Here I sit...

So...

here I sit...

9 months pregnant...

38 weeks + 2 days, if you want to be exact.

People are always telling me how I don't look that big/far along.

I say, "Oooooohhh, but I sure FEEL big and far along!"
but, can't hurt for the whole "losing baby weight after birth" process, right?!

As of my ultrasound last Friday (the 16th), my lil' punkin is {supposedly} weighing 5 lbs. 9 oz. (like they can really know that with any kind of accuracy)...but, she has surely put on some weight since then.

♥ Cute button nose ♥

 

Thankfully, she doesn't seem to be sitting so high anymore, meaning that I can breathe better, but {ahem} more trips to the little ladies' room.

Tuesday I saw my doc. and I am supposed to go back in this Tues. so he can check if I am dialating/progressing at all. He said there's a chance that I will get to stay and get things going...hmmm...

So, I think my little princess heard all that talk and decided to add a little spice to the day, as later in the afternoon on Tues. I was having pretty regular contractions for a while at about 5 min. apart. She was just messin' with me, though. She seems to like to do that.

She is precious in His sight...and mine, too!

Bags are packed and sitting by the door, the closet is stocked with tiny diapers, wipes, onesies, itsy-bitsy-tootsie socks and adorable baby doll dresses...

Waiting, praying, hoping, waiting...praying some more {oh yeah, don't forget--trying not to stress or think about the actual labor}

I'm not feeling desperate...often...yet...

I know, I know, SOONER or later, she will come out! So excited! 
♥ her!

Marriage Fruits of the Spirit--LONGSUFFERING {WW4MW Series}

{LONGSUFFERING}

• Learn to disagree without being disagreeable. 
• If at first you don't succeed, you're running about average.
• Don't go to pieces if you burn the toast--If your house burns down someday you'll be able to handle it, too.
• The most difficult year of marriage is the one you're in.
• Housework is something that you do that no one notices unless you don't do it.
• Trying times are times for trying.
•  Marrying is not Marriage.
• A man's best fortune {or his worst} is his wife.

 

 My Thoughts

That Housework line...yah, that's so me...and trust me if no one else does I sure notice!!

I am very glad that I have a longsuffering husband that puts up with all my faults and failures. He really is very easy to please...{for instance, trying a new tasty recipe makes his day ;) } And, he doesn't get upset over burnt toast either...{good thing, since I think our toaster likes to eat the toast}

So, when I am tempted to get all worked up over finding dirty clothes on the floor right next to (but not IN) the hamper, or wonder why the desk in the office or the bedside table look like a bomb of papers exploded there, again...I realize the best thing to do is to think of all the things that he has to "put up with", too. Our house is far from immaculate, dinner is not always promptly on the table, he trips over a maze of kids' toys, etc., at times, I send him to the corner store sometimes multiple times a day, and the list goes on and on...
If he can be longsuffering with all of that, then surely I can cut him a little slack, too, right?!
Plus, I always think...such trivial things to get upset about! After all, he's HERE!! I don't have to wonder if he has stopped off at the local pub for a pint, or if he is coming home tonight at all, I don't have to wonder if he will be in a bad mood and take it out on me and the kids (verbally or otherwise). He is HERE and I wouldn't have it any other way! I will gladly pick up those stinky socks and organize the paper volcano, because it is WAY better than the alternative...just depends on your perspective!

Wouldn't you agree?!

Marriage Fruits of the Spirit--JOY & PEACE {WW4MW Series}

{JOY}

photo source

• The glory of life is to love, not to be loved; to give, not to get; to serve, not to be served.
• Each new day is an opportunity to start over again...
• King or peasant, he is happiest who finds joy and peace in his home.

Photo source

{PEACE}

photo source

• Any housewife, no matter how large her family, can always find time to be alone by doing the dishes. :) 
• Don't go to bed angry.
• A minute of thought is worth more than an hour of talk.
• Peace isn't the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope.
• To will what God wills brings peace.

photo source

{My Thoughts}

As we have all heard before, J-O-Y = Jesus, Others, You...Time to get the focus off ourselves in our marriage and serve with a joyful heart. If I stop worrying about MY needs and start focusing on the needs of my hubby, then I am not only doing my job, but also will realize that my true "NEEDS" have changed/are being fulfilled.

I ♥ that quote about the dishes--makes me smile every time! :)
Also, love that to have peace in our homes we #1: must have Christ as the center, and #2: will still have trials and struggles, but we'll be able to deal with them because of the calming assurance that Jesus' presence brings.

Marriage Fruits of the Spirit--LOVE ♥ {WW4MW Series}

Dearest Daughter~

I already had these written down when asked to add to this journal, so I'll share them here. The thoughts aren't original, but come from the book Apples of Gold. They are based around the fruit of the Spirit, as I trust your marriage will also be.

 

{LOVE}

{Photo source}

• Success in marriage is much more than finding the right person; it is a matter of being the right person.
• There is more pleasure in loving than in being loved.
• True love never grows old.
• Be the first to show your love:
• smile first
• nod first
• speak first
• and, if necessary, forgive first

• We cannot love without giving, tho' we may give without loving.

 Creation of Woman from the rib of Man

"She wasn't made of his head to top him;

Nor of his feet to be trampled upon by him;

But out of his side to be equal with him;

Under his arm to be protected

And near his heart to be loved."

•   The bonds of matrimony aren't worth much unless the interest is kept up.
• We like not only to be loved, but to be told that we are loved.

• The best way for a husband to clinch an argument is to take her in his arms. ♥
• It always takes two to make up after a quarrel.

Mrs.--"Do you love me still?"

Mr.--"Yes, better than any other way!"

• It's as absurd to pretend that one cannot love the same woman always as to pretend that a good musician needs several violins to play a piece of music.
• Some women work so hard to make good husbands that they never quite manage to make good wives.

Perfect love is...

slow to condemn--quick to justify

slow to suspect--quick to trust

slow to demand--quick to give

slow to resent--quick to forgive

slow to belittle--quick to appreciate

slow to hinder--quick to help

slow to reprimand--quick to forbear  

{My Thoughts}

OUCH, right?! Some of these quotes are cute and funny, but others, if we ponder them, can really step on our toes. So, how are we doing with our Marriage Fruits? Are we loving as we should? 

I know that I need to work on my "reflexes"--being "slow to/quick to". 

Also, I need to work on "making a good wife" and NOT on trying to "make a good husband". It's far too easy to try to "fix" him, when that's not my job in the first place. Plus, if I work on fixing myself, I would get a lot farther. Most likely, hubby doesn't need to change, but rather my perspective does!

Valentine's Banquet 2009

36 weeks and counting...

Today we headed to downtown Buenos Aires to do some {thrilling} paperwork.

The nice part was that it was a gorgeous, sunny 75*. Perfection! It was SO nice for this prego. mama and the kiddos not to roast in the car as we did a lot of driving and waiting.

In the afternoon we had to wait for one of our papers to be ready for pick up, so we took advantage of the lovely day and went to the park. The kids loved getting to run around, climb rocks, and soak up some warm sunshine. There was a little pond with geese and a light breeze...it couldn't have been any nicer!

As for me, well, being 36 weeks along (and considering my only and last belly pic. was taken at 20 weeks) I had Matt snap a couple shots of the ever-growing baby bump.

So here they are, for all the world to see...

Me & My Babies

Giving Baby Girl some Love ♥

Just us {3} Girls

36 weeks and counting...

Can't wait to introduce our littlest princess to the world! ♥ her already!

"Once Upon a Time..." {2}

{Part 2--Read Part 1 here}


Tonight we come together to let Heather know how much we love her, how much we pray for her and want her joy to be complete as she marries the one God has just for her.


All of us can remember things about Heather as she grew up. I remember the shower Tina had in their little brown house for the new little one. We all enjoyed watching gifts be unwrapped and we shared our love and best wishes with Heather and Mama. The one thing I remember best is the time Daddy and Heather sang,

"Verily, Verily, I say unto you, 

Verily, Verily, message ever new, 

He that believeth on the Son, tis true,

Hath everlasting life."

Heather was not the tall, slender, young lady then, so Daddy knelt down on one knee so they could sing together. Do you remember? I do and I can see that little girl yet in my mind's eye. And she did believe and she still believes and she does have everlasting life.

She came to Sunday School, Jr. Church, Vacation Bible School, and Prairie Christian Academy. She has grown taller, wiser, and now is preparing not only to be Matt's wife, but also his helpmate as they answer together God's calling to go to the mission field of Argentina. Heather chose to go to Providence Baptist College and study Elementary Education. She would be prepared to work with the younger children that she loves.
 

God has such wonderful plans for His children and this time He decided that Heather needed a special friend that just possibly would turn out to be more than special. God knows folks in Dubuque, Iowa as well as people in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Down there was a young farm boy that just might fill the bill. Oh, I expect his Mom and Dad thought he would probably come back home to farm the family place. Not knowing Matt's parents, but being a parent, you desire to have family close by. But, first of all, you want God's will for your child. So, Matt was off to Providence.

One day he made a phone call to ask permission to take Heather to school and church activities. "Oh, Mike!", I kidded him! He should never have said "yes" for one day he would be getting an even bigger, more important request. And he did. So now Dad will be going once more with his daughter to the altar. This time he will not have to kneel for Heather has grown up. This time he will give her to Matt..."to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, till death do they part." There will be a lump in the throat and a tear or two as he and Pat remember the little bundle of joy they so gladly welcomed into their faimly. There will be joy, joy, and lots of it as they listen to the vows, the prayers, and the charges to their daughter and son-in-law. 

Heather, there will be many prayers going up--thanking God for saving you and receiving you into His family, for your Christian walk in our church and school, for your desire to serve the Lord, and for giving you a born-again Christian for a husband. Tonight we can't see the road ahead that you two will travel. We do not know what trials will come your way. we do not know what God has in store for you. This we do know--His will is perfect, His promises never fail, He will meet your needs and "He will never forsake you." You have answered His call together now. Argentina is not just next door, but you can go knowing the prayers and love of your family and church go with you. When you hurt, so will we, when you rejoice, we'll join you. We'll always welcome you home, but we'll also send you on your way to wherever God leads with our blessing. 

God said there was not found one for Adam as he was naming all the ones that God had created. So He caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and created woman for him from one of his ribs. She was to be a helpmeet and comfort. Tonight, Heather, we all wish you joy as you prepare to be that helpmeet and comfort. We love you!"

~Shared by Mrs. Betty Rodgers~

Devotion at Heather's bridal shower

at Bible Baptist Church

Prairie du Chien, WI

"Once Upon a Time..."

{INTRO. to my "Words of Wisdom for the Married Woman" Series}

"Once Upon a Time..." (don't all good stories begin that way?)


...there was a young couple with just one child, a son. Now this couple was very happy with their son and loved him very much. But, as many other couples do, they wanted more children in their family. They were in a good church with younger couples having new babies. For some reason, their arms remained empty. Were they sad at times? I'm sure they were. But will they have a happy ending? After over 10 years.

Mama began to blossom and then began to bloom. There was just that special something that mamas have, a special look, a special radiance. We knew it, we rejoiced, and we thanked God with them. Our couple was going to need that baby crib once again and big brother was going to get a new brother or sister. Oh, happy day! Oh, yes, baby arrived safe and sound and like all babies, she was a keeper, a real genuine winner! They now had a little bundle to carry to church and the admireres ooed and aahed. Baby took it all in and then fell asleep. Mama and Daddy smiled contentedly and big brother decided if you can't get rid of it, let her join the family.

And what name did this little miss get? Well, "Heather" was chosen and then they chose "Joy". Was is because of the long wait and then an answer to prayer? I don't know, but it has such a delightful sound--JOY! By now you have guessed our couple is Mike and Pat Reed, big brother is Ben, and baby, well, that's our Heather.


To Be Continued...

Words of Wisdom for the Married Woman

I am so excited to be starting my very first series on my blog--and no, it is NOT because I have such amazing and profound wisdom of my own to impart. On the contrary.

I recently came across a journal that was given to me at my bridal shower, almost 8 years ago. I read over the bits of good advice and Godly counsel that I found within. I was blown away, encouraged, and seriously convicted all at the same time. It's amazing to me how much more I understand and how true the words are now that I have a glimpse into what marriage is all about. And I thought, "This is good stuff! It still applies to me today and to every married lady."

No matter how young or old the wife, no matter how new or seasoned the marriage, there's always room for improvement. There's always the reset button that needs to be pressed from time to time. I want to be a better wife tomorrow than I am today. I want to learn and grow in the next 8 years, more than I have in the last 8 years. Wouldn't you agree?!

So, coming soon..."chapters" from my journal. Wonderful thoughts on marriage from the wonderful, Godly ladies in my home church. I hope that you will read along and be encouraged, convicted, and blessed as I have been. Feel free to leave me a comment and share your own words of wisdom as well!

As an introduction, in my next post I will share with you my very own "Once Upon a Time..."

Playin' Catch Up

Wow! 2 months have flown by since I last posted on here! How did that happen?! Well, spending about half of that time out at summer camp might have something to do with it...just for starters!

Before we jump into all that you may have noticed a new look around here...what do you think? So far, I am enjoying this fresh new page of lavenders, but you may see a few more little "tweaks" in the near future. {Women's prerogative, right?!}

Now, let's back up and give you a {brief} sketch of what's been goin' on 'round these parts lately...

January...hmm...did we really have January this year?! I think it brushed past me in a giant, hot and sticky, mosquito infested blur of camps. As a family, we spent one week at teen camp nearby and the next week we all tagged along as hubby preached a whole week of camp about 4 hrs. away. The Lord truly blessed and took care of us, it was a blessing to see God working in the lives of the campers, and a good opportunity/experience for us and the kiddos, too! {They loved every min., stole the show, and really improved in their Spanish, too!} BUT, at the same time, when you have 2 little rugrats full of energy + one hot, prego. and growing mama, + busy hubby, Camp Season really =s Survival Mode!

February started out with lots of heat and humidity accompanied with trips in a non-A/C car to do {lovely} paperwork and apply for our permanent residency. Thankfully, we were able to do everything on our end and are now waiting to pick up our completed papers within the next month. After all, I am sure I can squeeze in another trip to downtown Buenos Aires in order to pick a number, stand in line, wait and wait some more, all while keeping 2 kiddos entertained, balancing my baby belly, fighting Braxton Hicks contractions, and running to the bathroom....no problem!! Never a dull moment...that's FOR SURE!!

The Happy Birthday Boy!

Ethan and Pastor Rickey--the birthday buddies!

Birthday Fun

Playing Peek-a-Boo with Mama

Trucks and Tools--"Man" Toys

 Also, in Feb. we attended a Pastors'/workers' retreat out at {you guessed it} camp. Ethan man turned 2 out there and had so much fun celebrating/playing with all his buddies. He was loving his new tool set and eating yummy chocolate cake. I can't believe he is 2 already, but we are so enjoying this stage with him! He is 100% boy and brings so much joy and entertainment to our lives!

Notice how he is much too captivated by the cake to look up for the pic! :)

Chocolate Frosting!

♥ my family!

 ♥ My handsome men! ♥

 Now, on to March. I see a lot of packing and baby prep. in my future. Trying to start packing the house for our upcoming furlough {We bought our tickets and are flying out on June 27th}. All while preparing everything for the arrival of my baby girl...we had an ultrasound recently and confirmed that it is a girl and she is in position! WooHOOO!! That makes this mama very happy! My due date is April 11th, but I would be okay with a late March baby, too! Time will tell...until then staying busy, as much as my belly allows, and enjoying the 2 munchkins that I already have. ;)

Hopefully, I will be able to keep up a bit better with bloggy land now...at least til the princess arrives! Don't worry--I will make sure to update you with her pics, name, etc...34 weeks and counting!