GOOD Friday

Happy Good Friday.

It's so good to be alive today and remember Jesus was "Pierced for our transgressions: he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5  I feel so lucky to be living this life because I don't deserve any of it. God sent his one and only son to save the world. I can't imagine watching my newborn suffer and die to save the rest of the world. As a parent that hasn't even seen my child yet, I am emotional just thinking about it. I am so thankful that God forgives and gives each and every one of us grace that we don't deserve.
Yesterday I was talking to a friend about labor and how painful it looks. I said, "God really wanted us women to go through real pain to feel joy." God works in mysterious ways, and it made me think of many times in our lives we have to struggle and go through so much pain to find the joy on the other side. I'm sure every woman going through labor is thinking how they will never get through it. Afterwards when it's all over and they hold their little one, every single tear was worth it.
What if we looked at every struggle in life like labor. At first thinking this is going to feel never ending and that there's no way through it. As long as you hold on to God and the ones who love you there is JOY in the morning. Jesus had to endure so much pain to give us all eternal life and he knew the struggle was worth it. I have so many in my life who are struggling with emotional and mental pain. I want them to know that there is JOY on the other side. As humans we make mistakes and we don't deserve a perfect life. But if we go through these struggles with God by our side, he will give us immeasurable strength. He knows how we feel, and also has great plans in store for our lives as long as we keep him INVOLVED in our lives.
I have to remember who I am living for, because many days I live for myself and my husband and of course my little one. Thank goodness for GOOD FRIDAY to remind us of the one who we need to live for. I thank God for sending his son so that I could have my son and teach him about Good Friday .. and the grace of God our Father.

Love Love Love

It's a BOY

Good Thursday to YOU.

I'm sure if your reading this you already know Craig and I are having a boy, but how does everyone else know? Today while I was dropping off Lotte at Petsmart for her grooming appointment one of the ladies said to me,"Are you excited to have a boy?" I'm thinking...um do I know you? But this is not the first time this has happened. At the March Madness Music Festival while I was ordering food the lady at the counter said to me, "I know it's a boy, right?" So these are two incidents that I can remember specifics, but several times people have told me this. How do they know? I mean seriously. These people are so sure when they talk to me. I'm short and to me I look pretty big. I guess once I have more babies I will become a confident belly reader one day. I just don't know how these women can tell.  I guess I give off that boy glow : ) hah

Today I met up with a friend for lunch at Panera. I don't know why that place is always so popular. I mean I could go there everyday...but why? Are they putting something in the soup? When you really think about it, it's super expensive, you don't get that much food, and it's not like you couldn't make the same thing at home. It's almost like a Starbucks, you just have to go to Panera because well, its PANERA!! We headed over to T.J. Max afterwards and I found an exercise ball for $12.99. The childbirth class says these balls help during delivery, so of course I bought one. Also, the nurse said she used it to rock her baby and work out her abs at the same time. Sounds good to me.

This week Craig said he wanted salad so we have been trying different kinds. This one was delish:

Here is the recipe. But it's pretty much Mexican style salad .http://damndelicious.net/2014/01/03/bbq-chicken-salad/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bbq-chicken-salad
Also I made Chicken Salad and bought fresh croissants for lunch all week. YUM!!!

Tonight I'm going to make us a salad with ham and cheese like a Julienne Salad. Looks like tonight will be the last night of salads for the week. Craig got tickets to go to a White Sox game tomorrow night and I'm thinking we will probably not get salads at the game. HA I really hope they don't disappoint with the stadium food. 

Tomorrow is Friday ... woohoooo!! Get excited

LOVE YOU >..MUAH

Spring into it

HUMP DAY!!!

Spring is here...and we have decided to decorate our backyard with a little color. Red, Orange, Yellow... reminds me of my wedding colors. We also planted herbs, fruits, and veggies including green pepper, onions, corn, cucumbers, sugar baby watermelon's, and melons. Hopefully we might see a veggie or two before the bugs and animals get to them. 

For not wanting to take care of the lawn, Craig has really stepped up his game. He seems to love mowing the lawn, trimming, sawing and raking. He really likes the responsibility to keep up what's his. Even though we are renting it's good to know he will probably try even harder once we buy. This week has been a little chilly and got down to below freezing on Monday night. Hopefully these guys can pull through. I have to say today the high is 68 degrees and that sounds perfect to me. I don't mind it staying in the 60's because hopefully that means summer will be postponed for a little while. I want my family to be comfortable when they visit and I am really praying for 80 degrees and not 100!!

Well.. last night was our relaxation/meditation class and it was a lot of fun. Too bad many of the moves to help pain management during labor were not working for us since Craig is way taller than me. One move is like slow dancing and instead of draping my arms around his shoulders I was around his waist... which was not that comfy. 

Yesterday I started washing the bottles. I boiled the nipples and pacifiers and now trying to figure out where to put everything. Does anyone have any date suggestions before this little one comes? I don't want to regret not taking advantage of this time. 

We are going to Houston this weekend to take Prego pics and visit Ryan and Emily Morris on Easter. It really worked out well because Ryan is the Music Minister at his church and we get to be with family on Easter! Ry and Em are having a little boy in July, so we are all in the same boat. I also picked out a cute outfit for their little guy to give them : ) I can't help it, it's my job to shop right now. Let me say Target has really stepped up there game with baby boy clothes. Still the girl options are way better and cuter, but I will dress my man as best as I can. I will put him in sleepers and onsesies when we are home but I want to dress him like a little man..almost like a small old man. haha Here is some of his nice clothes:

The outfit on the left is either Craig's or his dad Gary's outfit when he was a baby. Can you believe it? It's so preppy and cute!! I can't believe Micah will be wearing something his dad and grandpa wore. Oh and yes the Guess overalls is seriously one of my FAV's. For this reason I hope God gives me a girl one day because I'm sure Craig will only let me dress Micah for so long. 

Anyways, today I will be looking for a pediatrician. I was given a recommendation and I hope he's in my insurance. 

Happpy HUMP DAY .. enjoy it!!

LOVE ALL OF YOU!!

KaChing

Good Tuesday Ya'll!

Yesterday I received confirmation that I won some MOOLAH!! This picture is from when we went to the March Madness Music Festival in downtown Dallas for the Final Four. Capital One was one of the sponsors at the free concert and they were giving away prizes if you tweeted a picture of yourself using the #hashtag KaChing. So both Craig and I tweeted pictures to enter (c'mon I would have tweeted it anyways) We waited for awhile to see if they would call us back to the booth, but nothing. 

A week later I got a tweet from Capital One saying I was a prize winner and to Direct Message them with my e-mail to find out what I won. I thought .. OK might as well. Then they messaged me back and said I won $1500 bucks. I guess I was more in disbelief than actual excitement. I followed their directions and they got my mailing address. Yesterday I got a package delivered needing me to fill out a W9 Form and a release form that had to be notarized by the bank. I couldn't believe it. I have never won anything, but if the next thing I see is a check in the mail WWOOHOOO. 

I think this baby is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to me and I haven't even met him yet. Needless to say I have been entering a whole lot more sweepstakes lately. Mostly with Fit Pregnancy. I am feeling a little bit more heavy these days. Can't seem to do normal things like sit up, get out of bed, bend over. These things seem to take more out of me and it's definitely a weird feeling. I had my 34 week appointment today. Here is my current bump picture:

I think Craig finally believes it's his baby since I am getting so big!! Doctor said Micah's head is down and everything looks good. My induction date is still scheduled for May 22nd and I'm so excited that Kim Mom and Gary Dad will be here for my delivery. I packed Micah several outfits just like I pack my own suitcase with several Pajama gowns. Is it weird that I'm thinking what I'm going to wear when we bring him home? I mean what will I fit in? 

We have a relaxation/meditation class tonight at the hospital and I'm looking forward to it. I hope Craig can focus on relaxation... he's not really the type to close his eyes and focus on his breathing. haha We will prolly be laughing most of the night.. but to me that's relaxing.

Anyways, this week is all about salads. Craig is on his diet kick, so that means I AM TOO!! Got a ton of stuff for salads and made Chicken Salad last night for lunches. Got to start the habit now before Micah is born so it's an easier transition once he's here. 

Have a great day!!

Love you all

Pinterest Inspired

Good morning!

 

I am so excited that half of Micah's room is decorated and so cute. Pinterest inspired with trees and owls and a hand painted dresser and name decor. It feels good when you put so much work into something and work together. Here is half of his room completed.

First off, let me say, my husband is a perfectionist. When everything is said and done, it's always perfect and I love it. But getting through the process can be a struggle. Whenever we work on something together I just have to remember to not get too uptight about it. In the end, we always are happy with the outcome. But we know for sure in the future we will never DIY home improvements on our house. We will just pay someone to do it. LOL

Yesterday we went to Explore at Chase Oaks church and met some really nice people. We have a life group that already invited us to come join them next weekend. As we were sitting in a room listening to all the different pastors and group leaders talk about the church there was a lady that was introduced who was the Director of kids zone. Guess what her name was???? Peggy HOOKER. Craig and I looked at each other and smiled so big. We were not the only Hooker's at this church. woohooo!! hahah

Afterwards we told the leaders at our table how happy it made us to have more Hooker's at the church and they laughed so hard. 

On Saturday we helped Craig's friend at work move into a house in McKinney. It was actually a lot of fun. I didn't do much but got to know Callie and her husband Kevin and their friends Blake and Ashley. I hope we can all hang out again. Afterwards Craig and I went to this place called Garden Ridge for a rug in the living room. We are trying to pop a new color (instead of Teal and Brown) Red and Orange this Spring!!

Now I just need a center piece for the table and by the fireplace.  Craig is actually a fabulous decorator. I think he gets it from his Mom : )

Have a great Monday everyone!!

Love you all

Just keep swimming..

Hey Hey Hey...

It's Friday!! I swear the days goes by so slow, but the weeks fly by. Is that possible? That's how I feel. Anyways, I've been trying to keep busy these days and it's getting tough. I washed all Micah's clothes and blankets, and burp cloths. Now we just have to hang the decorations in his room and organize. I don't want to wash all the bottles just yet. I have started to pack my hospital bag though. I feel like I'm 38 weeks and he is getting real big---Here's my latest selfie at 33 wks

Craig and I are taking childbirth classes right now and we are not sure if learning all this stuff is preparing us or scaring us. We watched someone in class give birth naturally without any drugs and it looked awful. I mean seriously was so draining to watch. I like watching "Teen Mom" better when they skip all the hard stuff and then you see the baby. We learned what Craig can do to help me through the contractions and pain management. Afterwards I scheduled a prenatal massage because I decided I deserved one since Craig only can last for about 5 minutes. I think the best part about going to these classes is being together. Craig likes to crack jokes and made the teacher laugh several times...(you all know Craig)
This weekend we are going to help someone at Craig's work move. Her name is Callie and she is really sweet. I wanted to go out with her and her husband and she said they were moving this weekend, so I offered up Craig to help them. You gotta get friends and this is the best way. Then on Sunday we are going to a luncheon at the new church were attending called Chase Oaks. Hopefully we can get plugged in with a life group and meet the staff.
One thing that always helps me when we first move is COOKING. I love looking up recipes on Pinterest and making easy dinner dishes that look hard. This past month I have been so proud of myself. I want to prepare as many meals while I can. Here are a couple of my favorites so far: Chicken Roll Ups were amazing and so juicy.

This recipe can be found here: http://pinchofyum.com/baked-mozzarella-chicken-rolls?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+pinch-of-yum+(Pinch+of+Yum)

I should have taken a picture myself. That's something I need to be better at. Also, I've made Pesto Shrimp Linguine, Craig's Fav  Parmesan Chicken, Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, Breaded Parm Pork Chops (best pork chops I've ever made) Chx Enchiladas, and this one was interesting Meatball Sub Casserole--I actually took a picture of this one:

But I have to say my staple is the Crock pot Chx Tacos that I will be able to make even when Micah gets here.  Seriously, everyone needs to do this. And trust me is feeds a family of AT LEAST five. Lay chicken breasts in crockpot, then put taco seasoning on the chx, then add a can of your favorite salsa. That's IT! I put in a can or whole kernel corn and black beans so give it more veggies. Cook on low for 6 hours and shred the chicken and mix together in the pot once time is up. 

Also, something I've been trying to do everyday is healthy smoothies. I got a super nice blender for a wedding present and NEVER used it. Now it's getting beaten down. haha. I found an easy recipe that never gets old. Greek Vanilla Yogurt, Vanilla Soy Milk, Frozen Banana, (any other fruit I want to add that day like strawberries, or kiwi, blueberries) then add Spinach and Kale. It's so good and you can never taste the spinach or kale. I used to put some peanut butter in there too, makes it more like dessert. I don't get a lot of veggies in my diet each day, so this makes me feel a whole lot better. 

Lots of Love!!! Have a great day everyone.

Touched the stars and now ready to reach for the moon

Ok, So I'm not good and sticking to something. I'm actually really bad at it. I started a blog almost four years ago now and only wrote in it a few times. That's really sad. But.. HEY I'm Back. This time I'm writing for my family and friends. Let me first go back and tell you in a nutshell the past four years.

My first job was in Kentucky at WPSD for about 11 months(2010). I was a producer/editor there (which they liked to call us Preditor's) and was able to learn a lot. The executive producer started to let me report on stories on the weekend during my own time. They would even air my stories on the weekend shows. It was so awesome to have that opportunity. All I ever wanted was to be on TV.  I spruced up my resume reel with those stories and landed a job in Bryan, TX as a Anchor/Producer.

Now the reason I wanted to go to Texas was because of my husband. He decided he wanted to get his Master's in business. I'm going to cut out all the tough situations and problems we went through to actually move in together, but once it happened it was amazing. I was working at KRHD-TV and he was going to school at Texas A&M.
After about 8 months of Anchoring I switched over to a one man band reporter. I know this sounds like a worse position, but it's actually what I wanted. I was out and about covering stories from City Council to shootings. Some days were very hard and some days were exciting. I loved my job. Telling other people's stories whether it was helping a cause or remembering a loved one. I got to know the BCS (Bryan/College Station) area very well.

Craig and I were still living very far from both our families in the Chicago area. In December of 2012 Craig graduated from Texas A&M and got a job with AT&T in the Leadership Development Program. This new job would require him to move around for the next 2 years doing different jobs in the company. We got to choose our first location and went back home to Chicago.
At this time I knew I couldn't get another job in the news business, since we were going to leave in less than a year, but I still had aspirations of doing what I love. We found a church in Des Plaines called The Bridge Community Church. At first I started volunteering to help with their video production and after many hours of volunteering they finally decided to put me on staff. It was awesome. Probably the best job I've ever had. Surrounded by Godly people who appreciate everything you do. Every work place should be that nice. My job was to record the "What's Happening" video every week and shoot and edit testimonies. I also was the Worship Assistant and sang in the band on the weekends. It was a busy year. I had a blast. The best part about 2013 was Craig and I found out we were about to embark on a whole new journey... A BABY.

We found out in October of 2013 that we were pregnant and new we would only be in Chicago until February of 2014. It was exciting, but a tough situation to leave our family in the midst of my pregnancy.
Craig got transferred to Plano, TX to work at ATT's Emerging Marketing Business. At 29 weeks pregnant we moved away from our family, our friends and our new church home The Bridge. It was very sad and I'm still trying to cope with all that has happened. Now it's almost Easter and I am due on May 25th.
So now I am going to be a full-time mom. I'm so excited about my new position, and nervous. Since I am so far away from my family I thought I would start this blog and make it all about our new addition - Micah Neal Hooker. He will be here soon and we will both be learning new things about each other everyday.
So this blog will now be about my career as a mother. I hope to post videos and pictures of lil Micah and our family adventures. This way we can all feel connected in a different way. And don't hesitate to post a comment here or there and tell me what's on your mind.
It will be very quiet around here for the next few weeks, but soon I might be posting blogs at 3 a.m. in the morning! Micah is moving a lot these days and pushing me in all different directions (signs of things to come I think). He looks a lot like me from the ultrasound photo's so hopefully he's a cutie :)
Here's to a new journey to have fun and enjoy my new job as a mommy.

Love you all!!