you gotta get this

Remember Russ who designed those amazing Christmas cards? Well, he is also a very talented musician. We are blessed to have him as our worship leader at church and blessed to call he, his wife Katie + their little man Eliot friends.

Russ just came out with a new worship EP available for download. Not only is it just really dang good music, but it supports their family in their latest journey; adopting a little baby boy this spring. So..go go go! Click here to hear it and download it.



Hymns & Spiritual Songs is a worship EP comprised of 3 original tracks and 2 hymns by Fundamental Elements front-man and City Church director of worship arts, Russ Mohr. Russ collaborated with band-mate and close friend Luke DeJaynes, who engineered and mixed the project. All instruments were performed by Russ and Luke. Recorded at the Groove Kitchen in Greenville, IL.

This EP was recorded as a fund-raising effort to help the Mohr family offset the expenses of adopting a baby boy in Spring, 2011. It is our hope and prayer that the music recorded on this album is a blessing to you and your family, just as your purchase of this record has been a blessing to ours.

Thanks so much for supporting our endeavor and our art. Enjoy!

the daddy daughter dance

He saw an advertisement about the daddy daughter dance and decided without prompting to take her. He asked and she said yes. They both got dressed up in their dancing outfits. She wanted to wear her Cinderella dress, but we compromised on a different one. He bought her neon pink and green flowers for their date and she loved them. He bought me some non-neon flowers and I loved them.

I snapped a few photos before they left. Having her leg up like that was her idea and it worries me a bit, but its funny.



She also insisted on getting a picture of them practicing a dip. Too cute.



Shane sent me a text later that said "Marlie just came out of her shell on the dance floor when Party in the USA came on." That's my girl. She has some moves.

I stayed home and read a book in the bathtub. It was so nice. I love those two.

Dear Marlie

Dear Marlie,

Today I saw our rain boots lined up next each other and I teared up a little. I know that I am a little emotional these days, but it just got me thinking about me and you.



I am really excited about your little brother who is coming so soon. But I must admit Monkey Pants, that I am a little sad that the days of just me and you are coming to an end.



With Daddy at school and work over the last 4 years, we've spent a whole lot of time together, just the two of us. And I've loved it. You are my little side kick. My favorite munchkin. My sweet girl.



I know you will be a great big sister. I know we will have some hard days getting used to this big change. I also know we will work it out and be just fine.

Thanks for scratching my itchy belly and letting me sleep a little longer in the mornings. Also, thank you for not liking peanut butter so I can keep all of my Girl Scout Cookies to myself. Thanks for everything. I love you to pieces. - Mommy

Lily Bean is 1

My friend Beth makes some really stinkin cute kids. If you've been reading my blog for a while then you know that Mr. Nug is adorable. I haven't posted as many pics of his little sister Lily. What can I say? The second born always gets the short end of the stick. Well, she turned one recently and came over for a little photo shoot.

Oh that little face!







And of course we had to celebrate with some cake.



Happy b-day Lily. You are one adorable little lady!

favorite drawing

I think this is my favorite picture Marlie has ever drawn. It makes me giggle. She tells me it is her uncle Brett. His nose is actually not big at all and he is pretty smiley in real life.

wrapping up work

Five or so months ago I wrote out a list in my office of all the work related projects that had to be completed before the baby arrived. I'm a visual person you know. I had to have something to look at...things to cross off. It was a long list folks. I wasn't sure it would really all get done. But one by one I've crossed things off and all be darned if I'm not almost totally finished with some time to spare...or sleep.



I've had my last photo shoots before my maternity leave with a few adorable little girls. Here are some of my favorite shots...

Tiny miss Anneka....





Little miss Lauren...





Sweet little Lucy...





Not only do I feel pretty good about getting work accomplished, but this past weekend two of my besties came over and spent the day helping me get the baby's room ready. Clothes are folded and put away and there is even a crib to put this child in. Hallelujah! Pictures coming soon after I finish some decorating.

They even spoiled me with some frozen meals for these last few weeks, some awesome jammies for the hospital, and took me out to my favorite restaurant for dinner. Thanks Amy and Beth! Seriously, what would I do without you?



To top it all off, it has been amazingly warm here this week. The ice is finally melting and Marlie and I have been on two walks in two days. I know it will probably get cold again before it stays warm, but I'm enjoying it while it lasts. I bought a bunch of red tulips yesterday just because it means spring is so close! Tomorrow...a visit to the zoo perhaps?

snowy days

Oh my word. This winter has been full of snow...and ice...and a wintery mix. Sometimes its nice being stuck inside. I get a warm fuzzy feeling when I look out the window and see all of the snow. I have thoughts of pajama pants, pancakes, hot chocolate, and naps. But then I remember that I have a 3 1/2 year old who is entertained with those things for approximately 5 minutes. So, we've had to be pretty creative with our time around here lately...

cookie making...



Lots of book time...



Bath time in the middle of the day...



Turning a big box in to a an ice cream store. Marlie named it "Coldies".



And of course lots of playdough, more "Pretty Pretty Princess" than I can handle, and we're gonna need some new puzzles since Marlie can do all of ours with her eyes closed by now.



They are predicting a little more snow this week and I'm just praying they are wrong. Spring, you can't come soon enough.