Seventeen Weeks

So I'm seventeen weeks pregnant today. Some of you are probably wondering what I look like at this point. Well I just tried to take a picture of my belly but it turned out really really stupid and to be honest although I have gained some poundage in my abdomen area it just looks like I've drank one too many beers. So sorry to all of you who are curious you'll just have to wait a little longer. I did have my third visit to my mid wife which went very well. I could really hear the babies heart beat and she told me that everything seems to be perfect...my weight gain...and the babies heart rate. My ultrasound is scheduled for Dec 6th at 11:00 am so we will find out the sex of the baby very soon! And YES we are letting people know...although my dad thinks I should wait till Christmas to tell my mom which I think might drive her crazy. Ha! Some of you may also be wondering how I am feeling and all the little quirks that go along with me being pregnant. Well, I am still struggling with nausea but not nearly as bad as a few weeks ago. I don't have any really bad cravings for thing but I have been enjoying pasta a lot more especially sprinkled with cheese and some Nutritional Yeast which is wonderful for being pregnant (or so I've heard). I also love cinnamon gum which seems to settle my stomach down and I can't seem to handle salad like I use to which is a pity since I love green things. I am moody and weepy and at times I have really crazy vivid dreams but other than that I'm just as normal as can be. ( just kidding) Mostly I am just so thankful that this baby is healthy from what we can tell so far and that I am progressing nicely. The Lord has blessed us so abundantly and I am daily grateful for his blessings. This thanksgiving we have so much to be thankful for even if what I am thinking of is still such a tiny little thing!

A Beautiful Day

It was clear and cool and one of the last days where the leaves lingered on the trees. Everyone gathered in the candle lit church to celebrate and witness the joining of two people in holy matrimony. As I stood in the front taking it all in I distinctly felt the Holy Spirits pull. As the little children rang bells to usher in the bride I couldn't hold back the tears and I was reminded of how we are to come before the Lord as little children willing and open. The music was amazingly peaceful and filled with such overwhelming joy. My brother looked smashingly handsome and his bride was dazzling. Having a lot of my family there was such a joy for me and my brother's children Jonathan and Kylie Joy were the highlight of the weekend for me. I love to reconnect with loved ones and we were able to do that the whole weekend long. The love and support I felt from everyone was such a gift. And now my brother and his new wife are off in the Virgin Islands having the time of their newly married lives and I wish them well and God's love on their marriage. Overall it was a beautiful day!

Make Me Stop and Stare

It has been a busy couple of weeks. Not insanely busy like some times I've had in my life but busy enough to make me take in some deep breaths and pray for help. Yet its a good time. The musical went well. I almost found myself crying a few times because the students really did a splendid job of taking it to the top. Now its over, the curtain has been closed for the last time, and I'm back home getting things ready for the next big event....my younger brother's wedding. Now that its almost here I'm finding it a bit strangely wonderful. I can remember him when he was so young. Squirmy with a high pitched voice, He was cute, a cute terror, but aren't all little brothers? We weren't close as children, only as we entered high school did we find a connection. I'm blessed because I have such a young man as my brother. I love him so much and I want the best for he and his future wife. Lord willing each year that passes will grow us closer and for that I am exceedingly hopeful and I'm thankful for having had the chance to stop and look back and thank God for the goodness and provision he has had in the life of my brother Jon. Yahweh has been gracious indeed and my prayer for my brother is that God will continue to be gracious to him and envelope him in his love and peace.

You Are The Sun

" You are the sun shining down on everyone*Light of the world giving light to everything I see*
Beauty so brilliant I can hardly take it in*And everywhere you are is warmth and light*
And I am the moon with no light of my own* Still you have made me to shine*And as I glow
in this cold dark night*I know I can't be a light unless I turn my face to you*

~Sara Groves and Matt Bronleewe

Thoroughly Modern Madness!!

Anybody that knows me well knows that I'm extremely passionate about acting. I've always been a little actress at least that's what my mom says to me. And if you ask my friend Charlotte she will tell you all the funny and crazy times we had acting for our high school productions. So when Scott and I moved to TN and I happened upon a drama teacher position available at the local Christian school I was excited. The ironic thing is when I finally decided to pursue the job my brother's at the time girlfriend had already gotten the position! Well this worked out much better than I could have dreamed because she needed some help and I was more than excited to help with anything. And so that's what I did. Now my brother's girlfriend/soon to be wife has been sweet enough to ask me back pregnant and all. SO here we are a week before the Thoroughly Modern Millie Production and its quite madness if you really want to know. But secretly this is my most favorite time...the pressure of time and place colliding into one big emotional ball. We still have so much more to go in one week but the beautiful thing is that these young adults are going to shine, through the power of our Lord and Savior and I'm so blessed to be able to witness this once again. Because I believe the Lord can redeem all things until himself the musical arts no exception... I lean on him fully for this time. There are a few things in this life that make me feel close to the spirit of the Lord....Children, beautiful worshipful music, the created order, and the fine arts. Drama stirs my soul it always has and I know it always will. So in closing I ask for your prayers as we move into this very hectic time. And if you have a passion for musicals and are in the area please come and see the show... Nov. 9-11. and if you want to find me I'll be back stage sitting on a stool munching on cracker and peanut butter opening and closing the curtain.

The Blaze

I think someone should change Halloween to Candy Consumption Day. I mean what are we celebrating here? Yeah kids get to dress up but if there was no candy would children of all ages still go out and romp around on a blustery fall evening? Personally I don't think so. Well except maybe the little ones. My nephew Juden seemed to really enjoy himself last night but I think he was a bit confused about why everyone was getting candy. He kept asking us all why candy? Why candy? I think he was also extremely intrigued by how many people were out and about. It was so precious to see all of the nieces and nephews running around having the time of their little lives. Well until maybe around 8 o' clock when the combination of over stimulation, sugar, and tiredness produced the most chaotic scene. Ahh! Halloween with little ones! But all in all it was a fun evening of visiting and sneaking some candy for myself.








Juden blowing on his sucker