Sharing some big huge news!

On January 19, 2011 I celebrated my 40th birthday.

On February 15th, 2011 I ordered my first bifocals (eek!)

On February 17th, 2011 I took a pregnancy test that turned out positive!!!!! (triple eek!)

My "babies" are now 8 and 5. We have been trying for about a year and I had finally decided that I was just fine with 2 children. My body was in pretty good shape for 40 and I had been planning a creative career with my extra time and energy. Well, so long extra time and energy! Our lives are about to be rocked and our family altered in such a beautiful way. The girls are thrilled with being big sisters. Especially my little Nikki.

I have felt stifled not blogging and so I decided I'll just share and move forward. I am looking forward to the creativity this little one will spur me on to!

I am missing Mama more than ever. I would give anything to call and share with her!

I am 9 weeks today and I saw Baby J's beautiful heartbeat on the ultrasound monitor this morning. While I know this is really early to be broadcasting it to the world, I also know that life is full of beginnings and endings and if God was to change the plans for this baby I would share it with you just as I shared the loss of my mother. Life is also full of celebration and I hope you will take this journey with me.

Friday Favorites (3/18/11)

Yummy! Orange Julius recipe at The Idea Room

Check out how to make these cute chicks at 504 Main.

Make a 10 Minute pretty spring wreath with Tatertots and Jello.

Make these sweet gifts with The Girl Creative.

Make yummy Shrimp Etouffe at Simply Recipes.

Make this cuter than cute baby dress with Keeping It Simple.

Check out this awesome dipping recipe at The Tidy Nest.

Please feel free to pick up an "I Was Featured" button from my sidebar.

Have you seen Benjamin Button?

Holy cow! I rented this movie yesterday and finished watching it this afternoon. I was really touched by this movie. The similarities to my life are crazy ironic.

The movie opens with a woman spending time with her dying mother in a New Orleans hospital room. She is expressing her love to her mother and holding her hand. It made me remember the precious last moments with my sweet Mom.

The t.v. screen on the wall in the hospital room flashes to a hurricane approaching the coast. It is Hurricane Katrina. I was in the hospital in Houston having just gave birth to my second child when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.

In the movie, there is a 43 year old woman who gives birth. Makes me think just maybe I am not too old to have another child.

The story about life and death just really grabbed me. How very precious are the many (or few) moments we are given on this earth. Moments of joy and moments of heartache. I am again reminded of how truly blessed I am.

Some of the quotes in the movie that really stood out for me are:

Benjamin Button: Your life is defined by its opportunities... even the ones you miss.

Benjamin Button: It's a funny thing about comin' home. Looks the same, smells the same, feels the same. You'll realize what's changed is you.

Benjamin Button: For what it's worth: it's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it.

Mrs. Maple: Benjamin, we're meant to lose the people we love. How else would we know how important they are to us?

Benjamin Button: You can be as mad as a mad dog at the way things went. You could swear, curse the fates, but when it comes to the end, you have to let go.

Benjamin Button: Some people, were born to sit by a river. Some get struck by lightning. Some have an ear for music. Some are artists. Some swim. Some know buttons. Some know Shakespeare. Some are mothers. And some people, dance.

Benjamin Button: It's funny how sometimes the people we remember the least make the greatest impression on us.

Have you seen this movie? If so, what did you think? If not, I highly recommend it! :)