I'm 25 weeks pregnant and thankfully all I can say that has been a hitch through this pregnancy is needing a nap almost everyday. And when I don't get a nap, I'm prying my eyelids open at 7 pm. I can feel significant growth in this little boy over the last week. His movements are big and strong and I'm beginning to feel little body parts. I always miss this when I'm not pregnant so I am trying to relish in and be thankful for this movement. Grey Bear asked me last night, "Mommy, when we have our NEXT baby, it will be a sister but will she have brown hair?" I quickly stopped him to tell him we weren't positive of God's plans for our family but we might not have any more babies. To which he replied, "why? I really like having babies here." And that's that.
As I sat through a Catalyst Student Leader Dinner last night, I was completely overwhelmed. God brought to my attention where He has brought Matthew and I in ministry, with our family, and in our walk with Him here in Fort Mill. This time in our lives is just so good. I looked at all the people surrounding me and was blown away at the support in our lives. God has provided so many people for us to minister alongside who love and support us in ministry and with our family. This does not even include our small group which I've mentioned before. Like I said, this time is so good.
Thanksgiving week presented me with lots of wonderful opportunities to spend time with people. That's one of my specialties in life...I don't have many but I would consider spending time with people a hobby. I got to spend time with with my sweet friend Carla as she was driving through to Atlanta and share a cup of hot tea and conversation. Matthew and I got to spend time with some really dear friends from Clemson, Seth and Ashley. It's been too long since we've seen them and every time it's confirmed how special and precious those relationships are to us. I was able to see my side of the family and spend some time with Gram. I got to do two "photo shoots" in which I met a new family and spent time with another that I love! I also got to meet Erin who lives in L.A. for lunch one afternoon and catch up! In all of these times, I got to have REAL conversation which I am sucker for. It's so good to hear and see the way that God is growing all of these people individually. It spurs me on and allows me a glimpse of the struggles, the joys, and the life that they are experiencing. I am so so so thankful for the people God has placed in my life along the way.
And...just for kicks...
Move-in Day our senior year. The Brothel. (we had 7 girls living in a house which was technically illegal in Clemson so we called it the Brothel.) Too much fun for words. Carla is the far left and Erin is right beside her. Next in line is Kelley, Me, and Katie :)
At our wedding rehearsal. Again, too fun for words.
Graduation Day 2005. Bittersweet.
Matthew and I with Seth and Ashley. Check out that rockin' haircut on my fiance.
Me, Carla, and Erin. I miss these girls a whole heck of a lot.
side note: as I was going through pictures to post, I was laughing so hard the whole couch was shaking. There are so many pictures from my college years I wish I could post but some things are better left between friends. And I might mention I've matured quite a bit since then. Well, maybe.
As previously mentioned, I was privileged to enjoy two families in one day and try and capture them as they are. I love being stretched in my photography venture and it always stretches me to do these so called "photo shoots." I always get a little nervous that I won't get the right shots for the family but then once I begin, I just enjoy it. And then I think they enjoy it. It's such a good outlet for me and so far, I am sticking with this specific hobby and hopefully growing. I know Blythe won't mind me posting a picture or two of her extremely handsome and charming son Hendrix!
Oh my word! How beautiful is that child?! He was SUCH a joy, along with his mommy and daddy.
As I was going throughout my morning enjoying my second cup of coffee (this is unusual to note seeing as I normally find at least 3/4 of my second cup sitting around somewhere at around 3:30 pm. Ya hear me Jennifer?!) Anyhow, I was watching the boys play/fight/chase each other screaming and thought about how thankful I am to spend my days with them watching them grow and change. I know I've mentioned this a lot lately but I really think God has put a refreshing view on the mundane in my life. Tucker is talking so much and Grey's little mind is working overtime. I am enjoying watching them learn loads of new things every single day.
Matthew taught the students yesterday morning and started the "Christmas Series." He began the Christmas story from creation. From the fall of man we needed rescuing. We needed Jesus and as Galatians 4:4 states, "in the fullness of time, God sent His Son." The time was right. It was perfect. The time had come for God to wrap all of His glory up in a tiny baby. This blows my mind and I was reminded again of the precious, perfect gift of Jesus. My heart jumped for joy as He allowed me to stand in awe of who He is. And I thank God for this time of year.
I love days that He makes me aware and my heart can be grateful and not completely selfish. I have more than enough to be grateful for and I should be in a constant state of that but too often I get focused on myself. I sure do hate that but I love days like today.
I LOVE your quote - "a refreshing view of the mundane in your life". I totally get everything you have said. I'm at home now with my two girls, and I....totally get it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting.