"Baby B"

This week David and I went for our first ultrasound. The tech looks up at us and says, "is this your first ultrasound?" We replied"yes." She looked me straight in the eyes and said "you're having twins". The tears immediately began to fall down my cheeks. They were not sad tears, but overwhelming emotions took over. I said "are you serious??" she affirmed me "yes". So, within the first thirty minutes, while "baby a" and "baby b" were being measured, David and I spoke of names, dressing them, boy vs. girl (we're not planning on finding out), finances, double stollers, cribs....I still can't believe it, but am so blessed to have this gift x2! So, please pray that "baby a" and "baby b" continue to grow strong and healthy so they can eneter this world to bring glory to God. I don't know how we are going to do this, but all things are possible through Him who gives you strength and we are exctied for the adventure that lies before us. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Adventures In the Making...

Since the last time I wrote, David and I went to Europe. Not to mention his graduation from law school and that we have been given a most special gift from God...and little (currently 5" long) baby. It's crazy...being pregnant. There is a little mini-baby inside of me right now, growing like a weed. Today, it is compared to a softball, before a kiwi. Soon, in the fifth month, a cantalope. Interesting that we compare our future children to objects and fruit, but it really does help you visualize it's size. The heartbeat is a fast one...160 beats per minute. I think its a little girl (cute curly red curls, right!?) We'll find out soon enough.

I want to be a good mom, but since I've never done this before, really have no idea what to expect. One day at a time, I guess. Although with only about 150 days to go, this baby bundle from heaven will be here before we know it! Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Grocery Shopping

I went to Meijer tonight. Their produce is hit or miss, but they have good deals. When its not "big" grocery shopping days, I like to give my money to VG's, a more local store with baggers who carry your groceries to the car (best service around). Now there is an Aldes in town, oh the options. I'm breathing hard right now because I just carried in about 20 bags at once to save me a trip back to the car. Can't breathe, but totally worth it! I better go put everything away before the ice cream melts on the kitchen floor.

God's Promise

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, or what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more importnat than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. Seek first the kindom of God and his righteouness, and all these things will be given to you. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Matthew 6:25-34.

Live for God...today and always, and He will provide.

Work: exertion directed to accomplish something; labor.

This comic is perfect for anyone who has a commute during Michigan winters. Getting up extra early because you know the roads are going to be bad which means more traffic and slower speeds. Walking outside to be "greeted" by sub-zero temperatures only to sit in a car that tells you its so cold because it sputters when you turn the key. You get it started then get back out to scrape 3 inches of snow off the car. You think you're done only to find a nice layer of ice. Why isn't the defroster working more quickly you wonder? I'm going to be so late. Five minutes later you get back in the car and wonder if you are going to be sick because your sweating profusely but you can still see your breath. Now the question: Do I take off my coat because I'm so hot or leave it on because I know I'm going to cool off in a minute then be freezing because it takes the car 10 minutes to warm up. You put your car in reverse and think, "okay, I'm on my way".

Your feet are wet because your boots aren't water proof and the snow swept through your gloves so your fingers are frozen, but at least you're on your way. But wait! Your car won't back up! It can't get through the snow! (man I wish I had a garage about now). So, you get back out of your car and start kicking the snow away from your tires. Okay, now you're on your way. You hit the main roads and they actually look well salted and clear, a sigh of relief. Nope, its all black ice. Should have known that judging by the obscene amount of backed up traffic going about 15 mph. You listen on the radio to "local traffic and weather on the 8's" about a million times hoping they will once magically say that everything is smooth sailing and the high tomorrow is 80. Regretfully, every time they say the same thing: more snow, its going to actually get colder and "pack your patience because its a slow ride out there with accidents on every road imaginable". Easy for them to say. They clearly don't commute during rush hour.

There is light at the end of the tunnel though. You walk into work (maybe hours later), shaking with a back ache because you were gripping the steering wheel so hard but thank God that you made it safely. You are thankful you were not one of those spin outs and better yet, you're happy have a job to drive too. Despite this soliloquy of bitterness about our winter roads, I'm thankful to have employment, to have purpose at work and to have goals to achieve, even if one of them is surviving the commute. Drive home safely.

Birthdays

Faith Alexandria

Vera Lynn


Amanda, Sarah and Aunt Laurie

My family has a way with bearing children in October/Novemeber/December...
Although Dad is not in favor of this, because all three of his daughters...and three grandbabies were born during hunting season, he has been a trooper and supported his daughters (and wife) throughout the years. Faith, my new neice, was born Dec 3, same day as her 1 year old cousin, Vera. Jack, my newphew, me and both my sisters, mom, aunt linda and aunt lori...all end of the year birthdays!

Above are some fun shots of us eating our favorite birthday treats, and of course, my new god-aughter, Faith, who is now home with mom and dad. So to all of you who celebrate your big day the last quarter of the year, Happy Birthday!

Vacations

If I were to write a list of my favorite things, going on vacation would be near the top. Growing up, my family went on vacation almost every year to some place exciting, like Maine, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Tennessee, Walt Disney World, Cancun, Myrtle Beach, Italy with mom, and up north...

Each trip has fun memories with my parents and sisters. I think we even kept a daily journal during some of the trips, I'd love to find those and see what I thought of Magic Kingdom in '93.

David and I went to Hawaii for our honeymoon. We've also went out west a few times (a region that I had not traveled before) to Colorado and Arizona for friends' weddings and California to discover that San Diego isn't always sunny and 75 like they say it is. "May Gloom, June Bloom"...we went in May. Boston, NYC and Rhode Island was a fun trip too, the east coast is very charming. I've also traveled down south recently, to New Orleans, LA, Alabama and Georgia; each state offering a unique service style, food and accent...ya'll.

Our next planned trip is to the UK and Ireland this spring. At least on this vacation, I know in advance it will be chilly and rainy! I'm looking forward to kissing the Blarney Stone, searching for Loch Ness, standing in front of Big Ben and driving through the green hills of Ireland. One learns a lot about geography, and more importantly, cultures when traveling. I'm thankful I have had so many amazing opportunities to see different parts of the world and look forward to seeing where my next trip may be.