My cup runneth over

My mom used to always quote that scripture from Psalms 23 about her blessings and it sure came to mind this week with ALL of mine! I feel so undeserving of so much love and  support.  It seems like every day baby Carter and I get some fun surprise and you all know how much I LOVE surprises!
My sweet friend Marcia sent me the cutest long sleeve t shirt to wear to the hospital.

Picture doesn't do it justice, it is darling!!

She lives in Boston and to think of her going through all the trouble to have it made and shipping it  just  warms my heart. At least three times a week my heart says " why the heck is my friend so far away" I always had her right around the corner and  just assumed she always would be. But I know we will be neighbors again because God is sweet like that and He knows how much I miss her. 

I also met my moms group for our monthly dinner and when I walked in they were already seated and they had a big basket of goodies for YaYa Karen ~ They all wore blue shirts and surprised me with the sweetest gifts. Lots of books which I dream of reading to my sweet grandson.There was darling outfits,bibs and bath toys. I  feel so blessed that he will know such remarkable women and that they love him already like I do!   

We also got a darling high chair from our sweet neighbors across the street. They have three adorable kids and sent over their gently used chair for our guy!  I tell ya I feel like I am all set up and when the kids come they wont have to pack a thing! Such a blessing

From our dear friends in Seattle they sent such sweet home made booties and hats, and all kinds of sweet little gifts. We have known the Goulds forever and don't get to see them too often but how thoughtful of them to send a gift. It seems like yesterday they stopped by the house to meet Travis and we did the same with their sweet girls. I LOVE  having forever friends and love that they love our new sweet baby!

And Saturday I got to see my sweet Kaitlin! She was coming into town for a shower and stopped by for a visit at "home" She is the precious friend who lived with us for a sort time and forever cemented her place in our hearts as family! She knew my mom as YaYa and gets how overexcited I am to become a YaYa too. She not only brought over a sweet gift for the baby but beautiful flowers for me ! She is the sweetest girl and I loved our two hours of chatting and catching up!

Cutest card ever!! Saving it forever

Lastly I got  heartwarming cards from the darling kids on my block. They stop by often for a cookie or a treat from my candy jar. I keep it stocked just for them because they are such a ray of sunshine in my life. So they wrote me thank you notes that were absolutely precious! Such well mannered kids and they wanted me to know they love me.  Proof that even the smallest kindnesses can make your whole day .

So clearly you can see why I say  My cup runneth over!  So much love has poured out to our family and it has overflowed our hearts. Every kindness will always be remembered!
Wishing you all a week filled with love and blessings!
And I hope to be back with good news soon!   
Today is baby boy Carters due date 

"Boy" oh "boy" Are we excited!

It wont be long now and our sweet babe will be here!Ashlyn is making progress and today the Dr could feel his little head. We are sitting on our phones and jump every time I hear either of their ring tones. The excitement is truly overwhelming and I feel so much joy!
These are the people left in our baby poll so I thought I would do a quick update!
Please join my heart in prayer for a safe, quick, delivery

• Sandy                    Feb 19      7-13
• Travis                      Feb 23     8-5
• Lindsay                  Mar 7     7-1
• Ken                         Mar 1      7-3
• Chad                      Feb 1       7-7
• Mary                       Feb 25   6-0
• Kim                          Mar 6    7-3
• Jodi                         Feb 17   8-14
• Caren                     Feb 29  7-11
• Paul                         Feb 19  6-8
• Jared                      Mar 3  7-5
• Koby                       Feb 22 6-8
• Emily                       Feb 25 8-8
• Kimberly                Mar 3  8-0
• Nancy Little          Feb 24 7-11 
• Grandma Sarah   Feb 24 8-13  
• Alicia                      Feb 20  7-3 
• Amy M                   Feb 21   7-2  
• Grandpa D           Feb 29  8-2
• Chris H                  Feb 22  10-2
• Maria                      Mar 5    7-12 
• Barbie                    Feb 26  7-11

Much love....YaYa Karen~  

Today

Outside my Window…

It's pretty cold and overcast today... 

I am thinking…
About Whitney Houston~ What a sad life hers had become and how far she had gotten away from her church and faith. Her ex husband performed last night , the very night of her death and I couldn't help but grieve for their daughter. As a parent I cant imagine not being with my daughter in a time of such sorrow and justifying putting on a concert. His absence really shows how screwed up peoples lives can become. I will always remember her singing the National Anthem and Jesus loves me. Her voice was angelic and I pray she is in heaven now and at peace 
 

I am thankful for…
My church, my faith, my husband and friends who keep me in check. I am also thankful for updates from Kenny and Lindsay while they are on a missions trip to Cambodia! They have been gone a week and a half and I miss them so much! But I know God is using them mightily! 

From the kitchen…
Just made Pioneer Woman's oatmeal bars { delicious click here for the  recipe } and a quiche for dinner

I am wearing…
Still in my nicer church clothes but am changing fast into sweats to take the pup for a walk

I am reading…
Molokai, what a great story so far! My book club just finished " War Horse" and that was really good too

I am hoping…
For safe, fun travels for Chad! He leaves tonight for Costa Rica on his three week surf trip and my heart always worries. Just him, his backpack and his surf board. I would so appreciate your prayers for him

I am creating…
My thank you notes to my sweet friends and maybe a Valentine craft or two


I am hearing…
The sounds of the kids next door, my washing machine , and golf in the background on TV

Around the house…
I am washing sheets and working on my menu for Bunco at my house next week. I also am putting away our new "baby gifts"  and boy that's fun!!    

One of my favorite things…
My new "Clarsonic" I treated myself to this with my Nordstrom gift cards and I LOVE it! My skin feels so soft and clean 

Well that's what is going on in my corner of the world today!
How about you? I would LOVE to hear!        
Hope your day is filled with love and giggles!

Surprise!

My sweet friends threw me a "YaYa" shower! I thought I was meeting a friend for lunch at Panera and walked into this fun surprise! Trish had gathered my dear friends for a day of celebration!  
And baby Carter and I were the guests of honor
I cant remember ever being so caught off guard  and completely surprised! 
It was the BEST day!!  { I only wish I had known so I could have dressed up a bit more. I am a wreck and even more so after crying my eyes out! But the best thing about friends is that they love you just as you are}
I am still beaming with joy after spending such a lovely afternoon with such lovely ladies!

So thoughtful and generous to our baby boy on the way!
He was spoiled  rotten and now my house has so many.....
little,cozy,cute,yummy smelling, darling things

White cake with white frosting of course

I love you friends so much and we thank you from  the bottom of our hearts!
Your love and sweet friendship means the world to me and I am so thankful my grandson will hear the stories of such amazing women who loved him before he was born !

February Love

I love February!! 
It has always been one of my very favorite months. I will never forget my daddy driving up on Valentines day with a special treat just for me! He always remembered his favorite girl and I always beamed with love and pride knowing he thought of me and loved me so much 
I always loved watching the boys spill out all their cards on the floor feeling so loved with their paper bags overflowing with sweet sentiments from school friends
Showing our love to others is always a blessing and you gotta love a month who celebrates it
But this February is going to be the MOST special one yet because it's  the month we have been dreaming of
Our Grandson will be arriving ! 
Talk about LOVE!! 
Funny how much love is overflowing for this little guy and we have not yet gazed upon his sweet face. I can already feel his sweet fingers in mine and I pray for him every single day !
I LOVE seeing Travis and Ashlyn getting ready for his arrival. They have taken their classes, created the sweetest nursery  and prepared their hearts for this sweet little babe
God is so good and I thank Him so much for all the blessings he has given to our family.
So many things I love this February....
steve and my boys.ashlyn being the sweetest daughter I could dream of. great friends. the greeks.my sweet pup brody who is such a constant loyal companion. memories of amazing parents who loved us so perfectly.my sweet brothers and their amazing wives.music.good books that take me away.conversation hearts.diet orange crush.my home. random texts that say i love you.fireplaces and blankets.greek yogurt.laughing
And to you my readers, Thank you for loving my blog enough to stop by
Wishing you love over flowing this February!! 

A dreamy overnight stay!

Last weekend Steve and I had a wonderful get away before I started back to work. I only work three days a week but it still sometimes makes it hard to get away so off we went for a night in PARADISE
I know what you are thinking...
Karen always over exaggerates
And yes, sometimes I do,
But not this time!
This is where we stayed!!
Pelican Hill



It was ahhhmazing !
We had a fire place in our room, our own patio and a beautiful tub that I took a long swim soak in. 
In the morning we went to a fun breakfast place called Rose Cafe and hiked along the beach at Crystal Cove 

The property has the most amazing olive trees and outside our door was a darling lemon tree!  Of course we asked for a late check out to soak up every minute of this beautiful resort

It truly was a once in a lifetime treat 
And it was given to us by our generous, thoughtful kids Travis and Ashlyn! They could have used the getaway themselves because the baby is due in just a month, but they wanted us to enjoy it. They know we love hotels and they had stayed there for a work event and  wanted us to have the experience too !
Who does that for their parents??
Our kids do....
What a wonderful treat ! We felt like royalty pulling in with the Bentleys and Porches. And we will always remember laying in bed with the fire on, wearing luxurious robes, eating frozen yogurt and feeling like a Prince and Princess!   
We thank you guys from the bottom of our hearts!!!

Random moments that all lead to joy!

We have had so much going on in our little family this year, but I am determined to focus on all the wonderful blessings and joy around us. I still believe that gratitude changes everything!  

God shows me His love and faithfulness more in times of rain than I can ever see in the sunshine

So I am welcoming this storm knowing at the end there will be a huge rainbow and we will be changed for the better!

A few joys that were mine this week....




Ashlyn had another baby shower put on by her sweet partner at Carter and Cook and her dear friend Lacey! You can only imagine how beautiful it all was when you have a event planner involved. I am hoping for better pictures soon but I did capture a couple with my camera. It was a "Woodland" theme just like the babies nursery will be. Ashlyn is beautiful inside and out and so are her family and friends....





Soooo sweet!

I also had the BEST day at the Animal Park!  I feel like I have been off work for so  long and didn't have enough "play" days! So off I went to the San Diego Safari Park
It was majestic..



There is something so amazing about seeing animals in the wild and I sat for almost an hour just watching the Gorillas with their new baby . The  were wrestling and cuddling and it brought so much joy to my heart. I also rode the safari tram and the guide said something that struck my heart so strongly! She said " if you look you will see the baby rhino surrounded by the others. It is their nature to all gather around someone who is weak, sick, or young and protect it until it is strong again " 

We have much to learn as people don't we?

I hope I remember to surround people when they need care and love them until they are strong again
It was a fabulous way to spend the day !

I ended the day with a little visit with Ashlyn and saw the progress on the darling nursery she is putting together. Then off to Hodad's with Chad.  Diners, Drive in and Dives did a segment on this place and they were spot on when they said it is the  
BEST BURGER EVER!

It happens to be in Ocean Beach and we love to meet there. After dinner we stopped in a drug store to get Chad cold medicine and I turned around and he was gone? So I asked where he went and he said " to help that man in the wheelchair get his cough drops"

I tell you this boy does not miss a beat when it comes to helping someone out!

It literally is his first instinct. I tried to tell Steve about how sweet he is but I just cried.
I have the best time when I am with my family and always come home feeling thankful beyond measure!

Lastly my favorite quote this week is from Max Lucado

"Focus less on the tangled threads and more on the hand of the weaver"

I LOVE that! And even though our life sometimes feels like a tangled mess, He will make it beautiful in time   
Wishing you love, joy and giggles!

Are you a "Pinner"

Because I sure am....

I  have fallen in love with Pinterest! 

It is a virtual bulletin board where you can keep all your ideas in one easy to find spot.

I have boards with my wish list, yummy things to cook, favorite books, and of course my Ya Ya board
I have had more fun trying  peoples favorite recipes {three which I tried this week} and collecting quotes and decorating ideas. When you click on the image it takes you to the link with the recipe or shopping info.  What a fun way to shop for gifts and see the things the people in your life love !!
If you haven't jumped on board I would encourage you to do so
And be sure to let me know when you do! We can be friends and share our good ideas.

You can find my page here.   
Wishing you a happy day filled with moments of thankfulness and joy!
                                       Happy Pinning!

B.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l.

A wonderful time in life captured by an amazing photographer!
I know I'm bias but I think they are the sweetest parents to be and these photos seem to capture the peace and joy they have as they enter this new chapter of their lives

I am such a proud YaYa ! And am counting down the days until I can meet this little guy

Joy~

BEFORE~

AFTER~

I have loved every minute of having the kids here this week. Travis and Ashlyn left yesterday and  Chad today
The house is clean and quiet and I miss the chaos and noise of my family so much!
It was such a joyous time! 
And to think that next year we will have a 10 month old baby with us!!

We can hardly wait and think she is just the cutest little momma ever!

This Christmas I was also reminded what a blessing it is to have the kind of family that doesn't allow someone to go through a tough time without getting right in the trenches with them. We will help carry the burden of one another as if it is our very own cross to bear. It's a personal story that I wont share, but it was such a sweet reminder what it is to be a part of a family that lifts each other up in prayer and cries right along side the one that is hurting!
We are so blessed and even in the midst of a storm this week, God showed His amazing faithfulness and grace
And that is the BEST gift of all.....

The comment that melted my heart....

On my previous post I asked what one gift you loved most from Santa...

And this was my brother Dave's response.....

"BEST present Santa brought me was my little sister"

That's my Dave! 

He loves me so much and it changes my life

And makes me cry...

What did Santa bring you?

A few years back I asked some friends what special gift they remembered most from Santa
I LOVED hearing about everyone's gifts. It brought  back the simple sweet days of pure joy waking up on Christmas morning knowing something fabulous awaited you.  I still love creating that feeling for my own kids even though they are grown


So I decided to ask again this year...What did Santa bring you?
Here are some responses,but I would love to add more. So email or comment me and I will add your memory to the list.
You can read the original post by clicking here.

Jeanette~

One year, I was probably 7 or 8 I got a TV dog!  It was a big stuffed dog that you could lay your head on and watch TV!  Mair and I both got one, I think one was pink and one was blue.  I LOVED it!  I think with it came my love of TV!!  Cant believe I said that out loud!  I also one year, might have even been the same year, got a pair of gold la-may ankle boots.  They had a little ruffle at the ankle and a zipper!!!!  I wore those ragged!!
LOVED THEM.I thought I was soo beautiful and stylish!

Vickie~

I did love my Chatty Cathy and Kissy Baby but my favorite gift was my “shoe boots” That is what we called them.  They were black boots that were fur lined and when you got those that meant that you no longer had to wear the red plastic boots.  For “shoe boots” you took off your shoes to wear them and  got a shoe bag to carry your shoes to school in.  I was sick that Christmas and wore they all day, even to bed.  Maybe you have to be from Indiana to get it

Jackie~

Barbie was my favorite. She was a blond bubble cut-2nd generation. I also got her Corvette car & her Canape bed. I played with her & pulled her in the car up & down the street for several years. Each night she was put to sleep in her beautiful bed! I still have her in the original box which is displayed in our curio coffee table in the living room. She is wearing her "Stewardess uniform - American Airlines". The bed fell apart but, I still have the Car!!

Anne~

Oh easy....it was my baby Thumbelina doll.  You pull the string away from her back and let it go and she would squirm and stretch like a little newborn baby. I sold her at a garage sale after a few years and have never been more sorry.  I have actually gone on line trying to find her

Jayne~

I would have to say my favorite gift of when I was little was my Barbie Kitchen set. It was just awesome! I had tons of Barbie's and all of her accessories, kitchen, fashion show, football stadium, cars, trucks, etc. We played for days with everything set up in my neighbors shed in her backyard that was empty except for all our Barbie stuff. Years ago my sister sold all my Barbie "stuff" to an antique dealer  and I bought an Emerald & Diamond ring with the money. So every time I wear it I think of my days of playing with Barbie for hours on end.

Kaysie~

Easy.....my '67 mustang I got when I was 15. It was an amazing morning...keys were wrapped in my stocking and the car was outside with a big red bow :)

Paula~ 

Mine was my chatty Cathy. I was 4 years old. I wanted her soooooo bad. Apparently I loved to take all of my dolls with me in the bath tub, and even though my Mom said Chatty Cathy COULD NOT go in the tub, I took her anyway. She only talked to me for that one Christmas day. But I was soooo happy to get her!!

Anita~ 

I loved my Chatty Cathy too! When she started wearing out, she would say, "Brush my haayy."

Donna~  
 When I was in the 7th grade, I got my 10 speed Schwinn - in the color of root beer brown - It was a total surprise and I was sooo happy!!!

Hoping you are enjoying every minute of this Christmas Season!
And remember....

You better be good for goodness sake!

Brown Paper Packages tied up with string....

These are a few of my favorite things.....
I love reading and writing "favorite things" posts and sharing some of the things that have brought me joy, and hearing about the things you love too!

Here are just a few of the things I am loving...

My new Nook! For a girl who resisted giving in to the idea of a reader I have fallen hard for this little thing! I pack it in my purse, and have read so much more because it is so easy and convenient . I can trade books with my book buddies and decide on a book to read and literally a minute later start on it-LOVE-LOVE-LOVE it!

Scentsy Candles
These give all the amazing scent of candles without the burn or worry. You simply turn it on and the whole house is filled with the best scent. I am fond of the pomegranate but they have lots of amazing scents! I buy the refills on eBay and get a great price. I have the unit that you plug into the wall and use it all the time!

Also at this time of year I love Bath and Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel lotion! I usually buy about 5 bottles to get me through the year. I love the smell and the guys on night crew always call me "cupcake" I told them its my natural scent and that all chubby girls smell like cake. But I really do get lots of compliments and love the scent!

Gel manicures!
I am hooked, my manis last about three weeks and the polish stays so nice and shiny. There is a place by me where they are only $22 which isn't much more than a regular manicure. I feel so much better when my nails are groomed. When I do my own, I love this color by Essie, called Marshmallow! So clean and fresh...

Trader Joes Candy Cane green tea!!
This stuff is ahhhmazing! I heard they run out quick so I bought 6 boxes and probably will go grab more today. Even Steve loves it. We have been having tea every night and it's perfect. Not too minty but oh so yummy.  Trust me and try some, You will love it !

So please share some of your favorite things too!
Leave me a comment so I can see what treasures you have found and what little things make your heart happy
Wishing you lots of holiday joy!
Call me for lunch, shopping or caroling! 
I have plenty of Christmas spirit to share
     

Welcome Christmas!

We had a great Thanksgiving!
I decided since I wasn't feeling 100% we would have an Italian feast. I made two white lasagnas {which my boys love!} and my sweet sis in law Lindsay made a wonderful salad and pasta with meatballs. I also made a big batch of my lentil soup which is always so hearty and good. We had desserts galore and lots of spirited, fun conversation which is what I love most! It was my aunt Mary's 84th birthday so we celebrated her too. She is still so young and such a kind hearted person. We were so busy having fun, I forgot to take many pictures....

We also attended a beautiful wedding on Saturday for one of my book club friends daughter. It was such a memorable and sweet wedding and Steve and I felt so honored to be a part of their day!

The book babes! Oh how I love these ladies!

And now we are so excited about Christmas!! 

We even needed a new little stocking! Next year  he will have his very only monogrammed one like ours! Wonder what name will be on it?

Wishing you a beautiful, peaceful Christmas season ! 
It really is the most wonderful time of the year~ 

Remaining Thankful~

This has become my mind set in spite of having days when I feel pretty defeated
This surgery has not been easy on me and I still find myself wishing I fought it harder. My actual hysterectomy I'm recovering from perfectly, but about two weeks ago I woke up and literally could not move my arms. I felt as though  over night I became a 90 year old lady with arthritis. So I began googling what the heck could be causing this joint pain which is even making my knees and hips ache. Long story short....it is a imbalance of hormones. So my Dr suggested we try a lower patch and I felt about 25% better with the lower dose. So today I took the patch completely off!  Yes I am playing Dr, but I feel desperate to be better and would much rather deal with hot flashes and other junk and be able to dry my hair and walk normally. If anyone knows anything about this condition I would LOVE to hear your advice
And I would LOVE your prayers!  
But in spite of all the the bad we have had lots of good !!

The kids came home last weekend for a wedding for our very dear friends son! We have known Allen since the boys were little and it was such a blessing to be at their wedding with such a wonderful family.  The bride and groom were gorgeous!!

My moms group ...love these women

The three of us with married kids 

Poppa loves his girl ! 

Then on Sunday the boys played golf and I took Ashlyn to get her nails done because she was having her first  
BABY SHOWER!!
It was so much fun seeing all her precious girlfriends and watching baby Carter receive such lovely and heartfelt gifts! It was a wonderful day and she is just glowing ! {pics coming soon}

I know you all must be sick of hearing about my hubby! But truly the man is angel. He is a tireless nurse who NEVER complains that I had another day of getting nothing done! He makes me rest, does everything I could ask or think of, and makes me laugh all the time! Kidney stones,getting hit by a dog, and now this...
But he still smiles and thinks I am a great wife? Words will never be able to convey what his love and support have meant to me ! When we said for better or worse this man meant it and lives it out every single day!
I am giving thanks for every little blessing this past week
lunch with a friend
a sweet dr who listens
christmas gifts purchased and ready to be wrapped
phone calls from Sara
my cleaning lady martha who spiffed up my house this week and it looks fabulous!
knowing my family is coming for thanksgiving and that whatever  we serve is going to be eaten over tables filled with  love and conversation
my brother dave checking on me and praying for me over the phone {precious} 
having compassion for people in ways before not possible, because i now know what its like to have pain everyday 
christmas music
bubble baths 
plain greek yogurt with honey and walnuts for breakfast
calls from the boys for no reason
giggling with chloe, for some reason we crack ourselves up

This Thanksgiving week I hope you find lots of things to be thankful for!
And this remains the song of my heart today 
" I lift up my eyes to the heavens ...Because I know where my help comes from"