Christmas Vacation....

...In Hawaii!

Yesterday we finally left for our Christmas Vacation in Kawaii, AKA mine and Brant's "babymoon".

Our flight left around 11 am Dallas time yesterday morning, and we arrived in Honolulu around 3:40 pm Hawaiian time (which is 4 hours behind Dallas). Truth be told, I was dreading the 8-hour flight, but it really wasn't too horrible. However, as soon as the pilot turned on the feature video, we learned that about 7 rows in the main cabin (which, of course, we were sitting in) had a technical problem and our sound equipment didn't work. So instead of watching two feature films with sound, we just watched in silence...not so fun! But nevertheless, we made it to Honolulu, had a 2 hour layover, then had a quick 20 flight to Kauai.

We are staying in a great condominium, so before we even left the city to go to the South Shore, we ran by Walmart and got some groceries and a few items we needed. Pretty much as soon as we got everything unloaded at the condo, we hit the sack. It was about 10:00 Hawaiian time, meaning our bodies thought it was almost 2 am - tired doesn't even begin to describe how we felt. Here is a quick inside glimpse of our condo.

(Bob, Judy and Kristie in the kitchen)

Brant woke up around 6:30 this morning, which of course woke me up, so we decided it would be great to head down to the beach to watch the sunrise. We weren't quite sure where we were going, so we just drove until we found a spot that looked accessible. We ended up on some gorgeous rocks and were able to see the sun peak through the clouds. It was so beautiful!

Well I hope that each of you is having a fabulous day, so far, and I hope to update a bit each day!

29th Birthday

My birthday was on the 12th, so I know I'm a little late posting pictures, but it was a great day! Brant and I got up, headed to church, then just had a bite of lunch at home. Around 4, we headed out to go bowling with the fam.

Everyone had such a great time - even little Ethan had fun bowling!

Kate was kicking everyone's tail! It seemed like everytime she rolled the ball she got a strike or a spare. We agree that it was her rockin' hate and zebra sunglasses! She wouldn't bowl without them!

This is Connor-bug - he is such a great kid! He gave me a high five whether I rolled a strike, or went in the gutter!

Me and B!

Kate and Granda - Granda was rockin' the hat and sunglasses - Kate was hopeful it would help with her game!

Me and Sister

Christmas Card Carousel

Faith is doing the annual Christmas Card Carousel. This is one of my favorite blogs posts during this time of year. Being a card designer, I LOVE seeing all the different cards.

Here is the card I designed for Brant and I!

Just in case you can't read the wording:
"And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6 b

He is our
MIRACLE MAKER

Wishing that all your Christmas dreams come true.

------------------------------------------------------------------

And just for fun, here are few others that I designs for a few customers.

Week 20 Highlights

Size of the baby: Baby W is as long as a banana from her head to her rump and weighs about 10 1/2 ounces.
Total weight loss/gain: 4 lbs.
Maternity clothes: Just tops. Most of my pants still fit with the help of the belly band.
Gender: It's a Girl! Emmalee Caroline Williams
Movement: I am definitely feeling more and more movement. Last night I think she decided to have a party and I wasn't invited!
Sleep: I'm sleeping well, but I'm waking up with some leg and arm numbness that isn't very fun.
What I miss: Not much yet!
Cravings: Not really craving anything in particular, but I am finally liking sweets again.
Symptoms: Headaches...and a growing belly!
Fun Facts: Emmalee is beginning to swallow.


I have said before that one of the perks of working in Dallas is the people who come and sell things in the tunnels. Once of my favorites in Karissa. She has jewelry, purses, hair accessories, scarfs - just all sorts and her stuff is SOOO reasonably priced.

Well Karissa has been in the tunnels this week, and I might have gone a little crazy! Just look at these flower bows I got for the little miss! I got 4 flower bows, plus 3 different color baby crochet headbands, 2 regular headbands for Kate (my niece), and 6 different bows all for less than $20!!!!

Ya'll - I just can't wait for her to get here so I can doll her up!

A Vintage Princess

So the other day, Sister won a fabulous photographers package from the Maternal Lens blog. I was so thrilled for her. One of the items she won was a 1950's Vintage Headband from Kristen Caldwell Photography. Here is a picture of the headband Sister won. Isn't it beautiful!

Well I just happened to do some browsing on the website and fell in love with this precious vintage band for infants. Well I went back today to show them to a friend and the infant bands were on sale for only $10! So Emmalee Caroline just HAD to have one. Here is a picture of the sage one I got for her. I just LOVE it!


Since her bedding has shades of light green and sage in it, I told my sister that we will have to do newborn shots with this headband. Then, she can make the shot b/w, but leave the band colored - how adorable would that look in her room to coordinate with her bedding? I'm just in love with all of this shabby chic decorating! I think I might have a little vintage princess!

Ms. Caldwell's work is absolutely amazing! All pictures used here are all property of Kristen Caldwell Photography. Please go see her services and products. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Her Wardrobe has Begun

So, a co-worker of mine was telling me to sign up for the Carter's emails because they send you coupons. So I happily obliged and within 2 second - I had a coupon! Well it ended on December 29th, so I HAD to use it!

So look at these little outfits that have now been added to Ms. Emmalee's wardrobe!

Ya'll, this one is my favorite! I just fell in love with it. As soon as I saw it, I knew she had to have it!

The Hustle and Bustle

Well the hustle and bustle of the holidays is in full swing at the Williams House. It all started on Tuesday!

We found out that this little angel...

...is a baby girl!
And her name - Emmalee Caroline.

We are so thrilled and cannot wait to meet this little girl. Just to see her moving her little hands, and seeing her heart beat was simply breathtaking. I just can't wait to get my hands on her! I don't think I have ever seen my husband so excited - there is literally a sparkle in his eyes every time he talks about her.


On Thursday, we headed to Shreveport to spend Thanksgiving with my family. I got the cookie cake to surprise all of my mom's side of the family with the news of Miss Emmalee.

We had a great time. My cousin, Krystal, had a 3 year old and 6 month old, so Uncle B was getting some baby practice.

Just look at that precious little grin!

Thursday was also Brant's 30th birthday, so Emmalee Caroline gave him the new George Bush biography: Decisions Points. I don't know if he was more excited about the book, or that the card was signed "I love you Daddy, Emmalee Caroline".

On Friday, well technically at 11:00 pm on Thursday, my cousins Krystal, Erica and I ventured out for some shopping! I didn't spend too much money because I don't know if Emmalee will be in 6 mth or 9 mth clothes this time next year. But I did get her a few things - I mean what kind of mother would I be if I didn't?



We came home from Shreveport on Friday night. Brant's family came over on Saturday morning and we all went out to breakfast. Then Nana (Brant's mom Judy), Auntie Kristie and I went out for a bit. Kristie found this blanket that was sooo soft, and perfectly embroidered with a big "E". Nana wouldn't leave the store without it.

It is so perfect for our baby girl!

Well I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are gearing up for the Christmas season - I know I am!

I Respect It

Apparently I have offended someone, and maybe others, by using the word "retarded" to describe myself in a particular post a few weeks ago. After being made aware of the offense, I did not change the blog post, and now, I'm being criticized for it. Please understand that I am not a person who likes confrontation; I am the exact opposite...I hate confrontation. But in this instance, I feel that I should at least speak on it.

First of all, allow me to say that I am sorry for the offense. I had no intention of making fun of or insulting anyone but myself. Yes, I deleted the comment that was made and did not change my post because, simply put, it is my blog and I feel that I have the right to put my words here, not someone else's. The commenter has said that they feel that i did not respect them by changing the post. Well, I have since deleted the post, and therefore ask that you respect that this is my blog not yours. If you do not like the words written here, you are not forced to read them.

Again, my apologies if I have offended anyone - that has never been my intention.

Amazed

Today at work, I was listening to my Pandora radio when a familiar song came on. Its a song I love and have heard many times before, but today, I was moved to tears by the words and truth behind it.

Today, I am overwhelmed by His grace. He has rained down His grace upon me and I will forever be thankful. He has brought so much JOY to my life and I have seen His miracles first-hand! For today, I am truly AMAZED by His grace! How can I ever praise him enough for all that He has done?

I hope this song blesses you today as much as it has me.

My favorite part of this song:
It's deeper, It's wider,
It's stronger, it's higher,
It's deeper, It's wider,
It's stronger, it's higher,
THAN ANYTHING MY EYES CAN SEEN
YOUR GRACE STILL AMAZES ME!

New LARGER size, but LOWER prices!

Great Grabbie Designs is introducing a LARGER size card for a new LOWER price!

The new card option is a 6 x 7 1/2" size.

Surprisingly, the new price is lower!
Thanks to my printer services, the new pricing is as follows:

50 Cards and Envelopes = $37.50
75 Cards and Envelops = $46.50
100 Cards and Envelopes = $55.00

All cards are still custom designed, of course!

17 Week Highlights

As of today, Baby W is a full 17 weeks along. Here are some of the highlights.

Size of the baby: Baby W is the size of a turnip (5" long and weighs 5 ounces)
Total weight loss/gain: 2 lbs.
Maternity clothes: Just tops. Most of my pants still fit with the help of the belly band, but I did have to go to a few maternity tops.
Gender: We find out on November 23rd, only 7 more days!!!!
Movement: Some - I don't feel many kicks or punches, but I definitely feel the little flips and swimming around - literally like flutters!
Sleep: This week I have been really tired, but I'm sleeping great at night.
What I miss: Not much yet!
Cravings: Salty and sour...like pickles! And yesterday, I was craving nachos!
Symptoms: Headaches...and a growing belly!
Fun Facts: Baby W can now hear sounds outside the womb, and the skeletal cartilage is now turning into bone.

This week, several ladies that have struggled with infertility like I did have really been on my heart. I so vividly remember the days where I just wanted to cry, or when I literally had to rely completely on the Lord for joy and strength. If you have a moment, pray for the ones you know struggling. Our God is a God of mercy and miracles - I have seen Him work one in me! I pray that these women find JOY in HIM! That they rely on His truth and promises everyday.

Great Grabbie Designs

Great Grabbie Designs is my custom blog and stationery design business.

I began digital scrapbooking in early 2008 and fell in love with it. That summer, I began making blog headers for my friends in my spare time. Great Grabbie Designs was created shortly thereafter with the goal of creating great blog makeovers and cards at an affordable cost. I have a strong belief that every blog should have some personality and be a representation of you!

Here are a few recent Christmas Card designs:





To see more Christmas cards, invitations, birth announcements, and blog designs, you can go to the Great Grabbie Designs site here. You can see all pricing information here.

Reflections Contest

If you know Sister, than you might know that she is a wonderful photographer. Well Reflections by Amanda Rooney is having its first contest.

If you live in the DFW metroplex, this is a great (and easy) opportunity to win a FREE family session before the holidays! (Even if you don't live in the area, check out her website - she really is amazing)

Its simple, all you have to do is "like" the Reflections by Amanda Rooney Facebook page, and refer others to do the same. When your friends "like" the page, they should leave a comment saying who referred them. The person who refers the most people will win a free family session.

The contest ends on November 15th, so get referring!!!!!!

I'm Beginning to Wonder

So if you know me and my hubs personally, then you know that we are polar opposites! I have a very outgoing, fun, and loud personality. Brant has a very calming, relaxed and laid back personality.

So far, we have heard the baby's heartbeat 3 times: 6 1/2 weeks was 114 beats/min; 11 weeks was 148 beats/min.; 15 weeks was 143 beat/min. I have friends that have heartbeats reaching 185 beats/min at 8 weeks!

So this has me wondering: I wonder if we are having a boy who is going to be as laid back and calm as his daddy.

Did your babies' heartbeats match their personality?

15 Week Highlights

Today I have completed 15 weeks of pregnancy!

Size of the baby: Baby W is the size of an apple (4" long and weighs 2 1/2 ounces)


Total weight loss/gain: 2 lbs.
Maternity clothes: Just jeans, but I have a feeling I'll be getting a few blouses in the near future!
Gender: We'll find out 1st week of December
Movement: I felt my first tummy flutter for the first time Friday night. I was SOOO exciting, but of course I haven't felt it since!
Sleep: I still get tired in the evenings, but feel much better during the day.
What I miss: not much!
Cravings: Salty and sour...like pickles! And anything Italian!
Symptoms: Headaches, fatigue...and a growing belly!
Fun Facts: Baby W can now sense light and is growing taste buds!

Last Friday I went to the dr. because the headaches are beginning to be pretty frequent, and they are usually pretty bad. He was able to give me a prescription called Midrin to help. When I went in, the baby's heartbeat was 143 - still music to my ears.

On Saturday, I went with a group of ladies from our Sunday School class to Canton First Monday. We had a great time and it was perfect shopping weather. I bought my first thing for the baby - FURNITURE! Well, an antique dresser to be exact. It is in great shape, it just needs a new coat of paint. But the best part was the price - only $50! I was so excited!

For Halloween, we had a busy night. Sister is in Hawaii and her MIL and SIL came in town to help with the kiddos. So Momaw (MIL) and Aunt Kelly brought the kids over to my neighborhood, and we all had so much fun trick-or-treating. I'll post more on this later with some PICS!

Hope everyone is ready for the holidays!

A Birthday Boy

We have a birthday boy at our house today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dax turned 3 today!!!

If you know me personally at all, you know that I LOVE my dog. He has been my baby for so long, and I tell him almost everyday that he is going to be the best big brother!

I am amazed at how big he is. Remember this post on the day after I got him? He was the cutest little thing! It's hard to think he was ever this little.

This picture cracks me up because he was so excited when I gave him a treat this morning that he just went to town on it. I laugh at this picture because he looks like he could be so vicious with his teeth, but he is the gentlest pup I know!

Happy Birthday Dax Honey Williams.
Mama and Daddy Love you so much!!!

Life at 14 Weeks

Well life has certainly been busy these past several weeks. My pregnancy is moving right along and we have successfully completed our 14th week! Here are a few fun things about Week 14.

Size of the baby: Baby W is the size of a lemon (3 1/2" long and weighs 1 1/2 ounces)
Total weight loss/gain: -4.0 lbs. ( I had a horrible migraine headache Sunday and that me hovering over the toilet in our bathroom, so I lost a few extra pounds.)
Maternity clothes: Just jeans.
Gender: We'll find out 1st week of December
Movement: none yet
Sleep: I still get tired in the evenings, but feel much better during the day.
What I miss: not much!
Cravings: Just random stuff; but once I have eat what I crave, the craving is completely gone and the food no longer appeals to me.
Symptoms: Occasional nausea, headaches, fatigue...and a growing belly!
Fun Facts: Baby W can now squint, frown, grimace, and possibly suck his/her thumb!

This past weekend was super busy. I was a bridesmaid in the wedding of my dear friend, Elizabeth on Friday night. Here is a picture of some of the bridesmaids after the reception. These ladies are some dear friends that I don't get to see often, so it was such a blessing to get to spend time with them.


On a funny note, I ordered my dress for the wedding before we knew about Baby W. Luckily, the dress still fit, but was tight around the top of my stomach, so it pushed my belly down and out. There was NO denying this pregnancy when I held my dress in! That is what I call a BABY BUMP!!!!! (I'm not usually this round!)


On Saturday, I drove to Palestine (about 2 hours east) for a baby shower. My little cousin Clint is about to be a daddy and I just had to go shower Amanda (our soon to be mommy) with some love. Almost 2 years ago, Clint has a contract job in North Texas, so instead of staying at a hotel, he just stayed with us. Amanda came up to visit and I just adore her. So we showered Amanda and Baby Emma with lots of presents! After the shower, I went to dinner with my cousin Amy and her family (Amy is Clint's sister and the shower was at her home). They have the sweetest baby girl Izzy! She is one of the most precious little 19 month old babes I know! I loved getting to spend the day with them. I got home about 10 that evening, and had to plan my Sunday School lesson.

The Sunday we were up bright and early for church, came home and relaxed! Although I started getting a headache that afternoon that turned into a nasty migraine. I spent the evening hovered over our toilet. Yesterday morning my shoulder and neck were in excruciating pain, so I called in sick and then called my daddy. Its nice when your dad is part owner in a massage company because they got me in to see one of the prenatal licensed therapists and I feel 100 times better today!

In other news , I laid on a body pillow during my massage and it was so stinkin' comfortable, I went and bought one! I love it!!!!!