Don't do it.

The other night Jason and I were in the car driving to our second home (Target). On the corner there was a man bundled up holding a sign. It was one of the coldest nights of the year. Immediately my heart started to break as I assumed the sign said something like "Will work for food" or "Homeless and Hungry...please help". Jason said this was probably one of the men who was a regular client at the mission and he might even know his name. As we pulled up closer we could finally make out the words on the sign. It said:

Don't eat at Waffle House

So, as you make your way through life please remember these words of wisdom. Don't eat at Waffle House. Resist the urge. That's all I have for you today.

New Bloggers

Go on over to my sister-in-law's new blog and say HI! She might be a bit busy with that new baby, but I'll be patient and wait for new posts!

Hello Miss Gracie!

Gracie Ella

7 lb 7 oz, 20 inches long
January 28, 2008
10 fingers, 10 toes, and some fuzzy wuzzy hair.

Welcome to the world. We love you already!

(For those of you who are really bad at math - no, this is not our baby. This baby belongs to my brother, Nathan and sister-in-law, Shannon!)

Addie and Reese wearing their big sister tees from us!
Addie has done this before, Reese is still excited - look at that sweet smile
Time to let mommy and baby rest

Weekend Update according to Jason

I decided to succumb to social pressure and post our weekly blog. Don't think this is going to be a regular thing; my creative genius and wit needs to be kept hidden so that others don't suffer from envy. (My wife edited this and she may have written that last sarcastic comment).

This weekend was a special time for us. We had the opportunity to drive down to Cincinnati to listen to Dave Glock speak at a conference on "O How I love Jesus" at Northern Hills Bible Chapel. Most of you know that we are very close to the Glock family; Dave was the one who married us and the family has been a great influence in our lives. We were blessed to stay with a wonderful couple named Phil and Heather. They were very hospitable and we enjoyed spending time with them. They had a very comfortable bed that I considered strapping to the top of the car but Angie thought they might notice the missing bed and then we wouldn't be invited back.

The conference got started on Friday night. Dave spoke about the fact that we are all born selfish and that before coming to Christ the only people we truly loved were ourselves.

He picked up the next morning by sharing about prevenient grace and how when we first get saved we love God for what He has done for us. He then went on to share that as growing Christians, that should change. Instead of loving God for what He has done for us we should be studying the Scriptures to learn who God is so that we can love Him for who he is. Dave concluded his series by sharing that we can demonstrate our love for God in the lifestyles that we live. Through God’s sanctifying grace we should be coming more and more conformed to the image of Christ.

All in all it was a wonderful time. It was great for us to get to gather together with such a caring group of believers and to be challenged from God’s Word. It was also great to finally be at another breaking of bread service!

Due to time constraints (both the conference and the Saturday afternoon nap in that awesome bed) we were not really able to explore Cincinnati that much. However there were two local things we did get to enjoy. One of them was Graeters ice cream. It was absolutely the best ice cream - we really loved it. The second thing was a restaurant called The Grand Finale. The food there was great and the portions were huge. We split a piece of cheesecake that may have been the biggest piece I have ever seen. At any rate we both decided we would definitely like to go back for another visit. After such a busy weekend away it was good to get back to our home. We didn't take any pictures - but the only thing that really was picture-worthy was that huge piece of cheesecake!

For those reading this please keep our sister-in-law Shannon in prayer as God will be blessing their family with its newest edition at 8:00 AM Monday morning. I'm sure Angie will post pictures as soon as her mom sends them. As for us, Baby Hubbard is now officially the size of a plum. I found this site that compares the size of the baby to fruit. I thought my brother-in-law, Jeff, would particularly enjoy it.

Adios.

Let's take a vote...

Who thinks that Jason should be responsible for this week's update? Wouldn't you like to hear from him about a few things? After all, this blog is named "Angie and Jason" and even though my name selfishly comes first, it doesn't mean I have the only blogging rights. Not that I don't enjoy writing each week...I just don't want to hog all the fun.

Place your vote. Your voice will be heard.

Oz Shoes and Maternity Jeans

My maternity jeans from Old Navy arrived today. They fit perfect and are so comfortable! I think I will just wear maternity clothes for the rest of my life. Why fight it?

At last minute, I added to my online order a pair of metallic red ballet flats - think Dorothy in Wizard of Oz. I showed them to Jason. He grunted. I took that to mean that he liked them, so I added them to the order. They were only $6.99. A few minutes later he asked me, "Did you really order those shoes?" Yep, I did. And look how cute! I think I'll wear them everywhere just to embarrass him.

Weekend Update #10

Jason is watching the playoff football games right now. I was thinking how funny it would be (for me) to say a few things like this....
"Honey, there's this amazing movie on Lifetime I want to watch right now."
"I think I can feel the baby kick. Turn off the TV and put your hand on my stomach. It will probably happen again in another hour."
"Can you tell me again all the reasons why you love me?"
"I would love it if we could put in our wedding DVD right now and watch it together while cuddling on the couch."
"We never talk anymore. Tell me everything you are thinking right now."

LOL - again, it would probably only be fun for me. And I'm pretty sure Jason would call my bluff in about 10 seconds flat! Perhaps some other football widows could share their tactics for "messing" with their man during big games. Hey, us wives need entertainment, too!

This weekend again was low-key. It has been so cold outside that we've found as many possible reasons that we need for staying inside. We did treat ourselves to a movie on Friday night - it's been awhile since we did that. We saw 27 Dresses at my request. Jason was such a trooper to go to that chick flick with me. There were several other sad-looking men in the theater so he wasn't the only one there against his will. We thought our movie experience would be hindered by a teenage girl one seat away who thought a dark movie theater was the perfect place to send text messages. Jason politely informed her that the light from her cell phone was like a beacon and in a huff she put away her phone. My hero.

Saturday was spent indoors entirely - I did go to the mailbox which was far enough for me. Jason made a run into work but that was the only place he went as well. Even though we were shut-in we managed not to do any housework - the laundry is still piled high and the house is in general disarray. Oh well! We did watch three movies and that was more important!

Today we went back to the same church we attended last week - a smaller fellowship of believers in Hartville, about 15 minutes away. We enjoyed lunch afterwards - a potluck. I brought the salad and dessert - it was nice to contribute and fun to try out a new dessert recipe. I made mini cheesecakes which I told Jason,"These look like a kindergartner made them" but thankfully, once you put on a dollop of topping they looked better and tasted great. We didn't come home with any leftovers. The church there is full of great people and we have enjoyed attending.

Next weekend we are looking forward to a little road trip to Cincinnati. Dave Glock, our former professor at EBC, and the man who married us, will be speaking at a conference so we are driving there on Friday night and won't be back until Sunday. The drive is only about 3 1/2 hours and one of the elders at the church even found us a place to stay. It will be nice to get out of town for a bit. We are looking forward to seeing Dave and hoping that his wife, Melsie will come with him!

This week will probably be more of the same old stuff - but it's good to be in a routine. Jason's friend Lee will come over again for dinner and games tomorrow night - we always enjoy Lee's company. I have continued going to Bible Study Fellowship on Wednesday mornings and I'm really starting to enjoy it. It's a nice break in the week and the ladies in my group are a lot of fun.

This week will also bring about the anticipated ending of the first trimester! I can't believe that I am already 1/3 of the way through this pregnancy. I have been wondering lately what kind of mom I will be. I have a picture in my head of all the perfect ways I will mother my child but I'm sure that will be shot as soon as he is born. But it's nice to pretend for now that I will do everything right!

I am HOPING that this week will bring the arrival of my new baby niece - praying for you, Shannon! She is scheduled for a c-section on the 28th but I think she would be thrilled if she went early.

Have a great week, everyone! If you wouldn't mind, pray for our house to sell, once again! We are now six months on the market and have dropped the price again. It's hard not to get discouraged. Pray also for the safe arrival of my new niece. THANKS!

Preggie Pops

Who do you think should get to eat these? The person who IS pregnant, or the person who thinks he looks pregnant?Key word in that question was he. Someone at Jason's work gave these to him to help my queasiness...funny thing is, I keep finding Jason eating them! At least he hasn't gotten any morning sickness! :)

Weekend Update #9

First off, I owe you all a few pictures from my trip to Dubuque. Now, I warned you that I would forget to take pictures, so don't be too disappointed. But I did manage to take a few. I hope I'm not making Jason jealous, but have you ever seen two more handsome men?

Garrett

Elias (sorry, Ben - not referring to you with the handsome comment!) :)

It was so good to be back in Dubuque. I had a bit of trouble getting there and ended up on a bus from Chicago to Dubuque as all the planes were canceled due to fog. That was a long day - but I just buddied up with a couple who reminded me of my mom and dad and stuck to them like glue. They took good care of me. I also proved that you can survive on a diet of Starbucks and Cinnabon. We managed to get there even though it took me over 12 hours. I did get to spend time with the girls. Many people asked me where Jason was and were disappointed to find that I had left him behind. I think I can abandon the idea that I am the popular one in this relationship! I also did manage to squeeze in my work in addition to all the fun - this is good, it may allow me another visit in the near future! I stayed with our friends Ken and Jan (Ken is also my boss) and felt like one of their kids sleeping in a twin bed and helping myself to Ken's chair in front of the TV. Their place feels like home to me and I miss it!

It was so good to get back to Jason - this was our longest time away from each other and we both felt it. Ohio is starting to feel like home and this was confirmed at my Dubuque visit - my home is here with my husband. Now things are back to normal - we spent another weekend relaxing and catching up on laundry and cleaning. Jason has had his fill of football (in my opinion) and now the week starts up again tomorrow. We visited a good church today and were invited to lunch at someone's home. Imagine our surprise when we didn't get back until after 5:00! I fell into a dead sleep as soon as I hit the couch so I'll probably be up for hours yet tonight.

A few noticeable pregnancy changes...not much breathing room left in my pants, that's for sure! For once in my life I don't feel like crying over tight pants - our baby is growing and growing. Of course it could be the Doritoes, Oreos, and Krispy Kremes that daddy bought at mommy's request this week. He even went out in the pouring rain - what a guy! Baby Hubby is amazing us with his development - doesn't he look so cute floating around up there? My cute little alien baby with the giant bald head...awwwwww.

Thanks for all your comments and also your input on my last blog - I am still mulling my decision over (re: making this a private blog). I'll keep you posted. I won't make the switch for awhile and it's possible I will wait until it is closer to the baby being born. You all will be invited unless you decided to take a dive off the deep end! :)

Have a great week, everybody!

Lockdown

I'm considering making this blog private - for invited readers only.

We "know some people" that we'd rather forget and I'm not too keen on these people knowing all our personal business. I don't want to go into too many details...but it's definitely on my mind.

I love having you all check the blog - so what would you think if we made the switch? Would you stick with us?

The problem is that I know a lot of people read this and don't leave comments - which is perfectly fine with me. But I would want those people to be able to continue reading and I'm not sure I know who they all are! I also want people who legitimately know me (and are NOT crazy!) to be able to find me and get in touch. I have a meter that tracks my visitors but I rarely check it - it's very generic and just gives me location and internet provider.

I may get over this feeling and change my mind - but there are some crazy people out there and I don't want them to know when our child is born, what our child's name is, where we live, our daily routine, etc.

This could be the pregnancy hormones making me hover over my nest with a watchful eye!

Thoughts? Those of you with blogs - do you worry about this? Do you ever worry about the complete strangers that might stumble upon your blog?

Weekend Update #8

Our big event this weekend was Baby Hubby's very first doctor's appointment. It feels like it is "official" now. Our next appointment is Feb 1 and that should be exciting as we may be able to hear a strong heartbeat and we'll be right at thirteen weeks along. I added a little glimpse of what our baby looks like right now - and he still looks a bit like an alien with that giant bald head - but then again, my husband has a giant bald head and it's adorable. I've really enjoyed reading about what size our baby is and what is developing each week. Brings to mind Psalm 139, "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (v 13-14).

We are having other thoughts regarding the arrival of Baby Hubby - like, where is he going to sleep? I can't even find a spot to store my new crock pot. Where is my new baby going to go? I suppose we have seven months to figure it out.

The rest of the weekend was spent loafing and catching up on things. (Loafing by me, catching up by Jason). My husband is a saint. While I sit with my feet up under a blanket next to the space heater (my new best friend is a space heater), Jason does the laundry and cleans the house. How did I get so lucky? Sometimes I manage to load the dishwasher - but for most part, I am being waited on.

We did attend a different church today - it was a Bible church not too far from where we live. However, we weren't real impressed. We both agree that we'll end up in a church that is much smaller than the ones we've been visiting. We've agreed that we should stop visiting churches that have their own parking attendants. That's a good indication that we won't end up there!

Tomorrow I am leaving for Dubuque for a few days for some meetings - meetings for work and meetings with friends! I am very excited to see everyone! The girls and I are getting together on Monday night - I will bring my camera but I'll be lucky to remember to take pictures! I hope I can stand to work an eight hour day again - it's been awhile - and you all know that I've been spoiled. I'm looking forward to going back to ACC for the Wednesday night service, visiting my old hair stylist, and of course being back on campus at Emmaus. Jason will be a bachelor for four days. I'll be driving myself to and from the airport, which is a bit nerve-wracking for me, but I just have to get through it this once and then I'll be okay. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go pack. I sure hope my husband has finished the laundry!

Just a few more Christmas pics...

Shan, you look tired! Could it be that you are eight months pregnant and have two toddlers? You are a saint :)

The new Dora couch from Uncle Jeff Jeff

A classic scene - Jeff reading and Jason napping. I love that he is caught mid-yawn Addie's New Game

My brother Jeff bought me the pregnant Willow Tree Angel

Playing blocks - notice the post-it note mosaic and Addie's new t-shirt that says "Big Sisters Rock" from Aunt Angie. Reese got one too but she prefers to be in the buff :)

Just before leaving

Christmas!

We had a great time in Atlantic over Christmas. We flew in Christmas day at 9 AM which required us to get out of bed by 3:30 AM to make our 6:00 flight out of Cleveland. Needless to say, I enjoyed a three hour nap that afternoon! We celebrated our Christmas on Friday so we had plenty of days to prepare. We spent plenty of time playing with Addie and Reese, and even celebrated a joint birthday party complete with cake decorating. The girls, as usual, were such a delight - full of funny phrases and lots of pretending. I can't remember what we used to do at my parent's house before they came along! We did manage to play quite a few games with the rest of the family as well. We taught my parents and brother Jeff how to play Settlers of Catan, and Nathan and Shannon taught us a new card game. Not to mention the several games of Scrabble shared by the men of the family - I was never invited to play, sniff sniff!

We arrived back on Sunday night and I promptly decided to get sick - but woke up today feeling much better. Today is a day for catch-up...Jason is currently catching up on his sleep as he snoozes in front of the football game. I am going to get a few hours of work in this afternoon since I didn't work last week and also bake some cookies. Jason's friend Lee is coming over tonight for dinner. We have him over once a week to play Settlers and also so that someone else can appreciate my cooking talents, LOL!

Next week I get to go back to Dubuque! It is a business trip but I'm sure it will be a blast. I can't wait to see everyone.

Addie and Reese in front of the presents - Reese looks like Mom and Addie looks like Dad :)

Addie kissing her baby sister

A present for the Hubbard baby!

Family card games - my brothers are so cheesy

Sweethearts

Not sure what is happening here - perhaps Jeff is trying to dance?

In their dress up clothes - with a little bit of belly showing :)

Helping Grandma

I will probably post a few more photos after I get some from my mom.
One last cute thing: