How we celebrated Lily's 8th month

David has two big tests this week.  In fact, Friday is his anatomy final.  Then he's done with anatomy.  Done done.  I cannot believe how fast the last seven weeks have flown.  But this week is very busy for him.  He's spent every free moment studying.  I admire him so much because he makes time to read scriptures each morning no matter how busy he is, and he always makes time for me.  Tonight, we're going on a mini-date (because he's so busy), and I really look forward to that.  

Our Thanksgiving tradition we started last year: David and I write in our gratitude journal every night during November.  But this gratitude journal is special because we only talk about what we are grateful for in each other.  It really helped us bond last year, and I love this tradition.

Although David is busy this week, I really wanted to celebrate Election Day.  And, Election Day (November 6th) was officially one month away from Lily's due date.  We are 8 months along :) So we just had to celebrate.  I made my sister's cranberry salsa which I LOVE.  I served it with cream cheese and crackers.  This recipe just feels like the Fall, so it was the perfect snack to make.  And to further celebrate an exciting day, we had sparkling grape juice and homemade caramel apple pie.  What's more patriotic than apple pie?

Cranberry Salsa: in a food processor mix 1 bag cranberries, 1 jalepeno, 1/2 bunch of cilantro, 1 bunch of green onions, juice from 1/2 lime, 1 T. olive oil, and 1 c. sugar (or granulated stevia).  Serve with cream cheese and crackers.

Mix: 2 cans of apple pie filling, 3/4 c. liquid caramel, 2 Tbs. cinnamon.  Pour in Pillsbury Pie crust.  Bake at 425 degrees for 45 minutes.

Then David got back to studying, and I watched the Election results trickle in.  I really wanted Mitt Romney to be elected.  I agree with his policies, and I really look up to him as a person.  But although Romney didn't win, I feel it is still important to be respectful of the President.  I really admire the First Presidency's official statement given after the election: to pray for the President (see http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/statement-on-election-result). That's what I want to do.  I know that I will be directly affected by several of Obama's policies, such as health care.  Once David becomes a doctor, we will have lots and LOTS of loans to pay back.  And that could be scary with the new health care policies.  But I know that I am in God's hands, and that God is in complete control of my life.  Because of that, I can pray for our President, and I am not afraid of the future.  I have no reason to despair.  And for that (among other things), I still have reason to celebrate on this Election day.

8 month bump :)

Parking just for me.  This made my day :)