Only once!

It will only be one time that I post a belly pic...so here we are at 34+ weeks.  Just a little ways to go!!!

And for a recipe that filled this belly last night...

Jonny M. Casserole
1 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. sloppy joe seasoning mix
6 oz. tomato paste
1 1/4 c. water
2 c. elbow or shell macaroni
1 (1 lb.) can whole kernel corn, drained
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Brown meat; drain fat.  Add seasoning mix, tomato paste, and water.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to directions until just tender; drain.  Stir in meat mixture, corn, and cheese.  Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees until hot--about 45 minutes.  Makes 6-8 servings.
*This will fill a 9x13 pan or a large casserole.  I split mine into two 8x8 pans and froze one.

A time to be thankful...

This isn't the only time of year I'm thankful, but like everyone else, I always seem to be a little more aware of these blessings at Thanksgiving time.
So here are just a few things I'm grateful for this year (in no particular order):

-I'm thankful for God's grace and faithfulness: Without it, what would be the point?  I am also so thankful that He listens to and answers our prayers.  One prayer answered:
-I am SO thankful for making 34+ weeks in this pregnancy.  We had to rush to the hospital at 4 am this past Tuesday morning.  We had a scare with some bleeding and early contractions.  Thankfully that all stopped, and we were able to go home after a short, five hour stay.  We are extremely excited to meet our baby girl, but we would like to hold out for a few weeks yet.  We are already thankful for our little turkey, even all the jabs, kicks, and hiccups when Mommy is trying to sleep!
-I'm thankful for my wonderful husband!  He stayed so calm and collected during that ordeal and got us to the hospital in a timely fashion.  Dan has also been helping around the house--more than he already did.  Cleaning, folding laundry, and helping to get groceries are now added to his repertoire :)  He also has been so kind in giving nightly shoulder and back rubs.
-I'm thankful for our family: Our family is very supportive!  One of the most important ways they have supported us is through their constant prayers for us and the baby, but they do so much more!  They help clean, cook, cover at the store, get the nursery ready, and much more.
-I'm thankful for our friends: they make life so much more fun and enjoyable!
-I'm thankful for a warm home to call our own (even though Dan says it's cold in here--I can't tell with my own personal heater inside!)
A few more not-quite-so-significant things:
-I'm thankful for the lack of snow (so far...).
-I'm thankful for Dole fruit cups.  Many have been consumed in this pregnancy!
-I'm thankful for the teeny, tiny granules I can shake on my flower bed to prevent my neighbor's 12+ cats from using it as a litter box.
-I'm thankful for technology.  The TV, Pinterest, and Facebook have been great companions during my frequent bouts of insomnia!

Well, that's just a few for now.  I hope you take the time to think of all the blessings the Lord has given to you.  Let's try to thank Him more than once a year :)