It's almost here...

Christmas is almost here and I'm so happy to say that all my shopping is done and all my presents are wrapped! So Noelle, I'm ready to join you in the fun! Here are a few pictures of our tree and my favorite ornaments.

Avocado Lime Dip

There were several who requested this receipe at the party, hope you enjoy!

1 Can Black Beans - Rinsed and Drained
1 Can White Corn - Drained
2 Avocados - Diced
1 Small Red Onion or 3-4 Green Onions - Chopped (I use green)
1/4 Cup Cilantro - Chopped
2-3 Tomatoes - Diced
3-4 Tbls. Lime Juice (I use an acutal lime not the imitation)
2 Tbls. EVOO
1 Tbls. Red Wine Vinigar
1 Tsp. Salt and Pepper

Serve with chips!

My body...

O.K....O.K., I know you all are going to think I'm crazy, but can you imagine that I HATE my body right now! Now I'm not looking for any compliments here, so please spare me, but until you have actually carried a baby full term you have no idea the feeling! To the ladies who will understand...try to imagine only owning two pairs of pants, throw in a few shirts (none really cute at that), a doctor telling you to wear support hose to reduce the ever growing vein in my leg. And yes I did say support hose; you know the ones we use to wear 10 years ago! Call me stubborn but I can't bring myself to wearing them, I'm uncomfortable enough! Then I could go into all the curvy areas but I wouldn't want your imagination running with those thoughts! I get out of breath climbing my stairs or talking to fast, I use the bathroom as frequently as I blink my eyes, when sleeping I toss and turn because I wake up with the feeling of my bones being crushed and in between that I'm up turning the heater either off or on and did I mention peeing in between! So with all this said, I could keep complaining about these minor issues or I can remember and be thankful for the great pregnancy I've had thus far, which of course I chose to be thankful! But I will say that the day I can put on some normal jeans with a real zipper will be the day I'll start to feel myself again. We'll save the size of those jeans for another conversation!

So on a lighter note, I got this email from my friend and I thought it was appropriate:

Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my shape to keep, please no wrinkles please no bags and please lift my butt before it sags. Please no age spots please no gray and as for my belly, please take it away. Please keep me healthy please keep me young, and thank you Dear Lord for all that you've done.

One saggy boob said to the other saggy boob: "If we don't get some support soon, people will think we're nuts."

Lost...

Thought I'd let you all know that my cell phone is currently misplaced, so if you need to get a hold of me you can try me at home.

Training in the faith life.

As you may have read in a previous post, Noah will be undergoing surgery on his throat next month. We are not sure the exact date at this point, but I will let you all know. Obviously this is hard news to take especially as a parent and it is very testing to give it over to God completely. I've found myself pleading with God to heal him, questioning my faith and even questioning will he really be healed? I know without a doubt he can be healed it's the when that's getting to me! As I read this morning I came across this devotional and it brought so much peace.

"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
Mark 9:23

The "everything" in this verse does not always come simply for the asking. God is ever seeking to teach us the way of faith, and in our training in the faith life there must be room for the trial of faith, the discipline of faith, the patience of faith, the courage of faith, and often many stages are passed before we really realize what is the end of faith, namely, the victory of faith.
Real moral fiber is developed through discipline of faith. You have made your request of God, but the answer does not come. What are you to do?
Keep on believing God's Word; never be moved away from it by what you see or feel, and thus as you stand steady, enlarged power and experience is being developed. The fact of looking at the apparent contradiction as to God's Word and being unmoved from your position of faith makes you stronger on every other line. Often God delays purposely, and the delay is just as much an answer to your prayer as is the fulfillment when it comes.