Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Our computer power cord has failed us, therefore we are without Internet - or even the computer for that matter. Therefore, we're going crazy. How insane is it that we depend on this little machine?

At least I have this crazy girl, who happens to be my sister, to keep me company - and make me laugh until it hurts.

Heather Dowling at 8:38 AM

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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

http://www.cornerstonecfchurch.com/

This is what we've been up to lately. This, and the preparation of an awesome sister of mine arriving Saturday for the entire summer. More on that later, though. For now, check the link out and come hang out with us!

Heather Dowling at 3:45 PM

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Sunday, June 15, 2008

9 months old


Our little 'bean' turned 9 months old today. Father's Day. Her Daddy's first one, that is. As her Daddy smiled big and proud smiles at each "big-girl" accomplishment over the weekend, I couldn't help but notice just how big this little lady has gotten.
*She adores the lake (pictures eventually) and exclaims "YAY!" each time her Daddy swims at her.
*She scooches (yep, no crawling yet) to grasp things out of her reach.
*She absolutely loves books. She sits through each one read to her and even sits by herself trying to flip through pages, looking at pictures. (Sometimes you'll even catch her blabbering on like she's reading aloud.)
*She actually uses those adorable two teeth to eat at mealtimes. So cute!
*She sings to me. Or at least makes many attempts to.
*She'll sit and play happily all on her own, for long periods of time, while I'm busy around the house.
*She holds me and hugs me tight (and often gives big kisses) when she wakes up or just wants some cuddle-time.
*She blesses me every single day, already, and she doesn't even know it.
On a completely different note - R.Jay loved the personalized photo-card I made for him from Annabelle at snapfish.com for Father's Day. It turned out amazing and costs less (with shipping) than buying a fancy card at the store. So that's my plug for snapfish. Check it out! We love it.

Heather Dowling at 9:08 PM

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Thursday, June 12, 2008

shout-out


Happy Birthday to the greatest guy I know!

Heather Dowling at 3:57 PM

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Monday, June 09, 2008

just words

I feel like I'm literally dragging myself around this house today. Is it really that muggy? Or could it be how summer hits us like a wall of busyness. I hate that. Wouldn't it be nice if we could press pause. Just for a few days. To enjoy our big backyard and beautiful nearby lakes and rivers. I'm determined to take a week, sometime this summer, and just be us. The Dowlings. Doing nothing but being a little family of three. That sounds nice.

My baby girl looks bigger today. Maybe its the sock-less feet and exposed chubby thighs now that she can finally show off her adorable summer wardrobe. Then again, maybe I'm denying that she's almost 9 months old. She sleeps in her own room all night now. In her own big crib. That's pretty much getting bigger, now, isn't it?

I officially enjoy summer. Well, so far anyway. For years I spent my summer complaining and cooped up in cooler rooms. Now? I'm aching for beaches, and playgrounds, and outdoor warm fun. Its also pretty official that I'm not quite the winter-girl I thought I was. This winter was, well, annoying. Dragging a car seat around in the snow, bundling up a tiny girl, and having to depend on (not so dependable) weather reports to dictate our outgoings. Ugh. What's going on with me?

My new upstairs carpeting is just awesome. AWESOME. Slowly, this house I thought I'd never set foot in again is becoming an adorable home. A home that I, truly, enjoy spending the majority of my life in.

Final thoughts. I visited with my sister - in person - the last couple days. Somehow, each time I get to just sit and chat with her, I feel a bit closer to God. A bit more solid in my role (and high calling!) as wife and mom, and a bit more like life somehow makes sense today. I love sisters. Especially mine.
Speaking of sisters. Another one is coming to visit in just a couple of weeks - for almost two months! How great is that?

Heather Dowling at 1:16 PM

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Monday, June 02, 2008

ramble, ramble

Ah ha! Can you imagine? If I stop running to Annabelle's side throughout the night each time she fusses only to hold her hand, so she can drift back to sleep...she will go back to sleep on her own. Imagine!

After losing way too much sleep doing the whole rub-her-hand-so-she'll-drift-back-to-sleep deal, my baby learned (after crying for 45 minutes straight) that I wouldn't be returning to her room and so, she just drifted back to sleep on her own. Now, Annabelle is finally on a nighttime routine, falling asleep each night at 8:30pm and not waking up until 7:30 in the morning. Nice. Now, if only she would somehow learn this for nap times. Hmm.

The gas prices are absolutely irritating. We stick close to home these days and stick to the basics while grocery shopping. Although, I'm finding that I need new, fresh recipe ideas. Each time I find a new recipe to try, it seems I'm missing some little ingredient in my cupboard. Does anyone have a list or maybe even your own ideas on some of the core ingredients we should keep in our cupboards for most meals or even creative ones?

And just for the fun of it... here's the comparison of how much my life has changed from Mother's Day 2007 to Mother's Day 2008. I love her so much.


Hmm...that pregnant picture makes me want to do it all over again. That picture with her makes me want to do it even more. Aren't babies the greatest?

Heather Dowling at 4:20 PM

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