Feeling better...

I haven't been around for a while because I have been pretty sick with this pregnancy. I think I spoke too soon in my last post. Anyway, after a few rough weeks, I am feeling better. I am still nauseous most of the time, but it is back to the "tolerable" level. I will be 12 weeks this Tuesday so we are happy about getting out of that first trimester. We went to the doctor two weeks ago and did an ultrasound. We saw the baby very clearly and it was moving it's little arms up and down. It also had a strong heartbeat which we both heard and saw. How exciting to know that the baby is okay and safe and snug inside my belly!! (Which is getting thicker and thicker...)

Charlie is beginning Kindergarten next week. I can't believe my little man is 5 years old and going to "big school!" We have school supplies all ready and we go to meet his teacher on Thursday. And Madeline starts Preschool September 4. She will be at Charlie's old school, and will be going on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I am still teaching dance there and I am overjoyed to actually be teaching my own daughter dance!! Who would have thought?? Then on Wednesdays she will have piano like Charlie did. We go to Parent night this Tuesday, and a Play Day next Tuedsay for her.

Please continue to pray for our friend Debbie. She received a not-so-good report this week and now has to undergo radiation therapy every day for the next 5 weeks. This along with her chemo every other week. She is such a godly woman and firmly believes she is in God's hands. It is so easy for those of us who love her to be discouraged by the progression of her cancer, all the while she is contunually encouraged. She is truly an inspiration for all who come in contact with her. She is such an important part of our lives and we are blessed to be a part of hers.

Tracking Baby...

Please scroll all the way down to track our new baby's development!

Technical Difficulties

I am really trying to post about our San Antonio trip, but I am having troubles getting pictures posted for some reason. Bear with me, and I will hopefully figure this out!!

As for us, we are doing well. I have a little morning sickness, but it is still bearable. Charlie has changed his mind and now wants a baby brother, though says he will be happy if its a girl. Dave is away at children's camp- just one night, but next week he goes to Panama City Beach, Florida for a week for youth camp. Oh, the life of a Pastor's wife!! The summer is so busy for him and while I am so proud of him, I often find myself longing for his company. Especially now in the beginning of a pregnancy. But Mom will save the day and come spend part of next week with us. I am also getting ready for Dance Camp which is in two weeks. Pray that I will have more response than last year's 6 girls. I really feel God has allowed me to use my talent and passion in such a wonderful way- especially at my age. And I hope to continue it for a long time. But I need girls to want to take dance classes in Nocona. I will keep teaching as long as they keep coming- that's how I will know God is still affirming my call.

"Here we go!"

That seems to be the end to my story as I tell everyone I know that we are expecting our third child! I am still in a state of shock I think, because we were neither trying nor preventing, and "here we go!" When I think of the reality of having three kids, I get completely overwhelmed. When I think of the aches and pains of pregnancy, I get completely overwhelmed. When I think of putting three kids through college, I get completely overwhelmed. But when I think of the fact that we put this decision in God's hands, getting off birth control, and neither deciding to or not to have another baby, and God gave us this baby, I am amazed. All babies are a miracle from God. And I know this baby is a miracle from God. But it's as if God has given me an answer to one question that I have been asking myself for months. "What if God has another baby for us?" Well, He does. And that makes this pregnancy even more special and wonderful.

Charlie and Madeline are very excited and both want a baby sister. Actually, Charlie wants twins. I promptly told him, "No!" but then I told him that it is God's decision if we have a boy or a girl or, even, twins. My life is about to be turned upside down either way, and I am at the same time excited, nervous, scared, overwhelmed, in shock, and so completely blown away by God's grace and faithfulness. As my friend Debbie always says, "What God brings us to, He'll carry us through!" I know this will be a wonderful addition to our family and yet another opportunity to fully depend on God for my every need.

"It'll be so long..."

That's the statement from Charlie on several occasions this past week. "It'll be so long until Dad gets home." And my dutiful mother answer is "Oh, no it won't. It'll pass by before you know it!" Although the wife in me wants to answer, "I know and it's horrible!!" Well, someone has to be strong for the little ones just like our parents were strong for us. And mine were strong for me this week. Spending time with them has truly been a blessing and has indeed made the time pass more quickly. Tonight we returned home and are looking forward to tomorrow morning when our beloved daddy and husband returns from his travels. He had a successful trip even though the few times we were able to speak by phone were not enough. He preached, and the team visited many people, bring a precious few to Christ. They even got in some sight seeing and shopping. And as I write this they are in the air on their way home to us. Pray for safety in travels and thank you for your prayers for their health and a good trip. These prayers were answered and all are healthy. And of course there is already talk of returning next year!

Mission Trip

Please join me in praying for a team of 5- including my wonderful husband Dave- that has gone to Brazil for the next 10 days. They are working with a famiily from our church that is now living there as Missionaries. Dave and the team will be helping to spread the Gospel to poeple who might otherwise not hear it. They have arrived safely, but please pray for them as they speak, as Dave preaches, that the people will have open hearts and minds to hear, that the team will be healthy, and that they will safely return to us next Monday. I am so very proud of this team and especially my husband for being brave enough to make this journey. Dave has a heart for Missions and has often said it is only me and our family that keeps him from going all over to share the Gospel. I am blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life. And maybe say a little prayer for us while you're at it. Ten days without Dave will be a challenge!! Hopefully we will all be better for it and God will use Dave and the team to win souls.

Vacation!

Well, the time has come for a vacation. We usually go to Florida every year to see Dave's side of the family. But this year we are also taking a vacation of our own to San Antonio. We will leave this Wednesday and return Saturday. We plan to visit Sea World, of course, and also the Zoo and the Riverwalk and anything that suits our fancy. The one thing the kids are looking forward to most is petting the dolphins at Sea World. Everyday, Charlie asks me how many days it is until we go. They are so excited! This will be the first vacation besides Florida that the four of us have taken together. So pray for us as we travel and that we will have a fun, safe time with no "incidents." And that the dolphins will cooperate!!