Sister Tea

My sister Libby had this idea. A Sister's Tea around Christmas just for the sisters. Christmas was over and she only had a few days until she had to go back to VA. But we thought it was a good idea. So, we decided we'd have it this last Thursday at 1:00 at my house. 

Only thing was Libby had to sub at school that day in the morning. 

Beka was super busy with her kids.

And I was gone all morning and came home RIGHT at noon.

Seeing that I had 1 hour to get this tea party together I ignored the REST of the house. (and boy, it was bad) and focused on the table. 

At 1pm Libby called me and told me she'd just woke up from a nap but was coming.

Beka called and said she couldn't stay long but was coming. 

So the Sister's Tea was STILL on!

Lots of RED....:) 

I refused to fret over the menu. I had 1 hr. I pulled out leftovers and since there were not very many I just used smaller bowls. For some reason smaller bowls just seems more tea party-ish. 

And again...no dessert. So I found all the candy we had in the house. 

And so, a tea party was forming!

Baby Sister

Big Sister

Middle Sister

And I am sorry to say there are no pics of Lib~Beks~Me. Non of us were 'picture ready' for the day. We were in sweats...and we decided to keep the pics about the decorations. 

But, next Christmas we will have more decorations...and more ideas. And pics of our sisterhood. 

We talked about what were were planning to do next year. How fun. 

And how Wil and Zach would babysit the kids so we could REALLY enjoy the tea! 

But, back to the present...it was lovely. So much fun and too quick. 

I love my sisters and so glad that God gave them to me! 

Botanical Garden photo shoot

Tuesday was a DREAM come true. A DREAM. You can READ about my dream come true HERE. So, Tuesday, I wake up BRIGHT and EARLY. And I focus on the EARLY. My sweet, always been a good sleeper, Always--12 hours a night since he was 8 weeks old little boy woke up at 5am. That's 3 HOURS earlier than normal. So, we started our day. Cause we had to look cute for pics. After our EARLY morning I go pick up my sister and we headed to the big city of Des Moines.

It was 20 mins into our trip when I realized I LEFT.MY.CAMERA.AT.HOME. Almost in tears..almost. I had SO many plans of camera happiness. So many. But, my sister had her BIG, BAD camera and told me she'd take pics....after all, it's what she does for a living. Still. My cheap, little camera I dont' really like was at home. Saddest part of the day.

But, Tuesday was a dream come true. Camera or no camera...nothing was raining of my parade.

My sweet early riser. So TIRED. All the way to Des Moines. (A 2 hr. ride)

My sweet little nephew--looking for snacks. Or--looking at Easton to see if he has a better snack. Let's pause for a moment and talk about how WONDERFUL my sister is...I drove and that left Beka with the HARDEST part. Tristan.and.Easton. They both learned that if they said, "Mama" food was given. And, if you gave a banana to ONE boy, you better believe "Mama-Mama!" came from the other. She is 35 weeks pregnant and I can't TELL you how many times she had to REACH back and get a sippy, toy, snack, book, etc. on our trip. Good job, Beka. For that, may your baby come BEFORE your due date and may your labor be short. You deserve it!

WE FINALLY arrived at the Botanical Garden. So perfect for a photo shoot!! We met Mckmama right away and she started snapping pictures. Since ALL of us were IN the pics, we didn't take ANY pics with our camera. BUT, after Mckmama went off to another family to shoot, Beka got out her camera and here is the proof!

Looking at the fish. The boys favorite. And I do mean, we spent ALL of our time here. A-L-L.

My sweet fearless little boy. Not afraid to stick his head through and see the fish and turtles.

Tristan and Easton throwing coins into the water. (E spent more time trying to put the penny in his mouth) Gross!

TRYING to throw...

Looking at the fish and turtles. Big.time.love.

See the fish? There were quite a few!!!!

Trying to the boys away from the fish...to see the pretty flowers...

It worked for ALL of 2 mins.

Trying again....

BUT, it was BACK to the turtles and fish. Our one true love! It was SOO cute, Beka and I didn't mind!

Sweet little boy!

After that, it was SOOOOOO hot in the 'garden' that we left. We were in the car for 5 mins. and both boys were asleep. We headed to the mall and spent some good time just walking around and shopping. Must of been a sight...two pregnant sisters each with a 1 year old. But memories were made!

The rest of the day was spent in the car going home. Easton had his 1st Kid's Meal from McDonalds. (All because of  the theory "Monkey eat..other Monkey eats." He loved it...because Tristan loved it.

We then drove to our brother and his wife's house and spent some time there with them and friends.

Back in the car for the REST of the drive home. Ugh. Not fun for ANYONE.IN.THE.CAR.
1st: Tristan started crying...he fell asleep soon after that.

2nd: Easton started crying...and crying...and crying....

BUT, it was a GREAT day and we don't need to dwell on the ENDING.
After all...one of my dreams can true!!

(Pics by Mckmama will be here within 6 weeks. You better believe I will post them!)

Friday Night Dinner

My parents have been gone on vacation all week. They let us know yesterday that they get home tonight and want the grandboys at their house when they arrive! AND to make SURE we are there....they promised us pizza for supper.

We leave in 20 mins. Cause everyone wants pizza on a Friday night!

This week we (my sister and myself) took the boys to the park. This swing was PERFECT to share.

Without introduction...the grandboys my parents miss:

Easton Nolt and Tristan Fox

Cousins that one day will change the world! But for right now, they just steal their mommys' hearts!

Day 2: Kicking contest

Day two! I was SOOOO tired after our hike in the woods yesterday...so today was low key. My sister, Libby, and her husband, Ike came home so we spent most of the day at mom's house talking and laughing. Libby and I went for a mile walk and laughed and talked the whole way.

Tonight, Wil and I sat for two hours and just watched my belly. Baby E was moving and dancing and it was so funny to watch. We would laugh and laugh at how funny my belly would look. I don't want to forget the little moments like this...because really, it's better than a walk in the woods. Baby movements are the B.E.S.T. Simply, the best. So...here are some shots of us sitting watching my belly! Enjoy!

It's not going to be just the two of us much longer! We are enjoying every minute...and excited for the new addition!

Come on, Baby E!

ONE MORE WEEK! The dr. told us yesterday that by next week he'll be here. Maybe we should of asked how many times he's been wrong...but we didn't. (New parents) SO...ONE more week it is!

Our little baby is such a gift! We are excited to meet this little boy and watch him grow in the wisdom of God!

Thinking of things to do for day 3...got any ideas?? Leave me a comment! Hope to see ya back tomorrow!

Still...

Still....


....waiting.

Waiting...

for this little baby to be born!



Tristan Fox, come where you are ready!


My sister looking so good at 8 months.

My little nephew...how cute is he?!

The (not-so) joy's of pregnancy...

If I could complain of just ONE thing about this pregnancy so far...it wouldn't be how tired I am. Or how my clothes are starting to become tighter...or how I feel the tiniest sick in the afternoons...

It would be...MY SENSE OF SMELL. G.A.G. I've always enjoyed my smell sense. Smell can always take me back to fond memories of my childhood, my 1st grade classroom (NOT so fond), a great dinner waiting for me, and all these great little things.

NOW, my nose is my worst enemy. Walk past dirty dishes...Smell them. Smell the air freshener in the bathroom... Laundry...yuck. Walk past the trash, Gag. Open my fridge...fall over and die. By FAR, the fridge gets to me the most. BY far. I've tried everything.

Last week...couldn't even do DISHES because of the smell. (those who know me know I LOVE to do dishes.) Walk past the trash and BEG Wil to take it out. His response...Rachel, I just took it out an hour ago.

BUT I can still smell it...

This week, I asked my sister to come clean my house for me and I'll pay her...Just waiting for her to show up!

It has come to that imperative point where I need to clean out my fridge. I just can't bare to do it.

Til then...here's to the invention of nose plugs...

Time is in His hands...

I started this blog because I was in great pain. The days before had been some of the hardest times I'd been through. Our 1st baby, we miscarried and I was hurting. There seemed to be something magical about typing my feelings out and sending it to the unknown. My heart slowly started to heal. Moment by moment. Day by day. Week by week.

I'm happy to announce we are expecting a baby...due sometime in the spring!

Last night, while at our church tea party, we were singing, How great is our God. The line that spoke to me was this...

Age to age we stand, AND TIME IS IN HIS HAND, Beginning and the end...Beginning and the end. How GREAT is our God, Sing with me, How great is our God, and all will see how GREAT, how GREAT is our God.



This picture was taken of my sister Beka, (due this month) and me...due sometime in March, tonight at Beka's shower where Beka announced that her baby would get a cousin in the spring!

After all, my life verse is, He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Hello August!

Hello August,

I've been waiting for you!



Can't wait to welcome my little nephew, Baby Tristan, to the world. My sister, Beka, (the blonde) is due at the end of the month! Can't wait to meet him.

Just a little taste of my week...

This week has been CRAZY busy. But...no worries, here is just a taste of what we've been doing!



Saturday, my baby sister, Libby, got married. We had so much fun!

My new baby brother, Ike! Love him.


Sisters forever!


Libby Lois Wendland

Then, on Monday, we went to MOA to the American Girl store...LOVE that store!

Kit...she is my favorite!



Leslie and I...Best American Girl friends forever!


Just a few pics from the Bridal Luncheon....

So this has been a wonderful week! I'm BEYOND tired...but loved every minute of it!
CONGRATS Libby and Ike!