Getting Ready!

This past weekend we worked in the baby's room to get everything put together. I snapped this classic shot of Mike putting the crib together. Doesn't everyone have one of these pictures? I can't wait to take one of him putting a doll house together at 2:00 in the morning on Christmas Eve in 4 years! I'm dying to show you more pictures of the nursery, but want to wait until everything is done. New carpet is being laid next week!

A few months ago, I won a giveaway hosted by Carolina Mama through Claire and Me on Etsy. This is what I received! The little onsie is so cute and I can't wait to put it on her!

Mike coaches Bowling during the winter at the high school where he teaches (you can laugh, I know). Anyway, he loves spending the extra time with the kids and the girls team gave him a sweet gift at the end of the season. They made sure to get them in a bigger size so that she will be able to wear them for next season. Too cute! And so thoughtful!

Some special people in my life are coming in tomorrow for the weekend and I can't wait to see them! Plus...one of them will be celebrating her 18th birthday while she is here!!!!!

Lunch with a friend

A few weeks ago, I met Monica, a blog friend, who I now know in real life. Yesterday, she and her son, Seth, came for lunch.

I made Toscana Soup, a hearty Italian soup--it was yummy (and somewhat spicy).

And some panninis...mmm...good! I love my pannini maker (Thanks Mom!)

You just can't beat a Monday afternoon lunch with a friend!

Toscana Soup

12 links spicy sausage (I used ground sausage)

1 T vegetable oil

3/4 cup diced onion

1 1/4 teaspoons minced garlic

2 T chicken broth

4 cups water (I substituted additional broth for this)

2 potatoes, halved and sliced

2 cups sliced kale

1/3 cup heavy cream

Cook sausage according to directions. If using links, cut into 1/2 inch slices when cooked.

Heat oil and saute onions until translucent, add garlic and cook 1 minute.

Stir in broth, water (or broth) and potatoes, simmer 15 minutes or until potatoes are done.

Reduce heat to low and add sausage, kale and cream. Simmer until heated through.

(I added more broth and cream so that it would be a more "soupy" as opposed to "stewy")

Have a good Tuesday--it's raining here so I think I will curl up and enjoy some leftover soup!

Titus 2

I recently found a new site At the Well...In Pursuit of Titus 2. I would encourage you to check it out (see my sidebar for the button). They will be launching their ministry the beginning of February and have some giveaways to go along with the celebration.

I am excited about what will be offered through the teachings and writings that will be shared through this new blog; from biblical teaching to sharing recipes. Their goal is to established a community of women "via the blog world" at the well. Check it out!

The Picture of a Man

As I was straightening up the bedroom this morning after Mike left for work, I was struck by what was on his nightstand. This is where he begins and ends his day and these books represent who he is as a man.


The Bible, his source of strength and truth.


Babywise, We are both reading several books on parenting and he is working through this one.


The Reason for God, this is written by the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC. Mike really enjoys apologetics and this book was recommended by a pastor he listens to from TX (Matt Chandler at the Village Church) for Christians to read to be able to stand on firm ground when talking to skeptics of the faith.


Halley's Bible Handbook, I bought this for him for our anniversary this year. He has really enjoyed it as a resource, especially since we just started studying Revelation at church.


Handyman and Backpacker magazines, these are his two favorite hobbies. He is either building something or planning a camping trip.


Aesop's Fables, I bought this book for Mike when I found out I was pregnant with the twins in '07. It is one of his favorite books from growing up and he is planning on reading it to the sweet little girl who will be here soon!


Not only do these books represent who he is as a man, but who he is as a follower of Christ, the spiritual leader in our family and the father he is and the father he is going to become again. He is also a hard worker and a hard player.


Off to the side there you will see his headlamp that he uses when we go backpacking. Being the sweet man that he is, when he gets up in the morning and I'm still sleepy, he puts the lamp on so that he doesn't have to turn the bright light on and wake me up.


I am so thankful for Mike and that just by looking at his nightstand, you can catch a glimpse of his priorities, his love and his character.

A BABY!

Gotcha!!!!

This weekend, Mike and I traveled to Atlanta to visit his cousin Casey and his wife Ashley. They welcomed their first child into the world on Thursday night. Colten Seth weighed 8.5 pounds and is quite possibly one of the cutest things I have ever seen.

Mike and I couldn't get enough of him! When Ashley was discharged from the hospital, you would have thought we were the ones taking the baby home. We listened intently to the discharge nurse and asked questions along with the new parents. We can't wait until our little girl gets here!

I went to the doctor yesterday and everything looks great. I am going to the doctor every 2 weeks now so it makes the time go by a little faster. I am measuring a week ahead of schedule, but my due date is still March 31. Mike was a 10 pounder so I am hoping that she slows down in her growth and I don't end up delivering a toddler.

Her room is almost done, we are painting the last pieces of furniture and will be getting new carpet installed before she arrives the end of March. I can't wait to show you the finished room!

Many of you have asked about her name.... (I) still haven't decided but I think we are getting closer. Mike continues to call her "no name baby" so the pressure is on!

I'm a Happy Mom (to be!)

Life as a Mom is hosting a fun giveaway! These fun shirts (and other stuff too) are at PeaceLoveMom. I remember watching Jon and Kate Plus 8 one night and seeing Kate wearing one of these shirts and thought it was so cute!

By the way; the results of the poll are in....Elizabeth "Ellie" Grace won by a landslide with 26 votes. Anna Grace came in with 7. Thanks for sharing your opinions!

I have a real life blog friend!

This past Sunday, Mike and I met Monica and her husband Jim. Monica is a fellow Ohioan, northerner and Yankee! We met through blogging and when I found out that they were going to be moving to Nashville, I was so excited! We had just recently moved north of the city and Monica shared that she was going to be moving north of the city so I knew we just had to meet. Our world continued to get smaller when I found out that she was friends with someone I went to college with.

I took the camera with me on Sunday but totally forgot to take a picture. Next time I promise.

We went for lunch after church and Mike and I felt welcomed immediately! We enjoyed steak, some yummy potatoes, salad and Christy's infamous Cranberry Bog! While the boys watched football, Monica and I had the chance to sit and talk. You know how when you sit with a friend and you just "connect?" You have similar experiences, similar loves, similar desires? That is the way it was with her and I can't wait to spend some more time with her. Their son, Seth, is as cute as he can be too!

Here's to new friends and here's to you Monica!!!

On another note, I wanted to share some more pictures of what my mom made me for Christmas this year. Can I just tell you...the woman is talented!

This one is my favorite. It has bunnies on it for Easter!

She also made some napkins!

Here's to you Mom!! I'm loving my towels and napkins!

A Poll

Do you ever have problems making decisions or are you one of those people that knows exactly what you want?

I am not necessarily known for my decision making skills; I tend to go with the flow and be indecisive or if I have something stuck in my mind that I know I want, I'll stick to my guns and not change my mind.

Because of this, we have come to a crossroad. Naming our baby girl. Mike likes one name, I like the other. So, we need a third opinion on what others think. We have both said that we might need to meet her before we make the final decision, but in the mean time (84 days!) we wanted to do a poll on what the readers of Nesting in Pleasant View think.

I won't tell you who likes what name....

1. Elizabeth "Ellie" Grace
2. Anna Grace

What do you think? Share your opinion in your comment.

We have only 2 stipulations for the name; we want it to be a "double name" and we would like for it to be traditional. We feel like we have exhausted every name in every single baby book, but if you have any other suggestions, please pass them along!

Please don't think less of me...

Okay, so I'm addicted.



Can anyone else out there sympathize with me? The countdown began when we started seeing previews for the new season of "The Bachelor" back in December. I won't tell you that my husband got so emotionally involved with last season that he swore off any future episodes. I also won't tell you that last night when I told him it was starting, he looked at me and said that all he wanted to do was spend time with me and if that meant watching the show, than that was okay (yeah right!). Another thing I won't tell you that this past summer when my niece was visiting, there was a 2 day marathon of past seasons on and that we didn't even make it out of our pajamas.

I got a call during one of the commercial breaks from my sister and niece to talk about the lovely ladies ABC have decided are a perfect match for him. I didn't realize salsa dancing and Bubba teeth were the way to impress a man; evidently it is because they both were offered a rose at the end of the night.

I sure hope he finds true love this time...after all, it is reality TV and everything that happens is for real and lasts forever :)

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

It's Done!

When we returned from Christmas in Ohio, we had one goal. Finish the bathroom before Mike went back to work on the 5th. I am happy to say that when we have guests over, they now can use a bathroom that doesn't take them back to 1994 with the turquoise faux painting.

This is before...

This is after!!!!!!

My mom, the master of fabrics, made these curtains for me. They are perfect!

This is the amazing tile job Mike did--he did the shower and the floors

For a Christmas present, my mom embroidered these towels for our bathroom.

The cabinet looks 100% better now that it is painted!

While I was in Ohio, my mom got a hold of the shower curtain and added a little bit of embellishment to it to tie it into the curtains. She added the plaid fabric around the "C."

After we got done we both said we wanted to sleep in the bathroom because we liked it so much!

Guess what we are working on now? I'll give you a hint..."Lightly Lilac!"