He's 1 month old!

Aaron turned a month old yesterday! He is as precious as ever!  At the doctor's office, he weighed in at 10.6lbs.  He's gained a pound a week :) 

This month's highlights:

visit from San Antonio family

Arboretum pumpkin patch

Zoo trip

Fall festival with Mimi, Pawpaw, Christi, Chad, and Cooper

neighborhood fall party

Hooray! He's here!

Our precious baby boy, Aaron Charles, was born September 26th at 10:57am.   After a quick 2 hour labor/delivery,  we welcomed him into our family.  He weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. and was 18.3 inches long.  Aaron has a head full of dark brown hair and is a spitting image of both of my other boys.  He is just beautiful and such a blessing from the Lord.  Praise to the Father for a healthy delivery for us both! 

After holding Aaron for a few minutes and introducing him to my family, the newborn nurse decided to take him to the NICU for some breathing issues (probably due to such a short labor).  He spent the day and night under their watch, and got to spend his second night in the hospital in room with me.  We are SO thankful and overjoyed to welcome him into our family.  We love you Aaron.

Bed Rest Countdown:16

Final bed rest countdown!!  16 weeks complete and a few more days until I will be induced :)  My doctor gave me the freedom to get up, but the hubby wants me to wait until after the baby comes.  While I am ready to have the freedom to do what I want, I know that it will be a long time before I have the energy to actually do very much. 

Some things I can't wait to do:
hold our precious baby
attend church (at least a small portion of it)
bake cookies with the kids
get my kitchen in order (I can't find anything in it anymore!)
take care of my household chores
cook dinner for my family

This time of bed rest has been LONG.  I have seen God's blessing and provision for us each step along the way including over 52 meals, weekly lawn care, housekeeping help, prayers, and numerous play dates for the kiddos and I.  Thank you to each one of you who showed us the love of Christ through the service of your hands and prayers from your hearts.  Keep praying for a safe, healthy delivery for both the baby and I.  We love you all!  Next time I post, it'll probably include baby pictures!!

Bed Rest Countdown: 15

15 weeks down/1 to go and I'll be 38 weeks!!  My doctor says she won't induce me until 39 weeks, but I'm hoping this little man won't wait quite that long.  I'm more than ready to be carrying him on the outside instead of the inside. There are only a few things left on my "have to do" list (thanks to all the help from my mom): find/wash the infant car seat, buy newborn diapers, move Adrian's clothes to JG's closet,  and pack the hospital bags.  I can't believe it is almost time to welcome baby boy to the world.  Please be praying for both the baby and my health as the big day approaches.  I am at a higher risk for some complications during delivery that I'd really rather not have to deal with.  Pray, pray, pray please!

Cravings

I was craving a decaf Starbucks mocha frappaccino today and low and behold, Jesse walks in the door with one right as I finish eating my dinner.  I don't know how he knew what I wanted, but boy did he come through!!  In 2 words-- husband awesomeness!!  Thanks honey for making my day :)

Getting stuff done

It felt nice to accomplish a few things today.  Jesse and his friend Mike spent the morning cutting down a tree at our rental house while I played with the kids from the couch.  Thankfully they played well with puzzles, legos, and the play kitchen.  Adrian even brought me all his diaper supplies and laid on the floor next to the couch for a diaper change!!  JG read Adrian a book and tucked him in for nap before he and Ava had their 1 hour rest time.  Jesse came home to a quiet and peaceful house!   I spent my couch time sewing up tears in a bunch of hand me down princess dress-up clothes, fixing holes in stuffed animals, and sewing a button on some shorts for Ava.  If it wasn't for bed rest, the dress-up clothes and animals would never have been repaired.  While these are all little things, it felt SO nice to start something and finish it all on my own :) 

Bed Rest Countdown: 14

14 weeks down (and 2 days)/2 weeks to go! 36 weeks pregnant!  I went to the doctor today and she said that the baby weighs 6 lbs. 11oz!  I also saw on the ultrasound that he has chubby cheeks and a dimple on his chin.  I can't wait to meet this sweet baby.  The doctor also said that I could start sitting up and moving around some in just 5 more days!  I made an appointment to get a pedicure and haircut as soon as I got home :)   Keep praying that this little pumpkin stays put a little longer and that we have a safe and healthy delivery!

Pei Wei memories

Tonight Jesse and I got take-out from Pei Wei for dinner and it was such a treat for me!!  As I was munching my spicy orange peel chicken, Pei Wei memories flooded my mind.  Does eating Pei Wei have a direct connection to improved memory skills??  I'm thinking it might.  Anyway, I thought a few were worth noting for fun.

-first Pei meal: over 8 years ago with friends from our newly wed Sunday school class... had my first taste of edamame
-gobbling Pei Wei with Jesse the night before Ava was born while having contractions 2 minutes apart
-sitting at the Pei Wei bar and eating Pei Wei with Adrian after a prenatal check-up.  It was the only thing that sounded good :)
-getting Pei Wei take-out to celebrate my bff Alice's b-day (and her trip to town and surviving IKEA with all our kiddos).  Adrian pulled my food off the table and onto the floor.  Alice said, "you can cry if you want to... I would" (or something like that).
-sharing a Pei Wei meal with our ABF co-directors, the Bitars, and a church leader
-tonight- trying to steal a few quiet minutes with Jesse while the kids watched a show.  They got taquitos, apples, and carrots (don't judge me) while we got the good stuff...

Thanks for letting me share some random memories of yummy food shared with special people.  Maybe I can share a Pei Wei meal with you before too long... for some reason, I bet I'll remember that one as well.

Thankful hearts

Last night at dinner, I asked the kiddos what they were thankful for.   Ava responded right away with "kisses".  JG chimed in with "Carol (my aunt) and all his friends".  Ava added "Mrs.Nicky."  Adrian said "Christi" (my sister)  My list went on and on.

Bed Rest Countdown: 13

13 weeks down/3 more to go (to 38 weeks)!  YEA, we've made it to 35 weeks.  There is now a light at the end of the tunnel.  I stopped taking some meds this week and most of the yucky things I had going on are gone!  What a blessing.  I'm so excited that we will be welcoming another little boy into our family before too long.  Besides a messy house, I feel like we are close to being ready.

Special blessings this week:
Mom and Dad moving furniture and fixing the crib for me
Bible study and my precious friends
Nicky and Lauren coming to play yesterday
all my precious kids

Too big

Too Big

Bed Rest Countdown: 12

12 weeks down/4 weeks to go!  34 weeks pregnant!  I went to the doctor yesterday and had a 3-D ultrasound.  Everything looks good and they estimate that our precious boy weighs a whopping 5 1/2lbs.  

This last week, I didn't feel so well and didn't do much.  The only thing I accomplished was ordering a cute hat from Esty that matches baby boy's coming home outfit.  Other than that, the week was filled with reading, emails, sudoku, and playing with the kids.  While I lay here doing little, my list of things to do before the baby comes keeps growing: find/wash infant car seat, wash bassinet bedding, reassemble the swing, and locate the snap and go stroller base for the infant car seat are just a few to add.  I guess I'm nesting from the couch.

Things I'm especially thankful for this week:
my aunt Carol and her embroidery lessons
mom helping me start organizing baby clothes/drawers and getting all the cloth parts of baby gear washed
fresh fruit (can't stand the canned stuff)
friends bringing yummy meals
new nanny Rachel and her talkative personality
school (as JG seems to like it so far)
car pool

Cravings update:  I've not had any to-die-for type cravings lately, but fried chicken tenders have crossed my mind a few times.  Why can't I crave carrots and broccoli instead?!

Back to School for JG

Watch out first grade, here comes JG!  He woke up by his own alarm clock at 6:45am, got dressed, and was in the kitchen making breakfast for himself before we were even out of bed.  He was very excited and looking forward to a fun day and a chance to use all his new school supplies. 

Oh, and thank you Jesse for taking all the great pictures.  It helps me feel like I was there too!

Bed Rest Countdown: 11

11 weeks down/5 weeks to go (as of last Wednesday!  Not too much to report here except that I haven't been feeling well lately.  I'm tired most of the time and every time I move my legs, stand up, or sit, it hurts.  Even with my list of ailments, I'm so happy that the baby and I made it another week.

Like most kids, JG starts school this Monday.  He seems pretty excited and I know that the change will be good for all of us. 

Here are a few pics: meet the teacher, bed rest portrait with Adrian, and my little space cowboy

Brothers

Brothers reading together.  Sweet summer memory for me!

(Sorry for bad cell phone pics.  They are better than no pics, right?)

The Interrupted Life

After Saturdays pity party post, I knew I needed to follow up with something better.  Something encouraging, uplifting, and challenging is definitely in order... more for me than for you  ;)

A week or 2 ago, a sweet friend, Amanda, came by for a visit and brought me a huge bag of treats.  This bag included at least 6 new books and 3 new movies from one of the local Christian bookstores.  What a fun blessing!  Anyway, one of the books that she included was the shortened version of a Priscilla Shirer study called The Interrupted Life: Lessons from Jonah.  The study is about how God uses the interruptions in life to invite us to be part of something more with Him.  Today's chapter, titled Shortcuts, made me pause to think for a few minutes.  The focus of this chapter was how so many of us (and Biblical examples including Naaman) want to take shortcuts in obeying God.  He gives us directions and we try to find the quickest way to get there, instead of following the plan He has laid out.  I couldn't relate more!!  I'm constantly looking for shortcuts for my every day life including things like 10 minute meals, school supply packs, frozen veggies, wrinkle-free clothing, etc. and naturally, that mentality has bled over to my spiritual life.  I'm not putting in the effort required to have the results I desire!  That deserves a big fat AMEN on so many levels!  While I've been praying for His help to motivate me and help me connect with Him, I need to do what I already know I'm suppose to do (reading, prayer, scripture memory, confession, etc) to help get me there.  He has already laid out the plan for connecting with Him and let me tell you, there are no shortcuts!!   Satan LOVES that we LOVE shortcuts.   When we take them, we always miss out.  So, I don't know if anyone out there relates to this, (or even if many people read it), but if you do, I encourage you to take a minute and ask God where you might be taking shortcuts in obedience to Him.  Then try it His way and be blessed :)

Bed Rest Blues

While things have been going pretty well at our house, I'm on the verge of a pity party.  I've done well not to throw any others over the past 10 weeks but today I feel so out of sorts.  I'd like to attribute this to hormones amongst a variety of other things, but that won't do me any good.  Overall, I guess you could say that I'm just tired of doing the same things every day.... reading, computer, sudoku, and only playing with the kids from the confines of the couch.  I mean, I've been laying here for approximately 73 days people!!  It's getting harder to watch the kids and Jesse leave the house without feeling a little jealous or wanting to cry...  Agh!  I wish I wasn't feeling selfish today.  You can pray that God will give me a change of heart so that for the remaining 5 weeks and 4 days, I might look at things from His perspective (again) and take my baby growing job as seriously as I should.  Thanks blogger for letting me vent  :)

Bed Rest Countdown: 10

10 weeks down/6 weeks to go!  Baby weighed in at 4lbs 3oz. and was moving like crazy.  My cervical length isn't as good as it was 3 weeks ago, but I think that is pretty much to be expected as the baby continues gaining 1/2lb. per week.  6 weeks to go and so much that needs to be done: crib set up, moving furniture and closets around as Adrian moves to JG's room, washing all the baby gear, finding a coming home outfit, and picking a name (and that doesn't include all the back to school stuff for my other 3 kiddos).

This last weekend was special as 2 of my friends (Emily & Angie) came and took me to their weekend scrapbook retreat.  I took a short ride to Emily's husband's corporate apartment and lounged on a queen size bed they'd sat up in the living room.  A bunch of ladies worked on their scrapbooking and I managed to start Adrian's first year album.  I spent most of my time just selecting and uploading the first 6 months of photos but I've had fun the last few days making the actual scrapbook pages on Shutterfly.  It will feel great to accomplish this project before the baby comes.  Oh--and it was GREAT to be out of the house and spending time with a bunch of ladies that catered to my every whim :)

Heard a song today on the radio that brought tears to my eyes... don't know what song, but the part that stuck is "my hope is in the Lord all day long" or something along those lines.  Loved thinking about the truth of that today.

Relaxing with mommy

Veggie tales, snack, blankie, and mommy.  Nice end to a long day (and summer) of togetherness.

Bed Rest Countdown: 9

9 weeks down/7 weeks to go and 31 weeks pregnant!  Went to the doctor today and the baby gained 9oz. since last week!  Atta boy.  I'm feeling pretty good still minus the almost constant reflux.  I did figure out that if I eat a bowl of Quaker Oat Squares with milk before bed, I  don't have reflux at all.  Weird!  I'd much rather eat a bowl of cereal than a handful of Tums that are filled with artificial colors and flavors.  I wonder if those extra calories right before bed helped the baby put on the weight this week...

Things I'm thankful for today:
elastic
hair bands
comfy yoga pants
flip flops
leftovers
VBS
friends that I can call for help: Katherine to pick up JG from VBS and Nancy to grab us some groceries
plentiful games and books to share with the kids
bottled water (our tastes like dirt right now)
nanny Sarah (loving us, baking muffins for the kids breakfast this week, and going to the store)
game night with Dondi and Keri (including Russo's pizza and many laughs from the Men are from Mars,      
     Women are from Venus game)

Cravings this week:  Nothing special except my usual sweet tooth.  Lately I've been trying to satisfy it with  either homemade trail mix of almonds and chocolate chips or all natural fruit popsicles.  Now that I think more about it, yesterday I did have ice cream and chocolate pound cake cupcakes on the brain.  Good thing I can't bake right now or run to the store :)

Thanks Lord for another healthy week filled with loving friends and the joy they bring.

Bed Rest Countdown: 8

8 weeks down/8 weeks to go and 30 week pregnant.  Tomorrow marks the half way bed rest point!!  56 days past and 56 days ahead of us (to reach 38 weeks).   I celebrated the day with a decaf mocha frappacino from Starbucks (on the way home from my doctors appt).  After I placed my order and sat awhile in the drive-thru line, the barista apologized for the long wait.  I thought to myself, "Are you kidding?  What wait, I'm too busy soaking in the sunshine, admiring the trees, and people watching."  I can't tell you how long it has been since I've have had the pleasure of waiting in line.  Nothing like bed rest to put things in perspective.

A few of this weeks highlights:
fresh chocolate chip cookies made by nanny Sarah and the kids
Emily taking all 3 of my kiddos to the spray park (and the funny pics and port-a-potty story that go with that)
plans to embroider a baby bib and some towels (thanks Sarah for the idea and supplies)
a quiet 20 minute dinner alone with Jesse while the kids watched a show
a good doctors report (that everything has stayed the same)
plans to lay on the couch at my Nana's while the kids swim one day soon
dinner from a unknown neighbor
another week of Keri's fabulous grocery delivery service
learning how to french braid Ava's hair (thank you u-tube)
Jesse teaching me how to load pics from my phone to my blog

Thanks Lord for the many blessings of this week.  I'm betting next week will be just a good!

So I don't know if I'm going bed rest crazy or nesting has set in, but I'm dying to do stuff around here: clean closets, organize drawers, sort school clothes for the kids, start getting the baby's room ready, just to name a few.  While I've got lots of help, at this point, there would be nothing quite like doing it myself!!

Oh--and I can't wait for the day when I've got a craving for chocolate chip cookies and I can just whip some right up! 

Bed Rest Countdown: 7

7 weeks down, 9 weeks to go, and 29 weeks pregnant!  YEAH for making it to the 3rd trimester!  We are still pondering names for this little boy, and I'm starting to think about baby clothes and bouncy seats.  I've been searching online for a coming home out, but it isn't nearly as fun to shop for a little one online as is it to browse the racks at the store.  Maybe if I make it to 37 weeks, I can beg someone to push me in a wheelchair and take me shopping!!  Other things I look forward to are getting a haircut, pedicure (maybe), and having a dinner out with Jesse. 

Highlights from this week include: Ava spending an entire day at her best friend Natalie's house,  JG's friend Esteban coming over to reenact Star Wars (light sabers and pods included), having my friend Susan back in town for her weekly visit, family b-day celebrations at my house, spending a few hours catching up with my friend Katherine, and a surprise party (for me!) thrown by my Bible study group.   I know I say this over and over again, but I have the BEST friends and the GREATEST family that I can imagine. Thanks for making this bed rest time full of celebrations, great food, and good memories.

From my perspective

The story (so far) of bed rest as told in pictures

a pinch of this...(many all day jammie days)

a helping of this...  (kids playing an educational wii leapster game... hear me rationalizing).

 a sprinkle of this...

a dash of this...

and a small taste of this.

Ava-isms

Today Ava said a couple of things that cracked me up.
1. After Adrian hit Ava and was telling her sorry, he tried to give her a kiss.  She said, "I don't want him to kiss me.  He gives sloppy kisses."

2. The kids were munching on cookies after lunch and when I asked Ava what kind of cookie she had chosen, she said "A snacker-doodle."  (Instead of snickerdoodle)

3. Ava decided she wanted to make a picture today and asked Miss Sarah (our nanny) to help her cut out a "big love heart."

30 at 30

Today I celebrate my 30th birthday!  How do I feel?  Grateful, thankful, and joyful for the blessed life that God has given to me.  When I look around, I want for nothing.  There is nothing I need, nothing that would make my life more full, except for a heart more in love with my Savior.

The first 30 things that popped into my mind that I am grateful for:
Jesse, who loves me "in sickness and in health"
JG
Ava
Adrian
our growing baby boy
quiet mornings when children crawl into my bed to cuddle
my Mom who continually sacrifices so much for us
my Dad who is a wonderful example of serving others with the gifts God has given you
my sisters that bless with their thoughtfulness and help
my extended family and the way we celebrate special times together and comfort each other in the difficult times
my friend Alice that always makes me laugh, no matter what the situation
my church
the gift of the Holy Spirit that keeps me wandering to far from Him
women's Bible study group... .women who know my good, bad, and ugly and still are my friends
the public library
neighborhood mom's club (strangers that have been blessing our family with meals)
cuddle time watching movies or playing games with the kids
listening to JG read chapter books to us before bed
Adrian's gift of random showers of kisses
Ava's curiousness of the world (especially bugs)
health (that I will one day get up from my couch and there are so many that will spend their lives this way)
air conditioning... no need to say more
laying in bed and talking with Jesse at night
feeling the baby kick (and watching the kids faces light up when they feel it)
photos that capture moments that I so quickly forget
friends sharing the truth around the world and their stories of how big He is
Keri's special friendship
vacations
freedom to worship Jesus openly without fear for safety
ICF student ministry that helps international students connect with Christ

When I see this list (and much is left unlisted), how can I feel anything but overwhelmed as each blessing is completely undeserved.  This is definitely a happy 30th birthday for me!

Oh--and if by chance, you find yourself feeling grumpy instead of grateful today, make your own list and I bet you'll see that you too are blessed beyond belief.

(Picture of me at 30... and of course I always dress up, put on jewelry, and wear make-up when on bed rest)

Dreaming

Last night I had a dream that I was in military boot camp doing all sorts of physical training exercises.  I guess my mind is just as ready as my body to get up and do something.

Bed Rest Countdown: 6

6 weeks down/10 weeks to go and 28 weeks pregnant!  I've made it to the 3rd trimester and this little guy probably weighs in at 2.5lbs and measures about 16 inches long.  I'm pretty sure he has been my most active baby and most evenings it feels like he's having a party.


Highlights this week include ladies Bible study, my sweet friend Nancy and her kiddos coming for a play date, watching the kids play with Ava's new bug vacuum, surprise loaves of homemade bread on the porch, and JG making us all breakfast this morning.  I also started focusing on things I can accomplish while laying here and I started a few projects: reading a book on DLSR cameras, taking continuing ed classes online, planning a Sunday school "Minute to Win It" social, starting the process of finding a nanny for August and September, and thinking about baby names.  I've enjoyed craft and cooking blog browsing and found a great healthy cooking blog: skinnytaste and have saved a few cute craft projects that I might eventually be able to make for the baby's room.  I am also hooked on searching Craigslist for a few household items: white IKEA expedit shelving for the playroom, a larger kitchen table with a bench, and a cute white desk for Ava's room. Working on all these different things is helping this time pass more quickly and I can't believe that after Sunday, summer break is 1/2 way over!

Joy of today

When the kids came home from church and lunch out with Jesse today, they were full of energy.  They played chase for an hour and the sound of their laughter filled the house.  JG and Ava were the runners and Adrian the chaser.  I loved seeing him run after them on his short little legs yelling "Got you" and "Where are you?"  Nothing fills my heart like their laughter and smiles.

Ava's 4th Birthday!

Happy Birthday sweet girl!  You have grown up so much this year!  You are a joy to be around and your smile lights up the room.  You love your brothers tremendously.  You love building with legos, playing with puzzles/games, sword fighting, playing chase and hide-n-seek, coloring and painting, and taking care of your babies (stuffed puppies).  Reading is also something you love and often times daddy and I find you asleep in your chair or on the floor by your door with a pile of books.  At night after tucking you in, we also enjoy listing to you sing a medley of songs including "Jesus loves me," "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed," and so many more. 




I asked Ava a few questions last night and her is what she said:
favorite toy: yellow bucket (which was the only toy in sight when she answered)
favorite movie: Ice Age
favorite restaurant: Taco Cabana
favorite food: pizza and tacos
job when she grows up: teacher, doctor, and chef

We love you Ava and are so proud of the lady God is growing you into.

Ava & JG party pics

Customize a thank you

Bed Rest Countdown: 5

5 weeks down/11 weeks to go!  27 weeks pregnant.  This week at my doctor's appointment they told me that my little man weighs 2.1lbs and already has some hair on his head.  I wonder if that explains all my reflux :)

This past weekend Jesse's family came in town and we enjoyed celebrating birthdays with his Dad's famous fajitas.  The kids had a great time playing with cousin Lilly and their uncles Jacob and Jared.  My parents took the kids to watch fireworks on Sunday evening and we all went to their house on the 4th for lunch and more birthday celebrating with my Dad's family.  It was great to be out of the house and see my grandparents for the first time since Christmas.  I sure love being with family.

Bed Rest Countdown: 4

4 weeks down/12 weeks to go!!!  That puts me at 26 weeks along with a baby weighing approximately 2 lbs. YEA!  I can't believe that I have been laying down for a month.   I also can't believe how weak I am getting.  Taking a shower is so exhausting that sometimes I just lay on my bed in a towel for a few hours before dressing.  I have lost so much muscle already that I can wear smaller size shorts that I could a few weeks ago.  Crazy!  Overall, the days go by slowly, but the weeks are adding up.  I do my best not to dwell on how much longer I have to go but I can't help but think about some of things that I will miss (first days of school, meet the teacher, etc). 

Highlights for this week include weekly Bible study  (with onion rings-- thanks Paige), play date with an old friend Christy and her girls, evening visit from Hanh, surprise visit with my aunt Carol and uncle Sam, and my friend Nancy (and her girls) bringing some groceries (and cutting up all our fruit!)  JG spent the week at our church's summer music camp and has LOVED it. He is a lion in tonight's musical performance and I hope Jesse gets me some good video of the show.  Ava and Adrian enjoyed the play dates with friends and more attention from our great nanny, Sarah.  

Oh--can't forget this weeks craving update: spicy Orange Chicken from Pei Wei and basil chicken from a local Thai restaurant.  Bummer that neither place delivers! 

Happy 6th Birthday JG!

My sweet boy is 6!!  We celebrated the day by going to Mimi's house.  Poppy, Kelsey, and Mimi took the kids swimming in their neighborhood pool.  Nana, PawPaw, and Cooper stayed at the house to keep me company as I sprawled on the couch.  We had a pizza lunch topped off with vanilla cake with green icing (per JG's special request).  It was a fun crazy day at the pool for the kids and a nice change of location for me.

Here are some of JG's favorites:
favorite toy: big blue beach ball
favorite food: Mommy's chimichangas
favorite movie: none
favorite book: none
favorite restaurant: Taco Cabana (same as when he was 4)
favorite place: Mimi's house
best friend: Drake "because he is always nice"
when he grows up he wants to be: a chef at a restaurant "where I get to cook everything"

He also loves playing Wii games and board games (especially the Star Wars version of Trouble).

JG, we love you so much and are so proud of who God is growing you into.  You are curious, smart, playful, and such an amazing helper around the house.  You do your chores without complaint (most of the time) and you are such a great big brother to Adrian.  He loves you tremendously and prefers it when you put his pajamas on and read to him at night.  You and Ava love to play together and love to bug each other as well.  JG what a blessing you are to our family.  Happy 6th year!

Bed Rest Countdown: 3

 Tomorrow the count will be 3 weeks down/13 weeks to go.... 25 weeks along!  That means little man should weigh in at around 1lb 9oz and be about 9 inches long.  He will start to gain about a 1/2 lb. each week until delivery.  I'm hoping to make it until September 21st, but we'll just have to wait and see. 

This week has been filled with more love and generosity from friends, family, and strangers.  We've had meals delivered 3 times each week, lots of treats from my Mom, a surprise yard mowing, helpful grocery runs, and to top things off a friend dropped off a chocolate milkshake to fill in my last weeks craving.  Now if only I could have some onion rings... they've been on my mind ALL day.

Bed Rest Countdown: 2

Bed rest countdown: 2 weeks down/14 weeks to go!

I'm 24 weeks pregnant now, and since the baby is viable I'm taking steroids to boost his lung development.  Man, steroids make me crazy, crazy emotional and crazy hungry!  I spent at least an hour this afternoon crying in my room and the next 2 hours thinking about food...  Anybody want to drop off a Braum's chocolate milkshake??  kidding, sort of....  

Thanks Jesse and kids for putting up with me today.  Thanks precious Susan for spending the morning painting with the kids and taking care of me.  The goody bags you bring each week are always full of wonderful and fun surprises for the kids and me!  Couldn't do this without y'all!

Oh-- and in my one sane moment this afternoon, God brought this verse to mind!
Ecc. 3:1 There is a time for everything,
   and a season for every activity under the heavens...

more good Words

Isaiah 23:6 "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

Book Reviews

So since I've been laying around all the time, I've been enjoying some reading time.  I thought I could rate some of the books I've read in the last week and help you out if you have some time to indulge:

Safely Home (by Randy Alcorn?)- ***** an incredible story about the persecution of the Chinese church.  Loved this book as it is filled with powerful scripture and stories of transformed lives.  It made me think about suffering, my lack of experience with it, and the weakness of the American church.

Her Daughters Dream (by Francine Rivers)- ****1/2 This book is the 2nd book in a series about the legacy that mother's leave to their children.  This book has the stories of several generations of women and changes from one character's perspective to another.  Enjoyed reading this one, but I love the first one even more, A Mother's Hope

A Lineage of Grace (by Francine Rivers)- **** I'm reading this book for the 2nd time.  It includes several stories of women in the lineage of Jesus Christ.  I enjoy reading Francine's version of these stories from the Bible, but I recommend reading the real stories afterward to make sure you can seperate her fictional version from what the word of God says.

Coming soon:
Jerusalem Scrolls
Three Cups of Tea 

Bed Rest Countdown

Week 1 down/only 15 to go

Thought for this morning:
a paraphrase from Luke 1:38: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Today's verse and thoughts

This one is on my mind today:

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

I had some doctors appointments this morning and left feeling a little encouraged.  It seems like the bed rest is helping so that is good news.  The specialist says she thinks I'm doing great.  My OB was more discouraging, but I guess she was trying to do her best to prepare me for the worst case scenario and keep me motivated to stay off my feet.  

a verse

Memorized this in college and it popped up in my head this morning.  Gotta love the way that works!

Deuteronomy 33:12 "The beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields them all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders."

A Song for you...

This morning (day 5 of total bed rest) I woke up with a song in my head.  The song was based on a Psalm and written by a friend of mine in college.  His band played it often on Sunday mornings and it was one of my favorites.  I may not get all the words right but I wanted to share it anyway.

The Lord is near, to all those who call on Him,
to all who call on Him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him,
he hears their cries and he saves them.

The Lord he watches over all
all who trust in Him,
My mouth will sing in praise to the Lord,
praise His holy name.

Let every creature, praise His holy name,  forever.
Let every creature, praise His holy name, forever. 

That is all I can remember right now.  These words are blessing my heart today and I hope they will bless yours.

Words that melt my heart

Walking into church the other morning, Ava looked up at me and said "Mommy, my heart says I love you."  Sweet words to my mommy ears for sure.