Week 29: Butternut Squash (weightwise, 2 1/2 lbs.)

A Name for Baby

Finally, a baby name decision has been made. Most of our family and friends know the first name will be Asher (But we are planning on spelling it Ashyr. This is my hubby's idea which he LOVES, so it's a done deal). It was so easy to pick the first name. We instantly agreed upon Ashyr long before we were expecting. But the middle name is a different story. Instead of searching through baby name websites any longer (which felt too overwhelming), we decided we needed a system to use to narrow it down. We came up with this: We will use simple Bible names for middle names when it's a boy, and simple names from nature when it's a girl (Dawn, Rose, etc). This will compliment the more unique first names we chose. Since this one is a boy, the Bible name we are going with is Jacob. I was listing off Bible names while Grant gave his opinion the other day. When I said Jacob we both paused, looked at each other, and immediately knew it was the one. Ashyr Jacob Yost...I can't wait to meet him. :)

Christmas Cracker Candy

This Christmas, Grant decided we should start some holiday food traditions that we can continue every year, and eventually with our children. I LOVED that part of Christmas growing up-associating certain foods with the holiday. So, I was more than happy to whip up some tasty treats even though it is just the two of us to enjoy them for now. Last night I was up late getting groceries (last minute of course) and cooking. I decided to use many of the yummy recipes my mom made for us growing up. So far, I have successfully made my first cheese ball, garlic oyster crackers, sausage and cheese balls, confetti dip, frosted sugar cookies, and chocolate toffee bars (aka Cracker Candy). I have never had the Cracker Candy before, but when I stumbled upon the recipe, it easily caught my eye-only 5 ingredints and no candy thermometer!

Ingredients:

Saltine crackers
1 stick butter
1 cup brown sugar
12 oz chocolate chips
Pecans or Heath toffee chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line 9 x 13 casserole dish with saltines, salted side down.



3. In saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar. Bring to boil.

4. Quickly pour and smooth over crackers before it cools.

5. Bake for 10 minutes until bubbly or golden brown.

6. Remove from oven and pour chocolate chips on top. Let set 3 minutes, then smooth melted chocolate over the crackers.

7. Top with Heath chips or pecans.

8. Freeze or refrigerate for at least 2 hours

9. Break apart, serve, and try not to get addicted.

Two Down, One to Go!

I remember when we found out we were expecting back in June, that the 3rd trimester seemed ages away. But here it is, the home stretch! I gladly welcome it. The 2nd trimester was pretty nice (other than fatigue, aches, and pains). I have enjoyed feeling the baby kick a lot, no morning sickness, and a bump to sport without looking like a barn (yet).

So, what's with the Chinese cabbage? Apparently, that's how big the baby is at week 28! Each week I look up information about the week I am currently in. One website I use compares the baby's growth to a vegetable/fruit week by week. When I go to the store, I waddle my way over to the produce section for a visual. I just stare at it wondering how on earth that thing fits inside of me. I am a little concerned about week 39's picture-it's a mini watermelon! Thank you, Jen, for the tummy cream!

On Thanksgiving, my grandma gave me an antique cookie press and cutters. I used it for the first time yesterday to take cookies to a Christmas party. After 4 hours of working on them, I thought they deserved a picture. Nothing fancy, but they were SO good-I won't say how many I ate. Thanks Mom for the recipe :)

Singing the Scriptures

Recently Grant and I made a goal to listen only to music that is set to scripture while we're driving in the car. We are finding it is a great way to memorize portions of the Bible. It is also the perfect way to have scripture running through your head during the day. Our church does an excellent job of teaching the children verses set to songs. We thought it would be just as good for us too, and have already learned quite a few passages from all parts of the Bible using this method. We have another goal of writing some music on the piano and guitar together that is set to scripture, so we can then teach our family someday.

I highly recommend coming up with just a simple tune (or any tune you already know) and put some verses to it. It is super easy and totally worth it.

The song below is currently our favorite song (we hit replay constantly). It is directly from Micah 7:1-9.

Hope you enjoy :)

25 Weeks

Here I am at 25 weeks. He is getting bigger all the time and kicking up a storm (I'm loving that part!). I have also come to the point where finding something to wear is no fun at all.

Grant and I just completed a full day of very informative birthing classes. One was about labor and delivery and one was for water birth which is the route we are choosing to take. I am so glad we went, because it helped relieve some of the scary unknowns about giving birth. It is hard for me to believe that I will actually be going through it in just 3 months! Until then, I have much to prepare myself for both mentally and physically. I think even spiritually in that I must purpose it in my heart to trust God no matter what happens-good or bad. Grant has been a big help to me in all these areas, so I know I will be ready when the day finally comes.