.  Nevermind.  While in Memphis, we were taken on a wonderful site seeing excursion, the highlight being Graceland!  I always had this place in my head to be phenomenal and incredible, but from the outside, it is just a normal looking big house.  It was great to see, though.  Here are a few pics of our adventure...

The Murrill's...yes, that is Monroe in that pouch.

 The Baughman's

Our hunk-a-hunk of burning loves...and Mattie 

In front of the Civil Right's Museum where MLK was shot

Day 3-6 On Sunday morning, we packed up and headed to Tulsa!  It was supposed to be about a 8 hour drive, but with an infant, and Mark's bladder that turned into about a 10 hour one:)  We arrived home Sunday night and were excited that Mom not only had made my favorite soup, but invited our close friends the Knight's over, as well, as Stephen and Michelle.  It was so great to relax, eat and chat with everyone.  Monroe especially enjoyed all of the attention and the fact that she was out of the car seat!  

On Monday, we slept in and headed to my dad's office for a check of the teeth.  Who needs dental coverage, when your dad is the best Dentist ever?:)  Mark and I both got our teeth cleaned, while the wonderful girl's at the office, took loving care of Monroe.  We then met Mom, Dad and Kamryn at our favorite restaurant of ALL time...Desi Wok.  They have the most amazing Tikka Masala with Paneer.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.  After a lovely lunch, we headed over to Mumsie's to pay her a visit.  It was great to see her.  We were able to snap a few pics of the four generations of women in our family.  How special!  

That night, Dad made vegeburgers and the fam came over (Shane, Tami, Kamryn, Stephen and Michelle).  It was so wonderful being with them.  This was Shane and Tami's first time meeting Monroe, so that was fantastic.  I could kick myself for not getting any pictures!    

On Tuesday, we had lunch with Mom and Dad at Red Robin.  I love that place.  There wasn't one in Florida, so I was craving it.  Then Dad, graciously offered to watch Monroe at the office for a few hours, so Mark and I could have some alone time!  What at an awesome Papa!  Monroe hung out with Papa all afternoon, and we went to the Mall!  We both found coats in preparation for our new home.  

We went and picked up Monroe and headed to meet Vivian and Xander, my neice and nephew.  We hadn't seen them in soooo long.  They had grown up so much.  Vivi is as outgoing as ever, and Xander, just as shy.

That night we went to TAA to see our former students play basketball.  They were exciting games and both Eagle's teams won!  We were so proud of them.  It's amazing how quickly kids grow up.  

Days 6 & 7 On Wednesday morning, we headed out of Tulsa to Kansas City.  On the way, we stopped in Miami, Oklahoma to see Mark's grandparents.  We had lunch with them and then got back on the road. 

Grandma and Grandpa Hallam 

We arrived in KC and spent some quality time with Mom Murrill.  When Dad Murrill got home, we went over to G-ma and G-pa Murrill's house for dinner.  They were excited to meet Monroe and we had a great visit.

On Thursday morning, we packed up our car for the last leg of the journey (thank goodness).  The movers were arriving on Friday morning, so we needed to get to Chicago.  After a long day, we arrived into the Windy City.  We decided to stop by our house first, to check it out.  Mark had seen it, but I hadn't yet.  After taking a little tour of the place, we headed over to Mike and Melissa's for the night.  

So there you have it,  We made it to Chicago in one piece!  Praise the Lord!!!  I will have to take some pics of the house and post them later.  Right now, my hand is too sore from typing.  Have a wonderful day.  It's good to be back:)  

Single Parenting is hard

So Mark left this morning to head to Chicago.  I was so sad to see him go, and that was even made worse because I was sick.  I am feeling a lot better this evening as I write this entry, so hopefully it is on it's way out.

I had a rough night, but I woke up this morning thoroughly planning on heading to work.  I tried to get Monroe and I both ready, but I realized I wasn't feeling good at all, so I ended up staying home today.  It was very nice to be able to take it easy.  We both just rested and took it easy.  I did realize how horribly hard single parenting would be.  How do people get anything done.  It's nearly impossible!

Mark spent today with a realtor checking out homes for us to rent.  We wanted to buy, but we knew we really needed to get to know the lay of the land before we committed.  He went to about 9 houses and he feels pretty good about a few.  Hopefully one of the prospects works out!  Be praying!!!

We talked to Mark on ichat this evening.  I really think Monroe knew that was daddy on the screen!  She is definitely a daddy's little girl, so she was excited to see his face and hear his voice...I doubt she was as excited as I was.  Man, I miss that guy.  It hasn't even been 24 hours and I miss him.

Tonight I've been trying to pack as much as I can.  I have started taking down the decorations.  It doesn't really look like I've made a dent, but I will keep trying to work on it.  I really wish that I could get this whole place packed up before Mark gets home tomorrow:)

I just had to stop and wipe a tear.  I have American Idol on in the background.  I usually hate the audition weeks, as the people are so crazy and are clearly there just to be on tv.   Well, I got caught up in the story of this little country girl from Tennessee.  She really wanted to get out of her small little town.  Well, anyway, I was crossing my fingers that she wouldn't be one of those atrocious candidates.  Luckily, she was really good.  They all put her through to Hollywood and she was just so happy and so was her family.  It may not seem very touching, but it was.  I've alway been a crier.  Oh man, just wait for the Olympics!  They always have those amazing stories about these people that overcome all odds to be there...I can't stop the waterworks!

I just went to check on the sleeping monster...Monroe.  The hulk had returned.  Somehow she had managed to work herself out of her clothes once again.   I truly don't know how she is able to accomplish this feat.  I mean, they are those metal snaps!  Sometimes, I have a hard time getting them undone.

It is still sinking in that we are leaving in a week.  It just doesn't seem real!  I am so used to my life here now, and I'm having a hard time thinking of starting all over again somewhere else.  I just try to keep focusing on the positives.  It will be so nice to live near Mike, Melissa, Mason and Max.  How fun for  the cousins to be the best of friends.  I am so excited about that!  

Well, I better run.  I need to feed the beast:)  Here is a picture we took tonight.

 

This is a picture of Monroe showing off her newest trick...holding her own bottle.  She's pretty proud of herself.  

No Meal Plan Monday

I  just realized that I am supposed to have a meal plan for this week...errr...um, that's not going to happen.  I think I will put the meal plan stuff on hold until we get moved.  Is that okay? 

I did manage to find a very yummy looking recipe that I would like to try out for Au Gratin potatoes.  Doesn't the picture look so good?!!  I am going to give them a try this week, but other than that, I have no plans.

• Prep Time 10 Minutes
• Cook Time 1 Hour
• Difficulty Easy   

Ingredients

• 4 whole Russet Potatoes, Scrubbed Clean
• 2 Tablespoons Butter, Softened
• 1-½ cup Heavy Cream
• ½ cups Whole Milk
• 2 Tablespoons Flour
• 4 cloves Garlic, Finely Minced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Freshly Grated

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Smear softened butter all over the bottom of a baking dish.

Slice potatoes, then cut slices into fourths.

In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, milk, flour, minced garlic, salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.

Place 1/3 of the potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour 1/3 of the cream mixture over the potatoes.

Repeat this two more times, ending with the cream mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown and really bubbling. Add grated cheese to the top of the potatoes and bake for 3 to 5 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Allow to stand for a few minutes before serving by the spoonful. Delicious 

Mark is flying to Chicago on Wednesday to find us a place to live.  We decided it would be best for us to get that all nailed down as soon as possible.  I think the stress was starting to take a toll on me.  Most people when they are stressed can't sleep.  I guess I am polar opposite, because all I have done is sleep.  I am trying to snap out of it! 

We had a nice weekend.  We spent some long awaited time with the Heinrichs!  We had so much fun.  They have the sweetest little guy, Colton.  He is almost 6 weeks old and is just a precious guy.  He was having some sleeping issues (what baby doesn't) and Mark taught them the art of swaddling.  He is the master.  Mike and Melissa taught us and we felt we needed to pass on the torch.

When Monroe came home to live with us we found that she was the most fitful sleeper.  Her arms and legs would be going a mile a minute and she would inevitably wake herself up.  It was rather frustrating...especially because she was sleeping in a bassinet type thing, right beside us.  Mike mentioned that we should try swaddling, as it worked for Mason.  We did, but she managed to get out of it.  What we didn't realize is that we weren't doing it tight enough.  You have to do it so tight that they loose the will to fight, and they have nothing left to do, but sleep.  It was a miracle!  She started sleeping better right away. 

We still swaddle her every night and for most naps.  We now use the "Swaddle Me" product which makes the whole process even easier. Swaddle Me Link

I would recommend that product to any new family.  I know it won't work for every baby, but it proved to be a lifesaver for us!  If you're curious how to swaddle a baby, here is a great utube tutorial that can help.

I better run.  I have lots to do.  Have a great Monday.  Love you all!

Windy City...here we come!

So big news!  We are moving to Chicago.  We decided last night and since then, things have been crazy.  We are trying to leave Florida by Friday, January 22!  That's 2 weeks away!  I don't think it has even set in.

I had to turn in my letter of resignation today!  How sad!  I love my boss...I love my job...I love my coworkers.  I will definitely be sad to leave AHS.  I am excited about my new job, though.  I really feel like it is a good fit for my skills and interests.   

Monroe has started doing something funny.  If you cough, she copies you.  If you cough twice, she coughs twice.  She thinks it's hilarious.  Actually...I do,too.  Mark and I get a real kick out of it. Will I post a video of it?  No, because the kid still won't let me document any of this hilariousness.  Classic Monroe! 

Anyway,  thank you so much for all of the prayers.  We truly feel the Lord has led in our decision.  Love you all!

To move, or not to move....that is the question.

So for a couple of months now, we have been toying with the thought of moving to Chicago.  In November, Mark was asked to interview for a position at GlenOaks Hospital and a few weeks ago, Mark was offered the job.  We weren't really sure if it was a good decision or not and we have really dedicated the whole situation to God.

My preference was not to have to work, but I finally I realized that financially I would need to at least work part time.  The idea of moving and having to find a new job was so overwhelming to me.  I even started to wonder what I could even do.  Teaching positions usually don't open up in the middle of the year, and I figured that I already would have caught wind of any recruiting positions at any of the hospitals in Chicago (we have 4 AHS hospitals in the Chicagoland area).  And...to be honest, a normal recruiting position didn't appeal to me at all.

So anyway, yesterday I get a call from the HR recruiter at GlenOaks (we know each other through work stuff).  She wanted to see if I would be interested in a position titled, "Volunteer Coordinator".  She went on to describe the position and I about peed in my pants on the phone.  It sounded wonderful.  I would be recruiting people to volunteer at the hospital.  I pretty much would develop the position from the ground up.  They said they want someone with creative ideas to find new ways to reach people and someone that enjoys public speaking!  The best part?...it is part time and has a very flexible schedule.  That is exactly what I was wanting!

This definitely made me more excited about the prospect of moving.  I know it isn't for sure.  I haven't even interviewed yet, but the director said she thought it would be a perfect fit for my skills as a recruiter and a teacher.

I am so sad about the possibility of leaving all of our wonderful friends here in Orlando.  We truly have met the most wonderful people here.   Most of our friends are pregnant or just have had a child and I know it would be a blast to have Monroe grow up with them:(.  But the opportunity to live closer to family, would be amazing.    I also love the idea of being able to settle down somewhere.  I am so sick of apartment/condo living.  It just isn't the same as having a home.

So anyway, the Murrill's need your prayers.  We really want to make the right decision for our little family.  We should know sometime today whether or not we are going.  WOW!  I never would have dreamed three years ago, that we would be such movers and shakers!  Thanks in advance for your support and love!

If we do move, we have already decided to make a trip out of getting there.  We will be stopping at important locales throughout our journey.  First stop....Memphis, to see our other half, the Baughman's.  Second stop...Tulsa, to see our Oklahoma family.  Third stop...Kansas City, to see our Kansas family and then on to Chicago.  Sounds like a blast.

A new year, a new way of doing things...

So, since having Monroe, my exercise regime went from 3 -4 times a week to, um let's see....well...carry the one....0 times a week!  Yes, I know...it's embarrassing.  I cannot blame the little lady for my weight, because I lost my baby weight about six weeks after I had her.  I have just started gaining again in the last few weeks after  my workout schedule fell off the face of the earth.

So anyway, I am being realistic with myself.  I probably won't be able to work out as much as I could before I had Monroe, or even right after she was born and wasn't working.  I work full-time now, and we recently dropped our gym membership.  I just couldn't justify leaving her with the gym daycare while I worked out, after leaving her all day!  It just seemed selfish.  So anyway, I am going to continue to walk with Monroe and have decided to focus on portion control for 2010!  I am a lover of big...err, huge portions.  I always take seconds and I eat fast, so fullness doesn't catch up with me until it's too late.  It doesn't help that I LOVE food and I enjoy the act of eating so very much.  It is so fun.  If you know me at all, you know how true this is.  So my goal is to cut it in half.  I am also going to try to slow down while I eat and really enjoy every bite.  I'll let you know how that goes.

Monroe is definitely get more and more fun everyday.  She cracks me up.  She has started singing/talking all the time.  She is so silly.  I would show you on video, but the kid is video shy.  It is so annoying...she'll be doing all this hilarious stuff and every time we go to capture it on video she immediately stops and becomes as stoic as a statue!  Then as soon as I shut it off, she starts again.  Do you remember that cartoon of the frog that dances and sings show tunes for that guy and when he tries to show people, he acts just like a normal frog?  I feel like that poor guy!  I will keep trying.

Another one of my goals is to be more organized with my meal planning for the week.  I have decided to post my Monday Meal Plan every week (fingers crossed).  I will try to include recipes if I can.  Here are our meals for this week:

Monday:  Peggy's Vegetarian Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes (Sorry, not allowed to share this recipe, unless you email me and beg for it..and you swear not to tell Peggy :)

Tuesday:  Taco Salad

 Ingredients:
 Lettuce (chopped)
Tomato (chopped)
Celery  (chopped)
Cucumber (chopped)
Olives (drained and chopped)
Cheese (grated)
Black beans (drained and rinsed)
Crumbles (cooked on stove...allow to cool for a few minutes)
Ranch dressing
Salsa
Chips (fritos or tortilla chips)

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl to taste.  Enjoy!

Wednesday:  Mexican Baked Potatoes and Salad

Ingredients:
 (this recipe is for 6 servings, I only make 2)

6 medium baking potatoes, scrubbed
1 c shredded RF Mexican blend cheese
14 oz yellow corn
1 cup sour cream
½ c salsa

Prep:
Pierce potatoes and bake 1 hour @ 425 or until tender. Combine cheese, sour cream, and corn. Split potatoes lengthwise and top each with 1/6 cheese mixture. Top with Salsa.

Thursday:  Creamy Vegetable Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 package (16 ounces) frozen broccoli, carrots and cauliflower
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 1 carton (8 ounces) Kraft Philadelphia® - Cream Cheese Spread Garden Vegetable
• 1/2 to 1 cup seasoned croutons

Directions

• Prepare vegetables according to package directions; drain and place in a large bowl. Stir in soup and cream cheese. Transfer to a greased 1-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with croutons. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Yield: 6 servings.

Friday:  Taco Soup 

Ingredients:

1 bag crumbles
2 cans corn
2 cans pinto or black beans
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can sliced new potatoes
1 can rotel
1 package taco seasoning
1 package ranch dressing mix

Directions:
 Cook crumbles in soup pan until browned.  Add all ingredients--do not drain cans.  Simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with fritos, cheese and sour cream.

Okay, so there's my plan.  Will I stick to it?  I don't know.  We'll see.  At least it is written down and I have something to refer to.  Let me know what you are cooking this week.  I need ideas and recipes.  Love you all!

Year in Review

2009 was a pretty amazing year for the Murrill's.  It brought us the best gift ever, Monroe.  When thinking back over the year I thought I would post some pics of some of the highlights...enjoy:)

Celebrating a new year!  Who knew there was a little Monroe in my belly!

The First Ultrasound

Family Pictures

Valentines's Day Party at Church  

Tim's Birthday Camping Trip

Mom and Dad come for a visit

Belly's Getting Bigger

Mike, Melissa, and Mason come for a visit!  They announce they are pregnant!!

We found out we were having a girl!!!

10 year highschool reunion at Ozark

Incredible Tulsa shower at Vicki's

A visit to Chicago for work!  Two Preggies:)

Trip to Longboat Key

Baby Shower in Florida...two days later Monroe arrived!

Monroe is here!

Monroe's stay at the hospital due to her premature lungs

Nana and Papa meet Monroe 

Monroe's First Halloween

Nana and Papa visit for Papa and Daddy's b-days

Celebrating daddy's 28th b-day

Visit to Chicago to meet Max!!!

Grandpa and Grandma visit for Thanksgiving!

Celebrating Mommy's 29th b-day!

Monroe's first Christmas

It's truly been a great year!  God has been so wonderful and has blessed us in so many ways.  We can't wait to see what 2010 has in store for us.

Tis the Season

It truly would be impossible to recount all of the wonderful details of our Christmas...impossible and probably a little boring for you guys!  I will say that we had an awesome time hanging out with family--Stephen, Michelle, Mom, Dad and Mumsie all came to visit and it was amazing!  Here are a few pics of the visit...