Weekend Fun

Over the weekend, John and I had the priviledge of taking care of, staying overnight with and being "mom & dad" to 5 kids who belong to a very dear couple that we know (they attend E. West)! It was quite the adventure, such a learning experience, so much fun and reinforced our own desire for lots of kiddos! Their children are truly a delight to be around.

They are Benjamin (9), Hannah (7), Matthew (5), Rachel (3) and Isaiah (1). Each child is bright, full of life and very cheerful. They all practice being quick to listen, to obey and to do it cheerfully. They are a testament to devoted, consistent parents who love the Lord and have sought to raise God-honoring children.

Anyway, we love you Dave & Julie! Thanks for trusting us to take care of your children. We look forward to many opportunities to raise our kids together in the future! We're so thankful to have you as a resource and for the encouragement we know you will provide for many years to come!

Children are indeed a blessing from the Lord!

What did we do???

Our sweet little puppy Linus (though he really can't be called a puppy anymore!) has brought us a lot of joy since we got him last February. We love his playful personality, his love of chew toys, how he chases the cats, that he enjoys sitting on our lap...but I think most of all we have always loved our SHAGGY little dog! His hair is awesome!

Well, due to our own negligence and lack of grooming (well, we cut his hair once...), he started to develop some pretty bad mats in his hair, so bad that we couldn't work them out on our own. So, something had to be done...the groomers had to be called.

Here is Linus before his BIG cut:























And here is Linus after the groomers got ahold of him:

















Oh good heavens, where has our little boy gone???? We miss him so...

Preparing for Change...

Change is coming, it's the one thing I am most certain of these days. In a matter of weeks small groups will start up again, the House Churches will be up and running and following shortly thereafter, our baby will arrive. We will be leading a small group, leading a House Church (and hosting it) and becoming parents all in the matter of weeks. At times, I am overwhelmed with the thought of these changes. Generally, I am a prepared person, I plan for the future and am ready and don't get overwhelmed. Praise the Lord that God blessed me with a man who is the same way - we plan, we save, we stock up, we stay relaxed and we're ready. But, I also know that with being "ready", there's also the need to be flexible as things could be different than we anticipate. Can we roll with the unknowns of these major changes in our lives? Can we be flexible?

I am so thankful that I can trust the Lord to be a solid rock for us during times like these. He knows the outcome, He knows the "unknown" and has a plan for us. When things aren't certain, He is our certainty. So it's days like today when overwhelimg thoughts fill my head that I can relax because I know the ONE who is in control and I can trust Him - for He is trustworthy.

Amen.

Only 16 weeks until Christmas???

John and I went shopping at Home Depot last night, looking for some shades for our bay window. We walked past this sign that said, "Only 16 shopping weeks left until Christmas!" - oh my goodness! Are we already that close to the Holidays? And if we are, that means I am close to having this baby! It was a somewhat overwhelming, but completely thrilling thought! We really are getting close now and it feels so real. Every day I feel & look "bigger" and more pregnant and you know what? It's fun and I am loving every minute of it. I am now at the point where complete strangers ask me when I'm due, or if I know what gender the baby is...it's fun to finally have people point out the fact that I am pregnant - it's not just in my head anymore! :)

I hit the 6 month mark (24 weeks) this Sunday so we will be posting pictures soon.