Hello 3rd Trimester!

Charity Ruth is our little eggplant!

I cannot believe we've now officially entered the third trimester. Sometimes I feel like I've been pregnant forever, then other times it's just flown by! Everything is going well. I'm still contracting, but they're still not doing anything. I have a feeling it's just going to be this way for the rest of the pregnancy, and that's okay, as long baby girl stays put!

Today, I had the ever-pleasant glucose test, which came back negative. Fortunately. It's been negative with each pregnancy, so I wasn't too concerned, I just can't stand the thought of having to drink the juice a second time. But, the doctor's office did call to tell me my Vitamin C and Iron are both low & I need to take supplements. Maybe the low iron explains my constant lethargic feeling... I was just blaming that on the pregnancy altogether. The Vit C, however, I don't get. I drink orange juice almost every morning. That's not enough though, I suppose. Anyway, just thankful for a (mostly) good report from the doctor! At least Baby's healthy, even if Momma is lacking in the vitamin area.

This week I've been thinking about her name, and how I think I want her to be called Ruthie. Maybe it's because Ruthie was in the running with both our first girls. Or maybe because I seem to have this thing about naming our girls something, and calling them something else: Gabrielle is Gabbi & Caitlin is Catie. Ruthie is also what I called her for a short period of time before Dustin wanted to talk about names... kinda just to get him to talk about it with me :) Maybe we'll wait until she gets here to fully decide.

I've seen a couple of my friends do these little things during their pregnancies, and thought I'd join in on it!

Weight Gain/Loss: right about 20lbs so far... but feels like a whole lot more!
Maternity Cloths? Yes definitely. I was actually able to hold off wearing them for what seems like the longest amount of time this time around. Sadly, some of my pants that are size "mediums" are feeling a bit snug...
Gender: A third little princess!
What I Miss: Working out and running. Snuggling up close to my man... the belly just makes most everything more difficult.
Weekly Wisdom: From my sweet 3-year-old "Charity is making your belly really BIG, Mommy!" So wise :)
Milestones: Third trimester!

Sleep? what sleep?
Energy?: what energy?
Excercise?: what exercise? okay, there seems to be a pattern here! :) seriously though, keeping up with my two little ones is a good amount of exercise for a day.
Movement?: She moves like crazy, and is actually doing some gymnastics right now.
Food cravings?: plain ole coca-cola. I have no idea why because I don't typically like it and rarely ever do I drink carbonated drinks, but I love it right now... with lots of ice that I enjoy crunching when the drink is gone (that's been a common thing in all my pregnancies)
What I'm looking forward to:? Gabbi getting to feel her kick. The timing's never worked out yet, but she actually told me yesterday that she wanted to feel her move. So sweet :)
Preparations:? Sadly, nothing :( That's been the hardest thing so far about having a third girl. I'm thrilled beyond belief about having another little girl... but I have nothing to do!! Her room is ready (she's going to have Catie's room, and Gabbi & Catie will room together). She has clothes. She has toys... she has more than everything she needs. She is absolutely as special as her two older sisters, but I feel like because I've done nothing to prepare, that it doesn't seem as special. I told Dustin I think I want to use different pacifiers this time (we've used the same brand with both girls) just so we'll have to buy her something different from the other two! How silly :)
Best Moment this week:? Our bathroom is finally finished! This is absolutely not pregnancy related, but glad it's done before the baby gets here! Our hall bath that has been mid-renovation for a year, is finally done!

Day 9

Person who has gotten me through the most.

OK, well this one really was pretty easy. I say this not to sound cliche, but only because I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

JESUS has undoubtedly gotten me through the most in my life... Good and Bad.

Anything in my life good or praiseworthy is because of my Savior and because He has caused or allowed it to happen to me.
Anything bad in my life, that has broken my heart or made me angry, that has made me to want to run or brought me down to my knees is because He has caused or allowed it to happen to me. Granted, many painful things in my life have been self-inflicted, but nothing ever surprises Him. Before I knew Him, as I was living my life of sin that eventually brought me to a point of brokenness I never again want to experience nor would wish for anyone, He alone got me through. Brought me to that point where I could recognize my sinfulness, my need for Him, and He was there. Without Christ, without Him rescuing me, I don't even want to imagine where I would be today.

Even now, knowing Him, I have walked through my share of valleys. I do have a wonderful husband & sisters in Christ that have been there for me. But it's the promises of God and my relationship with Christ that has truly gotten me through. Even in seasons of loneliness, it's Christ that is ever-present. I just love this *old school* quote from the Newsboys song Breakfast: Those here without the Lord, how do you cope. For this morning we don't mourn like those who have no hope.

Truly, Christ is the hope of every believer. I'm thankful for the joy I can find in my valleys because of Him and His faithfulness.

All things He works together for my good & His glory.

There's no one else I would rather have to turn to.

Day 8: Photo Challenge

A picture that makes me laugh.

This is taken from Catie's first birthday back in September. I was cracking up at Gabbi the whole time. She just sat patiently next to Catie at first, and kept asking when it was going to be her turn to eat cake. Then finally, I suppose she got tired of waiting and seized the opportunity to lick Catie's frosting-covered hand... or she just couldn't let Catie get away with the show being all on her for the afternoon. Either way, this was not posed, and still makes me laugh to this day.

Day 7: Photo Challenge

My most treasured item.

This was another difficult one to come up with. The things I treasure most in life aren't things:my salvation; my husband & children; my family; friendships & my church body... I could go on and on. But an item? I try not to become too attached to items- clothes or jewelry or books or even our home... I mean, things are so replaceable. Like I said in the first post though, I'm not the sentimental type. But I still think even the most sentimental items are replaceable, when it really comes down to it. The Bible says to store up our treasures in Heaven... and this is what I strive to do, although it is hard. I definitely have a tendency to be materialistic- just like everyone I think. I do "want" more stuff. Our home to be prettier or bigger; my girls (and myself) to look great in the most fashionable clothes; and sometimes, just to be transparent, I wish my engagement ring was bigger. How worldly I truly am! Just because I'm not necessarily attached to things, I don't want to give the impression that I never struggle with worldliness... because that's exactly what those desires are. Worldliness. God did not call me to have a nice house, big jewelry, or the best dressed kids. He called me to die to those desires. Not that it's a sin to want nice things. To deprive yourself of anything nice for His "name's sake" isn't right either. It's just a heart issue. A balance.

Anyway, with all that being said, I narrowed it down to two things. The first, not at all to sound super-spiritual, is my Bible.

Being raised in a religion that does not encourage (and really almost discourages) the personal reading and studying of the Word, a whole new world was opened up for me after salvation. I was taught that I could not interpret the Word correctly, only one person could. Well, when I first came to know Christ I could not get enough of the Bible. Reading it. Praying through it. Memorizing it. Although life got a bit more crazy after marriage & kids, and my time in the Word is more limited than it used to be, I'm still so very thankful to have God's very Word available to me. And it really makes my time with Hi, reading, all the more precious. I'm so thankful for our God, who speaks to us through the Bible, and the Holy Spirit that does enable me to interpret what He's saying.

I'm also thankful for godly men who wrote the ESV Study Bible, for the times when I just don't get it ;)

Secondly, is our piano.

This (aside from all my pictures & scrapbooks, but that would be hard to take a picture of) is probably the most irreplaceable item in our home. Mainly because to replace it would cost a lot of money and this piano was given to us (for nothing) by some friends. I love music. I have loved music my whole life. Although I haven't been gifted with natural talent or an incredible singing voice, I still try. I'm currently trying to teach myself how to play the piano. Dustin & the girls bought me Alfred's Adult Course piano book for Christmas so I could finally begin. I know a little from when I was younger and learned some then. I know how to read music and the basics, and can play a some. But I want to truly play. And bring the Lord much glory through music. I also want to be able to teach Gabbi when she's a little older. She already loves music, and dancing, and she loves to "try" to play the piano. We'll see how it goes! :)

Day 6: Photo Challenge

Person I would like to trade places with for a day.

OK, so this took forever to think of, because honestly, I wouldn't want to trade places with anyone for a day. I guess just keep in mind while reading that this is totally hypothetical because of that fact. I've thought of several people. Maybe one of my friends that doesn't have any kids so I could just sleep all day?... but just because they don't have kids doesn't necessarily mean they sleep all day. One of my kids so I could just play (and if I wanted to, sleep) all day, and see what life is like from their perspective?... no, I really wouldn't want to do that actually. One of my old dogs we had growing up, because, let's face it, spoiled pets have "the life".... but it's supposed to be a "person". I even thought of a cartoon character, just to be goofy... but then the thought of being in a cartoon world for a day kind of freaked me out. So then I thought of Dustin. But when I say my husband is the one I'd like to trade places with for a day, I don't really mean it... ;) There really is no one I'd want to trade places with... but I'll go with it for the sake of the "challenge".

I suppose the reasons it would be interesting to trade places with Dustin are obvious. I stay at home with the kids all day, and he works at an office all day. We never really have the "whose job is harder" argument, because he tells me all the time mine is. I win, hands down ;) But I still would like to gain some perspective of where he's at all day & what he deals with. Just because my "job is harder", I still have some idea that he does have stress that he deals with. Then again, sometimes I feel like he would do better at my job than I do. Maybe if he were home for a day, when I got home the house would actually be clean and the family out of pajamas...??? Hmm... then again, maybe not :) Also, if this hypothetical exchange were to happen sometime in the next 3 months, I'd like him to experience what it's like being pregnant in the third trimester... and why I'm constantly asking him for a neck or foot rub, or how I'm not being ridiculous about my hyper-sensitive sense of smell, or how absolutely uncomfortable it is when your hands swell, or why it takes me forever to get comfortable and fall asleep... And I'd like to have just a day's break from being pregnant- to go for a nice, long run, where regular clothes, and perhaps have a glass of wine. (*gasp* yes, I said it.) OK, this sounds like complaining. I'm absolutely not trying to complain, and am typing all this with a smile on my face. I just think the fact that I'm pregnant adds an interesting spin on this hypothetical situation. And anyway, complaining about the discomforts of pregnancy is so overdone. I've prayed this pregnancy for God to enable me not to do it. "Do all things without grumbling or complaining" (Phil 2:14).... this includes pregnancy :) I know there are women who would give anything to be pregnant right now, and struggle with it. I'm thankful getting pregnant has never been an issue for Dustin and I, how could I complain? I'm thankful for a healthy baby girl & that I have the privilege of bonding with her before she even enters the world.

OK, I also didn't mean for this to go into the joys of pregnancy :) So I'll just leave it at that!

Day 5: Photo Challenge

My favorite memory.

Well, this was a really, really hard one! I cannot choose a single one favorite memory. I chose this event in my life- my summer in Kenya (2006)- with Kristin (then, Rickels) Duvall because it is my favorite memory that impacted the rest of my life.

During my time in Kenya, the Lord completely drew me to Himself. I heard Him so clear, so often. I saw Him move so much in my life and in the lives of those around me. Especially still being a "new Christian", I had never seen the things I witnessed in Kenya ever before in my life. It was while I was in Kenya that God burdened my heart even more for missions, and confirmed my desire to be on the field at some point in the future. Seeing the need for the gospel in those areas, the hunger for the Word of God and the love of the Word the believers had impacted me greatly. Of course, all of my 10 weeks there weren't easy & wonderful. I know there were days I questioned why I was there. But the Lord saw me through every single day. Before Kenya, Kristin and I didn't even know each other. It's really hard to believe looking back now, because God just truly knit us together. She truly is my sister, and one of the very best friends I have still today.

Also, while I was in Kenya, Dustin and I were "dating"... before I left, we talked, and he had told me that he saw qualities in me that he wanted in a future wife. While I was gone, I don't know if I've to this day prayed over something so fervently as I did him and our relationship. We had a couple hurdles to overcome that I prayed through... among other things. While I was gone, through so much prayer, God really confirmed for me that he was who I was going to marry. -But I still wasn't totally sure if it was the same for him :)-When I got home, the Lord had just blessed both of our prayers... and we were engaged soon after.

This is all extremely summarized. I could go on much more about the trip, about what the Lord showed me and answered prayers, about mine and Dustin's relationship... but I'll keep it at this for now. If there's more you want to know, maybe it could be talked about over a cup of coffee ;)

Other significant, favorite memories that can't be overlooked:

our engagement: august 31st '06

wedding: january 5th '07

gabbi's birth: october 9th '07

catie's birth: september 1st '09

Day 4: Photo Challenge

Picture of my night.

This is a picture of our great friends Tommy & Alison. We went over there for dinner last night. We are so thankful for their friendship, and the role they've played in our lives these passed few years.

After dinner, Gabbi & Isaiah played "hide & go seek", and it didn't occur to me until they were finished to take a picture of Gabbi hiding. Maybe it would have been a more exciting picture for everyone. Anyway, this isn't a typical night... A "typical night's" pictures may include Gabbi "helping" me cook dinner, my sweet husband cleaning up the kitchen after dinner, followed by him lying on the floor with our sweet girls climbing all over him as he tickles them or balances them on his feet playing "super Gabbi/ Catie". He's such a great daddy, and during those moments I just love to sit & watch them play with him. They both absolutely adore him.

Day 3: Photo Challenge

Cast of my favorite show.

We don't really watch much TV. But we did watch 24 when it was out. Sadly, right when we started watching it, it was the last season. It really was the first show we got into together. The first one I've really watched in a long time. I like a lot of random shows: HGTV and foodnetwork probably are my favorite channels. But I can definitely do without. We didn't have cable pretty much our whole first 3 years of marriage. Honestly, I don't like having cable. But Dustin loves his sports :) And that's fine. The reason I'm thankful for cable (sounds so silly to be "thankful" for cable), is because if we do want to turn on the TV in the evenings to "veg" and unwind, we don't have to watch the garbage that's on the main channels. Because, if I'm going to be completely honest, I really think the comedy or drama shows that are on the main cable channels are worthless. And I'd rather not fill my mind with them. Now, I absolutely don't want that to sound "holier than thou" at all. It's just something the Lord convicted me of a couple years ago and that my sweet sweet husband has been there to remind me. No matter how much my flesh (because it is my flesh- not the Spirit of Christ in me) wants to watch say, The Office or Modern Family or something like that, my Spirit won't let me. I know a lot of people watch those shows, but I just can't. I just feel that it's contrary to everything in the Word of God that I try to keep my mind on day to day, when we are commanded in Phillippians to think on what's True and Right and Pure and Noble. You don't find those things in much TV today. I'm not legalistic about it- I definitley don't think all TV or all movies are just sinful and evil. There is a balance. For me, that balance is- "am I laughing at sin?" or "am I wanting these people to sin?" (like, do I actually want this character to sleep with this other character before they are married?) or "is there a distinct RIGHT and WRONG in this show?" Those are the kind of things I ask myself when I'm watching something. I know most people don't agree with me, and that's totally OK. I know there are things I may do or say or watch that other people think "really?? She did that??" I don't think I'm some "better Christian" because of these convictions. We're all in this process of sanctification, and we're all in different places. And that's OK.

Day 2: Photo Challenge

Myself & the person I've been close with for the longest

This is my brother and me when I was about a year old, and he was almost three. My dad is here too, but for this post, the focus is my brother. We do have more recent pictures, but I thought we were just too adorable to not put up an old one ;-)

My brother, Chris (or Bub as I've always called him), and I are 20 months apart. Growing up we were always pretty close for siblings. It was just the two of us, and with moving so much there were times when we were each other's only friend. You know, between the fighting and picking and pushing and arguing, we truly did love each other. We were great friends when we were little, and even as we got older. The awkward middle & high school years, although less "close", he always still defended me when I needed it. After high school (and maturing as needed) we became close again. I'm so thankful for him in my life.

Today, I still consider us close, even though we're both married & he lives in Louisville. We still talk a couple times a week. I love what the Lord has done and is doing in his life. And I'm thankful that God brought him a great woman to live his life with. They're expecting their first baby in June! He is such a great uncle to his little nieces, I know he's going to make a wonderful dad!

Day 1: Photo Challenge

Photo of myself & 15 Facts

It's a 4 year old picture, but we went to a wedding last night... so I have our wedding on my mind :)

1. The first & most important thing to know about me is I am a great sinner... in love with an even greater Savior. There was nothing He found in my that made me worthy of His grace, no amount of "good things" I could have done to earn His favor, but He still chose me. I'm eternally grateful He saved me 5 1/2 years ago, and want my life to ever point to Him.

2. I never imagined I would have 3 children by the time I'm 25... but I will come April- and won't be 25 until June. I wouldn't have it any other way! To be completely honest, I sometimes hate telling people my age because I've often had people take me "less seriously", treat me like I "don't have a clue" or like I am just plain crazy and irresponsible. Maybe that's pride... but at the same time, I like to claim the verse from Timothy to "not let people look down on (me) because of (my) youth."

3. I've always always wanted to be a wife & a mom. I thank the Lord so much for granting me the desires of my heart. I'm so thankful for my amazing husband & that the Lord has given him to me. My third desire, which came after salvation, has been to serve Him on the mission field... which leads to number 4...

4. I love reading/ learning about different cultures- particularly Africa/ Middle East. I love watching shows on different countries (even if it's just The Amazing Race- otherwise I'm not crazy about reality TV- or House Hunters International), talking to people from different countries, eating different foods- even if I don't end up liking it, I still try it. And mostly, I love travelling to different countries. I cannot wait until the day the Lord solidifies for Dustin and I where He wants us to serve Him, so we can truly engross ourselves in learning one particular culture and language.

5. I grew up a Marine Brat. Although there are many aspects of my childhood I wouldn't desire for any child, there is nothing I would change for myself. The Lord ordained my days, and has used them to mold me into who I am now... and He's continuously molding me. Moving every 3 years is just one aspect of a military life. It's funny how I've realized habits I have now are because of how I grew up. Which leads to number 6...

6. I hate junk. I hate clutter. I'm not really a sentimental person... you know, like one of those people who holds onto random things for sentimental reasons. There's nothing wrong with that at all, I'm just not that person. I, maybe once a year or so, go on random sprees where I just purge our home of junk- toys, clothes, etc- and throw stuff away. Don't be offended if you ever find something that you've given me in a yard sale. Or worse, the trash. It's nothing personal. I come by it honestly ;) I married a man who has a tendency to be a pack rat... which is a result of his growing up. This is definitely an interesting mix.

7. "Fact" number 6 does not mean I am a neat freak. I'm actually quite messy. Laundry rarely gets completely put away, and if you stop by to visit you will probably see lunch leftovers still on the table or have to move toys off to couch to sit down. Sometimes this stresses me out, but Dustin sweetly reminds me "Honey, people live here." I'm still working on it though.

8. Maybe it's because I'm pregnant, or because this winter has been exceptionally cold, or the combination of the two... but I really hate getting out of my pajamas these days! Which typically is so not me! If we have no where to go on a particular day, Dustin will more than likely come home to all three of his girls in jammies :)

9. I am an avid coffee/ hot tea drinker. Usually, I just give up coffee during pregnancy, but this time I finally bought decaf. I love to start my mornings with a cup of hot tea, and lately Gabbi has been wanting to drink tea with me.... that makes my heart happy :)

10. I would like to consider myself an amateur runner- although, since babies, I don't really look like one! Running is something I've done since I was probably 9 or 10... my dad taught me how to run, and running with him is one of my favorite memories as a child. Last July was the first 5K I've run in since we got married, and I'm looking forward to getting back on track after Charity gets here. A life goal of mine is to run a marathon.

11. I love to write. It was a dream of mine ever since I was little to be a writer... maybe that's why I've ended up with a blog :) I vividly remember sitting in my room for hours when I was in elementary school writing little short stories. As I got older, in turned into (attempts at) poetry and I wrote for my high school yearbook. I've kept a journal my whole life. At one point I was in school for Journalism. It's randomly crossed my mind at times to write a book, basically of my testimony, but I'm not sure... a couple people have told me to. Maybe I'll pray about it and see where it goes :)

12. I have a not-so-secret but somewhat embarrassing love for country music. I mean old country music. I actually can't stand a lot of this new stuff that's out and is more pop than country.

13. I do not read as much as I wish I did. I have a stack of books on my "to read" list a mile long... I read a lot before kids. But how does anyone with preschoolers get a book read?? I start to fall asleep just opening a book. I'm doing good just to read my bible in a day!

14. I used to be a vegetarian. I was actually a decent "health nut" before I got married... and I still have tendencies. I'm a little into the natural/ organic food craze... but my husband keeps me from going too crazy. Thankfully. I can tend to go over the top about stuff.

15. Although I was a little bit of a "tomboy" growing up, I am so so thankful the Lord has given me 3 daughters to raise to be little ladies... The oldest of which is as girly as they come! I love it. I'm thankful to Gabbi, who because of her, anything pink, sparkley, or princess never gets passed me! :)

30 Day Photo Challenge

A friend of mine is doing this, and I thought it looked like fun so I'm going to do it too. No promises that it will get done everyday though! If anyone else would like to do this then copy and paste, and comment that you're doing it so I can follow you.

Here's the list of the photos needed.

I might not get around to posting "Day 1" until tomorrow... it's late!

Day 1: A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.

Day 2: A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.

Day3: A picture of the cast from your favourite show.

Day 4: A picture of your night.

Day 5: A picture of your favourite memory.

Day 6: A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

Day 7: A picture of your most treasured item.

Day 8: A picture that makes you laugh.

Day 9: A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

Day 10: A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

Day 11: A picture of something you hate.

Day 12: A picture of something you love.

Day 13: A picture of your favourite band or artist.

Day 14: A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

Day 15: A picture of something you want to do before you die.

Day 16: A picture of someone who inspires you.

Day 17: A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

Day 18: A picture of your biggest insecurity.

Day 19: A picture of you when you were little.

Day 20: A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

Day 21: A picture of something you wish you could forget.

Day 22: A picture of something you wish you were better at.

Day 23: A picture of your favourite book.

Day 24: A picture of something you wish you could change.

Day 25: A picture of your day.

Day 26: A picture of something that means a lot to you.

Day 27: A picture of yourself and a family member.

Day 28: A picture of something you're afraid of.

Day 29: A picture that always makes you smile.

Day 30: A picture of someone you miss

Another year has gone by... (long post!)

It's ten days into the New Year and I'm just not getting to blogging! We have been pretty busy the passed couple weeks though. Between snow and traveling, it's pretty hard to get back into a routine around here!

Our Christmas was pretty quiet without having any family in from out of town. Christmas Eve after church service Mom and Dad came over for our dinner. The four of us were up at seven the next morning to open presents. It was a blast... Gabbi is really at a fun age where she gets excited about everything. And Catie is at the fun age where she's excited about paper! So everyone enjoyed themselves haha :) After presents we made breakfast, and Mom & Dad came over for breakfast and to open their gifts. Then at lunch time we headed to Dustin's grandparents for the afternoon.

Gabbi's big hit was her doll house (that she for some reason wants to call a tree house...?) from Nana and Poppy.

Although Minnie Mouse wasn't Catie's "favorite" gift, I just couldn't resist putting this picture up. She does love Minnie, but do you notice the little green & white toy in her right hand? That's her very own cell phone that she opened up first... she held it in her hand the rest of the morning, opening all her other gifts with her left hand.

New Year's weekend we traveled to Birmingham to visit my aunt, uncle, and 8-year old cousin. It was a fun, yet sleepless, weekend. My aunt and I took Gracie (my cousin) and Gabbi to see Tangled Friday afternoon. It was Gabbi's first movie at the theater. She loved it... even though I'm not sure it was the greatest idea I've ever had. There were definitely a couple scary/ intense scenes where she clung real tightly to me. That, coupled with the fact that it was a HUGE screen and much louder than what she's used to, are the reasons we think Gabbi ended up with a nightmare that night :( She really did enjoy the movie though. And I think we'll still end up getting the DVD... being able to fast forward the more intense parts is a bonus :)

On January 5th, Dustin and I celebrated 4 whole years of marriage! I can't believe it's been 4 years already. On one hand, we feel like we've reached some kind of milestone... yet compared to so many couples we know who have been married for 8, 9, 10 or more years, it still is such a small amount of time. This passed year though, seems like it's been the best so far.

We heard over and over again the first couple years are the hardest. We were definitely no exception to the rule. With the added fact that our sweet little "honeymoon surprise" came into our life 9 months and 4 days after our wedding, the first couple years of our marriage were spent not only adjusting to each other, but to being parents as well!

But 2010 was a good year. They were all "good" years, we would never undo anything the Lord has done in our lives... but as far as marriage- our relationship- is concerned, it was the best. The Lord is continuously showing us sin (selfishness mainly), molding us to His likeness, and all the while bringing us closer together. I'm so thankful for His grace in our lives. That He gave me a man who loves Him and desires His glory above all else in our lives. I never want to take that for granted... because I know not all women have that. Dustin read this passed week and shared with me, "Marriage is the union of two forgivers"... we will definitely testify to that!

As we enter into 2011 and our 5th year of marriage, there are going to be some changes in our life! Dustin is starting (back to) school... one of the things I couldn't yet mention a few posts ago, but am so excited to share now. He has about 2 1/2 years left to finish his bachelor's, then Lord willing, we'll follow that up with seminary. I'm so excited to see this desire we've had since before we were married (and that he's had since before we met!) starting to come into the works. He's *almost* gone back to school a handful of times these passed few years, just seems to never have been the Lord's timing.

Also 2011 will bring the addition of our 3rd baby girl! I praise the Lord our Charity Ruth has not made her entrance yet. I'm so thankful she's still healthy, and my contractions have really slowed down the passed couple weeks. I also took the fetal fibronectin test on Friday, which came back negative. Meaning, 99% chance I won't be going into labor in the next few weeks. I am very anxious to meet this newest blessing... to see what (and who) she is going to look like, to begin truly bonding with her, to count her little fingers and toes, to see what he big sisters are going to think of her... I just don't want to meet her before 36 weeks :)

In 2011 I will become an aunt! My brother and sister-in-law are expecting their first baby the beginning of June. Next week we'll all find out if Dustin and I will have a *niece* or *nephew*. I'll go ahead and share that I'm predicting *niece* because I'm okay with being wrong ;o)

I'm so excited about all the Lord is going to do in our lives this year. I pray that my excitement will not wish the year away, waiting for the next big "event"... but that I will continue to seek Him daily... as it is daily that I need His grace...