Popcorn, Pancakes, and ALL things Pumpkin!

Last week, we took our first real outing as a family of 5 and headed to "Dean's Farm" in Wilson.  Our mission: to find a good carving pumpkin!  But while there, we enjoyed free popcorn, face painting, and a giant slide!  (Oh, and Savannah had her very first experience in a "port-a-potty" ~ THAT was interesting!) 

Our great day began with popcorn... 

Then, trying to find the perfect pumpkin for carving.

 

This is not the pumpkin we took home....she picked out a bunch!!!

Face painting! 

She told the lady she wanted a "girl" pumpkin after seeing Noah's, so the sweet painter added a pink bow as a final touch! Savannah approved. =)

 Not afraid at all!  She LOVED this slide and repeated this scene over and over...

 I love this red-headed duo...

 ...and this precious bundle! Levi James at 8 days old...  


A couple of days ago, I found a recipe for these delicious pumpkin pancakes.  We've been on a pumpkin kick lately and these did not disappoint.  I've posted the recipe if you want to try them out!  

Pumpkin Pancakes

2 eggs
1 c. milk
1 cup cooked pumpkin (canned)
1 3/4 c. Bisquick
1 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 c. chopped nuts; optional

Mix all ingredients well, and cook on hot griddle until golden brown. 

Yields 2 1/2 dozen 4 inch pancakes.

***I sprinkled powdered sugar on top***

Hope you enjoy!

A is for Appreciation and Acorns

I had to post about this special gift we received from a sweet mom in my "MOPS" group.  She hardly knows us...yet she showed up at our door with a delicious meal and this precious diaper cake which she made!  Might I add she also has 3 young girls!  Lisa, thank you so much.  You brightened our day and I pray God's blessings on you and your sweet family. 

Oh yes, and she brought these fun glow necklaces for Savannah and Noah!  They were beyond thrilled...especially when daddy says, "Let's go in the bathroom where it's dark and watch them glow!!!" So here we ALL go into our teeny bathroom.  So fun!  

Here's a little spontaneity...
Savannah has been  talking a lot about letters and beginning sounds.  It's so cute to hear her say, "puh - puh - puh - puh - PUMPKIN" after we have talked about the sound the letter "P" makes.  Sometimes, she "tries out" other words... For example, she might say, "puh - puh - puh - puh - fork!"  =)  Big mommy smile!  This then takes us to another teachable moment about the sound the "f" makes!  There is something about this foundational knowledge combined with the innocence of a child that excites me!  The joy of watching a child as they learn something new never gets old! 


So, on this particular day last week, Savannah was playing with an acorn.  "Mommy, acorn starts with 'A'! she yelled with such delight.  We had not been outside all day, so she and I headed out  on an "acorn hunt."  She was still in her pj's (had been all day) and was happy to carry a little cup from her play kitchen to collect her acorns.  After collecting, we headed inside and created this....

Quick little craft, but she enjoyed it (anything with glue is ALWAYS a hit with Savannah) and maybe the letter "A" means something more now.  


***We still have the remaining acorns in a little container reserved especially for creative play. =)  

Pumpkin Carving...a first for our family!

Today, we pulled out the big garbage bag, the big spoon, the big green bowl, and the big pumpkin!  What an exciting memory.  Savannah and Noah showed off their new pj's from Mimi and got to sit on the TABLE!  (they were probably more excited about that than carving the pumpkin!)  

 Savannah wasn't too sure about all the slimy stuff... her job was to pick out the seeds and put them in a bowl (for roasting later!!)

 "Let me look, Daddy!"

 Peek A BOO!!!!!

 Our little pumpkin baby!  Love him to pieces.  

 Silly daddy! =)He was our master carver!

 CUTE!! Love this little girl.  

 Noah didn't find it amusing at all!

And glowing brightly tonight on our dining room table is our jack-o-lantern.  Savannah came in from Hallelujah night at church and wanted to look inside to see if we had left any seeds!  She LOVED watching him glow!  

Another great day in our nest...

Home!

Bringing Baby Levi Home

What a smile this welcome brought to our face as we pulled in the drive on Sunday afternoon, October 24th.  My mom and sister came early on Sunday morning to stay with the children while Dolan came to the hospital to bring home Mommy and Levi.  

Together, they helped Savannah and Noah create this precious sign to welcome our newest family member.  

It reads: Welcome Home Levi and Mommy. So sweet!

On Monday night, we gave Levi his first bath.  I love these pictures of him all cleaned up and in daddy's arms.  

Today, I put him in his swing for the first time.  He nestled in and fell fast asleep.  

Levi is doing well.  We will be headed to the doctor in the morning for his first appointment.  We're cherishing these days as they pass too quickly.  Dolan is home for 2 weeks and am I ever so thankful!  3 is quite a change and it is such a blessing to journey through it together.

We're thankful for our family and friends who have shown us so much love in the last few days.  Each of you are a gift and each of you mean so much to us.  If you haven't met him yet, we look forward to introducing you to our newest nest member...Levi James.

For now, good night (because we'll be up again in just a couple of hours!!)  

Celebrating Levi

Savannah and Noah watching daddy set the camera up!  

Noah sees his little brother for the first time and wants so bad to touch him...

Welcome to our little family...Levi!

Our newest blessing arrived today.

Levi James

Our hearts are so full and we are so excited to share our little blessing with you.  Levi was born at 3:03 pm today.  

Weight - 7 lbs 12 oz

Length - 21 inches

Hair color - maybe "auburn" (it looks brown sometimes and red sometimes) =)

Our family celebrated with us.  Savannah was a little overwhelmed with all the excitement.  Noah was the entertainer, so I hear, in the waiting room.  It has been a good day and we are now resting in our quiet room with our little Levi right next to us.  He's sleeping so sweetly and I think I'll complete this post so I can hold him again.

Thank you, Father, for another amazing gift. May we honor you today and always and train Levi to do likewise. You have blessed us beyond measure.  

Baby Watch....continued!

39 weeks...2 days today! 


Doctor's report this morning....4-5 cm!!!!!!!! He's coming!!!!!!!


He was ready to send us on over to the hospital, but we decided to wait until morning....So, our little bundle will either be here tonight or tomorrow! WOW! 


Please continue to keep us in your prayers.