Exactly 1 month today

Hard to believe Baby Rourke is due exactly 1 month today. We are VERY excited to finally meet this little person and start a new chapter in life as a family of 3. :)

35 1/2 weeks

So update from around here, I know it has been awhile. Well I'm now on Maternity leave. I actually was put on Mat. leave by my Doctor a week earlier than planned. I've had high blood pressure from the beginning of this pregnancy and my Doctor has kept a close eye on me to make sure this doesn't turn into Preclampsia at the end. A week ago I went in for my regular appointment and explained all the symptoms I was having. Lower back pain, LOTS of braxon hicks contractions, very 'puffy' especially in my ankles and feet and feeling very 'off. I just summed it up as being what goes along with the end of pregnancy but she said it was premature labour along with my blood pressure rising and said my last day of work would be the next day instead of the end of the following week. At this point I was 34 weeks. Too soon for baby to come. So she ordered a bunch of tests to be done for the next day and the week after.

So I've had a week off of work so far and while it was a busy one with lots of appointments I'm happy to report everything now is fine with baby and myself. The contractions have calmed down, blood pressure is also down and I'm feeling SO much better. Amazing what being off of work will do. :)

Our summer has been a good one around home. Lots of day trips, spontaneous dates, evenings on our patio, weekends spent with friends and family, and enjoying the great weather. We have kept pretty close to home as Lance is saving his holidays for when baby arrives.

Lance's work place threw a baby shower for me last week. What a blast of a party. My Mom and I went and it was so great to reconnect with all the office ladies that were such great friends when I worked there. That is definitely what I miss the most - the wonderful friendships with them all. They are all so excited for Lance and I and this new little one. The food, the cake, the fellowship and the laughter made the night one I'll never forget. We were blessed with so many gifts and truly 'showered' with love. I kept having to pinch myself that this was actually happening . . .this shower was for our baby, not someone else's. A dream becoming a reality, a gift sent from God - and to share that with these special ladies was so incredible.

Me and 'baby' cutting the cake

Let's see what else is going on. OH I start teaching piano this week. I have 5 nieces I'm continuing to teach this year while I'm on Mat leave. I'm starting 2 weeks earlier than normal as I'll be taking a month off once baby arrives and I wanted to make sure they had a good month of lessons before that happens. . .if all goes to plan. :) I'm excited that I get to keep this going as I love introducing kids to music through piano and who better than 5 very precious little girls.

Besides that I'm taking advantage of this time off before baby and enjoying being at home, having fun puttering with little things but stopping when I need to put my feet up. This is a special season to enjoy before life changes as we know it. We have been enjoying every moment while we look forward to the future.

Simply Beautiful

My birthday was a few weeks ago and my parents gave me some money to go find something for me. Lance also gave me a gift card to House of James in Abbotsford so we had a 'date' to go find some fun things I could purchase. I found a great book of a series I'm enjoying that I'm saving to read on Mat leave and I also was able to get the new Mercy Me CD. I don't have any of their CD's except their Christmas one which I LOVE. I had heard one of their new songs on the radio and thought it would be a good CD to pick up.

This group is great in not only providing good music but worship & ministry as well. The one song that I have been listening too a lot is called "Beautiful". It is such a great song that describes God's constant pursuit for us and how much He thinks of us. The part that has just rocked me is the bridge that describes His love and that YOU are His beautiful creation. See below . .

Before you ever took a breath

Long before the world began

Of all the wonders He possessed

There was one more precious

Of all the earth and skys above

You're the one He madly loves

Enough to die

You're beautiful, You're beautiful

In His eyes!

I can't seem to get through this song without tears . . . now that goes with pregnancy I know, but what an amazing thought that before the world even was created, YOU were thought of and planned and LOVED! Simply BEAUTIFUL :)

Pregnancy info

Ever since we found out we were pregnant my friend Carrie recommended an INCREDIBLE website that has been so useful for a newbie like me. It sends me an email every week letting me know what is happening to me and the baby. It also sends emails with random questions answered, things to know while you are pregnant, things to avoid, etc. It also has a place for you to type in ANY question and you get answers from doctors! I wanted to put it out there for anyone who would like info in an instant that is so good and true. This website has been better than the books I've read and has become a wonderful tool. The best part is the website doesn't stop at pregnancy, it keeps going right up to 9 yrs of age. I think I'm hooked :)

http://www.babycenter.com/ or http://www.babycentre.ca/ I found the US site to be better but both have been very useful.

Enjoy!

Baby update

Hard to believe I'm now 30 weeks. Only 10 more to go and we are getting so excited to finally meet this little peanut. We had another ultrasound this past week and what a difference from the last one. Quoting Lance, "It actually looks like a baby instead of a little alien." Everything is going along smoothly and looking good. My energy has definitely dropped from where it was a couple weeks ago as each movement takes more effort. I've GROWN that is for sure as you can see in the pic below but I'm feeling overall really good.

We have pretty much finished the baby's room as well. What a fun project that was to put together. We went with a Teddy bear theme and can't wait to introduce this little one to their new room. :) Only a few little things left to get this month and next and we should be set with the necessities.


Lance and I are enjoying time for us and look forward to more day trips this summer. We have been taking every moment to just enjoy our little family of 2 before it changes to 3. Lots of spontaneous 'dates' on the weekends and evenings which is so much fun.

Summer is finally here!

After the rest of the nation seemed to be experiencing a wonderful, warm summer that started in June - the lower mainland in BC just kept getting hit with rain and cold and damp horrible weather. I'm happy to announce that summer has finally arrived and it came with a bang this week. The temperature went from 17C to 30C overnight. It was a bit of a shock to most as we all still had our heat on in our homes last weekend, but overall we are happy for the sunshine and hot days. It did reach 35C yesterday which is a bit too hot for my liking but has gone back down to 30 today.

Everyone has been quite concerned about me in the heat being pregnant but I must say I'm doing okay. But then I have it pretty easy :) I work in air conditioning all day, drive home in AC and our basement suite is also really nice and cool. It has been a bit uncomfortable trying to sleep . . .or should I say stay asleep as you wake up hot but the fan has really helped. The only part that is swelling are my ankles and only a bit compared to some. I am blessed! I much prefer warm sunny days to rain, damp cold ones. Hopefully the sunshine sticks around for a while.

Counting down and finding joy

My work place is quite the place. It has been a job that God provided when we were in a very desperate place after I was laid off. I've never enjoyed my job but it has been full time work that I'm very thankful for. The Lord brought a job that I'm capable of doing. It isn't anything I'm passionate about or look forward to going to work everyday - but God has provided a place that I can bring in income for our household and keep me somewhat busy throughout the day.

I'm working in the glass trade and for anyone who knows this is an industry that has been hit pretty bad by our economy. Business is slow and it is by God's hand I still have a job here as there have been so many lay offs. The Lord knew the timing in us conceiving this child as it is what has saved my job and them putting me in different departments throughout the day to stretch the work until I go on Mat leave. Lance and I both knew this job was a 'holding' place until God set up the next season in our lives. This baby is what God has next for me. :)

I'm now on the count down until Maternity leave. On Friday it will be 7 weeks left - 7 WEEKS, that is it!! Pretty exciting :) It seems the closer I get to being off work the more excited I get as it means we are that much closer to meeting this little person inside. Of course that means the last 2 weeks and here on in the weeks will stretch on. Why is that? Whenever you are looking forward to a particular date in the near future it seems time goes slower. Funny how that works. :) Everyday seems to be harder in being at work as the finish line is so close.

So everyday I'm determined to find something that brings me joy and helps me embrace today. A new day is a gift from the Lord and I love how His mercies are new every morning. :) Today I find joy in the sun shining through the skylight in my office (no windows in the middle of the warehouse) and that it is Tuesday, not Monday. I also thank the Lord for a 4 day week instead of 5 due to Canada Day off work. YAHOO!! God is good.

Vistor from out of Town

I love vistors from out of town. Playing 'host' is always a lot of fun and a great blessing to show our love for people coming for a visit.

When we returned from Victoria, Lance's brother was in town from Edmonton. He has only been to our place 1 other time for Lance's 40th birthday this past winter and it was such a pleasure to spend time with him. We got to hang out with him for 3 days and have an awesome visit. We are so bad in forgetting to take pictures but here is a fun pic of 'brotherly love' the night he left. :)
We had such a great time catching up with you Sean and have you around for a few days. Love ya bro!

Mini Vacation

This past weekend we headed over to Victoria for a mini vacation. We had been saving for this trip and had planned it for months as it would be our last vacation just us before baby arrives. We took 4 days and enjoyed every moment!

Victoria holds a very special place for us. This is where we got engaged and have done a lot of day trips to explore our beautiful Capital City of BC. For myself it also holds a lot of childhood memories as we had cousins that lived in Victoria that we would visit throughout the years quite frequently.

There is so much you can do in Victoria but also so many places to just relax. We both had a few places we hadn't been in years that we wanted to explore and experience all over again. That included the Parliment building, Hatley Castle, Butchard Gardens, the downtown core and browsing all the fun, tacky gift shops. :) The weather was perfect for the entire 4 days we were there and we felt so blessed God would give us the opportunity to have a little get away. I've put some pics below of our great trip.

24 weeks - 6 months pregnant

I can't believe I'm already 6 months pregnant. The last 3 months have flown by and we have been having so much fun getting everything ready for baby Rourke. It has been a very busy season with more birthdays then we can remember in other years but I think that is because this year it worked out for us to celebrate them all on a separate day which means for the past 7 weeks every weekend has had at lease 1 birthday celebration if not 2. Another reason we didn't want a spring baby. :)

Anyway, this week is a busy one again with my Piano students final concert. Lots of prep for that but it is always worth it to see the students do such a fantastic job and showing their family & friends how much they have progressed in 1 year. A true highlight to end off the spring and welcome summer.

Here is the latest prego pic of me. I'm feeling great but starting to look quite big!! According to the doctor though I'm right on track and measuring nicely.

I'm feeling so much more movement from the baby and we get more excited as the time gets closer to meet this little one. What an incredible blessing for me to be able to carry this child and experience life being created within. God truly is a miracle worker.

Latest blessing

This is just a quick post regarding the latest blessing the Lord has done for us regarding this new child on its way. As I've written in other posts, we are trying to be really creative on how to purchase everything for baby as it can be so expensive and we don't have the extra cash around. Once again God has proven His faithfulness in providing for His kids.

I've had my 'eye' on a Graco travel system (Stroller & Car seat) in Sears since back in March. We have been watching flyers every week to see if it would come on sale and down in price. The most it has is by $20 due to it being a newer model. I've looked at other travel systems but nothing seems to grab me like this one has and it has all the safety features we wanted plus it is more compact of a stroller that would be easier for in and out of places, the trunk, etc. We decided that if it did not come down in price by June we would buy it full price.

Earlier this week I went onto Cragslist once again to hunt for other things baby as I've found such great deals on there and thought, why not type in 'Graco Travel System". Sure enough there were LOADS of travel systems on there. But when buying a used car seat you have to do your homework. I found a site called "Safe Kids Canada" that outlines all the requirements you need to know for buying a car seat, used car seat, when to change sizes, etc. You need to know where it is bought from (If bought in the States you won't be covered if in an accident), if it has been in an accident, how old it is as they expire within 6 years and if they still have all the paper work. So once I had done this and knew what to look for I started reading through all the listings.

Just posted on Monday was a "NEW" travel system bought at Sears. It had been purchased 6 months ago and the car seat was only used for 1 month. I emailed the lady with my questions and she responded with the answers and photos of her stroller. Are you ready for this? It was the EXACT SAME ONE I've been eying at Sears!!!! NO JOKE!! She was getting rid of it because her son had grown too big and she preferred to use her umbrella stroller. She herself had been in a bad car accident 6 months ago and had to get rid of her car seat & stroller due to the accident and bought this new one. At this point her son was 8 months old and was too big for the car seat within 1 month, that is why she didn't use the car seat. Not only was she selling the car seat & stroller but also the extra base for the car. That alone can cost $50. All for $250. If we bought all this brand new it would cost us around $400. Now THAT is the God I serve!! :)

So we went out to have a look and you would think it was brand new. Hardly any wear to the tires on the stroller, had all the paper work, sticker to verify it was bought in Canada and just PERFECT! I was ecstatic!! God is so good!! We bought it and thanked the Lady so much for such a great blessing. Never under estimate what God can do.

Life's little things

I'm not much of a person who focuses on the 'big stuff' of life. I'd much rather look at life's little things and appreciate each one. Over the years in my life of big things taking place - good or bad - I've found if you look at the little things and start thanking the Lord for those little things you realize that life is pretty good, pretty blessed and you can get through anything big by thanking God for the little. :) 'One step at a time' was the best advice I ever received. Whether trying to get through a season of feeling very overwhelmed and stressed, or a family member in need of healing, or a tough day with a child that just won't behave - one step at a time and looking at the little things can do wonders.

The little things I've been thanking God for are usually as they cross my path everyday. Like 'Thank you Lord for sunshine today, thank you Lord I have a full time job I can go too today, thank you Lord for my health, Thank you Lord for doctors to help with our health. Thank you Lord for a roof over my head, thank you Lord for food in our house, thank you Lord for my husband, family & friends. Thank you Lord for music, for nature, for my sight! Thank you Lord for a vehicle to drive. Thank you Lord for the free country I live in., etc., etc. Once you start it is hard to stop. :)

Lately I've been starting each day with saying, "Thank you Lord for life in YOU!, Thank you for the cross and what you sacrificed for me." That is no little thing but I think sometimes we forget as we go along our days of how rough life would be without him. I really don't know life without Christ and I'M SO THANKFUL He found me so early in life and I chose to live for Him the rest of my days. If I didn't have His shoulders to lean on I would be so stressed. (Ps. 55:22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.) Its funny when you start each day with that how the little things start to pop up around you and ones you didn't notice before are right in front of you.

Last week I was rear ended on my way to work by a big Lily Dale Semi-truck. I've only been in a few accidents over the years (Thank you Lord), but this one I was at such peace when it happened as I had just said, "Thank you Lord for life in You". I've had nothing but peace ever since. With talking to the driver at the accident, to being at the doctor to check out baby and myself were okay. To neck pain from the whiplash to meeting with ICBC to get the back end of my car repaired. When you are focused on life in Christ, everything seems to have a different focus and you can deal with things better. Probably because I know my life is in His hands and with Him any big thing can be dealt with through 'one step at a time'.

So start to thank the Lord for the little things today, the little victories, the little steps because they are the ones that lead to the big things in life.

Spring catch up

I know it has been almost a month since I last put up a post. How can you tell it is Spring with a lot going on. It seems Spring arrives with a bang and then it is like a snowball effect with more and more activities and celebrations jammed in until you finally get to breath at the end of June. And as much as you say to yourself, 'This year will be different', it happens again. They are all good things going on, just lots of it! :)

So what has been happening with us? Well let's see. Everything from birthday celebrations, to coffee dates with friends we haven't seen in a while, to working more on the babies room, to spring cleaning, to teaching piano, to full work days, to everyday life with Lance and Treena.

2 weeks ago we had a bit of a scare with me ending up in emergency over the weekend due to some bleeding. Thankfully after a bunch of tests everything is okay with me and baby but I was told by my Doctor to take it easy for the week. So I was off of work and forced to do NOTHING. You know how hard that is for someone who loves to 'do'?!! But I followed the Dr.'s orders and relaxed. The most I did all week was cook dinner every night. I had a chance to do some projects that did not require motion. Organizing photos, sewing, and putting recipes I've printed off the internet into a binder. I love organizing. I also did a lot of reading, had great extended time with the Lord each day and what would a week off be without watching a few girly movies. :)

This past weekend a great friend and I trucked off to the Cloverdale Kids Swap. Usually I sell my receiving blankets at these but this month we decided just to go and see what bargains we could get. It sure did not disappoint. For $55 I got the following:

- a brand new grooming kit

- a baby monitor

- 6 wash cloths

- 6 bibs

- 6 newborn gender neutral sleepers

- 4 newborn gender neutral onesies

Not bad at all!! A brand new baby monitor alone costs $55! I felt my proud Scottish blood rise within finding all those bargains. :) My goal is to find everything we need through these kids swaps and craigslist to help save in costs. The only things we are getting brand new are crib & change table (which we are getting this weekend thanks to our income tax refund coming in) and stroller/car seat. I'm excited to start to see this room come together in the next few months.

Tomorrow we are going for another ultrasound. We are excited to see our little 'peanut' again. I'm 18 weeks along and if you weren't sure I was pregnant before, there is no doubt now. :) I feel like I've doubled in size this past week. I'll put up a belly shot soon.

Have a great weekend everyone.

For you Mom Rourke :)

This Post is for my Mom Rourke. It is hard being on opposite sides of Canada and not able to stop in for coffee or tea. But thankgoodness for today's technology that we can chat through phone, email and blogs!


This pic was taken this past Sunday for Easter. 15 weeks along and looking pregnant. Mom, even though you aren't close for us to see you more, please know that you are so close and apart of this process as this new grandchild continues to grow. Love you dearly. :)

Second Trimester - 14 weeks today!

Today I'm officially into my second trimester. YAHOO!!! 14 weeks and starting to feel A LOT better. To everyone who sent there encouragement during the 1st trimester to say, 'It gets better", thank you! :)

We got to hear the heart beat this past Monday at my Doctor's office. What an amazing sound! I got all teary as a big smile spread across my face. I looked at Lance and he replied, "Wow, there really is something in there!" My doctor and I laughed. :) The heartbeat was like music as it beat along with mine in the background. What an incredible thing to know a life is being formed inside of me only by God's hand. What a blessing and a joy we are truly treasuring.

I'm still a little nauseous but nothing compared to a few weeks ago and my energy is slowly returning. I'm able to stay awake past 8pm (most nights) and feel energized for the most part of the day. I'm officially into 'prego' clothes and like the feeling of starting to look pregnant instead of eating 1 too many doughnuts. :) A lot of people have been asking for a baby bump pic and I promise to get one up soon.

We both get more excited to meet this little bundle in September and are enjoying the process. I'm looking forward to starting the prep for the baby's room this next trimester and getting things ready for Baby. Such fun.

Family & Health

This past week we had a family emergency. I don't want to get into details on the world wide web but one of my family member's was rushed to emergency for internal bleeding. Thankfully after 5 days in the hospital, the wisdom of doctors, the prayers of family and God's healing touch, this person is going to be okay and is on the mend. But it sure has got me thinking about health, family, and God's amazing blessings all around us.

I love how in crisis my family is there - no explanation required but they are there to help however they can, they are there to listen and they are there to pray. They try to bring comfort in a time of pain and they are there to remind the one affected that its going to be okay. I am truly BLESSED!

My family has walked through its share of health problems over the years. From breast cancer to celiac disease, bad backs and migraines due to car accidents to flues & colds. But over all we are very healthy (thanks to God's hand) and anytime something like this happens I start to thank the Lord again for my health! It is something that can change in an instant due to the world we live in and most of the time we take it for granted. Our bodies are an amazing creation that only the maker of this earth could create such an incredible design.

In college I studied the human anatomy and was fascinated by how God created us. So complex, so detailed, so beautiful. Everything works together, every area has a job to do for the body to function normal and be in health. How anyone could think that just 'happened' or 'evolved' is crazy!

It becomes so much more 'real' to me due to a life being formed inside of me. Every life is truly a miracle and I praise God for His hand upon our lives and that our health comes from Him and Him alone.

So all that to say, if you can get up everyday and live in good health, thank the Lord for it today. If you have family that would be there for you in an instant if something went wrong, thank God for them today. We are blessed! And if you could remember to pray for my family member's continued healing that would be great. :)

Limitations

This being my first time pregnant I'm learning a lot about what my body is going through while building this baby. I'm almost at the second trimester and people keep telling me it is the best one. Here is too them being right :)

Sure there has been the usual - nauseousness, barely eating, the in between stage of your clothes being too tight but the maternity ones too big, but I think the biggest adjustment that has had to take place with this first trimester is how limited I am. My energy levels are NO where near what I usually function at and that means things I used to do have had to come to a hault until this changes. Please tell me this changes! :)

My usual schedule and pace of life is nothing compared to some but I thought it was at quite a nice balance for me. Work full time 5 days per week, teach piano 2 extra hours per week, 3 evenings out with family or friends, give or take, and 1 night a month for volunteering to record minutes for a board of directors apart of the Township of Langley. Then there is the most important - time with my Hubby and treasuring just us for the next bit before baby. Oh and let us not forget the usual household chores, laundry, etc. WOW, just writing this out seems like a lot but not bad, right?

Yet the last 3 months have been a stretch for me to work full time and get dinner on the table! Forget teaching and evenings out! I'm in bed by 8-9pm instead of 11pm and find to do anything extra takes everything out of me. In short, I'm feeling very limited (a feeling I hate) and it has been a big adjustment.

I know most 'Mom's' that are reading this I'm sure are saying, "You just wait until that kid is born! Now THAT is an adjustment." I hear ya! Maybe each stage of pregnancy is to prepare us for that huge adjustment. So please know I'm rolling with it but there are days like today I'm frustrated with myself that I can't do everything I used to do. But as my sister-in-law said, "Treena, you probably grew a lung today. That is a lot of work! Give yourself some slack and rest." Good advice. I guess I will have to make sure there are more evenings at home to do just that. :)

First Ultrasound

This week has been a great one with another cool moment in the journey of our little 'peanut' continuing to grow and develop. We went for an ultrasound this week to make sure everything was going along properly and to find out an actual due date as they were not quite sure how far along I was. What an amazing experience! Baby Rourke was SO tiny but on the screen we were able to see the heart flutter away, see an outline of the head, body and even a little hand. Everything is normal and healthy and we praise God for His continued protection over this child. It sure made it that much more real to see this little bundle inside of me. So precious. The pic didn't turn out compared to the screen as baby moved just before they took the pic, but baby Rourke is in the lower right side of the black bubble (my womb). I went to my doctor this morning (Monday) and finally got a due date. I'm due Sep. 23rd which means I'm 10 weeks along.

We are heading down to Vancouver tomorrow to explore and be apart of the Olympic Spirit. I'll be sure to post pics of all the sites we see.


Have a great weekend everyone!

God truly provides

With this baby on the way Lance and I have needed to think creatively regarding finances on how to afford everything this child needs. We had a very rough year financially in 2009 (like a lot of other people in our country due to the recession) due to me being laid off and out of work for 6 months. My new position has helped but it isn't anywhere near what I used to make so we are still trying to recover from this past year. All that to say we had to lay our pride down to the Lord and ask Him to give us creative ideas on how to afford everything from Maternity clothing to baby furniture. This post is to testify how great God is and how He TRULY provides when we humble ourselves and ask. :)

I went onto CraigsList about a month ago. If you do not know what Craigslist is, it is like a buy and sell but for ANYTHING you want. I knew that Mom's put baby stuff on craigslist to sell so I thought maybe they put Maternity clothing on too. Sure enough they do! Now to find my size, season and clothing for work and casual would be the challenge. . . .Not a challenge to the Lord!

I tried one Mom that posted an add who lived in Burnaby. I emailed her to find out her clothing was gone within 4 hrs. of her posting. WOW. So I kept searching. The next day I found a post for my size, my season and she lived in Surrey. (The next city to me) I emailed her right away to see if the items were gone and she said everything was still available if I wanted to come take a look.

So after work I ventured out to her place and not only did she have such nice Maternity clothing that was my style, but it was the right season of clothing, it included work clothes and casual clothes, a beautiful black dress for a wedding (We have 2 so far to attend this summer), a bathing suit and a brand new nightgown!! In total there were 60 items for $150!! That worked out to $2.50 per item. She told me that some of the jeans alone were $80!! God knew what I needed before I did. I didn't even think about the weddings until I saw the dress. WOW! Needless to say I took the 2 full garbage bags and thanked her over and over.

She then asked if I needed anything else for this baby. I told her we were starting from scratch as this was our first child. She then showed me her bouncer that she paid $70 for and said she would throw it in for $10 if I wanted it! (The picture is the one she gave me) Unbelievable!! I gave her a big hug as I left and said, "You have no idea how much you have helped me out today! Thank you!"

I was in tears as I drove home thanking the Lord for providing. Not only providing but providing all the details before we even know we need them. It confirmed to me once again regardless of how we think our financial situation looks, God is our TRUE provider and HE and HE ALONE provides for His kids.

I'm looking forward to seeing how else this 'creative thinking' plays out as God continues to lead and show us His blessings.

Fish sitting

Our good friends have gone on a vacation to Mexico and their girls have entrusted us to take care of their fish 'Toopy'. He is a Beta Fighting Fish and we have had him almost a week already. Toopy is such a fun fish! He gets excited every time we come home from work or wake up in the morning. He swims around and around, side to side quickly in his bowl to make sure we are paying attention to him as if to say "Good morning". He is sitting on our side board that we use a lot and is in the centre of our living space. So whether I'm getting dishes out of the side board, sorting through bills, or organizing teaching stuff, he LOVES that I'm there. I've never met such a social fish! He is so social that when we feed him he doesn't realize it as he would rather show us swimming tricks than clue in there is food at the top of his bowl. Too funny!!

This has got us thinking - maybe we want a fish. I remember having a fish as a kid. In fact the first fish I had I called TERESA!! Why, I don't know. Only in a five year olds mind is that a good name for a fish. :) We have a HUGE vase that would make such a great 'tank' for the fish and it would be a neat pet to have in our house. Hey it is better than buying a cat or dog before the baby comes! At least the fish will still get all the attention it deserves when baby does arrive. :)

We have Toopy for another week and a half so after we give him back we just might have to make a trip to the pet store to pick out a fish.

2010 off to a great start :)

We knew that this year was a big one for us with God's promises coming to pass. We just didn't know it would start right away at the beginning of January. :) We are believing for 5 specific things this year and spent a lot of last year fasting and praying over them. We KNOW God is working them out, lining them up, and getting ready to reveal them oh so soon. Never under estimate the Lord we serve! He is FULL of surprises and great things.

The 1st has been answered! We are happy to announce how excited we are to meet 'Baby Rourke' in the beginning of September!! YES we are expecting! This has a long story to go along with it but please know this is a miracle baby and we are in awe of God's faithfulness. We have had so much fun telling family & close friends that have been praying for us as we have walked this journey and seeing how much this baby is already loved is such a beautiful thing. :)

As Lance and I have been thanking the Lord for how good He is DESPITE our circumstances, we have been reminded of how important it is to always stand in FAITH. Even when everything seems to be going the opposite direction than the way it should be. That was 2009 for us. Things just kept getting worse as the year went on and while all we wanted to do was give up, we kept pressing forward. We chose to trust in the TRUTH instead of doubt and believe the lies. This is the year of us seeing and being in the promise land.

So be encouraged. If you are believing for something and have been for what seems like forever, know that it is already in the works. Keep trusting in God's TRUTH and KNOW that He is always faithful to His promises. (See the scripture at the top of this blog!) In HIS timing the things you are believing for will happen.

Weekends

This is kind of a random post but I've come to the realization that I love weekends! Now most people would say, "Ya, you are like everyone else and you just figured this out now?" But how I came to this conclusion is how much my life is outside of work. During the day I go to work to pay bills, but outside of work is my LIFE! And to have 2 whole days in a row that I can enjoy life without being interrupted with work is such a great thing!! :)

My last job with being in ministry full time was a lot of my life so this is all new to me. I definitely miss being passionate about what I do at my job, but I must admit there is something kind of nice about never thinking of work when I leave it. Never being stressed when I'm away from work worrying about all the things I have to do when I return. I go to work, I do what I need to do and then leave. Nice.

My weekends have become way more valuable as I'm with the people I love doing things I enjoy and am passionate about. They are just never long enough. BUT I know another one is coming and each Friday I almost get 'giddy' thinking about the weekend and that it is almost here! Strange I know.

Helping our 'thumbs'

Last night after a very full day I decided I wanted a bowl of popcorn. For anyone that knows me, they know popcorn is my FAVORITE snack to munch on and I have to control myself to have 1 bowl a week as I could easily have it every evening. . . okay maybe 2 bowls per week :)

While I was using my wonderful popcorn maker (thanks again Jay & Sarah) I was trying to transfer the popcorn to a bowl and somehow caught my thumb on the element that heats the oil to pop the corn. I heard a sizzle and then the pain hit as I jerked my thumb away. Yep, I burnt my thumb. OUCH!! Immediately I put it under freezing cold water for a few minutes until it was numb but the blister started to form as the rest of my thumb turned blue due to the cold. So I enjoyed my popcorn with my other hand :)

The rest of the evening I kept going to use that thumb and couldn't. I never realized how many things I do with that thumb. Picking things up, closing a zip lock bag, opening drawers, doing dishes, washing my face, etc. Once again I was reminded of how every part of our bodies are important and serve a BIG purpose. And how not only do our bodies not function properly if 1 little thing is off but I love how the rest of the body responds to help the part that is in need. Take my thumb. How did the rest of the body help? It automatically formed a blister to protect the new skin to grow and help the old skin to heal. WOW!

I had just explained how our kidneys work to my nieces at dinner (I know you're curious so that conversation came from eating chili and them asking what kind of beans were in it - which lead to kidney beans - which lead to 'why are they called kidney beans' and to anyone who doesn't know that answer - it is because they are shaped like a kidney) and how important they are and vital to keep our bodies functioning at their best. We talked about how every part of the body is so important no matter how small it might be - like our THUMBS!

The bible talks a lot about the body and uses it to illustrate how the church 'the body' need to all work together for a common purpose. Whether you are the head or the foot, the kidney or the thumb, if we do our part, the body functions normal. Check it out in 1 Corinthians 12:14-26

The other 'body' we are apart of is this world. And while Lance and I were lying in bed last night praying for Haiti and all the people affected by this horrible earthquake we were reminded that once again we can help. We can be a part of the body and help the 'thumbs' in need. We can pray and we can give. We don't have much but what we do we will sacrifice to help this country in need. We can give up those extra coffees at Starbucks for a month to help those who have lost everything. That seems like nothing compared to the loss these people have suffered.

So all that to say, What can you do? How can you help the 'thumbs' and be apart of the incredible body God holds in His hands. :)

2010 we gladly welcome you!!

I don't think Lance and I have ever been more excited to bring in a new year like we have 2010!! We know God has such great things in store for this year and we couldn't get to it fast enough :)

2009 was a year full of challenges, trials, hurts, sickness, mourning, breaking and despair for us. Some of which I shared on this blog, but the majority I didn't due to it being to personal. It has been a very hard year. But out of these things have come growth, healing, forgiveness, building of character, strength and God's incredible mercy and FAITH to carry us through to new things and new possibilities! As we have prayed we have such an excitement in our spirits for 2010 and KNOW God has GREAT things in store.

Lance described it so well. He said, "It is like being a kid around Christmas and you have peaked under the tree at your gifts . . .maybe even ripped open a corner of the wrapping and figured out what you are getting - now to WAIT for Christmas is that much harder due to knowing what is under that tree!" We KNOW what is under that tree for us as God has revealed - dreams, promises, blessings & fruit poured out of our lives - now we just have to wait for Christmas day to come. :)

Until then we continue to walk the journey in faith knowing this year God will continue to work, reveal, bless and be true to His word!!