{ life lately: by instagram, collages & iPhone pics }

Life's been crazy busy lately but then again when is it not.  Between Bunco, Bible Study, Book Club, Couples Community Group, working full time, commuting, two big families with tons of get-togethers,  trying to get some quality time before our little family of 2 expands AND general prepping for baby, I haven't had as much time to spend blogging.  I miss it!  Here's a little bit of what we've been up to according to my phone pics...

This was one of our fun, cozy weekends in Bend, OR, with my husband's family.  We stayed at an awesome log cabin!

We were able to break away to use a free trip I won to stay at a hotel in Portland.  It was so fun and relaxing.  We're sort of sad about how the days of "just us two" are quickly coming to an end so we're enjoying every last minute together!  We did a LOT of shopping for our little man this weekend, saw The Vow, watched Swiss Family Robinson (a classic we can't wait to show our son), and of course watched a Blazer game :]

This little lad is already SO spoiled and loved!  We've received tons of hand-me-downs, a hand knitted cardigan [top right] from a sweet older gal in my Bible Study, flowers from his Great Grandma & Grandpa, and SO MUCH MORE!  It brings me to tears how much he's already loved and blessed by so many generous family & friends!

 We've had a few random snowy days here in OR - I love it.  I was able to work from home several days and there's nothing better than working in pj's while snow falls outside!

I can't get enough of these delicious little Dove Milk Chocolates...added bonus: the quotes..

 

Less than 16 weeks left to meeting our little lad!

It always melts my heart when my sweet hubby talks to our son...

Next project - we're working on trying to get the baby boy's nursery in order...

 

I'm hoping to simplify life a bit and try to embrace these last few months before we enter the crazy "parenthood" journey!  Pray you're all doing well!

Love,

All 3 Reeds

{ endurance }



en·dur·ance/enˈd(y)o͝orəns/Noun

1. The fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.

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Yesterday my endurance was tested.  Yesterday I had an interview for 5 (yes, FIVE) hours at Oregon State University.  I think at this point I would be OK if nobody ever asked me a question again!  Oh and I absolutely hate trying to "sell" someone on my abilities to do a job, or to try and "talk myself up."  I don't know if I'll get the job, BUT I do know I tried my hardest. 

This interview required a great deal of prep work, in a very short amount of time.  During my 5 hour interview I had to give a presentation and role play like I was giving the presentation to a CEO, among other employees (12 people were in there total) at some big solar energy company (fictional) in Portland.  Then I had to do a Q&A session while still in "role play" mode.  Needless to say, this was a very exhausting day.  The thought did cross my mind that this interview was WAY over my head, and there was no way I could do this.  But, I felt I should at least try.



But, the Lord totally helped give me the confidence to endure through it all and not only did I endure, I felt so accomplished and like I really did the best I could have.  I realize again that even if I don't get this job, finding the job I want takes work.  And endurance.  Endurance to put in the time, energy, and effort to continue applying for jobs after a tiring day like yesterday.

Ultimately I just want the Lord's will for my life.  So, experiences like this that nearly kill don't kill me, might just be prepping me for something else, another job, or experience that the Lord has in store.  I definitely know that's the most strenuous interview process I've ever been through.  And hopefully, it will all be worth it, but if not, at least I am that much more prepared for whatever God has planned next.



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It sounds cliche , but this is the verse that I kept telling myself over and over.  Maybe you'll never have to do a 5 hour interview with role play involved, but whatever it is you're not sure you can do, just remember that verse next time your endurance is tested!

{ breaking news, to me }

Bachelor News:



First and foremost, meet the new Bachelorette {coming May 23rd} Ashley Hebert:



{ my vote: better as brunette }



{ read the full article here }

Did anyone see the after-the-final-rose ceremony? 

Did anyone else think it was extremely awkward/uncomfortable to watch?

Here is Chantal's new beau, Jeff Razore:

{ Read all about him here }

Baby Boom News:

Victoria {Posh} & David Beckham are having a girl

Jessica Alba is pregnant

Kate Hudson is pregnant

Selma Blair is pregnant

Natalie Portman is pregnant (ope, duh!)

Alyssa Milano is having a boy

Rachel Zoe is having a boy

Here are a few pics of adorable celeb moms/kids/families {courtesy of people.com}:

{ via }

 

Other Crazy News:

• JT & Jessica Biel broke up (new news to me!)

{hmmmm....read more about these two here}

• Tomorrow night is the March Madness draft which means my husband will have all his friends over. {kind of a big deal, folks}
• Turns out, Saturday is National corn dog day & we will be having some friends over - more on this hilarious holiday later
• Gerald Wallace is starting in place of Marcus Camby tonight {Blazer talk}

Style News:

BREAKING NEWS:  { this just in } I can't keep up with the newest trends or fashion.  I have serious respect for those who can.  I just try and pick a few key things and if they work with my body type, then try them.  That said, here are a few things I think would be worth investing in...{honey, are you reading???} Or maybe these were last season's trends?  Again, I can't keep up...

{ via }

I want this one:

Arden B Submilation Smocked Maxi Dress, $58

Or and this one:

Amie maxi dress, Jcrew, $98



{ Cat eye sunglasses }

{ via }

{ she always looks cute }

Lastly:

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That's all for the new news {to me}.

More on my wishlist later...