fun in the snow!

Jadon's first church going

and some good bonding times from this evening. I hardly have a free moment to be on the internet. Instead, I sleep. I'm enjoying my sweet family SO much. We have much to be thankful for!

Grandpa, it's your birthday!!

Happy Birthday to one of the greatest grandpas on earth! Jerry, we love you and are so thankful for you. The party would have been MUCH more enjoyable with you here :o)

Jadon Michael- our 4 day old

It's a boy, and I'm in love. birth story, hopefully, coming soon.

My Brother

This is my brother, Mike, NCOIC of the Ellsworth AFB Honor Guard in Rapid City, SD.

Almost 40 weeks

We are so ready to meet our new baby, which will be, Lord willing, very soon! If I've not gone into labor on my own, I'll be induced Tuesday at 5:30am. I'd really like to go on my own. I'm getting humungous, and rightly so. I AM pregnant ;o) I have gained much more weight (15 pounds more) with this one that my previous pregnancies, but that's okay, too. I'm just ready to see our baby and find out if we are adding to our family a boy or a girl!

My parents invited us over for dinner tonight and on the way, I got my picture made by the "free delivery" sign. We think it's hilarious and hope that our dr will honor what the sign says ;o) yeah right. Anyway, before dinner I was able to see my Granny (I miss her so much!), and then we had a super delicious meal at my parents' and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with them. HOW WE LOVE THEM! The next time I post, hopefully, you'll be seeing our newest baby- yay!

37.5 weeks pregnant!

We're getting close to meeting our new baby!! I'm feeling quite large and getting very ready to not be pregnant anymore (for now). :o) Mikayla took most of these pics. I think she did a great job. So, this is what we all look like today:

My 470th post

So much has happened in our lives since I started blogging. This evening I'm having a little bit of quiet time. I enjoyed a nice bath and got all lotioned up. I even did some breathing... with no children fighting/wanting my attention. It's been nice :o) I've been thinking about how different my pregnancies have been and what characterizes them:

1st pregnancy (Mikayla)- lots of SWELLING, esp. feet
2nd pregnancy (Jada)- miscarriage
3rd pregnancy (Joseph)- heartburn!
4th pregnancy (Kaitlyn or Jaden)- nausea further into the pregnancy and sciatic nerve pain

I can't believe I've been pregnant FOUR times. unreal. We sat down as a family tonight and made a list of the things we are thankful for. Boy, it sure filled up FAST! We are so very blessed.

To induce or not to induce; that is the ?. I'm pretty sure we've made a decision. At my 36 week appt.(this past Monday) my dr told us that I could be induced on the 1st of December (my due date is the 8th). That would put me at 39 weeks. Ever so tempting, but I do want to go into labor on my own, and I'm pretty sure that's what we've decided. If we DID go that route, we'd have a baby in less than THREE WEEKS. That is quite sobering. Mikayla was born 3 days after her due date and Joseph was born 4 days before his. SO, I'm thinking this one might be a bit early anyways... Only God knows, and I like it like that!

I feel like we are mostly ready. Jody got the tiny crib set up the other day. I look foward to it being filled with a real baby, not Mikayla's plastic one ;o) Last night we watched Mikayla's and Joseph's birth videos. Talk about sobering!! I need to make sure the batteries for the camcorder are all charged up and ready to go. I'm definitely getting excited and (believe it or not) less nervous about going into labor, the pain, if I make it to the hospital in time to get an epidural, etc. I'm sure it's the Lord working in my heart, and I'm so thankful for it!

Enough pregnancy talk for now. Maybe if I can get cold enough, I'll make myself some hot chocolate with marshmallows in it. Mmmm... I think I'll have to step outside for a while for that one. Hope you have a blessed day! I sure am.

Our church baby shower

At both my showers, I was overwhelmed with the amount of love that was shown to us. To be honest I felt a little bit "guilty" because it WAS my third baby shower, and people have gotten us SO MUCH already. However, a sweet comment from a sweet friend really helped. She said, "every baby is to be celebrated." I really liked that; thanks, Jessica :o)

Coleman baby shower

These ladies were so KIND to me!! (well, our family...)..

This morning before church...

A picture from Emmie

Wow, my babies are BIG. I look forward to watching them in the big brother/sister roles. :o)

34 weeks!!

Hello, friends! Today marks a very special day for me. I'm 34 weeks pregnant- yahoo :o) The baby weighs approximately FIVE pounds now, and I've gained approximately a LOT more than that. Ahem. Like Grace and I were talking about, there's something about the third pregnancy...

If I go into labor now at any time, the dr will not try to stop it. Talk about sobering. I think the only thing we need to buy for the baby is a car seat. Other than that, we're pretty much set, except for small things. Oh, this is getting exciting!!!

Last night I slept SO WELL. Usually I have to get up about every hour to use the restroom. not fun. Thankfully though I usually am able to fall right back asleep. I'm experiencing plenty of hand/feet swelling. I've stopped wearing my wedding rings b/c of my swollen fingers. My mom so kindly found me a pair of brown shoes that are nice and BIG for my fat feet to be comfortable in. Go, Mom!! She even volunteered to watch our kiddos for an overnight so we can have an evening alone before the baby comes. Yippee! I think she loves us...

Next week we are planning on putting together about a week's worth of meals in the freezer. That way, there won't be so much to do when the baby does come.

Don't forget about the TIME CHANGE THIS SUNDAY! We gain an hour of sleep; who wouldn't be happy about that?! Don't be too early for church :o)

Enough from me. Good night, friends of mine. Hope you are all doing well and enjoying this cooler weather! Our new memory verse: Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength." Isaiah 26:4

Times like these...

are grand. just grand.

Trust in him at all times

Lord willing, in less than 7 weeks, we'll be able to meet the newest addition to our family. To be truthful I'm a bit scared. nervous. anxious. about the birth of this baby. When I think back to giving birth to Joseph (now 21 months old) it almost seems overwhelming to go through that again. In a span of about 5 hours, I experienced the most excruciating/deep pain and the most joyous/satisfying feeling in my whole life. The pain, obviously, being labor and delivering him(without the trusty epidural- I don't know how/why women do that ON PURPOSE) and the joy being after he "popped out." I really and truly wanted to die or for someone to just kill me and put me out of my misery. I thought I had a fair tolerance for pain, but I found I do not!

I don't want to be anxious. I want to trust in the Lord, really just cling to Him for strength. HOPEFULLY I'll make to the hospital in time to get an epidural. All this makes me consider being induced. I've heard lots of negative/positive things about it. With my daughter and son, I went into labor on my own, and I kinda like it that way. However, being induced would "promise" me an epidural. I've got so many thoughts running through my head right now. This I do know: My God does NOT want me to fret and be anxious.

Philippians 4:6 (KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Psalms 62:8 (KJV) Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Christy, it's your BIRTHDAY!!

Gleee!

2 months away!

29 weeks pregnant- 29 years old
30 weeks pregnant- 30 years old
31 weeks pregnant- still 30 years old- phew!

I'm glad THAT trend didn't continue ;o) All's well here. The kiddos are growing and so is their mommy's tummy. wow. It's like a perfect basketball. Maybe I'll post some pics soon. GRACE and her children are coming for a few day- yayyyyyyy! I'm really looking forward to spending time with her. I miss seeing her :o(.

I felt kinda bad about something I did this evening. I gave up (children) bathing duties. Thankfully I have a very kind and understanding husband. It's not the easiest thing to lean over that tub and scrub my kiddos. Thanks, Jody!! Only a few more weeks, actually more than that, and I'll resume responsibility.

We're supposedly getting a COLD FRONT this evening. I'm so ready for it! I absolutely LOVE the cooler weather. Most of my pregnancy shirts are geared that way. Yay!

I'm due to have this little one 2 months from today. At my last appt. the dr. said if I were to go into labor at 34+ weeks, they wouldn't do anything to stop it. 34 weeks for me is less than 3 weeks away. yikes! The odds of that happening are highly unlikely, but still...

Yawn. Maybe my next post will be a bit more exciting. Like with pictures or something :o) Good night, dear friends!

Taking inventory

Why is it important to take inventory? I guess in general it's to find out what you have, how much of it, what you have too much of, and what you don't have enough of. That could only be beneficial to a company, right? Or, as I was meditating on, to our own lives. There can be sins/actions/attitudes, etc. that we could tend to be blinded to if we don't continually "take inventory" of our lives.

Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.


What powerful verses. As hard and as ugly as it can be, I want God to search me and know my heart and thoughts. And point out to me the wicked ways in me.


What do I have too much of? I believe first and foremost, it's selfishness. I HATE when I see it in my life. It saddens my heart when I see even a tiny glimpse of it. What an ugly trait to have. I suppose it's something I'll continually battle, but it's a battle I want to be victorious in.


What don't I have enough of (or what do I need to "order" more of)? Wow, could I ever come up with a list here! Patience! Kindness. Selflessness (there it is again). An understanding/hopeful/prayerful/non-condemning attitude toward others. And so much more.

Have you ever witnessed inventory being done? It's a LOT of work. It requires time, diligence, accuracy, and perseverance, to name a few. I want to be that fervent and diligent to be searched by the God who so graciously forgave me, loves me, and keeps me. I want to be "led in the way everlasting."

it finally happened

Joseph (20 months) finally caught up to his sister Mikayla (3 1/2)in the weight department. They are officially tied. Is that CrAZy?? Today I put them both on the scale and they weighed in at a whopping 31.8 pounds. wow. I'm sure Joseph will pass her up in no time. He eats plenty more in a typical day than she does. I love my babies!!

Our new comforter set

Thanks to my mom and dad, we have a new comforter set! After showing it to Jody this evening, he quickly went into our room and got to work putting it on our bed. We REALLY like it :o) !!!

Surprise!!

My mom insisted that I go to Coleman today. Boy, am I ever glad I made it! A dear friend Mary planned/hosted a surprise birthday party for me!!! And I was super surprised :o) We had a lovely lunch together - chicken tortilla soup, spanish rice, and wraps. AND, banana split cake for dessert- SO GOOD!! To top it all off, I got GIFTS. unreal. Lots of things to help our home and me smell better- yay!

Thank you, dear ladies, for all you did to make it such a special time for me.

30's not looking so bad...

Tomorrow I will be...

Isn't this exciting?? Well, it certainly is for me! I know the picture is kind of odd, but I thought it'd be a fun way to document how far along I am. :o) 30 weeks along. sigh. Only 10 more weeks (give or take), Lord willing, 'til we meet our newest addition. Yahoo!!

Folks, we have a prediction

A dear lady at church today asked me what I thought I was having. I told her I thought a girl. She nodded and said she agreed because, " your bobo (sp??) is bigger." So, her guess is a girl. What can we learn?

A bigger "bobo" = a girl
A smaller "bobo" = a boy

There you have it ;o)

2nd best

I'm 29 weeks pregnant today and just felt the baby move ;o) I had a 3-d ultrasound done yesterday, but alas, I have no pics to prove it. Something went amiss :o( But, as Misty requested I took a pic of my belly about an hour ago. So, that's almost as good, right? I know it's not. oh well. Thank the Lord, the baby seems to be growing and doing great! Of course that makes me happy.

Jody broke out his old GI Joes yesterday for Joseph. All we had were a bunch of girls and princesses. I guess the guys in this house had had enough of that!

What a storm last night. The sky was gorgeous!! But, the storm did some damage to our swing set and our fence.

Happy Fall!!! This weather makes me extraordinarily happy. :o)

around the house in 8 minutes

So, here's the challenge for all you who like to take photos- who doesn't? Walk around the outside of your house with a camera and look for beauty in the small/everyday/normal things that you'd find outside. Make a collage or post a series of pictures, and leave me a comment telling me you did that very thing :o) I'd love to see what you come up with. You up for the challenge? Hope so!

If you know the Lord...

"If you know the Lord, you know the greatest thing mortal man can know".

-Bro. Bill Dodd (my pastor)

How true it is!! Today it has been 13 years since the Lord Jesus Christ was merciful in saving my soul. How VERY grateful I am for that. Thirteen years later, I love my Lord and Saviour more and yearn to live a life pleasing to Him. I've seen how the things the world has to offer so pales in comparison to life in Christ. Truly it does!

Thank you, Lord, for my salvation. For reaching down and having compassion on my desperate, sinful life. For being faithful and continuing to provide for me in so many ways. For loving me and forgiving me when I fail so often. For being my rock and strong tower. For eternal life!

Blessed be the Lord,

who daily loadeth us with benefits,

even the God of our salvation. Selah

~Psalm 68:19

Happy Birthday, Jean!

Today is my dear mother-in-law's birthday. She is a most beautiful, godly, kind woman. How I love her! She's so fun :o)

my walking buddies

Camping out is so much fun!

Even if it IS in your own backyard. Last night we attempted to camp with our kiddos. It was great to be so close to home- a few feet, actually. Although the night ended early, we made some good memories. As you can see from the pics, Mikayla was a big help to her daddy setting up the tent. Even Joseph got in on hauling around the sleeping bag. Fun times!

Why I love staying home with my children

10. I rarely have to say good-bye to my children
9. I have the privilege of cooking/baking for my (very appreciative) family
8. I can work/rest (mostly!) at my own pace
7. There is no specific time that we HAVE to wake up by
6. My husband LOVES it and totally supports it
5. I'm able to watch my children grow/mature/learn
4. I know I'll have no regrets (as far as missing anything in my children's lives)
3. I feel totally and 100% fulfilled.
2. I can teach our children the Word of God throughout the day. What an awesome privilege/responsibility!
1. I believe I'm right where God wants me to be

And although I don't receive an actual paycheck, I have every single need met and actually most of my wants. God has ALWAYS provided for us, and we trust that He always will. He is faithful! I'm so thankful to be able to be at home. I love my family!!

the ones that I love!

2nd Tuesdays on hold

How to begin... Greetings! Thanks for not giving up on me :o) Tomorrow I will be 26 weeks pregnant- wowzers! I'm so thankful that this pregnancy has gone so well. I'm just now starting to get heartburn, which is not the greatest feeling, but that's about the worst of it. Thankfully the weather is starting to get a bit cooler *yay*. I get SO HOT about 5pm-ish. And of course, that's about supper time for us. I'm glad to have a good air conditioner- phew!

It's SO nice having my parents live closer. I'll take Coleman over Winters any day! We were able to go there last night and have blueberry pancakes and bacon with them. Yum! I sure love my parents; they just celebrated their 34th anniversary. I'm so thankful to have parents who are still together and NEVER want to take that for granted!

2nd Tuesday are now on hold. The one little faithful "member" has started a Tuesday school, so we will, Lord willing, start up again sometime after the baby comes. I totally enjoyed the sessions we did get to have!

I finally got to start our study on Joseph in our Sunday school class this past Sunday. I absolutely LOVE the story of Joseph. and I love the name. In fact, all the guys in my house have the name ;o) We're getting to closer and closer to meeting our newest little baby. I'm getting kinda excited. I even found 2 blankets at IKEA that will work for a boy or girl. On the 21st of Sept we have a 3-D ultrasound scheduled. I'm stoked to see pics of our baby! You know how I love pics! :o)

Our vehicle is back with the mechanic. HOPEFULLY he can find the problem promptly. I always miss when I don't have a vehicle. Somehow, though, I tend to get more done around the house... go figure. I guess that's the latest around here. I LOVE my family. The Lord is SO GOOD to us!

Between photos being taken of our family, I spotted this beautiful "weed." I never cease to be amazed at God's creations!

I'm in awe

I'm in awe of the family the Lord has blessed me with. We had a fun photo shoot tonight. One of our dear friends had a wonderfully patient attitude and did some family photos for us. THANK YOU! This is a very special "batch" of pictures for me. I look forward to putting them into a neat collage frame that I got from a newly married young lady :o)

Ethan Henry- 3 months

Christy and fam came to keep me company today. I've been a bit lonely having no vehicle and having to stay home b/c of the new roof being done. So, I definitely welcomed the visit. We decided to do a little photo shoot of the cutest baby in town. Well, at least that's MY opinion ;o)

rainy day pics

I'm back to blogging! Wow, it's been a while, eh? I thought this collage would be a good way to get back into the swing of things. Isn't it funny how life gets in the way of me blogging about my life?? Unreal. I love my family!

21 weeks pregnant!

Oh, I'm so excited. I'm over halfway finished with this pregnancy- what a great feeling. I LOVE feeling the baby moving around in my tummy. Yesterday I had an appt and got a sonogram done. We've decided to NOT find out the gender. Jody wants to, but I don't. Since I'm the one carrying this baby, I won :o). I'd say that's fair. right?

This past weekend we visited some dear family in Seguin. They were super sweet to us and very hospitable. Other than Joseph's continual whining when I got one foot out of his sight, a great time was had by all. We'd hoped to be able to see some of our best friends in San Antonio, but alas, it didn't work out :o( Sunday morning we attended church with them. I really enjoyed it! The SSchool teacher shared this verse and now it's our memory verse:

"Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever:
for they are the rejoicing of my heart."
-Psalm 119:111

I love that verse!! I think it's awesome that at different times in my life, God sends "new" verses to encourage me to memorize and hide in my heart. Thank you, Lord!!

My dearest mother-in-law sent us a package the other day. She picked out a really pretty maternity shirt for me. :o) She also sent the kids a green t-shirt each. How sweet, eh?? I love her!! "Poor" Jody felt left out. He was so funny. What a great actor he is! ;o) Thank you, Jean!!

My parents are moving CLOSER to me. I'm thrilled with this news!! And very soon. Yay! I'll get to visit them more often, and that can only be good...

Do you have a special memory verse you're working on right now that has significance in your life? If you'd like to share, I'd love to know! :o)

Family photo time

We love this family! They are some of our best friends and we go to church with them, which is a huge blessing. Last night I had the privilege of taking their photos. My legs are sore from all the squatting- what a workout! :o)

Joseph- 1 1/2 yrs old (or 18 months)

This boy is NOT a fan of the camera. He'd rather run, pick flowers, shake the fence- whatever. I'm sure one day he'll calm down. For now his pictures are taken on the move.

Mikayla- age 3 1/3 yrs old (or 40 months)

Halfway there!

For some reason I've been so camera-happy lately. I know I've been posting lots of pictures, but it's better than nothing, right? My dear husband took a little photo session of me and Mikayla this evening in her room. At the end, he took a few of just me. On Tuesday I'll be 20 weeks pregnant with our 3rd child. I'm REALLY showing and I'm happy about it. Just thought I'd share these in case you're wondering about my ever-growing belly.