Thankful...

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope you take a minute this weekend to reflect on what you are thankful for. My list could go on forever, but here are just a few things I am so thankful for.

I am thankful for:
my family and friends
my husband who puts up with me and never stops loving me no matter how big my belly gets :)
my growing belly and our little peanut
a roof over my head
a job, even though today has been a rough one
being able to spend this holiday weekend with people that I love
family who is no longer with us, but taught me some of life's greatest lessons
those great people who serve others who are less fortunate
living in a country where we have a holiday to give thanks
playing Pictionary with my family after dinner
Black Friday shopping and helping stimulate our economy.

Happy Turkey Day! Gobble gobble :)

Catching up...

Sorry I have fallen off the planet Earth for a minute. Back in business now. Things have been so crazy lately! Since my last post I have: been to Miami, Florida to celebrate my mother in law's 60th birthday, had a blast at the Marshall Mash, and heard Baby Marshall's heartbeat for the first time! What an amazing experience, almost overwhelming to know that this little person is growing so much everyday and soon I will be a mommy :) The night sickness has really slowed down and I have much more energy to nest. I have cleaned and organized almost every square inch of our house. Next task it to tackle transforming my lovely cozy scrapbooking room into Joey's office. Sadly it's time to take down my vintage vogue covers and jars of buttons, put away the scrapbooking paper, stamps and miles of ribbon to make room for Joey's 4 computers and plethora of random Simpson's memorabilia. The robin egg blue Martha Stewart paint that I love so much will be replaced by a more "manly" slate gray (still Martha Stewart, he doesn't win every battle). But, it's all worth it when the computers move into that room because then it's time to start decorating the baby's room! I will post pictures of the progress of the room. Our ultrasound appointment is scheduled for December 12th. Let's hope that Baby Marshall cooperates, so mommy and daddy can start thinking pink or blue. In the mean time, enjoy pictures of Miami and the Marshall Mash. I was a "bun in the oven" for Halloween. Baby bump in full effect :)

(At Coral Castle in Miami, Florida)

norm abram watch out...

My darling husband is an avid fan of The New Yankee Workshop seen on PBS on Saturday mornings. The show is dedicated to the fine craft of wood working. Norm is the show's host, and I think he better start fearing that a certain someone may take over his job soon...

While Joey was on vacation a few weeks ago, this is what he whipped up. And I say whipped up because he is the most efficient woodworker ever! I can't believe how beautiful this piece turned out and I love it in our living room! Joey said it could have been made easier with an enormous wood shop, expensive tools, and someone to come and clean up after him at night. (Not me, too busy throwing up!)

So, without further ado, I present our new made from scratch, made by hand, and with love, and a little sweat DVD cabinet!

don't drink the water!

The baby epidemic is spreading like mad!! The Marshall clan will be VERY busy this May. Not only are Joey and I expecting on May 6th, but we just found today that Joey's brother, Tommy, and his wife, Rugya, are expecting on May 22nd!!! So, the cousins will be only weeks apart and the new grandparents will have take off soon after our baby arrives to travel to Chicago to meet the other Baby Marshall. Congratulations to Tommy and Rugya! What a fun roller coaster to be on together!

In other baby news, a very close family friend and his lovely wife welcomed their bundle of joy to the world on Sunday. Be sure to check out Baby Jack's mommy and daddy's blog to get all the details! http://www.brianriddell.blogspot.com/ Congratulations to the Riddell family :) We can't wait to meet the newest little groundhog!

first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes...

You guessed it!!! A baby in a baby carriage!!! Joey and I are SO EXCITED to announce that we are expecting a little peanut of our own in early May (or April as I suspect). We decided to announce our big news because:

1. I am horrible at surprises and don't really care for them

2. I have been praying to the porcelain god on several occasions

3. People have been calling me out left and right because I haven't been drinking.

My next appointment is November 4th and I look forward to calming some of my irrational fears and getting a little more information about our baby.

The reactions from our friends and family have been priceless! My mom almost passed out, Joey's dad has already put me in a protective bubble, you could have knocked my dad over with a feather and Joey's mom had a sneaky suspicion because my bridesmaid's dress needed 4 inches added into the bust... but all in all, we pulled off the big surprise. Here's how we did it.

These darling cards from Kate Spade said it all. Then on the back of the card we printed a little message "Hip hip hooray! Our baby is on the way!"

So, please keep your fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly and that the morning, afternoon and night sickness starts simmering down soon!

come to tea!

On August 31st, I celebrated my best friend's upcoming wedding by hosting her bridesmaid's luncheon. The lunch was held under the trees at my parents' farm. The weather was perfect and
the food was even better (thanks to my mom!).

(the table settings and some food)

(the ladies in their hats, more of the table, and some arrangements)


(dessert and the bridal party)

Welcome to the world Brady!

Our dear friends and neighbors, Brett & Megan welcomed their little bundle of joy on Wednesday at 1:41 pm. He weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce and is 20 inches long. Check out the little cutie! Congrats to you both!! We can't wait till you come home and we get to meet him :)