Busy Times Ahead....

Ahhh!!! We have a busy two weeks ahead of us. Gearing up for the big move (yes.. I know we are only moving four blocks away but we still have a LOT of stuff to pack!) Packing, and completing last minute mortgage paperwork, and shopping for a new washer/dryer/couch etc.. Plus--- this Tuesday morning I have my 20 week doctor's appointment and we will get to see how our little nugget is growing and also (hopefully) find out if we are having a boy or girl. So don't forget to vote on my little poll located on the side of the blog -----------> I think I'm still pretty sure it's a boy. I definitely feel fully pregnant now. Gaining weight, morning and evening nausea, and on Monday-- I felt the first little flutters of the baby moving. Suddenly, it is all feeling very real :)

Today, the whole Leppin family went to the apple farm. Me, Jason, Belly and little "Toodles" as Isabel has so cleverly nicknamed her new baby brother/sister. This year we were much smarter and left EARLY in the morning. We got there by 8:30 am and had the entire place to our selves. The apples were delish (we even got Honey Crisp my fave) but the apple doughnuts and cheese popcorn were even better. (Seriously.. I have no self-control during this pregnancy. I am either feeling completely sick or totally starving) Bel was an expert apple picker and even though she has been feeling sick this week -- she was a good sport. Enjoy the pics!

Hey.... save ME a doughnut Belly!!

Nothing that a little "family" and "El Molino's" can't solve...

Labor Day weekend is always a bittersweet time of year for me. As you know, six years ago my best friend passed away unexpectedly over Labor Day weekend. Then, three years later my husband received his cancer diagnosis and had his colon surgery over Labor Day weekend. And then of course this year, my sister found out that her thyroid condition might in fact be more serious than she had first suspected. She was told she has tumors on her thyroid and that they will need to be removed and biopsied. This news, of course, came over Labor Day weekend. So as you can see, I sort of instinctively cringe when this time of  year rolls around.

However, I say it is a bittersweet time of year because although it has often been filled with sadness--- it has also been a time that reminds me of the great blessings God has given me in my life. I visit the cemetery at this time of year and talk to my friend Jackie. I look at her pictures and old videos. I remember what a beautiful person she was and what a great friend she was to me. I thank God for putting her in my life.

I also thank God for my husband. I think about the absolute miracle it was that we caught his cancer at such an early stage. I think about how lucky I am that he is still here with Isabel and I every day-- and that he is healthier  and happier than ever. I thank God for him.

And of course... now I pray to God and ask him to walk with my sister through this scary time in her life. I have absolute faith that the doctor's will remove the tumors-- and that the Lord will carry her through all of this this. I know that Mandy will come out on the other end of this trial feeling healthier and happier than she has in a long time. Of course, it won't be easy, but my sister is one of the strongest women I know and she inspires me daily. I thank God for my brave sister.

So.... with all that said- I spent my Labor Day weekend this year with the most important people in my life. My family! And we did one of the things we do best--- EAT. We headed to El Molino's (a family favorite) for some Mexican food. Here are some pics that make me smile. Enjoy---

Bel with Ya Ya and Grandpa

Giving lovies

My favorite family!! Look at that little owl

Cheers to Mandy's new business! So proud of my sis.

Enjoy those margaritas boys... I'm not jealous

Payton's first El Molino's dinner. She loved it of course!

This girl can't get enough tacos...

My handsome husband