It's Cold Outside!

This video is sure to get you in the holiday mood! These kids are so cute; Drew's mom & dad used to be our Sunday School teachers! Go Drew & Ellie! We're big fans!! Enjoy!


Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors - Official Music Video - "Baby It's Cold Outside

Newborn News

It's a GIRL!! Yes, we had a baby girl...3 months ago...but we STILL can't believe it! I feel like I am just getting out of the fog of those very newborn weeks, where sleep is scarce and chaos runs rampant. Yet I do still feel like I'm dreaming...just can't believe it's a girl. The boys were convinced they were getting a sister all along - how do kids know things like that?! - but their daddy & I are still completely floored. We are so happy to announce Isabella Claire to the world!

Jammin'

This is Boden last fall...almost a year ago; but I'm just now getting around to editing some video. He's quite the rocker!

My Childhood Bedtime Prayer

This Tim Hawkins clip might be funnier than the Chick-fil-A bit below...
This IS actually the prayer that I prayed every night as a child, as did (and do) so many others. I'm sure my parents were so proud that I learned it so well and said it devoutly every night; but subconsciously, I was probably scared NOT to say it...GEEZ!! ANyway, hope you'll get a chuckle out of this...

I'm in Love with Chick-fil-A

This guy is so funny, I just had to share! Plus, I AM in love with Chick-fil-A, so it's very fitting. Look for him at www.timhawkins.net

What's Cookin'

I admit that I have been a dead-beat blogger lately. Hopefully, any of you that actually read this blog have had enough excitement of your own to not miss reading about my world! Anyway, all that baking this winter has gotten me my own actual bun in the oven. Yes, we're expecting another Merkle! Praise Be! Merkles seem to never cease at our house! Since we're already in "boy mode" around here, we're all betting on another brother; but we're not going to find out what this one is. So you'll have to keep checking the blog to discover what kind of bun we're baking up this time. Due August 17th, it'll be a long, hot, and fat summer, but oh, so worth it. I'll keep you posted on the progress; it really is a thrill, even the third time around. Here is a poem I wrote about being pregnant when I was carrying our second child (and a photo from that time). Hope you enjoy.

Making Some Bread!

My new creative outlet for these winter months has become making artisan bread. My dad, a potter, has cultivated a love for bread making and has gotten me hooked on an easy artisan bread recipe. It's also scrumptious and fills our home with smells of yummy goodness. It's taken me awhile to get the technique down, but I got confident enough to take a picture of a rather well-shaped and nicely browned loaf. We've been trying eliminate processed foods from our pantry as much as possible and incorporate more whole foods into our daily family intake, so this homemade whole wheat bread has been a great step in the right direction. I plan to take my creativity further and begin to put my Sculpture degree to use by making loaves like the photo below. I'll see how it goes...