Lovin' this girl!

What a doll she is!

I know I've mentioned before that the "infant stage" is just not my favorite time, but I have to say that since Cupcake (aka Bubbles) has found her thumb, I am one happy mom!

We were told while I was in labor that she was sucking her thumb. Puzzled, we asked how the nurse could know that. She explained that it was determined from a pattern on the fetal monitor. She said that particular pattern indicated one of three things - either the baby had a very rare disease, she was addicted to drugs or she was sucking her thumb. She ruled out the first two possibilities, and that left us with a thumb-sucker.

Neither Mr. Blue-Eyes nor Boo-Boo sucked their thumbs, so this is a new phenomenon for us. And we love it!

It took Cupcake a few months to remember where her thumbs are located, but now that she's found them again, she is one happy, contented girl. No more crying when it's time for naps or bed. She just pops that thumb in there and sucks herself into sleepy-time!

Apple Rosemary Couscous

This is my favorite couscous recipe and I've decided to share it - because it is just so good! A perfect blend of sweet and savory!

2 T. olive oil
3/4 c. chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 13.75oz can chicken broth
1 t. dried rosemary OR 2 t. fresh rosemary
1/4 t. black pepper
1 c. plain couscous (I like to substitute a box of Pine Nut couscous)
1/3 c. currants or raisins (again, I like to substitute Craisins)
2 medium tart red apples, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, unpeeled

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 2 or 3 minutes, stirring constantly, or until onion is translucent.
Add broth, rosemary and pepper (and couscous seasoning packet, if using); bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook 5 minutes.
Stir in couscous and Craisins; cover and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes.
Fluff couscous lightly with a fork. Gently stir in apples; cover and let stand for 3 minutes.

YUM!!

Nine Years!

Well, tomorrow is our ninth wedding anniversary - wow! It's hard to believe that we've been married that long...but on the other hand, I can hardly remember life without Stephen.

What a blessed nine years it has been! We have lived in 3 different states since getting married. We've been members of 3 different churches. We went through 3 tough years of law school. We survived 3 major surgeries. We've added 3 children to our family. We've lived in 7 different homes, not counting extended stays in my parents' home!

Many changes.

Lots of growing.

Countless blessings.

The Lord has been so good to us in giving us each other. I pray for many more years together, raising our children for God's glory and hope to someday watch our children raise their children for Him.

I love you, Stephen!!