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mega bucks

I have this belly that just keeps growing...which calls for some new clothes. I don't know about the rest of you pregnant chicks but finding maternity clothes that aren't expensive or old-lady-ish is next to impossible. The pickings are slim. Anyway why a blog post about this?? Well, I randomly checked this site I know of to get coupons for Old Navy that I hadn't gone to in like a year and snagged a coupon for $50 off if you spend $100. So, off I went this morning to see if it would even be worth it. Once I got there I found out everything that was already marked down on clearance was an additional 50% off. Needless to say I spent a long time searching through the clearance section and trying on clothes, picking out a spiderman sweatshirt for Colby and a few things for husband, and was a very happy little pregnant shopper. Before clearance and the coupon the total should have been $296.80.... the actual price paid $68.19. Amazing. Thankful for the Lord's unexpected provision and some clothes to get through these summer months.

What ways have you saved this month???

monthly update

Some past happenings and future happenings with our little family:

Past-

1. We moved!!! So, if you had our address before, just switch the apartment number to 129. We shuffled across the hallway and now have a lovely 2 bedroom/2 bathroom apartment! The Lord provided for us once again in his perfect timing, we were able to move well before our lease was up and didn't have to eat the hefty fine. Other blessings included the fact that we didn't have to actually pack, my kitchen is waaaaaaay more spacious and Colby will not have to sleep in the closet. :)

2. I am officially in the 3rd trimester, I seriously thought I would never get to the 2nd let alone the 3rd. I told Jer today I'm feeling pretty good about myself. :) Colby is quite the kicker and mover, we are thinking soccer player. We are already so in love with him and can't wait for his arrival. The other day we went and got his crib and mattress (thanks gb & kathleen!) and it made it seem so much more real. Health wise I am continuing to improve, I am now only taking my meds once a day, twice if needed. I still have to pace myself and rest often and the aches of the getting bigger have set in, but I will take that any day over the hyperemesis! The Central Library is a frequently visited place by Jer and I, it is only 2 blocks away. So, I get a different baby book every time I go. Currently I am reading Eat Sleep Poop by Cohen, and love it. It is written by a dad/pediatrician. Any suggestions for my next read??

3. Little things: a.) We went on our babymoon to Lancaster, PA. Shopping and eating were pretty much all we did. We were thankful for some time together just the two of us. b.)This weekend we went to West Chester for two days and loved getting to see everyone. There is nothing like having two church homes, we love love love philly people. The main reason we were up there was so that I could attend Sarah Sharp Smith's shower :) and it was a joy to be there and celebrate with her as she awaits the arrival of Julia Mae. c.)a few weekends ago we had a girls day out to Georgetown with gburg girls: AJ, Casey, Elise and I. And Philly girls: Reenie, Traci, Meg and Sharpie. It was tons of fun and hopefully will continue to be a tradition.

Future-

1. I have a nice bottle of Fruit Punch liquid sitting in my fridge, the lovely glucose screening test is this Friday. I hope I pass the test. :)
2. Our second anniversary is a month away! Love that boy.
3. A baby shower in the near future. :)
4. Gallagher Beach Week(s)!!!!! My count down says 35 days, I already made my packing list, we look forward to this trip all year long.

Lastly, I eat popsicles, pretty much everyday. :) I think once it gets hotter I might have to have two a day. The popsicle sticks have jokes on them, and since todays reminds me of my husband who is currently protecting Columbia, I share it in his honor...
Joke- Why were the police suspicious of the blinds??? They were shady.
(I know corny, but I think they are meant for kids....and pregnant people)

our boy has a name...

Introducing...Colby. This was him at 19 weeks and we are already in love with him. I expected the ultra sound to be cool and of course fun to find out boy or girl. (which it is important to note that I thought boy and Jer thought girl) But when the tech showed us the four chambers of his heart, his kidneys, stomach, all his fingers and toes, the list continues we were blown away. That our little dude is being perfectly formed by the Lord is AMAZING. Who knew 12oz of baby could have so much detail. At one point we could even see him swallowing. August 14th can't come soon enough.

This week we decided to move to a two bedroom across the hall from our current apartment. So, Colby officially has his own place in our little family.

10 weeks

Today I am officially 10 weeks pregnant!! August 14th is still very far off. But reaching this milestone and actually being able to enjoy it is a blessing. This past month has been by far the hardest trial I have been through. Yet despite how awfully sick I was, and had many discouraging days, the Lord's faithfulness covered it all. There would be days that I would realize I hadn't prayed at all, and then I would remember how many friends and family were praying on our behalf and I would find much comfort in that.

Having the hypermesis was not anything we had anticipated. But we have been blessed through it all. Because of how sick I was we were given an ultra sound both stays in the hospital at week 6 and week 9. Seeing our little one's heart beat brought so much relief to our worries. Jeremy got to be there for the first ultra sound and Kathleen was able to be there for the second one. Also, at the second one I asked for a picture and she gave it to me even though she wasn't suppose to. I will always treasure that picture, it was taken on my worst day of the entire sickness and it was such a piece of joy and hope that the Lord gave me to hold onto. We've also just been so blessed through countless doctors and nurses that we met during my hospital stay. One of my nurses Faith who was my nurse on the worst day was a christian and just used her time with me to speak truth to me about the Lord. How kind of God in the midst of barely being able to open my eyes to have someone I didn't even know reminding me of who was sovereign over me and my baby. Kathleen and I even ran into Faith in the hall way as we were leaving the hospital and I was actually walking! Faith hugged me the whole way out of the building. We were specifically blessed through the GI doctor who was consulted on my last stay. He took me off the three meds that weren't working and put me on two new meds and within 12 hours I was a totally different person, was able to eat my first meal of 2010! I thank God for him often.

One of the biggest blessings have been our family and friends. We've received countless emails and texts that have brought much encouragement to us. Knowing that so many people were behind us and praying for us was one of our biggest comforts. We've had a team of ladies making some amazing meals filled with meat for my man! What a blessing it was not to worry about cooking and his belly. Our pastor sent some books our way that the Lord is already using to feed my soul, there is one by Tripp that I would recommend to anyone, it is 52 little daily readings on Psalm 27. The lovely Elise came arms filled with goodies and spent sometime with me in the hospital, it was so good to hear about the outside world. Aunt Weens, who is a nurse, came and made sure they were taking good care of me at the hospital, we called her with every question we had. Josie brought me my first pregnancy magazine!Jer's parents have gone above and beyond taking care of us, borderline spoiled rotten. They bought us whatever we needed from groceries to a scale when I had to weigh myself daily to a microwave that Jer now uses daily to 7-11 giftcard for any emergency slurpee needs. To top it off Kathleen spent most of the time with me in the hospital the last time I was in, waiting on me hand and foot when I was definitely not my best. And she took me back to her place and got all my scripts filled when Jer ended up getting sick and we had to stay apart. The Lord blessed us with memories from the hospital that I will never forget- including the clown operation moving from one room to another that took over an hour AND the night we cried from laughing so hard at the "fold out bed fiasco of 2010".

Now we are home. And I'm eating, going on mini trips to the grocery store, got my hair cut and even walked around the mall. It still feels so surreal. The turn around from not being able to get out of bed to fairly normal activity is such a shock to the system. As long as I continue to do well over the next couple of days my picc line will be removed. When the doctor wrote the script for its removal and left the room I held it up and told Jer it was like getting the golden ticket on American Idol. :) Tomorrow I am going to church for the first time in over a month. And we are planning on making a trip to Philly in February if all continues to go well. It is so nice to see people again.

So, baby name suggestions???

amish

i am currently reading Heritage of Lancaster County by Beverly Lewis. It is three novels in one volume. so far i have been blazing through it. i must have a thing for the amish, they really do fascinate me. the more i read the more i just want to hop in the car and go to lancaster, pa. the one thing that has really struck a chord with me as i have been reading this series is the fact that the amish have such a strong emphasis on works and keeping their laws/rules perfect. i've just been overwhelmed with gratitude this week as i read, that Christ lived the perfect life and died on my behalf washing away all of my sins. we still are called to become more Christ like, but i'm thankful that when i slip there is no "shunning" from the Lord. Christ drank that cup of wrath that i deserved. i don't think i ever would have made it as an amish person, that's for sure! but they sure do make yummy food and pretty handmade things.

list

Things we are thankful for...

-salvation
-marriage
-church (covlife and covfel)
-care group
-the bible
-family (all of them)
-friends (all)
-apartment
-jeep
-job, overtime
-new table
-sleep, food (jer's addition)
-internet(keep in touch)
-friendly neighborhood library
-redbox
-contacts
-the local giant
-fossil purse
-coupons
-living across from:the mall, the movies, chick-fil-a, 5 guys, arby's, cheesecake factory, pfchangs, starbucks, etc.
-new babies! (mj cohee, no-name loftness, and soon to be mason davis)
-good books
-road trips
-weddings! (parris & moraga)
-texting and facebook and blogs
-yummy food on thanksgiving day, we are eagerly anticipating this
-having a gym to become buff in
-little cousin football games
-good magazines
-itunes and ipods
-dr.pepper
-coffee (jer says dunkin donuts coffee)
-memories
-new soup pot and hand blender
-good parking spots
-puma socks
-vest buddies
-free christmas cards
-old fashioned mail
-parties

Post a list on your blog, we all have much to be thankful for.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift if from above, comind down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17

J.C.Ryle Quote

Our Care Group went through J.C.Ryle's Urgent Appeal to Search the Scriptures "How Readest Thou?", which I would highly recommend. It was a great tool for examining our view of God's word and helping us to see areas we need to grow. Often I feel with my quiet times as if I am on a roller coaster. There will be days and weeks of rich times with the Lord, and then times where I feel as if I am just going through the motions. This quote really encouraged me to just be faithful. "The greatest effects are by no means those which make the most noise, and are most easily observed. The greatest affects are often silent, quiet, and hard to detect at the time they are being produced...There may be far more doing than you think in your soul by your Bible reading".

Soup

It is starting to get a little colder each day, which means it is time for soup! I have warned husband that this season I am going to adventure to make lots of different types of soups and hopefully freeze some to keep on hand. I think it is much more fun to make soups that are old family recipes or at least ones people have tried before. I am planning on trying to invent my own soup...we shall see how that works out. But I figure most soups have similar basis ingredients, so how hard could it be?! Below are my list of soups I would like to try, comment or email me your recipe so I can get cooking. :)

Ideas: potato, chicken noodle, cauliflower, broccoli and cheddar, chili, tortellini, italian wedding,french onion, corn chowder, egg drop, tomato, tortilla, wonton, etc.

Here is one I found online that I think sounds yummy.

Loaded Potato Soup
4 slices bacon, cooked til crisp reserving 1 Tbsp fat
1 small onion, diced
2 large garlic cloves (adjust to your taste-I love garlic!), minced
6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon basil
salt & pepper to taste
green onion, sliced thinly (I didn't have green onion so for some green color I used some fresh parsley)
shredded cheese (I used Colby)
2 cups half and half
1 teaspoon hot sauce
3 Tablespoons flour

In large saucepan saute onion and garlic in reserved bacon fat. Add potatoes, chicken broth and basil to pan and simmer until potatoes are tender. Using potato masher, slightly mash potatoes.

Mix flour with half and half and hot sauce, then stir into potato mixture. Cook until slightly thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve soup topped with crumbled bacon pieces, shredded cheese and green onion.

free chili

I think the California Tortilla people should get a shout out today. I am pretty sure that they might be my most favorite newsletter I have ever signed up for. They make me laugh every time. Here is a portion of todays email.

That's right - on Thursday, November 19th, every California Tortilla in the land will be giving you a 4 oz. sample of free darn tasty turkey chili with any purchase. And not only that, we're also giving you a coupon for a FREE 8 oz. bowl of chili that's good for 2 weeks. (The coupon, not the chili. Do not eat 2 week old chili.) And if it's anything like our chili promotions in the past, 8 bazillion people will write to say it's so delicious we should consider putting it on our menu. It's been on our menu for 14 years. How bad is our chili signage?

So come on in on the 19th for some of the best chili you've ever had. It's free and it's fabulous. What's not to love about this promotion? (Other than the fact that we're not making you gobble to get it like we usually do.)

Fee Concert

Covlife is having a concert. Below is the link for the info. You should all come so I can hang out with you.

http://www.covlife.org/fee2/11449/

giver of every breath I breathe
author of all eternity
giver of every perfect thing
to you be the glory
(All Because of Jesus by Fee)

hello people.

We are in our new apartment, and loving it! It is just such a favorite of mine to now have four burners, an oven and a dishwasher!! We are still settling in, everything doesn't have a place yet, but it is getting there. We heart our green wall, it is not neon green like our old kitchen, but it isn't a sage green either, more like a guacamole green. On the day we moved in there were little presents left for us by the Buzzuto company that owns the apartments, and I love little presents. There was basic stuff like a new sponge, dish soap, toilet paper, paper towels and snacks. But the best one of all was this handy little hammer. Now to the untrained eye it was just a hammer, but to our friend Ed it was a multi-use tool, that opened up into like 6 different tools. Good thing he was there that day, we would have just thought it an ordinary hammer.

Jeremy can now bring his cruiser home the nights he is working, which is just amazing. Last night he was even able to stop home to have "dinner" (if you would call it that at 10pm). At one point I was even able to see him run lights and sirens from my living room window. I was thanking the Lord the other day while driving that his plan is always perfect, and he has us just where he designed us to be.

And in other news, I just received a call that our table and chairs are being delivered today!!!

Jer and I went to check out the library down the street yesterday and were very impressed. It is like getting a whole new movie collection. The nice library lady told us they were known for their dvd collection, boy was she right. Then we found out I didn't even need to get a new card, they now have the library cards that work for all of Maryland. Pretty sweet. Jer and I decided to each pick a book off of the "classics" shelves. He is going to reread Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett and I will be reading The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers.

Our first night we went to one Giant, and Jer became friends with the deli boy. Who after chatting with us a while, printed out the receipt and then added two more ounces of cheese on. Which of course Jer missed and I took note of, because those are the things I heart in life. Though don't tell because we don't want to get coughalonzocough in trouble. The best part is Jer called him by his first name and he was a little startled that Jer knew it, but then Jer graciously reminded the guy that he was wearing a name tag. :) But the next night I checked out a different Giant, and decided it was much nicer and will be my grocery store. Sorry Alonzo.

I will do a photo update soon, but for now I have to go wake up husband so we can go to his cousins' football game.

contentment

I am currently reading The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs. In it is one of the best definitions I have found of christian contentment.

Christian Contentment: is the inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, freely submitting to and taking pleasure in God's disposal in every condition. (p.40)

Praying that this year I would grow in this area and have a steadfast, quiet, submission to the Lord. Not just verbally, but in my heart and thoughts.

a girl recipe

Well. How shocking is this... I have a recipe to share. My girl Casey and I were just talking about on Sunday how Sharpie is the next Martha Stewart. Like sometimes when I read Pioneer Woman, I think to myself, self she some how MUST be related to Sarah. Mike definitely got quite a catch in the food department of wives. Anyways, I made this little pasta dish tonight, while my cop is working. I wrote this one down while in the bookstore the other day, I seem to have forgotten to write down the actual name of it. So in honor of Sarah I shall dub it Lucia-Yorgenson.

Lucia-Yorgenson

Cook 2 cups of Gemelli (or other short pasta). Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss in a large bowl with 2 cups chopped spinach, 1 cup grape tomatoes-halved(side note I am not a fan of those cherry tomatoes, though they are cute I think plain tomatoes taste much better), 4oz of fresh mozz(cut into pieces), 2 oz salami(cut into pieces)

Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp of salt (or more if you are me, and handfuls if you are Gen with a G), and a dash of pepper. Drizzle right before serving.

Yum. Now I have never bought salami before, I know that may be shocking to some, clearly I am not very adventurous with my foods. BUT, incase you don't know, it is much cheaper to purchase from the deli for this recipe instead of those prepackaged ones because you need such a small amount.

In other news: While standing in the grocery store today, next to my cart, which had my purse in it. A very stern granny told me I should not leave my purse unattended. I was not happy with her, she was not happy with me. I do believe I have met the first old person I did not like. I never thought that would happen.

october thus far

Care Group Camping Trip '09

Christopher & Jer putting up "our" tent...really we borrowed it.

It was very windy and rainy. I was praying all night that the rain guard would not blow away considering the Riddlesbergers have yet to use this lovely tent. I am sure it would have made a great story, but not when your husband hasn't slept in many hours. Thankfully, everything remained tied down.

Our evening guest. True love.
Ally and I were able to ride up together. She is one of my favorite people to talk to. You never leave a conversation with her without loving God more. Ally has a little dude inside of her that will grace us with his presence very soon! I can't wait to meet him.

The Parsons & the great marshmallow test. You see Heather a true farm girl has been taught by her dad the art of marshmallow roasting... however, as she was showing us, her marshmallow took the great plunge into the fire, while her snowboarding artsy husband roasted his to perfection.

The saw was crucial. Good thing Brian is rugged and has a relaxed wife. I would never let Jeremy near a saw like that!

Our leaders: Beth & Dr. Steve ummm they slept on a blow up air mattress....totally not rugged of them.

I love him. This guy made a handy little bagel holder over the fire thing.

After camping we headed up to our 2nd home Covfel for the 25th Anniversary. What a sweet day. They had 3 bands the 80's, 90's and the future. Really funny videos, by far the best one was Tom Smith's Land Ho. Sitting next to Sharpie was one of my favorite parts; just hearing Bill Patton made us both tear up, the whole night was like watching home movies and just the fact that Sarah and I have been friends since junior high and now both married still remaining friends is so kind of the Lord. God has been so faithful to Covenant Fellowship and its people. Besides Jeremy, Covenant Fellowship has been the biggest means of God's grace in my life. My relationship with the Lord, my closest friendships and my best memories are all a direct result of the local church. It stirred in my heart to pray for the next 25 years. Psalm 145:4,13 "One generation shall commend your works to another...Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations"

In other news: I cut open my first pomegranate the other night. It was yummy.

What a steal. See that little candle holder on the left. Free. Yes, I found it at Michaels a few weeks ago. I had prayed the Lord would help me find good deals, so that I could grow in the area of decorating my home. Well, when I went to check out I asked the girl to do a price check because it was on a shelf with a bunch of discount items. I thought it was going to be 30% off. She rung it up and it was 1 cent! Ha. Then she goes well when it comes up like that, then we are just trying to get rid of it, so I'll just give it to you for free. :) That made this little wife's heart very happy.

Go Phillies!!!

befriend faithfulness

Psalm 37:3-5

“Trust in the Lord, and do good;

dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

Delight yourself in the Lord,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;

trust in him, and he will act”

When I first read through this today, my heart was amen-ing that he will give me the desires of my heart and he will act. Which is a blessing, that the Lord chooses to pour out goodness on his children. But the Lord slowed me down to look back again and see what I am called to do. To trust him, do good, befriend faithfulness, delight in him and commit my ways to him. (Oh, I love that part....befriend faithfulness). All of these things require a guarding of my heart and thoughts, discipline and a whole lot of grace. I am thankful that the strength needed to be obedient to God's word does not come from myself, but the one who calls me to them in the first place.

Step One: Memorize this passage :)

Sauce Master

Traci and I had a big adventure a few weekends ago making apple sauce. I know, how domestic of us, we even impressed ourselves. Well. If it wasn't for this handy mill (http://www.norpro.com/store/products/sauce-master) we borrowed from Auntie Laura, it would not have been so easy. Now our first batch was coming out pink, we couldn't imagine what we did wrong, but apparently it was just the type of apples we were using. Then we discovered the ultimate secret of apple sauce making... Honey Crisp Apples. Yum.

Our little helper aka a pleasant distraction.
The handy mill aka sauce master.

So, I was out running errands and said a little prayer that the Lord would help me find good deals. I run into Home Goods real quick just to check prices on some things and what to my wondering eyes would appear but the SAUCE MASTER!! The sticker said it generally runs for $65 but that their price was $50....but it was a red sticker and at the bottom said $18. WOW MOM. I took it up front to make sure there was nothing wrong with it and left the store a very happy domestic wife. I brought it home and made sure everything functioned correctly. Next on my list of things to make: Spaghetti Sauce. Too bad the tomato season just ended.

Jeremy does a good job trying to be excited with me when I get good deals. But I think other wives are the ones who really appreciate a good deal.

So, share your most recent deal or find???

and the color is.....

Ryegrass: http://www.sherwin-williams.com/search/?search_terms=ryegrass&section

We found out that we only had 6 options. Since green is both of our favorites, and a generally safe color, we went with that one. The big move will happen October 27th/28th. I can't wait!!! I started a list with Moe yesterday of all the things I will be able to cook now with a full size oven and 4 stove tops!! Pizza and cookies are at the top of the list. :)

Once we move we are going to try to get a new desk and a new dining set. So, I am on a big hunt for a good deal. Send me any ideas of places to check out!! Below are the images I have in mind. Not necessarily a white desk but that is the sort of frame I am looking for. Even if I find a beat up one at a thrift shop, I'm thinking it would be fun to fix it up and paint it. Megs, I saw your green one and was very jealous, but was able to show Jer just what I had been talking about. I hope some day you have a blog just devoted to decorating tips. :)

I found out today that the liquor store up the street from our house is a great place to get boxes. Hopefully, our new neighbors won't think we are big drinkers because of all the labels. :) Though Aunt Reenie, I do miss those lovely paper boxes. I do have two left from my Philly to MD move.

Next on my to find list is a Tape Gun.

photos

Ha. Ok, so we went to Georgetown and it was lovely...and the only pictures we have are these dark ones on these scary and epically long steps. But apparently these are the steps in some famous scary movie.

Christine, Jeremy's cousin, goes to Mount St. Mary and is on the soccer team.
This horrible picture would normally never make it on my blog. BUT that is her coach. He is also the brother of Jon on Jon & Kate plus 8.

Jer & Colleen.

My pregnant Stephie.

Jer teaching Caleb some wrestling moves.

Proof that Miss Brewer is trying to steal my man!

The O's game. First time I've ever been to Camden Yards. Courtesy of Uncle Sean.

This guy moved home.

We were really close.

Yet, this guy, still need his trusty binoculars.

Surrounded by Redsocks fans.

My dude turned 24.

Traci and I made applesauce. It was on our bucketlist. The secret of applesauce making: Honey Crisp Apples and Auntie Laura's handy mill. Which might be added to my christmas list.

While I was doing this, Jer was playing in the mud. Aka atv'ing with the boys.

Then the next day he organized a little soccer game. A nice fall day. Except all the guys who went atv'ing could barely walk let alone chase a ball around the field.

My favorite short stop.

Joey.

We keep forgetting....

Multiple times this weekend, we've been hanging out with people for quite a few hours before we remember to tell them our big news. We're moving. Not to Philly, just need to clarify that one, since it was a popular question. We are saying goodbye to Olney and hello to Columbia. The Lord has really been teaching us a lot about his faithfulness to us over the last few weeks. We literally went from thinking we should move to maybe we are called to live here another year to we are moving at the end of the month. :) Which is why we keep forgetting that it is actually happening.

I love to see how what the Lord has ordained is always so much better. The place we are moving to seems to have one blessing after another. Jeremy will be their "courtesy officer", which allows them to give us a pretty good % off our rent, and doesn't require too much of Jer's time. A full kitchen, I will have a full stove top and oven!!! For a new wife that is huge. I keep thinking of all the things I can now make. It has a washer and dryer in the apartment. A little walk out patio. A big walk in closet in our bedroom. There is a pool and 24 hour gym on the property. We can walk to the mall, movie theater, a bunch of restaurants, the library and Merriweather where Jer sometimes works concerts. The place seems very community oriented which we are excited about another opportunity to get to know more people. In the club house is a little mini starbucks hub where you can get free coffee, cocoa and tea. AND the best part of all is that it is in the Charlie area where Jer works, so if he needs to stop home while he is working he is able to. So, he could come home for dinner or just to say hi. :)

We know that all of our searching would of come up short if the Lord had not directed our steps. And we are so thankful for his kindness to provide for us. The BIG question now is what color to pick for the accent wall they are painting for us. So, do submit your suggestions. :)