The way to a man's heart...

Is through his stomach. And I must say that it is the way to mine as well. Kevin's favorite Russian food is something called pelmini. He made it for me once and, YUM, I've craved it ever since. The problem, we don't live in Russia and for some reason pelmini is about the only thing that isn't allowed to be imported to the states. The solution, I give it my best go. If I were still working this would not have happened. It's quite time consuming for a single meal. Maybe next time Kevin is off we will tackle it together and freeze some for comfort food down the road :). I documented my process as proof that I am finding productive ways to use my days.

The filling is simply a dump this and dump that process. It's the dough and folding of the little bite size morsels that is the pain. My belly made an appearance in the second picture. See it hanging over the counter. Too bad I'm tall and it can hang over the counter. If I were just a few inches shorter I would soon be unfit to be in the kitchen :).

This last step of frying the pelmini is Kevin's personal request. I like them straight from the pot just boiled (and that's how most Russian's eat them).

Then to top them off, sour creme and, of all things, ketchup. Weird but DELICIOUS!

I was inspired to make this Russian dish because this last weekend Kevin had a cousin come home from his mission. So we all went to the airport to welcome him home. It brought back all the fun memories from when I was at the airport with all of Kevin's family to welcome him home. That was June 1, 2006. We didn't know all that was in store for us then.

Now we have a little better picture :).

I Love You Kevin and I'm so happy you're HOME!!

This picture leads you to believe that Kevin was a giant in Russia. Although it is a well known fact that he is tall, he does not have 'giant status'. The others in the picture just happen to all be quite short.

Don't let all the sunny pictures fool you. Kevin can assure you that Russia was anything but. These pictures are from the very end of his mission in May, and he still managed to get a picture of snow!

Take me out to the ball game!

This last weekend we went up to the ball game in Seattle, WA at Safeco Field. Kevin has always talked about this place and his cherished memories of him and his dad rooting for the Seattle Mariners while listening to the games called on the radios in their tractors on hot summer days. They played the Yankees, and well, let's just say Kev's hoping that the Mariners will make a come back soon and be that team he was always so proud of.

The highlight of the game for sure! Kevin decided to venture away from our seats next to first base to see if he could snag a home run prize. I guess you could say he can do whatever he puts his mind to because here he is with his big catch!

He was the slightest bit tempted to lob it back onto the field because it came off of A. Rod's bat and Kevin is not the biggest fan of his ways :). But that was a fleeting thought and the ball made it home with us.

We also had a great time that day in Seattle. We toured Pikes Market and enjoyed some great people watching. I was a bit culture shocked at moments. I've heard about loony tunes before, but got to get up close with a few on this trip. It was refreshing to make it back to the eastern side of the state.

What's baking in our oven?

See for yourselves...

A BOY wins the cake!

And we can't wait for all of our adventures together :)

Gilbert Family Sneak Peaks~

"What's going on in there?!"

Kevin and I haven't been doing much predicting about what's happening inside of me...in regards to whether our first born is going to have us buying camo and blue or bows and pink. I typed in a few dates into an iphone baby predictor app and it told me a girl was on the way. I think I'll keep the ultrasound scheduled though, just to make sure :). Kevin always refers to "him" when he discusses my growing belly, but I always refer "her". However, neither of us have strong predictions either way. I'm getting quite anxious to find out though! Good thing I only have to wait about 20 more hours to find out, and I should be sleeping about 8 of those, so that cuts my wait down to just 12 more hours! For the last few weeks I've been feeling our sweet thing dance around and adjust to get comfortable between naps. I can't even begin to describe how much I love that feeling. It's absolutely amazing! Well baby, we can't wait to get to know you a little better. Whatever you are, we sure do love you!!

Family...isn't it about TIME?

Gilbert Family Reunion! Living in OR we're just a hop, skip, and a jump away...or should I say, it's literally just "over the river and through the woods", no, more like sage brush, to Grandmother's house :). All of us made it and we had a great time!

Grandma put together a fun treasure hunt for the kids around the farm and Grandpa guided us to the clues on our hayride behind the tractor.

Kevin and Sweet Grandma Gilbert joined us after the grandkids picked up a clue from her back door.

Out on the farm you can golf in your backyard without breaking any neighbors' windows :)

We enjoyed some horseback riding as well. Here's me with Goldie and Baby. Can you sense my excitement? I love these animals!

The classic farmer and wife, John Deere pose.

Thanks Pam and Lamar for such a fun reunion! We love our family!!