Playing Catch Up

Man o man, how did I go the whole month of October without one post?!!  Oh blog world how I've missed you so!
  I guess we've been pretty busy lately and October went by in a flash, so I will take a few minutes to catch you all up on our lives since the end of September.  At 7 months old, Josiah is on the move!  He does the army crawl like nobody's business and will love you forever if you hold his hands and walk with him.  It is so cute how excited he gets when he is walking!  I have a slight feeling he will be doing it on his own in the next few months.  Crazy!  Just this week he started pulling himself half way up on things, couches, toys, ect.  Other big news in Josiah's life is...drum roll please... he cut his first tooth!  I cannot believe how fast my baby boy is growing and how big he is already.  Hopefully he will let me get a picture of that pearly white soon!

  We also celebrated another marriage in the family, my cousin, Ashley, tied the knot on October 22.  It was a beautiful day up in Wisconsin and it was fun to be with the family again.  Ok people, we have ONE more wedding this year and its next weekend, phew!
  This past weekend we had our 2nd annual chili cook-off with our best friends.  This year a few of us went to Goebberts Pumpkin Patch beforehand and although it was cold and windy, we had a blast!  We then headed over to the Borst's house for the cook-off.  4 couples entered the contest this year and it was no easy task deciding the winner, they were all so delicious.  But David remains the reigning champ!  We will get you next year bro!  And, I don't want to brag or nothing, but my chicken chili won the category for best taste!  I'd say thats a winner too! : ) No matter where we are or what we're doing we always have so much fun with our group of friends.  We are so very thankful for them!
  Monday was Halloween, and even though it is not a holiday to be celebrated in our house, it is still fun to dress up in tasteful costumes and go trick or treating.  I always did it as a kid and have great memories from year after year of all the costumes that my mom made my brothers and I, even the palm tree!  We always did the trick or treating thing and then went to Burlington to my Mimi and Papa's to have chili and enter the costume contest at the park.  I even won a few years!  For Josiah's first Halloween he wore his uncle Sean's costume from 20 years ago, extra special!  He was the cutest dalmatian puppy around!  We drove out to Hampshire to hang out with my family and go treating at a few old time neighbors who loved to see Josiah.  It was a fun night!

  This whole week Dan has been traveling for work in Minnesota and boy do I miss him!  I'm sure if Josiah could talk, he would tell me he misses his Daddy too!  But we did spend some quality time with my parents and brothers and really enjoyed that.  Plus my mom made some delicious meals!!  BONUS! = )  There is nothin like your mom's home cooked dinners!  2:30pm today can't come soon enough though when we get to pick Dan up at O'Hare.  Yippee!!
  Well I think that covers it, until next time... Asta!

Fun Fall Weekend

  This weekend was a blast!  It started on Friday when we had Josiah's 6 month doctor visit and Dan surprised us and left work on his lunch break to meet us there.  Thanks honey, that meant a lot!  And although Josiah had to get another round of shots (not the fun part), its always exciting to find out how much he has grown since last time. He is now 16lb 5oz and 28in long, a full 2 pounds heavier from 2 months ago and 2 inches longer, what a growing boy!  In the docs words, he is long and lean, just like his parents!  Ha!  That puts him in the 90th percentile for height and 25-50th percentile for weight.  So, in other words, he's growing taller faster than he can gain weight!  If he keeps this up, he will be 6'3 like his uncle Brandon!

  After his appointment I convinced Dan to take the rest of the day off and go up to the apple orchard.  We've been going to Royal Oak farm for years now, and we couldn't wait to take Josiah there!  We picked up Nana and headed up to Hebron, IL, a little drive, but always well worth it!  We got all our faves: Honeycrisp apples, apple squares, apple cider donuts, & Royal Oak's famous apple sauce.  Mmm mmm good! 

  Then on Saturday we went to Goebberts Pumpkin Patch for Cameren's 6th birthday party.  I grew up going to Goebberts, so of course, we were looking forward to taking Josiah there as well!  It was so much fun and Siah loved it!  We rode their new train they got this year, saw the giraffes and all the other animals,   watched the pig races, and played.  We then drove up to Rockford for Dan's cousin, Jody's wedding reception.  Although it was chilly (it was outside at a park) it was fun to see everyone and celebrate with the newlyweds. 

  Sunday we had our family over for the Bears vs. Packers game.  I gave in and let Dan put Josiah in Green Bay apparel, which I think was a mistake!  Haha  If he was in Bears, they would've won!  Well, anyway I think we will have to flip a coin from now on to figure out which team he will support when these two rival's play each other!  But, either way, we had a great time eating yummy food and watching the game.  

  The busy, busy weekend came to an end and here we are at another Monday.  It's rainy, windy and cold.  But I have candles lit, worship music playing and coffee in my hand.  Siah is just waking up from a 2 hour nap and I can't wait to go pick him up and give him a squeeze.  Hope you're weekend was as great as ours!

Happy Monday!

Kate

::5 Month update::Recap of Summer::Preview of Fall::

Josiah is 5 months and 1 1/2 weeks old, doesn't even seem possible!  He is now about 17 pounds and in 6-9 month clothing.  Yes, he is a HEALTHY lil boy!  He is sitting up better by himself now, not without the occasional tumble though.  He scoots around, not forward or backwards, but in circles!  Its quite fun to watch!  We can pretty much get him to smile on command & laugh when we try hard enough.  Siah has been "sleeping in" until 7-7:30 for a couple weeks now and boy has mama been savoring that extra hour of sleep!  We will probably start feeding him rice cereal this week, as I think he is ready for it.  I believe that is all the update on Josiah for now, enjoy a few pics from his 5 month photo shoot:

 Look at that face!

  We have really been enjoying our summer, its sad to see it end, but because my favorite season follows summer, its never too hard to say "goodbye".  We have had our fare share of weddings, lazy pool days, play dates with friends, birthdays, anniversaries, parties, backyard bbq's, small group fun, weekend getaways, boating, softball games, family days, fireworks, festivals, and well you get the picture: FUN, FUN, FUN!  Here are some pics from our weekend in Lake Geneva on the boat:

 What a little cutie in his life jacket!

 Taking it all in!

 Josiah absolutely loved being on the boat!

Our family of 3!

But I am definitely looking forward to fall and all that comes with it... especially FOOTBALL!  Yes, I'm a little obsessed.  Our Sunday afternoons/evenings and Monday nights consist of being lazy and watching football.  It might look a little different this season since we have a baby to care for, but if Josiah is at all like his mama, he will enjoy watching the games with us! (I hope!)  The list of reasons I love the autumn season goes on though:  Beautiful colors of the changing leaves, home cooked chili, sweatshirts, apple cider, apple cider donuts, fall decorations, pumpkins, visiting the apple orchard and pumpkin patch and cooler weather.  I'm also particularly excited about the start of fall because I am going to be participating in a woman's small group studying the Entrusted curriculum.  I have only heard phenomenal things about this study and raves and raves, so I'm pretty pumped.  I truly believe the LORD has blessed Dan and I with Josiah and has entrusted him to us to train him up in the way he should go (Prov. 22:6).  And one way to help me do that is to use the resources God has given us, which includes Entrusted.  I am looking forward to meeting other moms and to be encouraged in my faith.  Dan is also going to be joining a mens small group.  So that is a preview of our fall which will also include more birthdays, 3 more weddings, anniversaries, parties, and the list I'm sure will expand.  Until next time, asta!


   

Reading the Bible Chronologically in 1 Year=Complete!

About a week ago I finished reading the Bible chronologically in a year.  This past year of studying God's Word has been amazing, life changing, eye opening, and really good for my relationship with Christ.  He has taught me a lot, grown my faith, challenged me and created in me a new passion for Him.  I, like many others I've heard say, always struggled with devotionals... when to do it, where to do it, what to read, so on and so forth.  But when I decided to read the Bible chronologically and actually study the verses I was reading, God began to speak to me.  I woke up every morning with a desire to read the good Word and spend time with the LORD.  It was incredible!  I think so often we read the Bible without actually taking in what it has to say and applying it to our lives.  I think we often "read" the Bible instead of "study" the Bible.  There is a difference.  We should meditate on it day and night (Joshua 1:8).  I would love to get better at memorizing scripture because I truly believe it is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).  


Back in December last year when I was studying Proverbs and Ecclesiastes I came across an online blog: www.3yearbiblebookclub.blogspot.com and I have been referring to it ever since.  I remember reading some of the entries for Ecclesiastes and loved what the blogger had to say.  Here is one of my journal entries after reading it:  I really pondered chapters 2 & 3 of Ecclesiastes.  Most of the book is about us as humans finding meaning in life and wisdom.  A part from God our human efforts are meaningless.  Chapter 2:24-25 is the heart of Ecclesiastes.  Only in God does life have meaning and true pleasure.  Without him nothing will satisfy us, but with him we can find satisfaction and enjoyment.  True pleasure can only come when we aknowledge and revere God (12:13).  Ecclesiastes 3 makes me think of the song by Carrie Underwood when she sings the words "this is my temporary home..."  God has made a beautiful world for us to live in and enjoy while we are here, but because we were made for eternity, the things of this world cannot fully satisfy us.  I'm also reminded throughout these chapters that I can't take anything that I have here on earth with me.  What God has blessed me with to enjoy is a bonus, a gift from him.  It is not my right or guarantee to have nice things and have wealth.  It is better to be content with what I have than go after my fleshly desires.  Lord, show me what it means to fear God, have a true reverence of you.  I pray you would teach me to be content and find true pleasure and satisfaction in you.  Teach me your ways Father and lead me in the way everlasting.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.


I'm so glad I stuck with it, even reading those harder to read Old Testament books!  God is good!  God is faithful!  God is worthy to be praised!  And I praise Him for teaching me all that He did in this past year!  I challenge you to read the Bible chronologically in a year.  I challenge you to really study the verses you are reading.  I'm going to do it again.  Are you with me?


Thankful for God's Word,
Kate

4 month Check up

Siah is now 4 months old and growing bigger every day.  He had his 4 month check up last Friday and he is now weighing in at 14lb 9oz and 26in long... one healthy baby boy!  He had to get his second round of shots and thankfully he did much better than last time.  Maybe he was being brave because Daddy was there this time ; )  
Josiah has many talents, some of them are:  He now rolls over from back to tummy and tummy to back, he grabs for things and plays with toys, he even is trying to put his pacifier back in his mouth but has yet to figure out the right way!  He locks his legs and wants to stand (with our help of course!) all the time and hes working on those ab muscles so he can sit up soon!  We are slowly trying to get him to sleep without his swaddle because he now rolls over onto his tummy when he sleeps.  I guess he is gonna be like his daddy... sound sleeper when he's on his tummy!  
We are loving every minute of this precious baby boy that God has blessed us with.  He is just the cutest and sweetest thing!  We've been told on numerous occasions that Josiah could be the next Gerber baby.  Maybe we should do something about that?!  Here are some updated pics from his 3 month photo shoot:

A Fairytale Wedding

On June 24th one of my childhood best friends tied the knot!  I had the privilege to stand up in her wedding and share in the joy of her special day.  The couple chose the Galleria Marchetti in Chicago for the location, and it was spectacular!
  The wedding fun began on Thursday, June 23, for the rehearsal.  I left Josiah with my mom for the night (first time ever without my son for more than 6 hours, eeek!) and drove down to the city with one of the other bridesmaids.  Chrissy then took the girls to get pedicure's at the Nail Bar in DT Chicago, great nail spa ladies!  Afterwards we went back to the hotel to get ready for the rehearsal dinner, at South Water Kitchen, yum yum!  Dan met me down there to spend the evening with us in anticipation of the wedding the following day.  I spent the night at the hotel with Chrissy and the bridesmaids, that way we could get up in the morning at our leisure and not be rushed to get back into the city.  It was a fun night!  Although I missed my lil prince, I knew he was in good hands.

 We had a relaxing morning of going to Starbucks and shopping at Nordstrom, yes I said SHOPPING!!  It calms the nerves!  Haha  We got back to the hotel to start getting ready around 11:30 and enjoyed the afternoon with lots of laughs and good conversation!  As Chrissy got her gorgeous white dress on, I couldn't help but get teary eyed.  She looked absolutely stunning!
  We drove to the Galleria by taxi's and as the guests were arriving we tried our best to keep Chrissy out of sight.  I felt like we were a part of the royal wedding and no one could see the princess before she walked down the isle towards her prince!  It was fun!  The ceremony was beautiful, and included a reading from "The Notebook" and the children's story "Winnie the Pooh", a favorite from when we were kids!  Immediately after the ceremony the cocktail hour began.  We enjoyed live music, food and drinks while we took pictures and celebrated with the new husband and wife.  Everyone was then ushered into the big white tent where the reception would begin.  And boy, was it absolutely breathtaking in the big white tent!  It reminded me of Father of the Bride, an absolute fairy tale!  I love how much thought and detail Chrissy put into the wedding too.  As the bridal party was announced we walked in to a specific song and had to do a little dance/skit with the item we were given as the d.j. said a little something about our relationship to the bride/groom.  I was given keys, and I believe the meaning behind them and what the d.j. said is that I am the key that unlocks the door to Chrissy's past! Haha  It was such a fun wedding and am so glad I could be a part of it!  
  My parents, Dan and Josiah met me at the wedding and we all stayed the night at the Hampton and had a great day in the city on Saturday.  We went to Millenium Park and saw the Bean and then walked through the Taste of Chicago and to Buckingham Fountain.  We walked down Michigan Ave and went to Chick Filet for lunch.  It was another beautiful day in Chicago and we enjoyed every minute of it!  Wow, what a whirlwind of a few days, but it was a blast.  Enjoy a few pics from the weekend in the Windy City!

 The Princess walking to her Prince!

 First kiss as husband and wife!!

 The girls!

 My beautiful parents!

Us with the happy couple!

 At the BEAN!

 Buckingham Fountain

Happy 1st Fathers Day

I wanted to make Dan's 1st Fathers Day really special.  I thought about what I could do and saw this grrrrrreat idea from a friend of mine and just had to do it!  Here is the finished product, aren't they so cute?!!

Homemade shirts (felt iron-on letters)

Early that morning Dan and my dad went and played 9 holes of golf and then met us back in Hampshire before we went up to Rockford.  It was a beautiful afternoon of playing bags, good conversation and good food.  My Mimi and Papa were able to join us too so that was extra special.  Here are a few photos from the fun day:

 We found a coffee mug for my dad that says "Papa Bear"!!  Perfect!

All dads (except Josiah of course!), 2 Grandpa's and 1 Great Grandpa! 

Lovin this pic of my precious boy!

HAPPY 1st FATHERS DAY DANIEL!!!!

You are loved!