a couple good books...

This summer I did not have as much reading time as I would've liked. So, I'm thankful to have some down time this fall to kick back and read.  

I'm reading a book called Small Steps by Louis Sachar. It's the sequel to Holes. It is a fantastic read.  I'm finding it very difficult to put down!  It focuses on two boys from Holes who were also sentenced to Camp Green Lake-Armpit and X-Ray.  So far, it's a good read.

I'm also reading a book called 100 Cupboards by N. D. Wilson.  It's a youth fiction novel, but it's a great, quick read. 

I don't usually read two books at one time, but it's easy with these two.

What books have you read lately?

a new season

I'm thankful it's the time of year when summer fades and autumn comes in.  I think fall is my favorite season.  There's so much I love!  Leaves changing.  Crisp morning air.  Pumpkins.  Warm apple cider.  Jeans.  Cute sweaters.

I also like that with fall comes routine again. I am such a schedule oriented person.   I love having things start.  Like preschool for Jaden.  The kick off events for women's ministry and women's bible study.  I'm anticipating relaxing with other moms, drinking tea or coffee, and studying the Word.  I'm looking forward to a walking club that's starting this week-being able to get out and walk in the fresh air.

I am a little bit sad that summer is ending, but at the same time I am really looking forward to this season of life =)

"I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing." ~Ezekiel 34:36

 

 

First Day of Preschool

Jaden started pre-k this week!  This little guy loves it! 

It's amazing how quickly time flies with kids.  Sometimes, it feels like yesterday that Jaden was born.  And now, he's almost five and has started school!  We have been very blessed to have Jaden in our lives.  I'm excited to see how Jaden grows and changes this year.

let it shine-all sons and daughters

beautiful song!  i love redemption songs.  give a listen-what do you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chYUK2LD7iI&feature=related

my best friend's wedding

Hannah got married this past weekend!  It was a busy, fun-filled weekend.  Hannah and her fiance wanted a simple, no frills wedding-so their ceremony was actually in the middle of their church service!  After church, they had a cupcake reception.  Later that day, they had a luncheon at their house for just their family and close friends.  The whole day was beautiful.

bachelorette party festivities-pedis, dinner, and lingerie shower!

pretty toes =)

some of the bridesmaids-hannah (the bride), me, Lili, and Jeananne (hannah's sister-in-law)

the bachelorette party was sports themed, so we got Hannah a packers cake =) 

Brooks' family are huge redskins fans, so we made some 'skins cupcakes for them

the rest of the cupcakes for the reception-all packers colors!

Hannah and Brooks =)

Before the church service

she's ready to get married! =)

prenancy update......

So far, baby #2 is doing great!  Definitely feel tired and nauseated most of the time.  But I'll count those as blessings and as a sign that all is going well.

Some random cravings I've been having (when I'm not feeling sick):
-spicy, hot salsa and chips 
-quesadillas
-ice cream, specifically klondike bars.  the original kind.
-cheese puffs (which is weird, because normally I don't eat those....)
-animal crackers

We bought Jaden some books about being a big brother.  When we gave them to him, we said they were from the baby.  He said, "Wow!  That was SO thoughtful.  I think I'm going to like having this baby around.  We won't have to return it."  lol.

About being a big helper:
Me: Are you excited about being a big helper with the new baby?
Jaden: Yep!
Me: What are you most excited about?
Jaden: I'm excited about reading stories and singing her songs.

=)

baby #2

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, through the riches of His grace~Ephesians 1:7

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon the rock, and established my steps. ~Psalm 40:2

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward ~Psalm 127:3

In other news, baby #2 is due in March!  We feel so very, very blessed.  Jaden is super excited.  He says the baby's going to be a girl, and she's going to do everything he tells her to.  (We'll have to see about that one....lol).

We got to see the first ultrasound today.  We also got to hear the sound of the baby's heartbeat.  That, friends, is a sound that never gets old.  It's so amazing to see such a little life growing inside of me!

In a lot of ways, this baby is an extension of God's grace and mercy.  This new baby is a reminder to me that God loves me and cares about me.  It's a reminder to me that He has brought me out of a dark, gloomy place and secured my feet in Him.  This baby is a reminder to me that God is the giver and maker of life.  It's a reminder to me that my sins are forgiven, and I have been redeemed, and given new life.

Please pray for us!  Pray for the baby to continue to grow and be healthy, for Jaden to begin to learn and understand what it's going to be like to be a big brother, and for Derek and I as we adjust to life with two kiddos.  I'm excited to see what God has planned for this season of our life! =)