Thursday, May 29, 2008
Let's blame it on pregnancy amnesia!
The other day I got to thinking about my last post and wondered... "Did I type husband or wife?" I thought maybe I was just being paranoid and convinced myself it was probably right. The thing is...I never went to check, until tonight. Wouldn't you know, I said that my sons would someday be someone's wife! And not one person ever pointed it out to me. Maybe all of you are crazy too! The correction has been made....
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Raising Godly Sons...
...that is my greatest desire in all of life! If you have read the comments left to me under the comment section, you will have seen that my dear friend Stephanie and her sweet Mom Karen both made that point. They are so right. Craig and I have been given an awesome responsibility and privilege to raise BOYS. Boys that will someday be someone's husband, someone's father, and hopefully be someone's guide to Jesus.
I have said many times that I know our boys will lead (I particularly see leadership traits in Joshua) and that it is critical that they learn to lead the RIGHT way!
When I really stop and think about it...I wonder, "God, what are you thinking? Are we really the best candidates for raising Godly men? Isn't there someone else who could do it better? What if we mess it up royally? God...it's got to be ALL you and none of me!"
And there lies what God wants... He wants it to be ALL HIM and none of me or of Craig. We can't be the ones to take the credit, and we know we won't be able to. But, we serve such a gracious God that He will allow us just a piece of the prize too, if we are faithful. He will give us the praise we need as long as we turn it all back to Him.
Excerpt from The Wonderful World of Boys by: Dr. James Dobson:
"There is no greater privilege in living than bringing a tiny new human being into the world and then trying to raise him or her properly during the next eighteen years. Doing that job right requires all the intelligence, wisdom, and determination you will be able to muster from day to day. And for parents whose family includes one or more boys, the greatest challenge may be just keeping them alive through childhood and adolescence."
I pray that we are able to remain humble enough; muster enough intelligence, wisdom and determination; and to always remember that it is all about Him, so that, somehow, someway.....these three sons we've been entrusted with turn out to be MIGHTY MEN of GOD!
A Love Like No Other
I have said many times that I know our boys will lead (I particularly see leadership traits in Joshua) and that it is critical that they learn to lead the RIGHT way!
When I really stop and think about it...I wonder, "God, what are you thinking? Are we really the best candidates for raising Godly men? Isn't there someone else who could do it better? What if we mess it up royally? God...it's got to be ALL you and none of me!"
And there lies what God wants... He wants it to be ALL HIM and none of me or of Craig. We can't be the ones to take the credit, and we know we won't be able to. But, we serve such a gracious God that He will allow us just a piece of the prize too, if we are faithful. He will give us the praise we need as long as we turn it all back to Him.
Excerpt from The Wonderful World of Boys by: Dr. James Dobson:
"There is no greater privilege in living than bringing a tiny new human being into the world and then trying to raise him or her properly during the next eighteen years. Doing that job right requires all the intelligence, wisdom, and determination you will be able to muster from day to day. And for parents whose family includes one or more boys, the greatest challenge may be just keeping them alive through childhood and adolescence."
I pray that we are able to remain humble enough; muster enough intelligence, wisdom and determination; and to always remember that it is all about Him, so that, somehow, someway.....these three sons we've been entrusted with turn out to be MIGHTY MEN of GOD!
A Love Like No Other
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Blog Title Remains As Is
Now let's see if you figure this out........
Be Devoted...in BROTHERLY Love...
Did you get it???
YES! It's a BOY!!!
I have been wondering for some time what I should do to my blog title if I were to have a girl. Now I know the title was meant to be. Yes, today we found out we are having boy #3! Of course we are thrilled no matter what!
We had both a 2D and 4D ultrasound this morning. Unfortunately, Baby Boy didn't want to cooperate in order for us to get a good look at his face. He had his head firmly planted near the placenta. At times it surrounded his face on each side, at others it sat on his head like a hat, and sometimes he had his face right in it. Also, the umbilical cord was across his face, which made for a distorted picture. Thankfully, we will have the opportunity to return for more pictures until we get a good look at him.
Josh and Andrew were asked during the ultrasound what they wanted to call their baby brother. Josh said "Luke." Andrew said, "Flower." ????? Not sure where that came from...although, Andrew has been known to call himself a pet skunk. (Remember Flower from Bambi?) Anyway....no decisions have been made on the name at this time, so just stay tuned for that... I can tell you though, it won't be Flower! At least not on the birth certificate.
Now for a couple of pictures. Hopefully we'll have some clearer ones in a few more weeks.
Be Devoted...in BROTHERLY Love...
Did you get it???
YES! It's a BOY!!!
I have been wondering for some time what I should do to my blog title if I were to have a girl. Now I know the title was meant to be. Yes, today we found out we are having boy #3! Of course we are thrilled no matter what!
We had both a 2D and 4D ultrasound this morning. Unfortunately, Baby Boy didn't want to cooperate in order for us to get a good look at his face. He had his head firmly planted near the placenta. At times it surrounded his face on each side, at others it sat on his head like a hat, and sometimes he had his face right in it. Also, the umbilical cord was across his face, which made for a distorted picture. Thankfully, we will have the opportunity to return for more pictures until we get a good look at him.
Josh and Andrew were asked during the ultrasound what they wanted to call their baby brother. Josh said "Luke." Andrew said, "Flower." ????? Not sure where that came from...although, Andrew has been known to call himself a pet skunk. (Remember Flower from Bambi?) Anyway....no decisions have been made on the name at this time, so just stay tuned for that... I can tell you though, it won't be Flower! At least not on the birth certificate.
Now for a couple of pictures. Hopefully we'll have some clearer ones in a few more weeks.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Redneck Cruise Night
MAN....do I wish I had taken a camera with us on Saturday night! We went to a neighboring small town across the river for their bi-annual "Cruise Night." Craig took the top off the Jeep and installed the back seat for the boys, and off we went! As we were heading over, I thought to myself, "oh this will be fun, but no big deal." As we cross over the river, I notice a classic car headed the other direction. My thoughts were confirmed..."this guy came and saw it wasn't worth the time and now he's taking his beautiful car and leaving." But wait! We round the corner and OH MY GOODNESS! Bumper to bumper traffic. Vehicles of ALL kinds and people lining the street.
We needed to run an errand down on the other end of town, so we "cruised" all the way through in our open air Jeep with onlookers checking us out as we drive by. I should have waved! It really was like being in a parade.
After we got what we needed, we were feeling a little dry in the mouth, so we headed to Craig's favorite "filling station" for a fountain drink. We ended up parking there to watch everyone else drive by. Talk about REDNECK! Where else can you go and find people cruising through town with their kids sitting in lawn chairs in the bed of their old beat up pickup truck? Even the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard was there. I must say...it looked very authentic to me. There was a guy with a John Deere green and yellow truck that said Mater on the front. There were even some folks crusing in a Kodiak, old diesal duallies, still others in minivans! HA....I don't think they intended to be IN the cruise! But everytime I'd see one I'd say, "cruisin' in the minivan!" Hysterical! Then you'd get these young boys out there who would rev their engines, blow smoke and generally act foolish with their reckless driving. All the while the cops are making passes up and down the street and don't seem to have a problem with all this crazy behavior.
One thing (among several) Craig and I found amusing is that the guys with the "real" cool, classic cars (who likely can remember when gas was 25 cents per gallon or less)were smart enough to realize that it is just plain stupid to drive up and down the street when gas is approaching $4 per gallon! So what ended up happening is that most of the "cool" cars were parked and everyone else was "cruising" up and down the street so they could see the cars. We did get to see some neat cars though, I have to admit. Overall, I would say it was a fun evening and I would do it again. I heartily recommend checking out the next local "Cruise Night" in your area. It will be worth tons of laughs!
P.S. Can you just imagine someone from a big city coming to an event like this? Oh to be a fly on the door panel!
We needed to run an errand down on the other end of town, so we "cruised" all the way through in our open air Jeep with onlookers checking us out as we drive by. I should have waved! It really was like being in a parade.
After we got what we needed, we were feeling a little dry in the mouth, so we headed to Craig's favorite "filling station" for a fountain drink. We ended up parking there to watch everyone else drive by. Talk about REDNECK! Where else can you go and find people cruising through town with their kids sitting in lawn chairs in the bed of their old beat up pickup truck? Even the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard was there. I must say...it looked very authentic to me. There was a guy with a John Deere green and yellow truck that said Mater on the front. There were even some folks crusing in a Kodiak, old diesal duallies, still others in minivans! HA....I don't think they intended to be IN the cruise! But everytime I'd see one I'd say, "cruisin' in the minivan!" Hysterical! Then you'd get these young boys out there who would rev their engines, blow smoke and generally act foolish with their reckless driving. All the while the cops are making passes up and down the street and don't seem to have a problem with all this crazy behavior.
One thing (among several) Craig and I found amusing is that the guys with the "real" cool, classic cars (who likely can remember when gas was 25 cents per gallon or less)were smart enough to realize that it is just plain stupid to drive up and down the street when gas is approaching $4 per gallon! So what ended up happening is that most of the "cool" cars were parked and everyone else was "cruising" up and down the street so they could see the cars. We did get to see some neat cars though, I have to admit. Overall, I would say it was a fun evening and I would do it again. I heartily recommend checking out the next local "Cruise Night" in your area. It will be worth tons of laughs!
P.S. Can you just imagine someone from a big city coming to an event like this? Oh to be a fly on the door panel!
Friday, May 16, 2008
School's Out, School's Out, Teacher Let the Mules Out
And Favorite Foto Friday "Fun in the Sun"
I've posted the pic of Josh before, but I love it too much not to post it again because it is so fitting for both my themes for the day.
We actually finished up 1st Grade on Wednesday (with the exception of a story or two more in one of his readers we need to finish.) Plus, a test I plan to have my Mom give to him just to see if he is up to speed with other 1st graders, which I'm sure he is!
We are happy to be getting a break and though I knew there were many neglected things that are in need of my attention around the house...I think the scales are finally falling off my eyes and I'm seeing the reality of how desperately that attention is needed! Whew....overwhelming. But it will get done. At least some of it! :)
We're looking forward to some beautiful weather for the weekend with soccer games on Saturday and likely a little garden work. I hope each of you have a fun weekend with the ones you love.
I've posted the pic of Josh before, but I love it too much not to post it again because it is so fitting for both my themes for the day.
We actually finished up 1st Grade on Wednesday (with the exception of a story or two more in one of his readers we need to finish.) Plus, a test I plan to have my Mom give to him just to see if he is up to speed with other 1st graders, which I'm sure he is!
We are happy to be getting a break and though I knew there were many neglected things that are in need of my attention around the house...I think the scales are finally falling off my eyes and I'm seeing the reality of how desperately that attention is needed! Whew....overwhelming. But it will get done. At least some of it! :)
We're looking forward to some beautiful weather for the weekend with soccer games on Saturday and likely a little garden work. I hope each of you have a fun weekend with the ones you love.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
I've noticed that many bloggers participate in what they call Favorite Foto Friday and each week there is a theme. I doubt I will do that...but this week was a Mother's Day theme and I thought it would be a good one to participate in, although I am a day late! But then again...Mother's Day is tomorrow!
First, let me say Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, LaNell. Momma I love you so very much and I am blessed beyond words to have you for a Mother. Thank you for loving me so deeply. I love how you are so fun, because after all, as Gillan would say...you are a COOL Grandma! You're never afraid to act like a kid again. I love that you are a busy body and know how to get things done. I love that you are the best nurse I have ever known and that because you are such a good nurse...I've never had to meet too many of them. You always make sure we are well cared for. I love that everyone loves being in your home, not because it is new or nice, but because you are there. I love your "elegant" meals and how you always plan and plan when company is coming. I love that you are willing to drop whatever you're doing in order to take care of someone else. I love that after almost 42 years of marriage, you still love my Daddy like you were newlyweds. I love that you love Jesus and made sure I would too. I could go on and on...I just hope that someday I can be as good of a Mom as you! Thank you for everything and Happy Mother's Day. May you have a most blessed day!
My Mother
I would also like to wish a very Happy Mother's Day to my Mother-in-Law, Cindy. Thank you for your love and support and for raising such a wonderful son. Thank you for being Nana to our boys and for all the fun little activities you come up with to do. Whether it be a trip to the circus, an Easter story, a sock snowman, planting flowers, or a wild ride through the woods, you seek out fun with them and I love you for that. I hope you have an awesome day and remember how deeply you are cared for and loved.
My Mother-in-Law
Now, I thought I would post just a few older pictures of me with my boys. I will try to get some recent ones in a couple of days. I am so thankful to be a Mother. It is all I have ever known I wanted to be for sure. I often feel that I'm just not the Mom I want to be, but hopefully God will continue to shape me into the Mom He created me to be.
2007 - Andrew 3 years old and Josh 5 going on 6 years old
2006 - Andrew 2 going on 3 years old and Josh 5 years old
2005 - Josh 4 years old
2005 - Andrew 18 months old
And finally...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all my Mother friends out there.
First, let me say Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, LaNell. Momma I love you so very much and I am blessed beyond words to have you for a Mother. Thank you for loving me so deeply. I love how you are so fun, because after all, as Gillan would say...you are a COOL Grandma! You're never afraid to act like a kid again. I love that you are a busy body and know how to get things done. I love that you are the best nurse I have ever known and that because you are such a good nurse...I've never had to meet too many of them. You always make sure we are well cared for. I love that everyone loves being in your home, not because it is new or nice, but because you are there. I love your "elegant" meals and how you always plan and plan when company is coming. I love that you are willing to drop whatever you're doing in order to take care of someone else. I love that after almost 42 years of marriage, you still love my Daddy like you were newlyweds. I love that you love Jesus and made sure I would too. I could go on and on...I just hope that someday I can be as good of a Mom as you! Thank you for everything and Happy Mother's Day. May you have a most blessed day!
My Mother
I would also like to wish a very Happy Mother's Day to my Mother-in-Law, Cindy. Thank you for your love and support and for raising such a wonderful son. Thank you for being Nana to our boys and for all the fun little activities you come up with to do. Whether it be a trip to the circus, an Easter story, a sock snowman, planting flowers, or a wild ride through the woods, you seek out fun with them and I love you for that. I hope you have an awesome day and remember how deeply you are cared for and loved.
My Mother-in-Law
Now, I thought I would post just a few older pictures of me with my boys. I will try to get some recent ones in a couple of days. I am so thankful to be a Mother. It is all I have ever known I wanted to be for sure. I often feel that I'm just not the Mom I want to be, but hopefully God will continue to shape me into the Mom He created me to be.
2007 - Andrew 3 years old and Josh 5 going on 6 years old
2006 - Andrew 2 going on 3 years old and Josh 5 years old
2005 - Josh 4 years old
2005 - Andrew 18 months old
And finally...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all my Mother friends out there.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Clarification...I am not THAT crazy!
I should clarify that I do know that what we see in that ultrasound picture is not an actual hand! The part that looks like a thumb is really the baby's arm and hand. The point is, it's just really neat that it LOOKS like a hand because we all know that babies are made by God and His Hand is upon each and every one!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
God's Hand
So after posting yesterday's update....I received an email from my sweet, fellow Marine Wife, Mandy. She had noticed something I hadn't. See for yourself......
Indeed, the Hand of God is upon this child! He knows if this child is a boy or girl, though we do not. He knows this child by name, though he/she is yet to be named. He knows EVERY intimate detail. For He alone is knitting this sweet life together in this blessed mother's womb! Kind of reminds me of the video I posted. If you have not yet watched the video under the title Awesome Creator, I recommend you do so. It will amaze you! Gotta love Laminin!
Also, I wanted to share a couple of videos of my nephew Gillan (10) and my niece Gracie (8). Gillan is quite a singer and is learning to play guitar. He has only been playing for 3 months and is doing quite well. Gracie loves to sing too and is quite a charismatic Christian! The first video is a showcase of Gillan by himself. The second video is more of a little comedy. They were trying to rehearse, but they were watching their mom behind the camera be silly and Gillan got tickled. Gracie never missed a beat!
Indeed, the Hand of God is upon this child! He knows if this child is a boy or girl, though we do not. He knows this child by name, though he/she is yet to be named. He knows EVERY intimate detail. For He alone is knitting this sweet life together in this blessed mother's womb! Kind of reminds me of the video I posted. If you have not yet watched the video under the title Awesome Creator, I recommend you do so. It will amaze you! Gotta love Laminin!
Also, I wanted to share a couple of videos of my nephew Gillan (10) and my niece Gracie (8). Gillan is quite a singer and is learning to play guitar. He has only been playing for 3 months and is doing quite well. Gracie loves to sing too and is quite a charismatic Christian! The first video is a showcase of Gillan by himself. The second video is more of a little comedy. They were trying to rehearse, but they were watching their mom behind the camera be silly and Gillan got tickled. Gracie never missed a beat!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
It's a.......
BABY
???????????? Boy OR Girl ????????????
We STILL don't know! But we do know that everything looks "normal," so that's all that really matters, right?
???????????? Boy OR Girl ????????????
We STILL don't know! But we do know that everything looks "normal," so that's all that really matters, right?
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Awesome Creator
Yippie Skippie! I FINALLY figured out how to post videos! Watch out...I might be posting them often now. There are so many really cool ones out there. This video is awesome! It is over 8 minutes long, but worth the watch. Thanks to Kristen for sending it to me!
Monday, May 05, 2008
Weekend Sunshine
Here are a few pictures from our weekend...
Josh had a soccer game on Saturday (Andrew didn't this week). They didn't win, but it was a fun game.
Josh is happy to finally have a team of all boys. Last year he was the only boy on his team!
Good Game! Good Game! Good Game!
After the game, we went to Nana and Papa's to play with the cousins, Audrey and Bailee. The girls got out these costumes and they each dressed up and put on a play for us. It was adorable!
Barry Bee
Brown Bear
"The Play" (Audrey was also a bear and Bailee was an elephant.)
We went to church on Sunday and then spent the afternoon planting the garden. Sure hope we can keep the grass and weeds out this year!
Something to look forward to.....my next post will most likely be the ultrasound update!
Josh had a soccer game on Saturday (Andrew didn't this week). They didn't win, but it was a fun game.
Josh is happy to finally have a team of all boys. Last year he was the only boy on his team!
Good Game! Good Game! Good Game!
After the game, we went to Nana and Papa's to play with the cousins, Audrey and Bailee. The girls got out these costumes and they each dressed up and put on a play for us. It was adorable!
Barry Bee
Brown Bear
"The Play" (Audrey was also a bear and Bailee was an elephant.)
We went to church on Sunday and then spent the afternoon planting the garden. Sure hope we can keep the grass and weeds out this year!
Something to look forward to.....my next post will most likely be the ultrasound update!
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Appointment update
All went well at my 18 week check up. I had gained more weight than I had thought...but thankfully they don't say anything about it. :) It took a bit to find the fetal heart tones, but once found, they were in the 150s, so that's good. I do feel the baby move, but it is still kind of subtle most of the time. My children tend to be pretty laid back in utero and they save their active behavior for later.
Less than one week now until the ultrasound...
Less than one week now until the ultrasound...
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