Goodbye Graduate School

On Friday, a chapter of my life officially ended. After 7 years of higher education, I said goodbye to formal education! Throughout the last year, there have been many times when I didn't want to complete this lengthy master's degree (especially once I realized my passion for the home), but with Nathan and my family's encouragement, I pressed on. Thankfully, I was able to complete all of my requirements (not only course work, but also over 900 hours of internship/clinicals, which by God's grace I was able to do in the perfect setting- Lincoln Village Ministry) just in time. With only 3 (or so) weeks until precious Judah's birth (proof that God's timing is so much greater than mine), I walked across the stage to receive my diploma. While I do not have any immediate plans to "use" this degree, I feel at complete peace knowing that my calling to be a wife and mother is so much greater than any of my previous career dreams.


When I started my master's degree, I promised my mom that I would participate in the graduation ceremony regardless of what season of life I was in when I graduated. I had no idea that this meant I would be sitting through a 3 hour ceremony at 37 weeks pregnant, but never-the-less I kept my promise :). I can't thank my mom enough for the many ways that she supported me throughout these 7 years of higher education! I know she was extremely excited that I finished!

I cannot end this chapter without expressing my extreme gratitude for all of the support that Nathan has given me to complete this program despite our decision for me to become a stay-at-home mom. He has never once complained of the time and money that it has cost us. Instead, he faithfully encouraged me to finish what I started and also reassured me of the value of being his wife and the future mother of his children. THANK YOU JESUS!

Goodbye graduate school, hello motherhood!

A Continual Dripping of Rain or A Crown

BUT

"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband.." Proverbs 12:4

A study of Proverbs reveals several verses regarding the extreme difficulty and harmfulness of living with a quarrelsome and nagging wife. Initially, we may read these verses and think, "I am not a quarrelsome wife", but a closer look probably reveals moments, days, and maybe even weeks when quarreling attacked our homes. Thankfully, God also tells us of the value of the virtuous woman to her Husband and then gives us further instruction on how to be a "virtuous" woman.

Check out this great post on being a crown to your husband.

I pray that God will show me His ways and give me the strength to be a virtuous woman, instead of nagging wife.

Pregnancy Update: Judah's Nursery (35 Weeks)

Introducing Judah's "vintage" nursery...

35 Weeks

I already love to rock him. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite seats in the house. It is such a gift to be able to sit quietly and feel him move! His little clothes are so sweet.There are lots of thrift store, DIY items, and precious gifts in Judah's room. I love to tell everyone how his room came together because I decided in the beginning that I wasn't going to spend a lot of time and money decorating his nursery. Family and friends helped me with several DIY projects (sewing crib bedding, painting old furniture, etc.) that not only saved us money, but also attached special memories to his room. I also received so many precious gifts (many of which were homemade) from family and friends. Plus, family and friends lent/gave us several different items (a crib, glider, dresser, clothing, toys, etc).
We are so thankful for such giving family and friends!

With the recent onset of braxton hicks contractions, it feels like Judah could arrive at any time. We are so excited to hold our precious baby boy!!! I know that these next 5 (or so) weeks will not be free of aches, pains, and emotion, but I continue to pray that God will fuel my passion for the ministry of motherhood! I know He is doing a great work in me (there is lots of work to be done) as He continues to form Judah in my womb. He is faithful, He is faithful, He is faithful!

Pregnancy (30-32 Weeks) and Other Updates

32 Weeks

30 Weeks (keep reading and my attire will make sense)

3rd Trimester Changes

Back Pain

Well, up until now I've had a pretty smooth pregnancy but for the past week and a half, I have been struggling with some pretty intense back pack. I went on a hike with the Linc children last Wednesday afternoon that was supposed to be 30 minutes, but turned into an hour hike uphill. Needless to say, it must have been too much for my body because I woke up Wednesday night in excruciating pain. I thought it was pain caused from an old stress fracture, but by Friday it had moved to the right side of my back. After almost 3 sleepless nights, I finally called the Dr. and they said it sounded like my Sciatic nerve had become inflamed which causes both constant sharp pain and these horrible sharp shooting pains as the baby moves on the nerve. When the sharp shooting pains would come, they would literally send me to my knees. I had some rough days and nights to say the least. I went and saw a massage therapist and have been taking it VERY easy this week and thankfully it appears to be healing. I am still trying to take it easy and limit the amount of time I am sitting, but my back feels like it is healing. My pregnancy has been so easy thus far, so I was a little taken back by this pain, but I have tried to stay positive (knowing that it could truly be so much worse) and continue to pray that my back will be completely healed :).

A Full Belly
Now that I am in my third trimester, I have learned that overeating (even in the least bit) will result in stomach cramps and difficulty breathing. I have found that eating small frequent meals is the best way to prevent both heartburn and stomach discomfort. Within the last few weeks, I have felt like there isn't much room for food in my big belly.

Lots of Motion
Another fun new change is Judah's big movements and kicks. His movements, jabs, and kicks used to feel like little flutters in my belly, but now I feel sharp distinct kicks and I see him moving all over in my belly! It is incredible! Nate and I love feeling him move and trying to guess which body part we feel or see :). We are so thankful he is healthy and active!

Preparation for Birth
While I have in essence been preparing for labor and delivery for months, I have recently been spending more time trying to mentally and physically prepare myself for birth. This past week, we decided to hire a doula and will begin classes with her in the next couple of weeks. For now, I am reading a lot of good materials and praying about overcoming my fears associated with giving birth (I have a few ;).

While I have certainly experienced some new challenges this trimester, I am still really enjoying carrying this sweet baby! Only 7 (or so) weeks to go!

In other news...

A couple weeks ago, we had a costume party to celebrate Nathan's 30th birthday (It is hard to believe that Nate is 30! Time flies when your having fun.)! A couple of white table covers and some cheap leaves were the key to our perfect costume! We are suckers for a costume party. So far, we've celebrated Christmas and two 30th birthday parties in silly attire. There is something fun about adding a silly dress code to a get together with friends. We had a great time!

This past weekend, we took several of the children to a family fun day hosted by our dear friend's church. They had lots of fun games and activities for both the children and adults. As always, we all really enjoy spending time with this awesome group of people!

Prayer

God is continuously showing me that all he wants is for me to come and fall at his feet in prayer.
I am His daughter, He is my father. He promises that if I draw near to Him, He will draw near to me. How desperately I need Him! I am thankful that He has shown me that there is nothing sweeter than being in His presence, fully depending on Him. I am thankful He sent his Son so that I could be in this place with Him. I am learning to sit at His feet in the good times and the tough times. My mistakes want to keep me from His feet, but he won't let me forget that He came for me, a sinner. His grace continues to overwhelm me. His Spirit lives inside me! I bring Him many praises and requests. Even when I don't know what to say, the Spirit intercedes for me. He always answers, but He doesn't always give me the answers I am wanting, when I am wanting them. Waiting on Him is tough, but when He answers, He blows me away. I asked Him to allow me to truly love Him and know His love. He is answering! My need for Him is great, each and every day!

The story of Hannah in 1 Samuel is a wonderful depiction of God's desire for us to come to him in prayer. I encourage you all to read it this week! There is so much to be said of this account, but what caught me was that, ^"10She, greatly distressed, prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly." She was greatly distressed and instead of running to her husband or friends for comfort and answers, she cried out the Lord and asked him to have mercy on her. There are lots of examples throughout the Word that show us God's great desire for conversation with and dependence on him (including Jesus Himself).

As I seek His Word, he teaches me.

"Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,and since we have a great priest over the house of God,let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider howto stimulate one another to love and good deeds not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

Hebrews 10:19-25

My Mother's Visit and Baby Shower Fun

It was so wonderful to have my mom visit for 5 days this week! We spent a great deal of time talking about what matters most, our faith and family. We celebrated Nate's 30th Birthday with his family, watched some great movies (Has anyone seen "The Ultimate Gift"?), spent time with family, browsed some shops, served a couple of our dear friends, and enjoyed each others sweet company. She also helped me complete several nursery projects. I can't wait to show you the progress we made. Thanks to my mom, I now have all of the furniture painted and in place. It was sad to see her go, but as always I am very thankful she was able to visit.

On Sunday, my church family hosted an awesome baby shower in my honor. It was a very special night for me and I was so thankful my mom could be there with us. Everything was so beautifully put together. They even kept a vintage theme to match Judah's nursery. Good friends are truly a blessing. Here are a few pictures from the occasion.

My beautiful mother.


We can hardly believe that I am already 30 weeks. Only 10 (or so) weeks to go!

A couple of the sweet hostesses.


Sweet shower decor.


This is the awesome quilt my mother had made for Judah. It perfectly matches his bumper and crib skirt.


My sweet friends made this delicious cake.


I was so happy that our Aunt Denise and her daughter-in-law Erin came to the shower.


My sister-in-laws made me this fabulous sign for Judah's nursery. What a great surprise!

Precious Judah Benjamin in the Womb

Isn't ultrasound technology incredible? I will never forget our first ultrasound of Judah. I remember coming home that day and writing in his baby journal that I felt like we had met for the first time. It was breathtaking to see and hear his little heart beat. The love inside of me for our growing child was overwhelming!
Yesterday, we were able to take a detailed look at our Creator's work. There is nothing like seeing the face of your child. Even though it is semi-distorted, it wells up such strong emotions inside of you. We both left the ultrasound appointment just thanking God for Judah! I feel so blessed to carry this precious child. As I think about how much love Nathan and I already have for this child, I can't help but then think how much more our Father loves him! I pray more than anything else that Judah will come to know how vast his Father's love is for him. I know God has big plans for him.



"For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11


I just came across this song by Kari Jobe and I had to share it with you all. His love is overwhelming!!!




"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19

Pregnancy Update: 23-26

23 Weeks

25 Weeks

I am currently 26 weeks pregnant and am fully enjoying my pregnancy!

*It seems as though my belly doubled in size from week 22 to week 24. It might have been all of the tasty cruise food I ate during week 23 ;).

*I am definitely noticeably pregnant at this point and have experienced an increase in comments and questions about my pregnancy from complete strangers.

* Bending over has become more of a challenge (I am sure that as I get bigger, this will become even more difficult), but I am still able to walk hills (I am definitely moving slower) and lift light weights. I am thankful that I am still able to enjoy light exercise.

* I have days where I notice that I am very hungry, but other days my hunger level seems about normal. I just try to eat according to my hunger.

Time seems to be passing so quickly. It is so exciting to think that baby Judah will be joining our family in just 14 short weeks! We continue to pray that God will fully equip us for parenthood.

One Fabulous Year of Marriage

It was one year ago today that Nathan and I stood before our family, friends, and most importantly God to promise to love one another in the way that God commands. It was an amazing day that I believe I will never forget! Throughout our first year of marriage, it has been evident that we are two imperfect people, but as we continue to seek God for guidance and strength to love one another as He commands, His grace abounds and we continue to fully enjoy our marriage! If someone would have asked me a year ago where we would would be now, I doubt that my answer would have even come close to describing where we are in our relationship with one another and with God today. The more that we seek His purpose for our lives and seek to fulfill the marital roles He has laid before us, the more we are blessed with His grace and mercy.

It has been an honor to be Nathans help meet. I am so thankful for his daily love, support, patience, grace, and guidance. As I have said before, in his very nature, he builds me up. This year has been greater than I could have ever imagined and I am eager to see what our future holds.

I had to include a few of my favorite memories from our wedding day...

A quick picture before our celebration dinner.

Works for Me Wednesday: Asking Myself Tough Questions

Sometimes growth requires that I ask myself tough questions. Asking tough questions works for me!There have been so many times in my life when I have discovered God's Truth and I was left with tough questions.

Questions like...

• Am I willing to die to self (my desires, recognition, plans, etc.) and live for His purpose?
• Am I willing to live according to his word even if it is completely contrary to what society sees as normal?
• Are worldly concerns (money, pride, acceptance, etc.) keeping me from doing what I know God is calling me to do?
• Do I trust that God will work through my husband if I step out of the way, pray for him, and let him lead me?
• Do I believe that my role as a wife and mother is a high calling, worthy of my time and energy?
• Does it matter to me if those around me know Jesus as their personal savior?
• Do I love God more than anything else?

I continue to ask myself these tough questions (and many others- I think I could fill a whole page with "tough" questions) over and over again. Some of them I must ask myself daily, while others I have answered and simply struggle to live out. I like to ask these tough questions because they require me to search my heart, search scripture, determine what I believe, and take action.

A few weekends ago, I had the opportunity to listen to a series of messages on biblical womanhood by Voddie Baucham. God's call to women is truly amazing! I am always baffled as I study His call for me as a wife and mother. I encourage you all to take the time to listen to this series. It is both challenging and encouraging. The question below comes from this series. I am continuing to learn the beauty of biblical femininity and I think this is a great practical question that we can ask ourselves on a regular basis.

"To what aspect of my person am I drawing attention by the way I act and dress and does it bring honor to God?"

Learning...

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30

"...but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3: 4

"For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:13

"Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear." 1 Peter 3: 3-6

Recipe Share: Cresent Roll Chicken Pockets

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We had a busy but fun-filled weekend. On Friday night we discovered our new favorite "date night" activity. We went to a local coffee shop and played Yahtzee while we sipped on some delicious coffee. Playing games with your love makes for an excellent night :). On Saturday, I went to a children's consignment sale with a good friend and found some great buys to include a "used once" Snuggi (a back-pack like holder for children) for $10. Saturday night, some dear friends helped me sew Judah's crib skirt and bumper. It took us from around 7pm to 2:30am, but it looks awesome! I am so thankful that they helped me with this project because it was a bit more difficult than I thought it was going to be.

I had to show you all this cute picture of the boys on the way to church. I love how children lighten the mood. How can you not smile and thank God when the laughter of children fills your home because your husband is chasing them around the house like a mad man or when these precious boys are sitting in your backseat counting to 200 in perfect harmony? They bring us so much joy!
And now the recipe....

My sister-in-law introduced me to these tasty chicken pockets! The recipe is very simple and the chicken mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated until you are ready to bake these delicious pockets.

CRESCENT ROLL CHICKEN POCKETS

• 6 oz. cream cheese, softened
  
• 4 T. milk
• 2 T. butter, softened
• 4 cups cooked diced chicken
• 2 T. minced onion
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• dash of black pepper
• 2 cans (8 oz. each) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
  
• Optional- Italian Bread Crumbs

* I use low-fat cream cheese and crescent rolls and it still tastes great!

Preparation -
Mix the softened cream cheese, milk, and softened butter together and beat until smooth. Add the cooked diced chicken, finely chopped celery, minced onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then set aside. Separate each can of the crescent dough into 4 rectangles. (Do not separate it into 8 triangles as directed on the can for dinner rolls. Press the extra perforations together to seal.) Spoon about one half cup of the cream cheese/chicken mixture on to the center of each piece of dough. Fold the dough in half over the chicken. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal. Place the filled pockets on an ungreased cookie sheet. Brush the top of the dough with the melted butter. *Optional- sprinkle with italian breadcrumbs. Bake in a preheated oven at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. This recipe makes 8 chicken pockets.

Enjoy cooking for your loved ones this week!

Early Anniversary Cruise

Nathan and I just returned from our Early Anniversary Cruise! We spent 5 wonderful days on a Carnival cruise that traveled to Cozumel and Calica. It was such a fun and relaxing trip. We are so thankful that we were able to go on this awesome cruise. Here are a few picture highlights from our trip. Enjoy!

I was able to enjoy a couple good books during the trip. I can't wait to tell you all about them. Have any of you all read "Family Driven Faith"? GREAT READ!

Our first stop was in Cozumel, Mexico. We spent most of the day browsing the shops. We didn't buy a single thing, but we had fun checking out the sites.
While in Cozumel, the shops would do almost anything to get you to enter. This particular shop offered pictures with a giant snake. I ran from the scary thing, but Nathan had to hold it ;).
Our next stop was Calica, Mexico. We took a one hour bus ride to the Mayan Ruins at Tulum. It was absolutely beautiful! The ruins actually backed up to the Caribbean, so we were able to enjoy the ruins and the refreshing water. The tour guide warned us that it was hot in Tulum and he was absolutely right. We were both soaking wet after hiking up and down the hills of the ruins. I had Nathan take plenty of pictures of me hiking so that I had proof that I enjoyed the Mayan Ruins at almost 24 weeks!


On the "formal" dinner night, I wore my wedding day necklace to celebrate our anniversary. We will celebrate one fabulous year in just a couple weeks!!!

I had to show you all this picture of Nathan on stage at one of the large entertainment events. Nathan was quite a ship stud. He was called onto the stage to play this cheesy game on our first night and was picked out of the audience to dance on another night (just for the record, he didn't volunteer on either night)! He also won several ship medals for his awesome ping-pong skills and charm. I was one proud wife.