Emma Update

10 days until Emma's due date!  As of 3 days ago I am 1 cm dilated.  I was going to try and work until this Friday but have decided to wrap things up at school this Wednesday.  I still get around pretty decently, but it's hard to concentrate, be patient, & remember things...so 3 more days of work for me.  Within the last 2 weeks I found a long-term substitute-talk about cutting it close.  My next appointment is Thursday & I have a feeling I will be even more dilated.  I am feeling she may come before the 12th, but we will see.  James and I are beyond excited.  We have everything as ready as we can for now.  On a different note-please check out the post below as well. 

Christmas Shopping for a Good Cause

While Christmas shopping please consider checking out the websites below.  One of my closest friends of the last 10 years or so sent me this e-mail recently about her Mom needing an assistance dog.  All money raised goes to help buy the dog.  Thank you!

"I am spreading the word about a jewelry website that my mother has created. You should all know that I am not one for sending spam, junk mail, or even a facebook post! but this is more than just another jewelry website. I will make this a very short story…I swear! Over the years my mother has been loosing muscle mass at an alarming rate due to an incurable and rare disease, Inclusion Body Myositis. The house has been altered over the years so that she can still get around in her wheelchair but things such as pulling a shirt over her head or pulling a jacket off is painful and sometimes impossible without assistance. She has found a dog program that can match her with an assistance dog that can shut doors and turn lights off but also is hypoallergenic. She is absolutely ecstatic about this discovery (as she is very allergic to dogs) and ready for the next step. That is where the jewelry comes in! Insurance will not cover any part of the dog costs. Especially a hypoallergenic dog. The cost comes to 6,500 when all is said and done. SO, we are rallying the troops!

All money raised from her jewelry sales go directly to the dog fund. I know that not everyone wants jewelry or even can afford it but maybe you know somebody who would and you could forward the message along? It would mean a lot to me and my family. There are also painting available or cards etc." The paintings website is http://www.creativefacetsbyma.com/
and the jewelry is http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreativeFacets

Tucson Baby Shower

It's A Small World board books from Mom

Sarah, friend since 7th grade

Abby & Amber

Mom

Iva, friend since 7th grade

Craft-Making Emma a wish book

I met these lovely ladies at the school I was at last year.  The little girl is the sister of a boy I had in my kindergarten class. 

In the middle is Tricia's sweet friend Laura.  She helped plan Tricia's baby shower.

Teri holding my friend's baby Dennis

Notice how he has 2 phones going at the same time

Cute California girl outfit from my friend Erin in Santa Cruz

Dennis and Zoe-Dennis isn't so sure about her!

Emma's Room-now with furniture! Yay!

I have been very busy washing and drying all of Emma's clothes and blankies.  You can tell this was a laundry day. :]

Finishing touches on Emma's Room

The blocks are officially on the wall!  I love them!

James building the dresser.

Abby turns 6

Here is Abby at her 6th birthday party.  She scored lots of great presents, including these pajamas and Hulk hands.

Everyone dressed up for Abby's Halloween party.  I made these shirts for James and I.  I was all about being comfortable & these were perfect.

House Photos

Kitchen View 1

Kitchen View 2-door to left is storage under stairs. 

Our attempt at gardening-we are trying lettuce, beets, carrots, squash, and bell peppers.  I also put in some pre-grown rosemary & basil.  Things are sprouting!  Our weather is still in the high 80's here!