Random Update

I've just about finished shopping for Christmas. A few years ago, I had all the shopping finished in October. I guess as I get older, the shopping gets postponed. I finished a shawl and a snowman, but still have to get Leah's sweater finished... working on that tonight. Ugh.

Earlier this week, I went to the clinic for a pregnancy verification. I can get an ultrasound in early January and hear a heartbeat (hopefully). I'm about six weeks right now, which makes the due date August 16. I lost my last baby right before seven weeks... that time is creeping closer and I'm paranoid. I've been taking pregnancy tests every week to reassure myself. The line is getting darker and showing up faster, which is a good sign. I'm still taking one day at a time, but I feel good about this one.

The kiddos finally got their pictures taken with Santa at the Bass Pro Shop. We found some matching Minion shirts in the boy department last minute at Walmart. I'm super disappointed in the holiday selections. If there's something specific for boys, there's nothing similar for girls and vice versa. How am I supposed to coordinate?

I can't believe Christmas is happening in less than a week. When I was a kid, it couldn't get here fast enough. Sheesh. The dogs are unimpressed. I did get a super awesome Loki necklace in the mail, though. Early gifts are my favorite.

Holiday Season & Big News

My mom made this dress for me when I was about four or five. I hated it with enthusiasm, but seeing it on my own mini-miss changed the perspective. I'm sad she, too, hates it enough to tell me it's why she won't smile while wearing it.

Zac and I finally bought a real Christmas tree last week. We've been keeping it watered while trying to keep the dogs from drinking the water. Zac's going to finish popping the rest of our popcorn garland this evening while we watch Home Alone.

Tonight we went to the local park to walk around under all the Christmas lights. It was magical and freezing. Hopefully next week we can get the Santa pictures taken. 

Some big news: Baby #4 is due August 2015! I'm nervous, excited, paranoid, and so so so thankful. I  really hope this one sticks around. 

Mississippi

It's official. We're completely moved to Mississippi aside from a few things we left behind that we will have to pick up later (bicycles, clothes hangers, patio furniture...).

I really love our new place. I love that I have a sliding glass door to the balcony, complete with a screen. I love that I have a view of tree tops and leaves and not a neighbor's building. I love the carpet and that I have a real dining room and places for everything. The only thing lacking: washer and dryer. We're going to get one eventually, but for now, we drive 20 minutes once a week to wash clothes at my parents'.

Ladybugs are everywhere today. I've counted at least 13 on the balcony railing and a few more on the window. I love them and it's better than being surrounded by wasps.

I miss my old co-workers. It's weird not seeing them as often. I don't miss making cookies and smelling batter, though.

I put our fake Christmas tree up (it will come down once we get a real one next week) and have started decorating it with homemade ornaments, mainly to see how many more I need to make to fill it up. I've got a few Christmas-colored crochet "mints" and even (successfully) created some cinnamon-scented ornaments. Now I'm working on snowflakes. So many snowflakes.

I'm excited for Christmas. I plan to go shopping sometime next week while I'm off. This year, I told the kids that Santa was going to surprise them with gifts that aren't toys. It should be fun.

Cakes

These are the last of my cakes.

Changes

Alex has been working at Best Buy for a while and had been talking to Zac about an opening hire. I told Zac that if we could find an apartment and I could find a job, maybe within two or three weeks, then I'd be on board to move again. Sure enough, Best Buy wanted Zac to start ASAP, Bath & Body Works wants me back for the holidays (and possibly permanently), and we found an affordable apartment five minutes from both businesses. I feel it's a sign (and I could get out of the cookie biz), so we're packing up once more.

We went to my parents' for Halloween so the kids could trick-or-treat. I'm just late posting since everything is flying by.

Cakes