He's Here!

Quincy Oliver Apperson

We welcomed our third sweet son into the world on 

Saturday, August 13 at 10:27.

7lbs 10oz

For the first time, I experienced over 24 hours of labour.

After 10 and 5 hour labours, I have a whole new appreciation for those 

Mamas who are in it for the long haul!

 This little fella is the sweetest baby a Mama could wish for.

And he's got two very adoring big brothers.

Our hearts are filled with gratefulness to God for blessing us with this boy!

Peach Freezer Jam

Well, week 38 came and is just about gone. 

Tomorrow I'll be into my last week 

- give or take - 

since my 2 big boys both showed up late.

On Sunday we crashed some friends' date and met up with them for a 

matinee of the new Bourne movie. 

I think it's been years since we went to a movie together. 

Haha!

Then yesterday, our sweet neighbours brought over a big box of peaches from their tree.

There's nothing quite like being 39 weeks pregnant to motivate you to get 

some of those can't wait projects done - just in case.

So this morning I watched Olympic Gymnastics while 

peeling, slicing, and cooking up a big batch of freezer jam. 

Here's the recipe:

No-Pectin Peach Jam

We ended up with well over 10 lbs of jam!

All for a just few hours work. 

And now I'm just waiting ever so impatiently for it to cool off so 

I can slice and butter up a thick piece of fresh bread to douse in jam. 

Happy Saturday!

Week 37 and a Freezer Meal Party

This week was #37!

It won't be long now. 

These two cutie pies were on their best big-brotherly behaviour at my check-up this week.

Of course they were well rewarded afterwards.

Their drink of choice is a sample cup of whipped cream.

And for me?

Just a Grande Starbucks Double Shot on Ice.

Ahhhh....

Being pregnant in this weather is no joke. 

We get out to water the garden and play in the mornings 

and then after dinner we're usually out the door for a family walk or bike ride.

But during the day, we're usually tucked away inside with the AC running.

 I tried a new banana bread recipe this week.

The boys were only too happy to partake.

We attended our 6th baby shower celebration of the summer!

And speaking of baby showers...

In lie of a shower, a few dear ladies from our Bible Study group at church came over this morning and spent hours working in the kitchen, stocking my freezer with all kinds of meals and goodies to enjoy after Baby #3 makes his debut.

A am so blessed to have had these sweet ladies spoiling me!

And if any of you are looking for some freezer meal inspiration that is more than just a cream of chicken soup casserole, here's what my freezer now holds:

Sausage Balls 

(for dear husband)

We omit the onion.

The Pioneer Woman's Breakfast Burritos

Blueberry Muffins

Sausage, Spinach, and White Bean Soup

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Quinoa and Black Bean Enchilada Bake

Three Bean and Beef Chili

White Chicken Chili

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Quiche

Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Three Ohhh!

Normally I keep my posts focused on what I'm up to and life with our boys.

But, today we celebrate my guy's birthday and I can't help but brag a little...

So thankful to God for blessing me with this dear husband.

From the day he popped the question...

...to the day we said I do...

...and beyond, he has been my very best friend.

 Our boys have a patient and godly example.

And they can be thankful, 

because he's a lot more spontaneous and fun than I am!

 From the very beginning, 

I feel I must be the luckiest girl alive to be partners with this guy for life.

 We're only almost 4 years in, but already I can't wait to spend the next 30 with him.

Happy Birthday my love.

Our Canadian Vacation

Well, I lost track of documenting each stop along the way at about this point.

I was having so much fun seeing friends and family that I forgot to pull out my camera and preserve memories in photo - but, we saw many dear friends and toured my uncle's dairy farm (where my Dad grew up) while north of the border.

One of the big highlights of our trip was spending a day visiting my Grandma (Oma, to the boys) and Great Aunt Helena.

Here they are with Aunt Helena - after playing all morning with her fun vintage toys.

At Grandma's house we had to play a game of Scrabble for old times' sake.

She had some pretty fun old toys tucked away in a closet as well.

We sure do love and miss Oma.

And so many members of our extended family got together for a Duerksen brunch gathering. 

We were glad to see so many and can't wait to live closer again.

One last picture with Oma

and Auntie Joanne, who was a great host for the week.

Finally it was time to get back on the road home. 

We didn't attempt the drive straight through again, 

and broke the trip up into two days on the road with these traveling champs.

Pretending to sleep - and actually sleeping.

We stopped to stretch out legs at an outlet mall on the way home. 

While I was browsing, 

Daddy sniffed out the cotton candy vender and gave the boys their 

first experience of this sweet fluffy treat.

A request from Ryder to dip his toes in the water couldn't be passed up as we were driving through Klamath Falls, OR. 

Everyone stayed healthy and the van gave us no trouble at all.

We were so blessed to see loved ones over the course of our vacation.

And finally, 

Home Sweet Home!

Mother's Day

Just for fun, 

I took a little walk down memory lane this morning and 

browsed through some old photos that are special Mama moments. 

From finding out that Ryder would be joining our family...

to bringing him home from the hospital.

Our first hike together up Chuckanut 

and our first trip to the top of the Space Needle.

 Being a Mama kept me busy during a long 9 month deployment

and this little fella helped me welcome Daddy home at the end of it all.

 A new house and a new state later, 

Lynden became the second sweetie to make me a Mama.

 Big brother met Lynden for the first time when 

we picked him up on our way home from the hospital.

From Lake Tahoe... 

 to Sacramento...

to our very own backyard - these boys give me my favourite job title:

Mama <3