A long weekend indeed.

But not just long in the good way.  Long in the exhausting way as well.

The good news, is the house looks great from the outside.  We weeded, trimmed, mulched, sprayed, and overall spruced up the outdoors.  It looks roughly 1,000 times better than it did before. 

More good news, thank goodness we had today off as well.  Shew!

Bad news, Karson has his first ear infection.  He's had the sniffles for a few days, but as always, he was still a smiling, happy, active baby.  But then he started a mild fever Friday evening, and Friday night...was a very restless unhappy guy.  Saturday AM we spoke with his doctor's answering service, and upon further discussion went ahead and took a trip to the ER.  Ear infections!  He remained fussy all day Saturday and all night Saturday night.  It was so pitiful to see him hurting, and unfortunately, I heard a new cry from him.  One I wish I didn't know...his "I don't feel good" cry.  Such a stark contrast from his usually happy self.

Back to the good news, he's on upswing.  His fever has broken, and he seems to be slightly more comfortable.  He drank his first full bottle earlier this afternoon, and as of now, is resting peacefully in his own bed again.  (To be determined if he'll spend the night there...)  He's even slipped a few smiles in today.

More good news, we are thankful to have had no damage to the house despite multiple instances of damage nearby us.  We got power back on Friday evening, and have had it ever since.  And despite losing roughly $300 worth of food, and even a few ruined bags of breastmilk, (screams in frustration!) and despite some damage to the airplane...it's hard to complain when you see articles about the poor people of Joplin.  We are very fortunate, and our prayers for them continue. 

And on that note, I'm going to take advantage of a functioning air conditioner and a sleeping baby, and get some much needed shut eye.

Happy Birthday To Me!

What a special birthday!  I spent it at home, relaxing, waiting on a baby.  I actually slept well (hallelujah), woke up to a goodbye kiss from the hubs, and enjoyed some kicks from Karson to get my morning going.  (I like to think he was doing some sort of birthday song and dance for his mama.)  I accomplished a couple of work to do's. (That's right, I'm not totally useless here at home.)

My present from Justin was ...a shopping spree!  I couldn't come up with anything I needed right now, BUT I'm anxious to do some shopping for new clothes once I lose the pregnancy weight.  So for now I picked some stores for gift cards, and I'm pumped for when I'm ready to use them.  I saved some Christmas gift cards and monies too.  So I'm ready for some serious shopping.  That will be my weight loss reward!

He sent me a text earlier in the day saying he would take care of dinner.  I didn't know what that meant.  But when he came home, I stayed back in our sitting room and had to just wonder at what all of the noises in the kitchen could possibly mean.  Putting take out on plates doesn't require that much time.  Frozen pizza isn't that noisy...what in the world was he doing in there?!?!?

He cooked dinner.  No, seriously, he COOKED dinner.  I don't mean he picked up Chinese, popped a frozen pizza in the oven, or made waffles (Eggos).  He cooked, like with a recipe and kitchen tools and everything. 

He made cheesy potatoes, and Chicken Bundles.  He looked up a couple of recipes during his lunch break, made his grocery list, then came home and made it!  Please note the "bows" on top of the crescent roll chicken bundles... (could he be any cuter?)

Here's the kicker...it was delicious!  The best meal we've had in this household in a while in fact!  I'm a lucky gal!  I told him he might have just cooked himself in to a job!
 
When things settle down, I'll post the recipes so you can try them. 

In the meantime, I'm going to clean up from breakfast, get a shower, and head to the doctor...gulp.  Karson's birthday might be decided today!  I'm hoping that one particular option just makes sense and the choice for when and if we induce is obvious.  Mainly because I don't want to single handedly choose his birthday.  That just seems wrong.  Wish me luck!

The best laid plans...

**If you haven't already done so, go here to view and then vote on your favorite maternity pictures.**

Well...our weekend did not go quite how I had envisioned.

Our "quick" Saturday task of getting an airplane from Point A to Point B turned in to quite an endeavor.  Rather than spending three hours in a car, I spent about six, mostly "pacing" back and forth trying to figure out where the heck I should be headed.  Saturday's weather wasn't cooperating, so we had to abandon the task at a mid point, and drive the rest of the way home.  Two days, two blankets, and two hairdryers later, we eventually had cooperative weather, and defeated the 2 degree temps to safely start the plane back up on Sunday morning so the boys could get it the rest of the way home.  Success! 

Lessons learned:
Don't buy planes in January.
Don't say things like "this is going to be such a relaxing weekend".

The good news...we still got most of our goals accomplished.  Friday night Justin and I relaxed at the house, played rock band, and got to bed early.  (Yes, that was actually a goal of mine.)

Saturday, amidst the random driving around I took advantage of passing by a Target to buy some nursing tanks that no one else seems to carry.

Saturday night, we enjoyed a nice dinner out with Justin's coworkers. 

After all of the thawing and chaos ended on Sunday, we enjoyed a quiet but productive afternoon.  Karson's hospital bag is packed.  Mine is mostly packed.  And we hung most of the items on the nursery walls.  I need to get some pictures in the frames.  And we need to finish painting the model airplanes to hang from the ceiling.  Otherwise...his room is ready!

We have our last childbirth class tonight.  Unfortunately, Monday is also our small group night for church.  And tonight was going to be a baby shower theme!  Since we are unable to attend, they decided to postpone that...  :-)  But we should be available for small group again starting next week.   Uh oh, there I go planning again.  Now what...

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from Justin and me!  We hope you remember the reason for  the celebrations.  As much fun as presents, cookies, traditions, overeating, lights, and movies can be...it's all about a baby and how His birth changed the world forever.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men."

A Happy Anny in Indy!

I've mentioned a time or two that I was looking forward to our anniversary celebration.  Well...here are some details.

First, on our anniversary night at home, we enjoyed some party snacks (my favorite) and watched New Moon! (Hubs bought New Moon and Eclipse for me!)

And then, Justin and I truly celebrated our 3 year anniversary by taking a weekend trip to Indy. We stayed downtown, and enjoyed being within walking distance of lots of shopping and good eats.


We ate at Bucca Di Beppo Friday night.  (YUM!)  .:Waistline grows just from thinking back on it.:.  We also enjoyed just walking around.  Downtown was beautifully decorated for Christmas and it seemed the holiday spirit was in the (crisp & cold) air! 
 
 

I felt like a 9 year old when I admitted to him that I was excited we could stay up as late as we wanted and sleep in as long as we wanted.   However, I was out cold by 10:30.  And...I woke up all night but was up for good by 7:00 am.  Oh well!

Saturday we shopped a bit.  More specifically I bought some awesome boots!  We took in an afternoon movie (Harry Potter) complete with too much popcorn.   .:Rubs growing belly, realizes that's not all baby in there...:.

After an accidental nap back at the room, we returned out to walk around the decorated and lively downtown including a stop for some hot chocolate from the Chocolate Store at the circle.  We then enjoyed a nice dinner at Weber Grill, including a complimentary appetizer and dessert.  .:Seriously, did I just pop a button?:. These horse drawn carriages were everywhere.  So cool!

Sunday was the big finale when we went to the Colts vs Jags game.  Lucas Oil Stadium is HUGE.  And a great place to watch a game.  We enjoyed watching the Colts secure a playoff spot.  I fell in love with an idea called a walking taco.  .:Quickly thanks God for stretchy maternity pants.:. (Check out my corner for a link to a recipe.  You should expect to eat these at my house at some point...)  We were also surrounded by some super sweet fans, and got lots of well wishes as a result of my bulging belly.  .:All that eating was good for something?:.  Karson seemed to enjoy the atmosphere and was a busy guy much of the game, practicing his own field goal kicks. 

All in all, we were happy to have the opportunity to celebrate our last childless anniversary in a way that was fun, romantic...and fit "us"!  We couldn't help but have the "this time next year" discussion, and seemed content that for our fourth anniversary, we would likely be scrambling for a baby sitter so we could salvage a dinner out - or perhaps enjoying a night in with some pretty special little company.   And that sounds perfect too.  :-)

Three Years!

*Sorry about the photo quality.  These were printed and given to me in a book.  Then scanned in. Then facebooked.  Then robbed from facebook....etc.*

Three years ago today I married this handsome fella:

Wearing this dress:

Among these friends:

Shared these moments:

Held these flowers:

Ate this cake:

Had this toast:

And fled the scene among these petals:

I know we're supposed to feel this way, but it was truly the most perfect day.  I had an amazing family helping get every detail to my liking, (and let's face it - I'm a tough gal to coordinate with).  My bridesmaids were seriously flawless, and there for me every second of the weekend.  I was lucky enough to feel like I think every bride should get to feel on their wedding day.   And I happen to think the groom was quite a catch too.

It may be a bit old or cliche now, but to me the words are perfect, and when it's sung by my uber talented cousin and his wife...there's not a more beautiful wedding song...

When I said I do, I meant that I will 'til the end of all time

Be faithful and true, devoted to you

That's what I had in mind when I said I do

Truer than true, you know that I'll always be there for you

That's what I had in mind, that's what I had in mind,

When I said I do

 
 
I love you, Justin! 

Penmanship = Fail! : Overall effort = Pass!

Happy Monday!  I had a productive weekend, including getting all of the remaining thank you cards in the mail!  While this may not sound like a monumental accomplishment...I write like a seven year old.  I'm s..l...o....w.  I grip the pen as if it might fly away from me at any moment.  And I intermingle cursive and print as if I just can't commit...even for one word.  Let's face it, I'm a keyboard kind of gal.  If I were being graded on penmanship...I suspect I would NOT get a "satisfactory" grade.

So...it takes me some time.  If you receive yours and find it to be less than legible...you should assume it was the last one I wrote and that everyone else's is perfectly penned!  (wink).  Nonetheless, it was fun thinking back on who has thought of Karson, Justin and I and provided such thoughtful gifts to help us start this new life!  We have been so fortunate!  I've been overwhelmed by the gifts, but also by the words of encouragement and commitments of prayer.  We appreciate each of you.

Because I'm slow at that process, there are a few things I wasn't allowing myself to do until I knocked that "to do" out.  Including starting on Christmas cards, blogging about the KY shower, and wrapping any more gifts.  So...Christmas cards are now in the works, I hope to post a blog entry about our Kentucky shower soon, and I have a date under the tree this evening!

In the meantime thanks for your patience! (What?  Your life hasn't been on hold awaiting further communication from me?  Interesting...and disappointing...)

If you haven't visited in a while, I hope you like the new blog layout!  I think Karson's Korner in particular will be fun to update with milestone pics and things that I should be writing in a baby book but get behind on.  (Should we just go ahead and assume his first word will be "mama"?  I think so.)

Also, the photo timeline on the right will not always just be of Justin and me.  As lovely as our mugs are, my intention is to make that a monthly progression of Karson!  But until then, you get to see more of us. .:The crowd goes wild!:.

Because you've listened so intently to my rambles, I'll include another teaser from the maternity pic set.  I'll eventually do a blog showing all of my favorites, but they are still being sent to me, and I want Christmas cards to be delivered first...so for now...here you go!

This Time Last Year...

I was a buckeye.
I had never been to Chicago or New Orleans.
I had never acted in community theater.
I was anxiously awaiting a month that would deliver two pink lines.
I, along with my husband, was making an offer on the house we now call home.

About This Blog

This blog is about our family, and will include LOTS of pregnancy info for now.  But I am primarily excited to use it as a way to keep record of Karson's early years, and keep connected with friends and family regardless of the miles between us.  But it won't just be about pregnancy and Karson.  It is about OUR Rinker family, and what makes us us.  That said - it is also my inner dialogue and I sometimes don't care forget who my audience may be.  So here are some tips on whether or not this blog is for you:

Do NOT read this blog if...

• You, are annoyed by overuse, of commas, and otherwise misappropriate use of...punctuation!!!
• Big words make you feel fancy.
• You finish EVERYTHING you start.
• You don't want to read words like bladder, mucus plug, episiotomy, placenta, nipple, poop, "diaper explosion", or other pregnancy and new baby terms and phrases.
• Your life is perfectly in order, with no chaos, confusion, missed appointments, laundry piles, dust bunnies, or frozen pizzas in sight.
• You think your baby advice is the best and most perfect around, and will judge me for not taking it or for screwing up occasionally.

DO read this blog if...

• Sometimes you dream big, but suck at seeing things through. (Hello teaching myself guitar, writing a book, knitting/crocheting, craftiness in general, writing a different book, and becoming a runner...)
• You enjoy people who gush over their babies, nieces, nephews, family, home...food? and unashamedly show you photos of everything!
• You can accept that I feel like I'm the first pregnant gal to have ever walked the Earth, and that I alone fully appreciate this miracle.  (And you can accept this without rolling your eyes.  :-D)
• You remember what it's like to not know exactly what God has in store for your life, and to be simultaneously thrilled, exhilarated, overjoyed...and scared beyond belief!

Some tips and requests:

I LOVE comments and "votes" on the posts.  It lets me know I'm not entirely talking to myself.  Not that I'm embarrassed of talking to myself as I also do that on occasion - but it's nice to know someone is reading!  So leave some love...and do it often!  You don't have to have a blogger account to do so!

If you're new to being a blogger reader, there's a monthly "archive" on the bottom right where you can view monthly posts by title.  Or if you are reading one and want to dig in to a particular "label", you can click on that label and see all of the posts with that same label.  (All of the Quiz posts, all posts regarding the Nursery, etc.)

Enjoy!  And I hope you come back often!

My Corner

I will use this to update you on any recipes or crafts failed projects I would like to share with you!

Recipes:

• Christmas Snacks (A collection of Christmas goodies)
• Walking Tacos (As delicious to eat as they are fun to picture. I was introduced to this at a Colts game, and my life will never be the same. Obviously you can edit this based upon what you prefer on your tacos. But you get the idea from the attached recipe.)
• Apple Bacon Pizza (Recreated from one we tasted at Grey Goose in Lextown)
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins (Found in a couple of places, including the linked blog.  These are yummy, and so easy!)
• Lazy Cranberry Chicken (Found on a blog.  I wasn't sold on the ingredient list, but we tried it and it was good!  And super easy!)

Crafts/Projects:
.:crickets chirping:.

And here's a skinnier longer haired version of me in an apron!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

I won something!  I swear that never happens!  And not only is it something...it's a cool something!

I follow Mrs. Foreste's awesome blog about being a SAHM to a beautiful little girl, and all that comes along with keeping up with family, supporting a husband who is in school, and finding a balance between being a mommy, a wife, and having her own identity.  She has a great voice in her writing, and takes adorable pics of her daughter.

She hosted a giveaway a few days ago for Photo Card Creations - and I won!

Now I have to decide how to use the $50 certificate...Christmas cards, baby announcements....decisions decisions!!!

Here's one of my favorites!

.:oohs and ahhs:.

I'm so excited!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I wanted to share some pics of Christmas at the Rinkers!  I'm missing a few things from weird pack jobs that happened with the move - but I've decided I'm done regardless!  I've made a lot of progress on wrapping since these pics were taken.  And we're almost done shopping too! 

This is our main tree.  It contains ornaments we used from our wedding (to decorate the Christmas tree at the church) as well as random yearly ornaments.  (Just married, first year together, baby on the way, etc)

And here is this year's special ornament!

This is our snow day tree.  Complete with snow men, mittens, boots, and snowflakes!

And this is our new tree!  It's in the kitchen and is...cooking themed!  It has pillsbury dough men, doughnuts, cookies, miniature kitchen utensils, and peppermints.  Love this one!

My favorite nativity!  And one of the first Christmas decorations I bought myself.



And here's our dinner table!  Centerpiece was a wedding gift from Justin's mom.  Dishes were bought on our honeymoon, and the more decorative glass plates are Pampered Chef.  (Can't find my table cloth...perhaps its with the camping gear?)



So that's Christmas, at our place! 

Angel Tree

Just wanted to put in a plug for a program I love.

I like selecting an angel tree child each year.  I say each year loosely, because we didn't do it last year.  But I've tried to most years since early college.  However, finding the store with the names, and remembering to choose one seems to be presenting a challenge to me.

Luckily, I found out JCPenney and the Salvation Army have teamed up to provide a website.  If you're interested in sponsoring an angel tree child this year, but like me, can't seem to get it together enough to get the name and get started, check out http://angel.jcpenney.com/.

You can search by your zip code, and preferred age range and gender.  It will then give you a list of children to choose from, including their sizes and special requests.  The drop off deadline locally is December 14th, so if you're interested act fast!

We will be shopping for a 1 year old whose special requests were a stuffed bear and books.  Does he sound sweet or what?

Thankful (Tis the Season!)

It is Thanksgiving after all, so I thought I should post some things for which I am thankful.   So pull up a chair, let's sit around an imaginary table at Grandma's house, and rattle off some things that have blessed us this year...I'll go first...

I am thankful for a good job.  When we moved, there was some uncertainty as to where I would land.  There were times when I thought I might "settle" for A job rather than a GOOD job.  If I had needed to do that I certainly would have.  Fortunately a great opportunity opened up and not only did I not settle, but instead I have a higher salary than I left at OH, better retirement benefits, and double the vacation time.  And it's a new challenge in a industry I had been interested in exploring.

Speaking of - I am thankful for a kind boss who values family.  I could not have asked for a more supportive or understanding manager as we go through this pregnancy.

I am thankful for a house that became home so quickly.  Sure, we ran out of closet space, could really use a basement, hate ladybugs, and really miss having gas heat (and a gas stove!).  But our house has felt like "home" from fairly early on.  And it feels like the right place to bring Karson home. 

I am thankful for a church and church family that has felt right.  In some ways I felt like we never stopped looking when we were in OH.  Our church here found us fairly quickly.  We miss a lot because we travel too much, but we have still been able to get involved with a small group, and meet some other young couples.  And I'm sad when we miss.  Not because I feel guilty, but because I really feel like we missed out on something special.  That's a nice feeling.

I am thankful for a husband who loves, supports, and provides for me.  He also makes me laugh, makes me think, and makes me love more than I knew I could.  And I can't wait to see him become a daddy.

I am obviously thankful for our pregnancy, and the pending arrival of Karson.  But I'm also thankful for God's timing.  Sometimes I don't get what I want as soon as I want it, and I've learned to be thankful for that as well.  We are in a better place now than we would have been had we gotten pregnant immediately.   And we were able to enjoy some couple time, and trips to Vegas, Chicago, and New Orleans that I'm not sure we would have taken had there been a baby on the way.  And in the meantime, we've done some saving for "future house". 

I could keep going, with health, family, friends, etc.  But I'm sure each of you are thankful for those same things, and I'm already getting long winded.  Here are some less cliche things I'm thankful for:

I'm thankful for:
*Quiet nights by the fire pit with Justin.
*A neighborhood where we can take walks, see a fox and deer, but still get to the interstate in 3 minutes.
*Winter evenings by the fireplace snuggled on the couch.
*Memories of when we both actually fit on the couch...
*DVR.  (well, I am...)
*The generosity and selflessness of others, including baby gifts, maternity clothes, help with our move, help with painting, supportive words, prayers, and willing hands and ears any time we've needed them.  I can't name all of you, but you inspire me to be a better person who is more aware of others as well.
*Moments that makes me cry happy tears.
*A full belly.  A warm bed.  And a happy life.

Ok, your turn.   Pass me the rolls first.

A Case of the Mondays

Have you ever had a case of the Mondays...but on Thursday?  I did yesterday. 

I'm not even sure why. 

I can recall being frustrated at work about having to do and redo some things, and in fact I'm nearly a week behind on something because of some unexpected issues that have arisen. 

I recall eating a late rushed lunch at my desk while working. 

I recall having horrible traffic on the way home. 

I recall having my quiet ride home where I usually talk to Karson (crazy alert, I know) and pray turn in to some weird moment where I started imagining worst case scenarios and in fact brought my self to tears.  Ok, not tears, more like sobs.  (No really, I can do that with my imagination...)

I had a simple project for an upcoming event that I wanted to take care of, but even that went wrong and resulted in a trip to Staples when I should have been doing one of the three loads of laundry that we needed done before today for upcoming travel reasons. 

So when Justin called me I answered gruffly and told him I was in a bad mood.  Now mind you, by then I couldn't completely remember why, I just knew I was feeling a bit cranky and raw, and he should be warned. 

I then pouted a bit all evening, and when I realized I wasn't feeling mopey enough, upped the mope factor.

But why?  It's as if I thought I was due for a bad mood, so I performed it to the fullest so I could check it off of my to do list.  I would love to blame pregnancy hormones, but if I'm honest, I'll admit to you that I've always been an emotional gal.  And this was no pregnancy related funk.

I'm back to reality this morning.  And in retrospect, yesterday wasn't actually that bad of a day.  I get paid to do my job, who really cares if the day is filled with some rework.  That quick lunch was yummy.  I don't think the commute home was any worse than usual.  I got all three loads of laundry done.  The Staples task really didn't go well, but I think it can be remedied before the deadline.   As for my self inflicted pity party on the ride home - it was in fact self inflicted, but perhaps a good cry is healing every now and then.  Aside from that I had a somewhat relaxing evening, got lots of points in my fantasy league from the Thursday night game, got to bed on time and slept well.  And I enjoyed all of that evening from my warm comfy home with a loving husband.  Does that sound so bad?

Not really! 

I've decided we're entitled to a funk every now and then.  Even if it's completely unjustified.  Just try not to take it out on others, and if you do, make sure you let them know how much you appreciate them tolerating you during your Monday Thursdays. 

Happy Veterans Day!

Some quotes...

The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave... --Patrick Henry--

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. --John Stewart Mill--

Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines don't have that problem. --Ronald Reagan--

The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his. --George Patton--

We make war that we may live in peace. --Aristotle--

People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. --George Orwell--

************



Thanks to all who have served or are serving.  And to those who are no longer with us because of their bravery, I pray your efforts are not in vain, and that we show our gratitude in how we appreciate our freedom.
 

"Oh Honey, I don't miss those days."

The title just contains some encouraging words from a cashier I encountered yesterday when she saw my belly.  She then went on to discuss how much she hated being pregnant all three times.  Of course, it just so happens, she doesn't seem to enjoy being a mom either.  At least if she does, she kept those details to herself.

I've decided some people are just miserable.  But that's not the point of this post.

The point is - I think I WILL miss this.  I won't miss being nauseous all day during the early weeks.  I won't miss never feeling like I look put together.  I won't miss having to wear glasses because contacts suddenly irritated my eyes.  I'm sure I won't miss being 8.5 months pregnant and thinking if I get any bigger I'll pop.  But I will miss this.  I'll miss the sweet punches and kicks and rolls I get from Karson throughout the day.  I'll miss knowing that he's protected for now, and that only I can take care of him.  I'll miss the anticipation that Justin and I feel.  I'll miss the excitement of preparing.  I'll miss the moments when Justin gets to feel Karson move.  I'll miss Justin's morning hugs when one is for me and one is for Karson. 

I know that having him here will be infinitely more special.  And the moments I treasure now will be replaced with other special ones, like seeing Karson smile, hearing his laugh, and watching him learn and grow.

But, dear angry cashier lady, despite your inability to look back on pregnancy fondly - I'm happy to say, I will in fact miss these days!

Under 100 days! And perhaps under 100 things left to do!

We have less than 100 days remaining of waiting for Karson to arrive!  (What if he's late you say?  Hush your mouth!)

I'm officially 26 weeks along, and by some standards, start the third trimester tomorrow as we start week 27.

The milestones this week are fun ones.  By the end of the week (or possibly by now) Karson's lungs will be capable of breathing air!  He will also have hit the minimum goal weight of just over 2 pounds.  Getting closer and closer to being ready for this big world!

His kicks are also getting stronger and more consistent, and I am going to begin kick counting. 

And my favorite (from cradle.com): 
"By this time, your baby’s brain wave patterns are similar to those of a full-term baby at birth. Activity is beginning in the portions of the brain that process visual and auditory information."  
But I have to wonder...what the heck is he thinking about???

In other news, we got a lot done this weekend!  We cleaned out the landscaping; pulling, trimming, and sprucing up all around the house.  We had hoped to pressure wash but some thing was broken and Justin will have to make a trip to Lowe's for a tiny part that spoiled those plans.  We also hung curtains in the nursery (yay!), assembled airplane #3, got in a cross country flight...(ok, all three of those were Justin...).  But I wasn't completely useless.  I took care of some errands, checked one more person off of the Christmas shopping list, and made some ground on knitting a baby hat.  (How's the blanket coming along you ask?  Again I say hush your mouth!)  Let's just say I wish it looked this good...

 

 

Next on the to do list is tackling the garage.  We need to move the bed that was previously in the nursery out, along with some closet storage left by the previous home owners, and some boxes that I swear must not be ours because I no longer recognize them.  We MUST make this a priority because it's the only way I have a shot at parking in there this winter!  And more importantly - I CAN'T GET TO THE CHRISTMAS STUFF!  Too soon you say?  Pshaw!  I would have put one of our three trees up this weekend if not for the blockage in the garage.  But more on my obsessive Christmas decorating later.  If you're judging me for skipping Thanksgiving, you should know that I put my fall dishes out in August.  So...take that!

Nonetheless - we keep moving forward, and one by one, we're reducing our to do list.  This is good because last I checked the world was not on pause while we slowly get ready!

McReally?

We all have one.  A guilty pleasure.  Maybe it's movie theater popcorn. (guilty)  Maybe it's Krispy Kreme doughnuts. (guilty!)  Maybe it's the McRib....(huh? NOT guilty!)

I would like to explain to you how many times the McRib has come up in conversation during the last few months, but I'm not sure I can accurately recount the times.  First someone mentioned it being their favorite and they were sad it wasn't on the menu full time.  That led to a discussion of the elusiveness of the McRib.  We later realized there was a McRib locator where people could submit questionable, possible, or confirmed "sightings".   Really?   What is this...Big foot?  Elvis?

Then this week I see an article that it will be available for a limited time at all locations at once, for the first time since 1994!  Let the Chaos begin!

I for one do not get it.  I am a BBQ fan.  I like ribs.  I like sandwiches.  And I like McDonalds despite the evidence that suggests they may be doling out meals that are more plastic than nutritious.  I do not, however, get the appeal of something that is made from mysterious meat, and made to look like a bone in rib patty.  But...kudos to McDonalds for making this concoction so popular that it has amassed a cult following. 

A friend posted this facebook status update earlier:
A McRib sandwich commercial came on and my daughter just stared at the tv like they'd shown her a real live unicorn.

So...maybe it's the mystery!  Maybe it's the fact that you can't get one whenever you want one?  Regardless, I'll not be fighting the crowds to partake.  Thank goodness Karson has not decided to make this a gross craving.  I'll simply avoid McD's until this is over, then go back to enjoying their nuggets.  What's that?  What do you mean they're not really chicken?

What are YOUR guilty pleasures?  Go ahead, admit it...you know you have one...

Fall is here!!!

Mentally, I moved on to fall quite a while ago. But now it’s officially fall! I LOVE this season. I get excited about each of the seasons when they arrive, for different reasons. But this one is my favorite! I love the weather. You can wear jeans and a t-shirt and be ready for nearly every occasion! Fleece jackets and hoodies reemerge as the evening wear of choice as you enjoy football games, hot dog roasts, and crisp cool evenings outdoors.

The food is delicious. Chili and other soups for cool evenings…Pumpkin spice latte for cool mornings (I miss these!)…Fresh apple pie for every occasion!

The return of TV! We’re excited to get back to watching Glee, House, Fringe, Hell’s Kitchen, and lots of the 30 minute shows (How I Met Your Mother, The Middle, etc). I admit it, we’re tv junkies, and having two boxes with dual DVR capability has only enabled our addiction.

And of course – the return of football! We haven’t been able to watch the Cats on tv yet. We probably won’t get many, if any of their games. But we are NFL junkies on Sundays. And our fantasy teams keep us interested all season long.

This particular fall will of course be even more exciting as we learn more about and plan for our growing baby. We can now SEE my lower belly “move” and poke out from time to time. And I can’t think of a better way to spend our fall than getting the nursery ready!

So – HAPPY FALL!! I hope you enjoy this one as much as Our Rinker Family plans to!