2nd Time Around

This week we officially got another offer on the house that we accepted. An answer to prayer really. I asked for prayer on facebook about the showing we had on Monday. This is a time that I truly felt God's care and His people's care for us.

I have been extremely exhausted from showing the house. At my breaking point exhausted. And this answer to prayer has truly lifted my spirits. Exactly what I needed.

Thank you for praying. Thank you for caring enough to pray.

From the bottom of my heart.

Thanks.

Dear Baby

Dear Baby,

As I sit here relishing the tumbling going on inside of my womb done by your sister, I think of you. It is natural for me to think of you right now. If you were the one inside of my belly, it would be about time for you to make your appearance. My bag would be packed. Our house would be covered in baby items. Totally prepared for your arrival.

My heart hurts this evening. Not just for the days that I will not get with you, but also for all of the other Momma's out there that have endured the same heartache and tragedy of losing their baby. Those first moments that are so special that we miss out on. That first adorable smile. Your first little giggle. The first tear. Your first tooth. The soft baby skin and smell. The way your feet kick as you get excited. The way your hand wraps around my finger.

And while those things will never come to be between you and me, my sweet baby, I still ponder them in my heart.

Missing you makes me long for the day when I can see you in Heaven. When I can wrap my arms around you. And see you with Jesus.  These things make my heart smile.

My dear sweet baby, I love you so much.

You will always be a part of me.

Love,
Momma

Vacation

We arrived at Meggan and Trevor's house last Saturday afternoon. After the grand tour of their beautiful home, we prepared to go out to dinner with friends to celebrate Meggan's birthday.

Sunday was grocery shopping and letting the children run free at the park. The exciting part about Sunday was getting to see Kami. Kami was in my Sunday School class that I taught at the Nazarene Church in Iowa when she was in the 6th grade. I worked with her class until Adam and I got engaged a few years later. We have kept in touch over the years and it has been wonderful to see Kami grow into such a beautiful woman with a big love for Jesus. It was so great to catch up with her!

Monday was super crazy as we packed up and headed to a cabin for the remainder of the week. Meggan and I also drove to Minneapolis to pick up Kimberly and her family. It was so fun to have several hours with Meggan to talk and not have children constantly interrupting. And to be there when Kim and Chris arrived. Here are a few pictures from our time at the cabin.

We had such a fantastic time. We ate. We laughed a lot. We dealt with the craziness of 6 children under 4.  We got zero sleep. But it was all worth it. 

History

This past week I had the joy of spending the week with two of the best people the world has to offer and their wonderful families. My best gal pals, Kim and Meggan.

As we were hanging out I was thinking about what I love about these two ladies and why they are each important to me.

I first met Kim as she was coming out of my room. When she saw me, I gave her a strange look and she took off running to her room. I chased her up to her room questioning her on why she was in my room. After several hours convincing me she was just "looking around" we decided to room together and became fast friends.

Meggan and I were not friends right away. We spent the first semester avoiding one another because of a few misunderstandings. During the summer though, Meggan began to write me and it gave us the opportunity to get past those misunderstandings and really get to know one another. Our friendship took time, but started out on a solid foundation.

The big difference between these two wonderful ladies and all of my other close friends comes down to one thing.

History.

These girls knew me as a single lady. As a freshman. As simply me.

Then, they watched and encouraged me in my relationship with Adam. They were there when we got engaged. And they were beside me when Adam and I got married. They continue to challenge me even now in my relationship with him.

They saw us go from a couple, to a couple with a cat, to a couple with two (almost three) girls.

They are like family to me.

And I hope that they are always in my life.

I look forward to seeing them again soon.

Doctor Who

Several months ago Adam convinced me to watch an episode of Doctor Who that was recommended to him. Not too long after that we were finishing all of the seasons on Netflix.

There are several cheesy episodes. But there are a lot of really really great episodes. The character development is amazing and honestly that is really what pulled me in.

In the 1st season they draw you in with the Doctor and his traveling companion Rose. I don't want to give the story away for those that haven't seen the show, but by the end of first season you can see the love between Rose and the Doctor.

Season 2 introduces David Tennant as the Doctor and wow. Let me just say that he is a fabulous actor. He can say so much without ever saying a word. He simply makes a face and you know exactly what he is thinking. Season 2 ends with me in tears and we will just leave it at that.

During season 3 you get to know Martha Jones. She is strong, brave, and can hold her own. She gives the show a new feel from the companion side of things. While the Doctor still has to save Martha at times, she is perfectly capable of handling things. Where Rose was always the damsel in distress, Martha just seems to be more of a sidekick.

Season 4 is simply incredible. Mostly because David Tennant is amazing. Donna Noble enters the scene as the companion and it is fun to watch her interact with the Doctor as what almost seems to be siblings or a couple that has been married for ages. This season also brings in Riversong and she gives the sense that she and the Doctor have an interesting history.

The 5th season brings in Matt Smith as the Doctor and also brings Amelia Pond into the story. Amelia Pond might be my favorite companion in the 6 seasons. Mostly because she loves the Doctor, but not in the way the others have. She is in love with Rory. And while she loves the adventure that the Doctor brings, she is not in love with him. 

The final season on Netflix is 6. Matt Smith took a little while to get used to as the Doctor, but finally grew on me by the end. I am not sure if he progressively got better or if I just became used to him playing the part finally that I liked him more.

I look forward to seeing season 7 and on.

If you can handle somewhat creepy/occasionally scary and you like watching shows other than the typical crime or police show, then you should try this show. Start with season 3 episode 11 just to give it a try. If you like it, then jump into season 1. Let me know what you think. 

Nutella

This morning after the girls came in for our usual morning cuddles, they quickly disappeared to the kitchen to "help me" get ready for breakfast. Kaylee likes to get the spoons and cereal out.

It takes me a few minutes to roll out of bed, but I noticed that it was unusually quiet in my house which is never a good sign with a 2 and 4 year old.

I called out, "Girls, what are you doing?"

Silence.

"Girls, answer me."

More silence.

I hopped out of bed as quick as my pregnant self can move and walked into the kitchen to see two little chocolate covered faces. Kaylee was holding the open jar of Nutella. 4 little hands were smothered in the chocolate hazelnut spread.

Quickly I handed them wet paper towels to wash up while I put away the morning snack of choice. They threw the paper towels away and I immediately was wishing I had gotten a picture of their faces before they cleaned up. Thankfully, when I turned around, they were still a little messy so I quickly snapped a picture of their naughty little selves.

Enjoy.

Change of Plans

After weeks of packing and preparing to move, the buyer backed out on Friday.

Thankfully, we were busy with Adam's softball tournament and hanging out with friends so I did not have much time to dwell on the disappointment of having to back out of the house we were buying.

Please be praying for us as we endure more showings with the children underfoot and myself being pregnant. It is tiring to constantly have the house clean.

I was hoping this whole process was coming to an end and now we are starting all over again.

Thanks for your prayers.