Thanksgiving week & no Internet

I can't believe that I've gone five days without typing a new post. I was waiting to download my pictures from my digital camera upon our return home from Mom's house, but, once we arrived, we realized our Internet service was down. Oh well...better late than never.



We really enjoyed our time in Thomasville with my family, especially since we knew it was gonna be our last little "get-a-way" for a while. We ate lots of food with my mother, sister and her family, and my brother. We missed not being able to celebrate with Mitch's family but we thought we'd better make the trip to Thomasville while we could (I'll probably have a house full of family in about three weeks anyway). I've inserted a few pictures of our time there. I was also able to visit with my two best friends from high school, Dawn and Claire, who were also in town for the holidays.


Mitch went to Lowe's last night to purchase a 7 foot artificial tree so we could get something festive put up before Luke arrived. I'd hate not to have a tree up and decorated when he decides to make his appearance! We haven't taken it out of the box yet but it's on my TO DO list for this week as well as trying to find our boxes marked "Christmas" that I assume are in the mini-storage room.



I visit the midwife on Tuesday......I'll keep you updated on any progress.

I was cleared!

Courtney, my midwife, cleared me to travel to south Georgia to visit family for Thanksgiving! Yeah! I am currently only 1 cm dilated and Luke's head is high so I'm probably in this for another four weeks. I was sort of disappointed that more progression hadn't been made, simply because I'm so uncomfortable and in great pain when walking, but I want Luke to be as healthy as can be....so I'm gonna try not to complain. I'm actually at my mother's house while I type this and it's so good to be around family and get a small break from responsibility.

To Be or Not To Be?

Tomorrow is important.....will my midwife clear me for Thanksgiving travel? Mitch seems to think she won't but I think she will. If I win the disagreement, then Mitch has to buy me a professional massage. If he wins...well, then....he still has to buy me a professional massage since I will obviously have progressed too far to make a 2.5 hour car journey. I will keep you updated. I hope she tells me that I can go but that I'm to come back to see immediately when I return so we can think about a timetable to have this baby!

Peek-a-Boo!

New haircut

I got a haircut today. I'm not all that wild about it but I'll learn to play with it and figure out how I like to style it. The girl that cut it looked and dressed like she sold cosmetics at the MAC counter in the mall. She was sweet but all decked out in black with dark eyes, dark lips, and jet black hair. It made for good conversation and I'm sure she thought this pregnant white girl was a little strange, too. Of course, the weirder the hair-dresser looks/seems, the better haircut I walk away with! HA!

I told Mitch a few weeks ago that I was gonna let my hair grow out but I've finally admitted to myself that the longer my hair gets the thinner and trasher it looks...so, I've not labeled it a "Mama-cut" just yet but it does seem that my hair keeps getting shorter as the years (babies) go by. I hadn't had a haircut since this past May so my split ends were thanking me. I'm sure that once Luke arrives that the time between now and my next cut will probably be even longer.

Picture Day!

I was camera-happy today and snapped pictures everywhere we went. Andrew was in his first school program this morning and did wonderfully. I was so proud that you can hear me crying on the videotape! Out of all six one-year olds in his class, only four cried - Andrew just sat staring at his crying friends and sang while he shook his tamborine (the other child decided she would lay down and sing). Some were dressed as Indians but Andrew decided to be a pilgrim so he could sport off his hand-designed pilgrim hat. Of course, as the program progressed he was tiring of the pilgrim costume and simply wanted to go home; that's when I handed him to Mitch. Because we couldn't calm Andrew, Mitch decided he would join in the distress and make a "sad-face" of his own. My boys are cute, huh? Later tonight we journeyed to Books-A-Million where Andrew always plays hard while we TRY to relax and thumb through a few pages. This mother says, "Kudos to the management for the ever-faithful THOMAS the TANK ENGINE play area!".

When the cat is away, the mice will play....

So, I came home today from an outing to find that the two men in my life (soon to be three) hijacked my blog. Of course, I must say that the below pictures they posted are the cutest I've ever seen so I didn't mind that they disobeyed. Isn't Andrew's "sad face" the best? He will make it on command when at home but he's a bit too shy to show it off to others. That's why the pictures are so special!

HIGHJACKED!

Today Jawan left the boys at home and went out!!!! She'll learn NEVER to leave us ALONE!!!!! She also left behind her digital camera!!!!! Here are the dreaded results!!!!
This is Andrew with a sad face b/c Mom left -- he didn't know what fun we would have!

Here's another sad face from Andrew.

Here's a pic of Andrew & Dad highjacking Mom's blog!

Finally, here's Andrew thinking "Stealing Mom's camera is FUN!!!!

WE LOVE YOU, MOM!!!!

What have I done?

"Oh, no...what have I done? She won't go out with me!"

Wow, another surprise!

I was surprised again....twice in one week! After church this morning I journeyed to the back of the building to pick up Andrew from the nursery when I was surprised by another baby shower, this time given by the women in the church. It was fun to sit with them all, eat a bite of cake, and open gifts. They are so thoughtful and were really good at keeping a secret! Thanks, ladies!

Yeah, sure....it's just a game....

As I begin typing this post, THE GAME officially ended about six minutes ago.....what game? Well, the majority of my friends live in the state of Alabama, hence making them cry War Eagle or Roll Tide. Now, I'm not a football fanatic but I do have my loyalty to a certain team and hate to see them lose. So, that's why I'm posting...I'm using this as an outlet to vent my stupid frustration over UGA losing to Auburn tonight (by one point!). I'm sure many of my Birmingham friends are overjoyed at their field goal win but I'm disgusted. It was a tight game, which I appreciate, and a nail-biting four quarters (well, I skipped most of the second and third quarters because I was performing motherly duties), but I still can't believe that we lost. I'm not the BCS expert but I think we still have one shot left to insure we get to go to the SEC championship game....and we better not lose that shot next weekend to Kentucky!
Yeah, I know....it's just a game.

Just some memories

My brother confessed to me that he doesn't spend the time to read my long blog entries if there aren't any pictures attached...so, I looked back in some old files and decided to post these older photos so he'll be happy. (*tee hee*)

Dawn came to visit me soon after giving birth to Andrew last year on her drive south from Atlanta to Thomasville. It was good to see her and take a few pictures of her with my little one. She's due to have her first child just three weeks after I deliever my second, so I hope we can capture another moment like this one.

The other picture was one Mitch happened to snap of me admiring Andrew just minutes after he came into the world. He was so tiny and I was so amazed. I can't wait to have those bonding moments with my next child, Luke, in a few weeks.

Finally, how could I NOT include a picture of me with the finest man on the planet!?!?!?!?!

Was he really this small?

Andrew and Daddy take a break to rest on the bed while Mommy is, once again, taking another picture. I can't believe Andrew was ever this small. He's growing up so fast.

Surprise!

I am moving slower (hence my Frankenstein limp) and therefore was a few minutes late reporting to work this morning (for those of you who don't remember, I teach Art two days a week at the private school at our church for only 2.5 hours each day). So, I parked the car and looked at my watch......"8:35 isn't too late...only 5 minutes behind. Maybe I'll just poke my head in the door to let the others know I'm definitely here and won't hang around for the morning meeting since I'm in such discomfort." So I drop my belongings in my classroom and waddle around the corner to the morning meeting in the conference room. I poke my head in only to find that everyone is in attendance and waiting on me so they can give me a SURPRISE baby shower! WOW! I wasn't expecting that at all and was glad I decided to make an appearance. I received many needed items as well as some cute outfits for Luke. Since he's gonna be a winter baby (and Andrew was a spring baby), I was in need of some heavier, long-sleeved clothes to which they supplied me with plenty. Thank you, sweet friends and co-workers! I'll miss you after my last day next week but I'll be around...I mean, I am the pastor's wife! HA!

By the way, my sister-in-law, Valerie, is having another girl (due in March)! It seems that she is going to supply the extended family with all the granddaughters and neices while I'm gonna be the one to give them the grandsons and nephews. I'm looking foward to the many stories we'll be able to share as we watch our children grow.

My sweet brother, Stuart, sent me the cutest movie he made of Andrew today. It made me cry. Thank you, Stuart, for taking the time to make and give me such a special gift...and, yes, you can call that my "belated birthday gift" so now you don't have to feel as if you should buy me something! HA! Nothing could mean more to me than the time it took for you to make the movie. Thanks for saving all those pictures I've sent to you over the years and for sharing your heart in your latest blog. Blah, blah, blah...... (*tee-hee*)

Am I really 31?

Today is my 31st birthday. It's a time to rejoice about the gift of another year of life to spend with friends and family. I was just telling Mitch last night that I couldn't believe I was no longer in the decade of my 20's. So many memories, huge events, and moments happened in those ten years.....high school graduation, boyfriends (well, that might not have been such a highlight but still.....), college relationships and graduation, seminary, marriage, and the birth of my first child. I have so much to be thankful for as I look back on the past 31 years but I am most grateful for two things:

(1) I am thankful that from the beginning of time that the Father chose me to be His. What a priviledge it is to be called a child of God. I know that my name is engraved on his hand, never to be wiped away. His death has brought me life...I only hope that my life displays the light of Christ, the grace of the Gospel, and that I strive to live out the verse John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease".

(2) I am so thankful for my family:
My husband, Mitch, who is my best friend and constant encourager.
My son, Andrew, who is the apple of my eye.
My mother, Wanda, who is such a prayer warrior and excellent example of a godly woman.
My late father, Jim, who, although he was rough around the edges, wrote the sweetest words to me in various notes, letters, and emails.
My sister, Angela, who makes me laugh and is someone I admire.
My brother-in-law, Steve, who has built a home of love for his family.
My neice, Meredith, who is sensitive to others and longs to serve others.
My nephew, Ethan, who is ALL boy but still gives me a hug when we're together.
My neice, Emily, who loves to share her personalized songs and stories with me.
My brother, Stuart, who shares his heart with me and isn't afraid to take risks.
My grandmother, Ruth, who is still spunky and energetic as ever in her early 80's.
My mother-in-law, Cheryl, who loves me as if I've always been a part of her family.
My father-in-law, Anthony, who hugs and kisses me, especially since he's the only father I've got left.
My sister-in-law, Valerie, who calls me just to say hello and trusts me with her daughter.
My brother-in-law, Tyler, who is my side-kick on the McGinnis vacations.
My neice, Emma, who cracks me up with her stories and two syllable words.

And I'm thankful for many, many others.....uncles, aunts, and cousins!

"Just sittin' back, smokin' my pipe!"

Blogger Issues

When in Blogger, I didn't realize that when you save a post as a DRAFT that it doesn't change dates after finalizing and posting at a later time...therefore, after finishing your draft and uploading it to your blog site, it keeps its original posting date. Anywho, I've got a new entry below for November 1...not that it's all that interesting but thought you might want to read it in case you have had some of the same moments of rage, ummmm...., I mean, concern.

Babies in Love

In case you hadn't heard...I'm married to the most wonderful man on the planet. We've been married for six years and each day our marriage gets better and better. How blessed I am that God has given me such a wonderful gift. I love you, Mitch.

I know this picture is on the humorous side and this blog sounds somewhat "deep", but that's one thing I love about Mitch. He makes me laugh and there's no other person in the world I'd rather spend every minute of my day with. I've always said that I wish I could carry him around in my pocket with me all day, everywhere I went, just so I could see his face and hear his voice. Right now, he's sleeping.....and, as I type, I can say that I love hearing him snore. Now, where's my tape recorder?

Why do I love him so? He faithfully seeks ways in which he can serve me, especially since I'm currently eight months pregnant. He carries Andrew on his hip so I can rest, he pushes Andrew in the stroller so I can waddle behind, he cleans the toilet, he takes out the trash, he cleans out the van with the dust buster, he switches the car seat from car to car when needed, he is always home for supper, he calls me many times during the day just to say "hello", he spends his day off with me and Andrew, he seeks out "moments of retreat" to keep our flame alive!, he works hard, he speaks gently to me, he communicates well, he's forgiving, he listens, he confronts with sensitivity, he is reliable and trustworthy, he stands firm on the Word of God, he is affectionate toward his son, he talks to my belly so Luke can hear his voice, and, most importantly, he preaches grace and the Gospel of Jesus Christ not only on Sunday morning from the pulpit but also to my heart.

Thank you, my buddy.....I love you.

Encouraging words from my midwife...

I am 33 weeks along in my pregnancy today. Seven more weeks seems like such a long time; however, my midwife gave me some encouraging news today. She said that I should anticipate Luke to make his appearance sometime by the early part of December, possibly two weeks early. Oh, that was music to my back (Oops! I meant ears!). I go back to see her in two weeks and then start going every week so she can keep a closer eye on me. I can't believe I'm about to be the mother to two children....both boys!

Mom is Obsessed!

Yes, I'm a mother who is always snapping pictures of my child doing almost anything. I remember being in the hospital room two days after giving birth to Andrew and my friend Crissy saying to me, "Remember, Jawan....you don't have to take a picture of EVERYTHING that he does!". Oh, how Mitch wishes I had heeded her advice. It seems that my camera lives in the car or on my shoulder. I am constantly clicking, downloading, adjusting, ordering, deleting photos only to start the process all over again. I mean, we visited the local pumpkin patch three times this week and I managed to take pictures of Andrew all three times in three different outfits. That's gonna be a difficult layout to journal/explain in his scrapbook. Well, anyway, let me share this picture with you while I'm "at it". We were stuck inside ALL DAY today since it was raining but I managed to find a few minutes to take Andrew outside to escape with his bucket so we could go "rock-hunting" in our small patch of grass in front of our apartment. He found 36 rocks! He's washing them off in the kitchen sink here in this photo. He's our little geologist.

Road Rage

There are a few traffic issues that have my blood boilin' today:

Why is it that when there are three lanes of traffic, all headed in the same direction, that the car in front of you, who plans to go straight, always decides to stop in the lane farthest right at the traffic light when you want to turn right?

"Is that a car behind me or a huge bug? Ok, get off my tail! You're so close to my bumper that I can't see your headlights when looking in the rear-view mirror! Not to mention I have a child in the car...can't you see I'm driving a mini-van!??!?!?"

Why is it that some drivers don't stop at a crosswalk (like the one at the grocery store) to let a pedestrian by...especially when that pedestrian is a woman with children or is pregnant (did I mention that I was eight months preg.....,oh, yeah)?

"How long have you lived here? Ok, you've got a Muscogee Co. tag so how could you not have known that that lane was going to evolve into a turn lane at the top of the hill? Now you want to get back in my lane, cutting in front of me, huh?". For those of you who have also had this thought, I'm referring to the right hand lane which turns onto OLD MOON RD as you are traveling north on Veteran's Parkway.

Got blinkers? Please use them.

Whew....it's late and I've got if off my chest so that's enough for now.
NEXT WEEK: Semi-truck drivers......

Miss my College Buddies

We have all graduated (7-8 years ago!) from college, have moved our separate ways, married wonderful men (we're praying for you, Mary!), and had children. I just wanted to let you know, my college friends, how much I love you. I miss spending time with you but I'm so glad that we still keep in touch through phone calls and email. This is a picture from a baby shower in Atlanta given to me by my college roommates when I was pregnant with Andrew in Dec 2003. Pictured are Heather (with Will Ramsey), Bree, Malisa, Cory, Amy (with Dalton), Mary, me, and Libby (with Annie & Riley). Go VSU Blazers!

Atlanta Anniversary Retreat

Mitch and I had our sixth wedding anniversary two weeks ago but didn't manage to "celebrate" it until this weekend. My mother drove 2.5 hrs to come spend time with Andrew while Mitch and I escaped to Atlanta for one night. It was a wonderful retreat! We stayed in midtown Atlanta on Peachtree St, right across from the Fox Theatre. While there, we took the Studio Tour inside the CNN Center/Newsrooms, saw Richard Petty as he signed his autograph for fans in Centennial Park, ate at The Cheesecake Factory and ESPN ZONE in Buckhead, walked around Lenox Square Mall, and then headed home. I really missed Andrew and was so glad to see him when I got home. We immediately sat down to a wonderful home-cooked meal upon our arrival that my mother prepared. Thanks, Mom!

By the way, because some have been asking, here's a picture taken of me today while in Atlanta. I'm 33 weeks pregnant with Luke....and counting.

Pumpkin Patch Visit #2

I love this picture of Mitch and Andrew peeking at each other through the stalks of corn and pumpkin stacks. We had fun today with Daddy and the weather was much more pleasant than on our first visit. Instead of choosing an orange pumpkin to bring home, Andrew went with a smaller white pumpkin this "go-round".

Pumpkin Patch visit #1

We visited the Pumpkin Patch with my local MOPS group today. Andrew had a great time playing in the field of orange pumpkins and he loved getting lost in the maze of them. Of course, his favorite part of the day was riding on the back of the tractor during the hayride. We had so much fun that we're gonna go back in two days with Daddy!

Our Little Lion

We've been busy today! We spent a good part of the morning at a children's expo in downtown Columbus which was really fun for all. There, Andrew rode the pirate ship, waved at everyone, laughed at the martial arts team, painted a pumpkin, and made friends with a lion...or at least someone hidden inside of a lion suit! After naptime we all went to the Fall Festival at Andrew's Preschool where he wore his lion outfit (see picture). He didn't stay in it any longer than it took me to take some pictures. He was more interested in sitting in the fire engine or on the police motorcycle. For the first time, Andrew slid down one of those huge inflated slides all by himself....and loved it! Thanks for letting me share and for visiting often to read about our family events!

Daddy is T-I-R-E-D!

This photo needs no explanation. Andrew is roaring and ready to go after freshening up in his bath; but Dad...well, that's a different story.

Dentists & the government

Did I tell you that I was pregnant? Well, I KNOW I told that fact to the dentist office two months ago when I booked today's cleaning appointment. Apparently, they either didn't make a note of it or failed to ask the proper questions when I scheduled because, after signing in and waiting a few minutes this morning, I was asked, "Are you in your second trimester?". I could have laughed out loud because my belly doesn't lie...any dummy could tell that I'm well into my third trimester. So, I answered, "No, I'm 31 weeks along & counting". "Oh, that's not good", the hygenist said, "because we fear that you'll be lacking enough oxygen when you're laying back in the chair so you'll need to reschedule." Did I already mention I've waited two months for this appointment, even giving AFLAC their required waiting period for our dental plan? AHHHHHHH! So, I calmly rescheduled for February (I better not be pregnant at that appointment with a two month old at home!) and told them that I expect not only a cleaning but some dental work as well so I don't have to wait another two months. So.....

Since Mitch was already with Andrew at Burger King on the playground, I decided that I'd spend my "extra" hour going downtown to the tag office to renew my tag since it expires in two weeks. After struggling to find a parking space, going through the metal detectors and security, and standing in the beautiful concrete room with several others, I am told that no debit or credit cards are accepted...only checks. WHO CARRIES A CHECKBOOK WITH THEM ANYMORE? Maybe I'm just weird.....I don't shop anywhere that doesn't take a credit/debit card! I only write checks to put in the mail to pay for bills! I got nothing accomplished, it seems....well, I take that back....I did manage to stop at a roadside sale to purchase a $1.00 pumpkin for Andrew to take to Preschool and decorate on Wednesday. But, wait....he's got a cold now so he probably won't be going anyway.....figures.

She's letting me clean

Andrew got a hold of his vacuum cleaner after naptime so he's been busy cleaning and emptying the bag. He's no longer mad at me 'cause I'm letting him play....oh, I mean "clean".

What's wrong?

Andrew is mad at me. It is time for his nap but he would rather vacuum the floor with the toy vacuum cleaner. Hmmmm...I wonder if he'll be a janitor when he grows up?

Riding my tractor!

Andrew loves to go to the park and ride, slide, and sweat!

Steakhouse & Gum

Yesterday, all three of us ate at a local Japanese Steakhouse for the first time and it was so much fun. Andrew loved watching the chef grill our food in front of us and, even though the heat from the fire was strong, he loved it when the flames went up high and let off lots of smoke. Our chef was really funny and twirled his utensils around, calling himself a "Japanese Cowboy". Andrew laughed so hard and you could hear him all over the steakhouse...I think it was one of our best eating out expereriences with a toddler yet.

Also, Andrew likes to pop the bubbles I make with my gum so when I blew a large bubble yesterday he attacked it with vengeance and yanked the whole piece out of my mouth, putting it into his (it was a small piece so don't worry). I thought he'd swallow it but he ended up chewing it for quite a while. I forgot about him having it until I put him into the bathtub and found it in his hair. Fortunately it came out with some soap and water.

Luke has been "acting up" lately. He's putting lots of pressure on my lower back and kicking me everywhere! I've been able to get some sleep but I seem to have to go the restroom every two hours. I am miserable and am almost at the point where I can't pick up Andrew anymore. I'm glad he's walking!

Today's smile

What a wonderful day! The weather is awesome and makes us want to be outside all the time. Andrew, Mitch, and I went to the library for Baby Reading Time and then to Chick-Fil-A to let Andrew play on the indoor playset. After Andrew's nap we couldn't resist venturing outside once more but this time we went to the park to walk (I waddled) two miles and then play on the huge playground with the rest of Columbus (today was a holiday so school was out). It was lots of fun and we all enjoyed being with family. Andrew is laughing at me for chasing him around the house in the picture here.

TouchDown!

While eating his dinner, Andrew celebrated the Georgia win today over Tennessee by signing, "Touch down!". Go Dawgs! (I must include here that Mitch is a devoted Georgia Tech fan....Andrew will probably grow up at GT fan, too, but he and I can have our small celebrations!).

Like Father Like Son

What a great picture of Mitch and Andrew. Andrew can spot a playground from miles away and loves to slide...especially with Daddy. This picture was taken on our church playground. Can you see how hard Andrew is playing? His face is so red!

Courtney is the best!

I'm seeing my midwife, Courtney, every two weeks now. I've been meaning to get a picture of her with Andrew for quite some time and I finally remembered to take my camera with me to my appointment today. I couldn't ask for anyone better to look after me during my pregnancies. Courtney is the absolute best at what she does and she has also become my friend through it all. This is certainly something I wouldn't have expected to happen between me and a male doctor, if I were seeing one. She is always honest with me and shoots it straight but we can sit and talk about our families and what God is teaching us through motherhood. She was only five weeks pregnant with her son when she sat with me for the 18 hours of my labor. I was one of the first she told so now we compare toddler stories about our boys and more. I absolutely hate this picture of me since it shows how large I'm getting in this pregnancy....Courtney has already expressed some concern about my weight and told me that she wants to avoid a C-section so she might have to induce me early. It would be better to have Luke a littler earlier while he's smaller than he might be at 40 weeks. Ten weeks to go and counting.....

Moments captured in my scrapbook

Just wanted to share a few photos of my newest album pages in Andrew's scrapbook. I had so much fun designing these but I'm still three months behind. I've got to get busy and start his next album before Luke is born in December!

My belly

I've put on too much weight during this pregnancy and still have 10 more weeks to go. I sometimes don't think I'm gonna make it. It takes me so long just to get from one place to the next and I can't keep up with my husband when simply walking through the grocery store. I look at every chair with lust and ask for "just five more minutes" when the clock is screaming at me to get up and start dinner. I'll never post my weight but I can say that I'll be joining Weight Watchers come January with the rest of the world.

Dancing & Football

We attended a friend's wedding tonight and what a blast we had! Not only was it a time of rejoicing for the newly married couple but it was also a time to dance the night away. You can tell from the picture that Andrew loves to shake his groove thang on the dance floor. We also went to a football game Friday night with MeMe and Pop where Andrew loves to sit and listen to the tubas play the low notes in the band section. What a great weekend.

By the way, I tested negative for gestational diabetes....YIPEE!

Winshape Retreat @ Berry College

Mitch & I just spent two relaxing days at the beautiful Winshape Retreat at Berry College in the mountains of Rome, Georgia. Ever have that feeling that you're in "another world" when you go someplace so different than what you're used to....the pace is slower, the scenery is vast, and the atmosphere and fellowship are refreshing. The Cathy family (Chick-Fil-A) decided not to demolish the old dairy barns & decided in 2001 to restore them by remodeling them into a retreat center for married couples nine months of the year (the buildings are used to house school aged girls who attend Camp Winshape during the summer months). Winshape Retreat is one of many spots of ministry on the 28,000 acres known as Mount Berry. Hiking trails can be found around every corner as well as rope courses, student-made buildings, houses, cabins, & even a water wheel (see pictures)...there are more deer on the land than there are people! I highly recommend couples to look into the possibility of attending one of Winshape's seminars that are offered to both thriving and troubled marriages.

Winshape offered a free night to pastor's and their wives so we jumped at the opportunity! It gives Winshape the chance to expose pastors to what they offer to marriages so they can then turn & recommend their seminars/facilities to others. While we soaked up the beauty of the north Georgia mountains & basked in our time together, Andrew stayed with MeMe & Pop overnight & had a blast. I am so glad that he loves being with them & they with him. God has been so good to give us family who love us & want to see us glorify God in all that we do. What a blessing.

Midwife visit today

Visited my midwife today for my normal monthly pregnancy checkup....all is well! Baby Luke is a busy mover and registered a heartbeat in the 150s today. I had to guzzle the gross orange drink in a fast five minutes so as to be ready to be tested for gestational diabetes in the lab. I'll find out the results in a few days. Andrew must be having teething pains because the last two nights he's woken several times.

Tuesday Mail

Mitch and I were able to go to the RUF meeting last night at Auburn University...it was so refreshing! How beautiful it was to sing the old hymns set to new music and hear the singing voices echoing throughout Foy Hall. I hope we're able to go back another time. For a moment it made me yearn for my college days when things seemed much simpler and distractions were few. Oh, and my time with the Lord was much more frequent then than it is now. God is good and I am grateful I was given the opportunity to hear His Word and song last night.

Loving school

Andrew has gotten to where he runs down the hall and into his teacher's arms when Daddy takes him to school twice a week. Even today when I arrived to pick him up he was too busy playing to want to leave. It did my heart good! He also got some new shoes that he was excited about wearing today so maybe they helped him play more comfortably.

I am really enjoying teaching art to the little ones. They seem to look forward to coming to class and pasting, cutting, sticking, and drawing. Coming up with a lesson plan each day has been a little challenging since I have to think for ages three through nine, but I like digging in the art cabinets to find something they'll enjoy.

Mitch is staying busy preparing a sermon each week as well as attending many session and school board meetings. Andrew and I look forward to Fridays since that's Mitch's day off from work. We usually sleep late, play with the toys on the floor, feed the ducks, run errands, and cook dinner together. We were planning on taking him to get a haircut tomorrow but I couldn't stand it anymore so I took him by myself today. We really like the girl, Cher, who cuts his hair every 10 weeks or so....it grows so fast! Even though he's not a fan of anyone touching his head, he usually does ok if he sits in my lap and eats a lollipop while she cuts it. I'll have to take a picture tomorrow of his new "big boy" haircut and post it on here.

Back to the routine....

Ok, our weekend with family in south Georgia was awesome! It was nice to spend time with them around the dinner table, at church, outside, and everywhere else our feet took us. Andrew loved playing with his cousins and getting lots of love from Gami and his Aunt Sassy. However, he just doesn't sleep very well when not in his own bed so neither he nor I caught many consistent zzzz's over the weekend. We did, however, both take good naps! One thing I was glad to get to do with Andrew was to take him to meet one of my college roommates, Heather, and her three children. Andrew also went on a September Easter egg hunt with his great-grandmother and loved looking for the eggs and then throwing them like baseballs. I also managed to sneak away during naptime and buy his Halloween outfit...he's gonna be so cute as a lion!

Taking a break

Mitch is attending Presbytery this weekend which is being hosted by our PCA church in my hometown. So, we are loading up and heading to my mother's for a long weekend and much needed break. I probably won't post anything until we return but I'll have new pictures to show you when I get back!

Labor Day activity

What did you do on Labor Day? We just enjoyed being home together as a family, sitting around being lazy. I think we all got a little stir crazy around 11:00 a.m. so Andrew and I ventured outside to the scrapbook store to use our 50% off coupon. After his nap we grilled ribs and had a delicious meal with another couple and their set of triplets. Mitch is occupied right now...watching the Miami/FSU game. Of course he's still gleaming from Georgia Tech's win over Auburn this past weekend....he preached one of the best sermons ever Sunday morning(hmmmm....).

Busy weekend thus far

It's been a busy Labor Day weekend thus far...and it's only Saturday! Yesterday we took Andrew to the zoo for the first time (see the pictures) and he loved seeing the lions, bears, monkeys, and riding the choo-choo train! It was a nice time to spend as a family on a summer afternoon. We spent the good part of today at Callaway Gardens letting Andrew blow bubbles, ride another choo-choo train, see the butterfly house, and play in the sunshine. Tonight we spent time with MeMe and Pop over at Aunt Val and Uncle Tyler's house. Andrew always loves spending time there with his cousin, Emma, too.

Feeling sad, angry, & guilty

I'm sad. It's heart wrenching to see pictures and listen to TV broadcasts of the many stranded citizens of New Orleans. It's sad to hear that many people have died and there are many missing.

I'm angry. I'm not in the midst of the turmoil, heat, and suffering but none of these circumstances justify the raping of women or the shooting of military officials in New Orleans.

I'm feeling guilty. We're taking my son on a trip to the zoo tomorrow. I can't help but think about the fun we'll have watching Andrew's amazement when he's sees a lion for the first time compared to the misery of the little children sitting in massive heat for hours at a time on an elevated highway, waiting for help.