Thanksgiving on My Mind

With Thanksgiving being only 5 weeks away from this Thursday (or 36 days away!), I started thinking about how excited I am about all of my favorite dishes that will be coming my way!! These are some of my FAV things about Thanksgiving day..

1) gotta love sweet potatoes.. especially with marshmallows!!

2) the one time of the year that I will actually eat something pumpkin is on Thanksgiving... and only Thanksgiving! I'm not big on everything pumpkin like most girls around this time of the year, but on Thanksgiving I will eat me a slice.. or two!

3) deviled eggs are one of my favorite things to eat no matter what time of the year it is! I love that someone decided to make these a side dish on Thanksgiving!

4) bread.... do I need to explain this one?? Everyone loves bread... no matter what kind it is!

5) creamed corn casserole is a dish that I actually like to make myself. Super easy to make and tastes so good! My family used to have one regular casserole and one with tiny pieces of jalapeños in them! YUM!

6) green bean casserole is probably my favorite thing about all of the Thanksgiving side dishes out there. I like to make this side myself as well, very easy and makes your house smell great!

Thanksgiving Food by aschleif on Polyvore

Friday Five

ONE

only 6 more weeks until THANKSGIVING!!! WOOHOO!!

TWO

Blaze and I finally under 100 days left mark until Baby Lake decides to enter the world!! 

THREE

My first baby shower is tomorrow!! Being thrown by my wonderful sisiter-in-law Ashley and will have my bestest girl friends there (that can make it)! Ill definitely post pictures of it next week!

FOUR

This week has tested my patience for sure. 4 day work weeks are always the toughest sometimes on teachers. It's been a long, tough week, especially because Blaze has been gone to Arizona for work all week. 

FIVE

Today marks 26 weeks being preggo! Less than 14 weeks to go (hopefully)!! Lake is definitely starting to grow like a weed, literally you can see a huge difference weekly now! 

What to take to the Hospital

So the big task of packing my hospital bag has been on my mind lately. I am thinking of doing it sooner rather than later just in case, because you really never know when babies decided to come into the world!! I did some research on what in the world would be a great idea to pack and here are my for-sure items that I will have!! 

1) My Columbia sweater. You know hospitals can get cold and it will be either December or January so it will definitely be cold outside! Plus, it is just comfy to wear around!

2) Pair of flip flops! Easy to take on and off!

3) Robe. This one explains itself!

4)Yoga pants/leggings! These are already the most comfortable thing to wear pregnant or not pregnant! These would be easy and comfy to wear around (which I will probably be wearing most of the time I have off of work as well!)

5) A good nursing bra! You know this is a smart idea with all of the feedings that will be taking place!

6) My pillow! I am picky about pillows as it is! (I normally take one whenever we travel and stay at hotels too!) Bringing my own will make me more comfortable!

7) Toiletry bag!! This is a MUST have! Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, q-tips, travel shampoo/conditioner, some minimal makeup, etc.!!! 

8) A good towel from home! You never know what type of quality the hospital towels will be!

9) My camera! This is self explanatory! I will be taking tons of pictures for Blaze and I forever so why not start there! :) 

Maternity Bag by aschleif featuring turkish cotton bath towels

Maternity Photos

So trying to find cute outfits for our family photos/maternity photos has been so hard!! Of course I feel like nothing looks good on me when I try it on, so there is that struggle. Then there is Pinterest and TOO many cute outfit ideas to choose from!! I absolutely love fall photos (fall is definitely my favorite time of the year) and I love the outfits that fall brings!! Here are a few of my favorite ones that I have found so far! Luckily our photos are still about 5 weeks away so I have time still to find some outfits!!

maternity shoot by aschleif on Polyvore

Monday Ramblings

So it’s another Monday and luckily we have a staff development day which means no students! It might not be a day off, but if any of you are teachers, you know that staff development days are better than regular days! Though, staff development days mean long trainings that you are forced to sit through where you would rather be in your classroom, with your subject team, making lessons, planning or even grading papers… but hey, what can you do!

October is a crazy month in the Lambert household! The next few weekends will be crazy too!! This past weekend Blaze was gone again on the road out in east Texas/Louisiana. He got back last night and then had to fly out to Arizona today until Thursday. THEN he is in Lubbock this coming weekend. I get to have my first baby shower this Saturday so that will be fun to look forward to! Having most of my favorite ladies in one place again!! It’s crazy how fast this pregnancy is flying by! Next weekend is Brooke’s wedding in Austin! Then it’s already Halloween the weekend after with our second baby shower that Sunday! Our annual family photos/maternity pics will be in November too!!

Lots and lots to do these next couple of months!! Baby Lake’s room is almost done (sort of). Only 100 more days to go (or less) J

44 days until Thanksgiving!

73 days until Christmas!

100 days until BABY LAKE!!

Woohoo! Have a blessed Monday!!

Diaper Bags

Finding the right diaper bag has been a challenge. I have gone back and forth on what brand to look at and what size, type etc. I have found the top ones that are both affordable, being under $200, and seem to be the best fit for whatever your needs may be!

1) Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F Diaper Bag in the Duchess- This has always been my favorite diaper bag style. This one comes in many different styles and patterns, whether you want solid or a pattern. This bag is pretty big as well with lots of room and pouches to organize your items! This bag is normally $180, but if you can find it at a Bed Bath & Beyond, they offer the 20% off coupon, and sometimes Buy Buy Baby & Babys R Us have coupons that you could use on this too!

2) John Hart Diaper Bag- If you know John Hart, you know he makes great quality products!! 100% leather and you can personalize it!! I didn't even know he made diaper bags until Blaze showed me and then I fell in love!! (this is the one we are getting) These are a good size and have plenty of room inside and outside! These retail for $197 without the personalization and $205 if you want it personalized!

3) Columbia Summit Rush Backpack Diaper Bag- This is definitely a favorite for the dad's out there. It's a great brand and it doesn't look too much like a diaper bag at all! I know this is the first one Blaze picked out that he wanted! Has plenty of room and is very affordable at $49!! I originally saw this at Babys R Us!!

4) John Hart Backpack- I LOVE this as a diaper bag or even just as an overnight bag to grandma & grandpa's house! This is another great option for the guys to want to carry because it doesn't look too girly! This backpack is $141 without personalizing and $149 if you want their initials/name on there! 100% leather and these are very durable!!

Diaper Bags by aschleif on Polyvore

Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F. Diaper Bag in The Duchess

bedbathandbeyond.com

Md Backpack 45.jpg (290×290)

jonhartdesign.com

Navy-Diaper-Bag-505.jpg (720×720)

jonhartdesign.com

Columbia-Summit-Rush-Backpack-Diaper--pTRU1-18217662dt.jpg (500×500)

toysrus.com

What to Wear??

So my first baby shower is two weekends from now and I have NO clue what to wear.  It's being thrown by my sister in law and step mom with all my friends/family lady friends! I figured I needed to find a dress that I could wear that would look somewhat flattering on me. ( I feel as though no dress looks good on me at this point HA! ) I found a few that I really liked but am not sure which one I favor the most! They are all flowy so they seem like they would be comfy to wear!! The second baby shower will be more laid back so I'll dress differently but what do yall think!?

Have a GREAT Monday!! :) 

baby shower by aschleif featuring a maxi dress

Welcome Back!!

Its been OVER SIX MONTHS since I have posted last. I am finally bringing it back!! Woohoo!

A TON has changed over the past six months as well, it's crazy!

For starters, I'M PREGNANT! (Shocker for those who don't know) 

I will be 23 weeks this Friday and couldn't be more excited. 

Blaze and I were in the middle of our adoption and found out in May! So now our adoption had to be put on hold for a year (per the adoption agency's requirement). We are so excited that God has given us this gift! Little baby Lake is due January 22! 

It's funny because I have those friends who said 'omg I just LOVE being pregnant, I'm sure you will too'.... HA! While I am extremely blessed to be pregnant, I could never imagine saying that I love, much less enjoy being pregnant. You moms out there know what I'm talking about! It might be because I started out so tiny and can just feel every stretch and pull of my muscles, but good grief! At least I read a ton to prepare myself of what to expect! I feel for those girls who go into pregnancy thinking it will be great and pleasant... my tip is BE PREPARED! HA! Especially for hormones! Even Blaze wonders who I am some days.. it is kind of funny.

Another change is that I am back teaching high school again! Thank goodness because middle school is a beat down! I praise those women who A) actually like it & B) who have taught it for 10+ years. It's true when they say it's harder to go down in age & easier to go up in age for sure. 

Weekend Update

Today we are going to our adoption orientation with what will hopefully be our agency! Blaze and I are super excited, nervous, anxious etc. Please please say a little prayer for us that everything goes smoothly and works out like we are wanting! The more and more people come up to us and ask about adoption, the more we get excited thinking about it! We are hoping that the 'thinking' will turn into it actually happening soon!! :) I will tell you though, everyone that we know of that has actually gone through the adoption process has told us how hard and trying it will be and how emotionally and physically draining it can be. They are definitely telling the truth. I overheard Blaze on the phone the other day with one of his buddies who had asked about how everything was going and Blaze was just telling him how no one can really prepare you for how stressful and emotional this whole process is, but Blaze made a great point by saying that in the end, it will all be worth it! I hope that we can look back someday at these types of posts and just remember that everything we are going through right now wont even matter then. That we will be willing to go through this time and time again just to have our beautiful babies! :) I can't imagine what being pregnant and expecting that way is, but I will say that this is just as an exciting and nerve wrecking experience as that I'm sure! 

I found two quotes on adoption that I think are very fitting! I have seen and experienced biological families that love each other and then those who don't. The latter breaks my heart but just because someone isn't 'blood' doesn't mean you cant love them just as much or more! 

Here are a few pictures from my weekend as well. Blaze was out of town for work so that means I was with the animals by myself haha 

xoxo

Check out this Link Up for Monday

It's Friday

HECK YES!! It is FINALLY Friday! I don't know about yall, but this week has felt forever long with benchmark testing Tuesday and Wednesday for our kiddos! And to think, we have benchmark testing again next Tuesday and Wednesday!



O N E

We have four more weeks until Spring Break! I know you fellow teachers out there are keeping track! My students and I have a countdown of how many school days are left up on the board in my classroom! Hurry up March!!



T W O

Blaze and I have our adoption meeting on Monday with a certain agency!! We are praying that everything goes smoothly with them and they are the one we are supposed to go through! This whole process so far has been so stressful and it will be nice once we know what direction we are going agency wise!!



T H R E E 

Our t-shirt fundraiser is in MAJOR need of help! It closes next week and we still need a ton more shirts before they will make them and ship them out! if we dont meet our goal, we will have to start over! So go take a look!!

https://www.bonfirefunds.com/adoption-t-shirt-1

http://www.gofundme.com/Babylambert



F O U R 

Blaze went out of town yesterday to Houston for the weekend (it is baseball season yall). So I got to see my parents last night and we got dinner! It is always nice to go see them when I can (aka, when I have any free time lately).



F I V E

Our home renovations are slooowly coming along! I really am hoping to post before and after pictures soon!! I am trying to finish the kitchen cabinets and want to hang stuff up on the walls this weekend as well! It is starting to look nice! Woohoo!



TGIF ya'll!! Have a great weekend, especially with the nice weather coming our way!

Truthful Tuesday

I had sat down to write this post many many times before and eventually wrote it down but kept it for just me. I figured with sharing our story of becoming parents, that sharing this would give more insight into our life (or at least my side of the story). People who don't actually experience difficulties with fertility will never be able to understand but for those who are like me in some ways, I hope that while being able to relate to what I wrote, it will give you some hope that you definitely are not alone on this stressful and trying journey.

"Some days are easier than others for sure. Some days I find myself in great spirits, my husband is amazing, everything is going great around us. I go throughout the day in such a great, loving, happy mood.

Then there are the days that I read or see that the teenager is pregnant, kids are being raised by the aunt or uncle or grandmother, and the mom that didn't mean to get pregnant or doesn't want to be bothered by raising a baby and aborts.

Those my friends, are the days that upset me the most. Those are the days that I want to put my head down and cry. Those are the days that I find myself asking "Why God? Why does SHE get babies? Why her and not me?"

Those days I find myself being in the worst place, I find myself getting jealous and angry. The thoughts that go through my head and control my attitude towards everything. Why does the girl who misuses your gift get it? Why does the one who would treasure it, not? What part of any of this makes sense in your All-Knowing mind? It saddens me to get upset at things that I have no control over. To let it control me into such thoughts and feelings. I just can't stop asking the questions "What about me God?"

And the phrase brings to mind another person who spoke similar words--Peter. Peter a lot of the times was short tempered and rash. He probably questioned God all the time about his all-knowing mind, especially when God told him about the death that was upon him. A death that Peter would stretch out his hands and be led where he did not want to go. And afterwards, Peter saw another disciple-- the one that Jesus loved-- and he asked, "What about him??" Jesus then said to Peter, "Whats that to you? You must follow me"

When reminding myself of such stories, my heart slows to anger. Peter got his answer that day and so did I. Jesus answers all of us. 'Why does she get babies" "Whats that to you? You must follow me."

Every day, I need to wake up, take up my cross, and serve Him. Give all the glory and honor to God and everything He has blessed me with. What is it to me who received the gift of a child? It isn't my call or my business as to why or why not. 

I am a girl who loves God and wants to serve him every day of my life. And so far... I cannot bear a child. I've been asked to give up and give up and give up but when I stop and question, Jesus answers every time. "Whats that to you? You follow me."

My business is simply to just Follow Him.

And friends, your questions, Jesus answers as well.

Why does she get a husband who will actually work at their marriage? Why does she have a husband that is faithful? Why does she get a husband at all?

Why does she/he get a job that they love? Why does she get to stay home? Why does she have extra spending money? Why does she get to have a nicer house?

Why does she have a mother who cares? Why does she get a relationship with her family that is healthy?

Why...why...why...

Just remember what Jesus will say.... "Whats that to you? You follow ME."

www.youcaring.com/babylambert

Talk about it Tuesday

I swear I am going to get back into the swing of things with this blogging thing again!! Lots of things have been going on lately in the Lambert household! School started back up for the spring semester last week and thankfully we get a 3 day weekend this coming weekend! #AMEN  Students always come back very chatty and unfocused from the Christmas break.. and add on that I am teaching 7th graders this year.. yeah I know I'm crazy! Also, starting next week my grad school classes start up again! Taking 3 classes this semester! I am hoping to be done this December! All while this is going on, we are undergoing infertility tests AND trying to adopt a baby or babies! Oh and I forgot, we are ALMOST done finishing the house! 

I know, I'm crazy. Lots on our plate for sure but we Lambert's wouldn't have it any other way! Im planning on uploading tons of before and after photos of the house once we get more furniture set up and it looking super pretty! Buying a foreclosed home is a ton of work but definitely worth the price cut for the home we got! 

We have also submitted a few applications to different adoption agencies lately and I have to fill out two more as well! Prayers would be greatly appreciated right now as we are trying to get everything together for the case that we do get chosen- both financially and with our home!

Wedding Wednesday is tomorrow and I definitely plan on showing some of our wedding photos!