If this doesn't put you in the mood for Christmas........

then I don't think anything will.............

{friends} Made in Oregon, Part One

I am so thankful for encouragement. Thank you all for your prayers on our behalf for our encouragement and for the sale of our home in Virginia. On Wednesday, I was finally able to get together with one of my new friends here in Oregon, Aubrie. I say finally, because, we tried for a few weeks to get together and finally found a day and time that worked for both of us!

When I made my post about my new towels, I also mentioned that I talked to the BB&B employee about dog poop and that I was a bit worried that I was becoming one of those new moms who, when finally let out of the house, has no social clues. Aubrie left me the sweetest, funniest comment saying, "When we go get coffee we can also go buy you some tote bags! (You can also talk to an adult a bit, and we can talk about poop if you so desire.) I saw Hagens has tie-dye tote bags right now. :) Oh- and I would have asked for a bag too- no one carries a tote bag around big enough to fit four fluffy towels."

And so, Aubrie brought me a Starbucks chai and cranberry somethingoranother--I can't remember the exact name--but it was Christmas-on-a-plate. I saved a bite for Steve and he said it was the best thing he had ever tasted from Starbucks. Aubrie also brought over some really delicious chocolate chunk cookies. And I *might have* eaten one too many and realized it when Steve stopped by the almost empty container and said, "Do you think I could maybe have one of those?"

But I was so thankful for our visit--and we barely even talked about poop! I did, however, learn a lot about my new friend--her background, how she met her husband Dave, how she came to Grace and Truth, and how she came to Christ. I already knew that Aubrie was an awesome photographer, but she did give me a few tips for our next camera purchase as well.......

I also learned about Aubrie's generosity and kindness....the picture above is what she brought with her, in addition to the Starbucks goodness. She said it was a late baby shower gift.....and what a sweet gift it was. {Notice the tie-dye bag!} The bag was filled with thoughtful gifts for a new mommy..........such a sweet gift!

So, look out Oregon........here I come with my newly acquired tie-dyed, eco-friendly shopping bag! And thank you Aubrie for your sweet encouragement to me!

footed pajamas........or in other words, comfies.

Seriously, why do footed pajamas just not look as cute in our size? And no, babe, that was definitely not a request for a snuggie...........definitely not on my wish list! Maybe if I lived in Wisconsin I would run out at midnight--so nobody saw me--and get one.

Actually, no.

No. way.

Anywho, I know I am posting a ridiculous amount of pictures of my sweet G-baby........but Steve and I have lots and lots of family members that live far away that need their daily Graeme-dose-of-happiness.............who doesn't? So, thanks for bearing with the picture overload mama......

Update on 6 Gillis Road and us......

I would love to say that our house has sold. But it has not. I still believe in the sovereignty of God and I am positive that this is God's best.......but I have to admit, when I saw this picture this week, it did bring tears to my eyes and I dare say Steve's as well. We were in Target printing off a few pictures and this one unexpectedly popped up on the screen...............Our ways are not His and for that I am thankful......but Steve and I wouldn't mind you keeping us in prayer if you think of us.

Seeing this picture made me miss my home. Yes, we lived in the ghetto and yes I did not want to bring my brand new, sweet baby boy home to that neighborhood. . .but it was still home and it was ours. And our best buds lived 7 minutes away. And we could go over to each other's house in our pajamas and nobody cared. I cried on my way home after I dropped my friend Julie off at the airport a few weeks ago. It is hard to say goodbye to a friend as sweet and dear as Jules. It takes time to cultivate friendships that dear, and well, after having a baby, there is less time to cultivate such friendships, especially in new places with new faces.........

I bawled when I had to say goodbye to my sister and brother in law. It's hard to say goodbye to people that are that beautiful inside and out. People who love others selflessly and who bring a smile to your face at the mere mention of their name.

But how can I wake up each day and not be thankful and content when I am surrounded by this.........
And loved by my sweet, kind husband. And pursued by my Savior who loves me unconditionally. And surrounded by new friends here in Oregon.........more on that tomorrow...................

It's official. . .Graeme is a foodie

. . .I have nearly doubled my birth weight. . . I now weigh 11lbs and 9oz. and they believe that I am about 22" long. . .they tried a few times. . .what can I say. . .I had a couple of toots to work out and that made me squirmy. I am a shorty but a goody.

Oh, and if you didn't already know this...........my parents are in love with me!

{monday medicine}

speaking of medicine.......Graeme has his 2 month appointment today.........I can't wait to see how many inches our little guy is and all of those other statistics too..........I can, however, wait for the shots part of the doctor's visit. Greatly not looking forward to that. Expecting many tears from today's visit. . .from both Graeme and myself.

Boo.

Hope you enjoyed your dose of Monday medicine.........it does the trick for me!

Dear Santa Steve. . .{Part One}

I have been a very good girl this year, if I do say so myself. . .and I was just hoping that you might be able to fit this little gifty in your nice big santa bag this year...........

Here, I will even help you out and give you some specifics, in case you might need them, oh, let's say in about 41 days or so.................

I really have been wanting the Swedish House duvet cover from Pottery Barn. I first spied it during Christmas of 2007 and I have no idea why on earth I did not snatch it up then! I remember that I even had a gift card and decided to "wait". Because that's what good girls do--they wait for the item to go on clearance, right? Well, I waited too long and now I can only find it on ebay. But it IS available. . .just in case you were wondering.............. And while we are on the subject, I guess I will inform you that ebay only has the king duvet......but I am willing to make that work.......me and my *magic* sewing skills. *cough*

Or, if that option makes you a teeny bit nervous, as it does me, I am willing to accept the Swedish House shams instead of the duvet cover ............because I think that our white sheets and white down comforter would look stunning, absolutely stunning, with the Swedish House shams.

So, my dear Santa, you may have noticed that this letter is labeled as part one and that is because you are always asking me to make a list for you and check it twice and so that's exactly what I've begun to do! I'm sure that makes your heart so happy that you'll even want to listen to Christmas music early this year!

Thinking nice thoughts of you and planning on setting out a few extra cookies this year,
Sarah Kate