Church Retreat and a Birthday Celebration

This past weekend, we attended our "Fantastic Families" church retreat at a local kid's camp. We stayed in cabins and enjoyed a fun weekend with our church family. It was such a refreshing time. The themes (whether official or unofficial) were staying under our "coverings" and also true worship.

I really enjoyed the message given on Friday that discussed how we all have our coverings and we must make an effort to stay under them. As a wife, I have the privilege of being "covered" not only by Christ, but also by my husband. He acts as my covering in so many ways as he protects me from outside influences that are not healthy for me (or our family). I feel blessed to be in a relationship where I can trust my God-given covering. Sometimes it isn't easy to hear things like, "you probably better not take that on, you are already very busy", but I am so glad that I (and our future children) have his protection, guidance, and encouragement. Needless to say, the weekend was very encouraging and we are really glad that we decided to go. Nate took hundreds of pictures of the kids at the retreat, so it was really hard to select just a few.



When we returned from camp, my in-laws hosted my family birthday dinner (a bit late, but it was great). We ate fish tacos (one of my favorites) and Nat made me this awesome Swiss cake roll birthday cake. What can I say, I have some awesome in-laws!

Birthday Pictures/ Pregnancy Update

I had a fabulous birthday! Nathan treated me not only to dinner out, but also breakfast. After dinner, we went to Barnes and Nobles to browse books, which I always enjoy. It was a very fun and relaxing day, just the way I like it! I am so thankful that Nathan always makes me feels special on my birthday. I am truly blessed to have him as my husband.

As you can tell, we have a camera again! Actually, we have two great cameras now thanks to my deal finder, Nathan. He gave me a great Canon point and shoot camera for my birthday (thank you, thank you) and he purchased an almost professional grade Canon for nice photos. As I mentioned before, he has been doing a lot of reading about cameras and photography so he was eager to test out the new cameras. Hopefully by the time our baby comes, he will be a real professional :).

Almost 20 weeks!

Recent Pregnancy Changes:
- I can feel him moving almost every day now! I usually notice him moving when I am sitting still. Monday was the first time I actually felt him move (aside from "popcorn" movement). I was sitting in my favorite chair reading about glorious motherhood and all the sudden he started doing some flips. It was awesome! Since then, I have felt him move every day!!!

- For the most part, I am experiencing little to no sickness. I have the occasional stomach ache or tired feet, but other than that I am feeling really good right now. PRAISE GOD! I am really trying to work on his nursery and other household tasks while I feel good because I know that as I get bigger these tasks will seem more daunting.

- I am still exercising, but I can no longer run. I can walk up five giant hills and feel completely fine, but as soon as I start bouncing up and down, I feel like I HAVE TO find the nearest restroom (Can anyone relate?). I mourned the loss of running at first, but now I am just thankful that I can still enjoy walking and lifting weights.

- I remember reading in one of my baby books that at 18 weeks maternity clothes would be a must and at 20 weeks strangers would probably start suspecting that you were pregnant. Well, I would have to say that this is pretty close to true for me. While several of my tops and dresses still fit, maternity or stretch bottoms are a must for comfort! Most of my friends and acquaintances still say that I am pretty small, but I definitely look pregnant.

Works for Me Wednesday: Cotton Skirts

What is comfortable, cotton, feminine, and cute? A cotton fold-over skirt from Old Navy. Okay ladies, I know that I am growing by the minute so of course a cotton skirt works for me, but these cute skirts are not just for us pregnant ladies. I have seen them on many different sizes and shapes and they are very flattering. I am not normally one to give fashion advice, but I like them so much that I had to share them with you all. The best part of this lovely clothing item is that it has a small price! At only $15 each, they are very affordable! So, if you are in need of a cute and yet comfortable summer (I may be wearing these in the fall with some leggings or boots) wardrobe item, check out these feminine skirts from Old Navy (just for the record, I think Target carries them as well).

*Here I am modeling the black fold-over skirt. Cheesy, I know.

Speaking of feminine clothing items, I've recently read some great posts on the value of femininity. I don't know about you all, but I feel the most beautiful when I feel feminine. There is something special about looking and feeling like a woman. This can come from wearing a playful skirt, caring for the children, or cooking a great meal for my husband. I still have a lot to learn about biblical femininity, but I am certainly learning a lot and am feeling as though biblical femininity has always been written on my heart, I just haven't always embraced it.

I came across this awesome definition of femininity and I thought I would share it with you all. Enjoy!

"True femininity comes from within... a peace that passes understanding, joy abundantly, a light in our eyes, a smile on our lips, kindness on our tongue... it is embracing who God made us to be... confident yet humble, strong yet full of gentleness. She'll be serving those around her, pouring out her life with joy, she'll be on her knees in the presence of her King, she'll be speaking life to those around her bringing them encouragement, hands ready to help, feet ready to go... all done whether in the heart of her home or on the other side of the world serving the least. You can have someone dressed modest and feminine full of worldly beauty and yet missing the the core of femininity, the core of who she was created to be, and you will find an empty woman, empty of life. It all starts from within, yet I think you will see it expressed in every aspect of her life. You will also find women that are not full of natural beauty but somehow they become the most beautiful woman you have seen all because she knows who she is and why she was created, full of joy and gentleness... full of life... a truly beautiful woman." Carrie

Created To Be His Help Meet:

I have mentioned "Created To Be His Help Meet" several times in previous posts, so I thought I would try to tell you all a bit more about this fabulous book. I am thankful that a friend took the chance to share this book with me. I believe that it introduced me to scripture that changed my marriage before it even started. The book is controversial to say the least, so I know that it must not have been easy for her to pass it on to me not knowing if I would agree or disagree with the content. I am sure she felt the same way I feel when I suggest it to a friend- hesitant. I am not hesitant because I don't believe in the content, but because the writer doesn't scurry around the tough areas-she charges them head on. Some have described her as harsh, but I would describe her as brutally honest. As with any book, I don't agree with every single word, but I do agree with almost every word! I kept an open heart towards the book and simply studied with her. Actually, I continue to study with her. I have read the book in it's entirety two times, and continue to go back to the book on a regular basis for encouragement. I contemplated posting about this book many times and today I finally decided to share it with you all because I do not want to keep the joy that Nathan and I have felt as a result of this book from anyone. It is no doubt challenging material (I must be reminded of these scriptures DAILY), but it is a valuable read!

Instead of trying to summarize this book, I will just share bits and pieces of the actual text. The statements below are all found in "Created To Be His Help Meet".

The Author, Debbie Perl, wrights this book as she follows the command found in this passage-"The aged women likewise, ....; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed" (Titus 2:3-5).

God gave Adam the most precious gift a man will ever receive- a woman. "And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him" (Gen. 2:18). If you are a wife, you were created to fill a need, and in that capacity you are a "good thing", a helper suited to the needs of a man. This is how God created you and it is your purpose for existing. You are, by nature, equipped in every way to be your man's helper. God gave Eve to Adam to be his helper, not his partner. She was designed to serve, not to be served, to assist, not to veto his decisions.

Each day is a decision, each hour a challenge, and each response starts you toward either the quicksand of divorce or the solid ground of being blessed "heirs together of the grace of life."

The tool of your warfare is your loving, kind, delightful, radiant, adoring self. Earn every smile and shared moment.

If you have a reason to be hurt or discouraged and yet you sing with thanksgiving, this is a true sacrifice of worship to God. "And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing" (Psalm 107:22).

You might be one of the women who often complains about her family's lowly financial state and how she must "do without" because "her husband cannot support the family decently." This downcast, unthankful attitude is a dishonor to God and an attack upon your husbands ego.

Discontentment is not the product of circumstances; it is the state of the soul. "All of the days are afflicted with evil: but he that is of a merry hart hath a continual feast" (Prov. 15:15).

Every day, I remember to view myself as the woman God gave this man. I could be annoyed at doing (fill in the blank) for my husband and family, or I could find joy in doing it for him. You serve Christ by serving your husband, regardless of whether he deserves it or not.

You were not given to your husband to be his conscience!

The very heart of reverence is extreme appreciation and profound thankfulness that this man, just as he is, has chosen to love me, just as I am.

A wise woman doesn't ever allow herself to be a liability, but strives to always be an asset to the marriage, she looks for ways to make, save, and use money wisely. Her husband knows he is a richer man because she is his wife. She never expects anyone to serve her, and is therefore never disappointed. She is ready to help, always the giver. (Proverbs 31)

My husband does not loose any dignity by being in subjection to Christ, nor do I lose any dignity by being in subjection to my husband. And, just as my husband finds security and meaning in submission to his head, so I become the person God created me to be in submitting to my head- my husband. (Eph. 5: 22-24)

God's rules are not there to put you in bondage, but to help you make a man want to cherish, protect, and love you.

It's a Boy!

We are so excited to announce that we are going to have a little BOY!!!

Last Friday was my last day at the University (YES) so now I am staying busy preparing for the Linc and the arrival of our baby boy. We have some important and not so important (but FUN) decisions to make in the coming weeks so I thought I would share some of my random thoughts with you all as I try to sort through my "baby decisions".

- I am still not 100% sure if I want to get an epidural. I have read MANY articles on this important subject, but I am still not completely convinced either way. Although, after listening to my friend Dasha's birth story (she had a 100% natural birth), I am definitely convinced that natural birth is a BIG commitment.

- I am trying to decide if I want to use disposable or cloth diapers. I have read some great articles on the benefits and ease of cloth diapers, but I am still not sure if I want to take the plunge. I feel that cloth diapers are better for the environment and allow the child to better sense when they are wet, but I am still basically trying to decide if I think I will be able to "handle" the extra work (laundry, etc.) that I will experience if I cloth diaper.

- Along the same lines, I have been reading about elimination communication and am contemplating giving it a try. Do you all think I have completely lost it??? I assure you I have not... I just really like look at alternatives to traditional thinking.

- Now that I know I am having a boy, I have been searching for fun things like crib bedding and nursery decor. I do not have a clear vision at this point, but I know that I want the room to be vintage inspired. I'm wanting to use vintage toys, fabrics, etc. This being said, I am thinking that I am going to have to make the bedding and several other decor items.

- We have thrown out MANY names and only one has stuck thus far. Nathan and I both like it, but we are not quite ready to announce it. His middle name on the other hand has been a bit more challenging. Let's just say we've had a lot of laughs over names :).

In other news...

- We hosted an 80's themed 30th birthday party for a close friend and it was a blast! Who knew that dressing up and listening to 80's music could be so much fun?
- Nate and I have decided to go on a 5-day cruise for our anniversary (a few weeks early)!!! We leave in just a few short weeks, so we are anxiously awaiting some quality R/R time together.

- Nate has recently started to pressure wash our entire fence. He has been working so hard night after night and he still isn't even close to halfway done. I am so thankful he takes such good care of things like our fence because cleaning that fence would have never crossed my mind :).

- We are currently without a camera, but hopefully we will purchase one soon so that I can share more exciting update pictures with you all (I assure you my belly is growing).

- I ordered a new book titled Passionate Housewives: Desperate for God and I am really excited to read it. I know that I need to start to prepare myself for becoming a stay at home wife and mother and I have heard this is a great book for soon-to-be housewives. I will let you all know if it is a good read.