A Small Act of Service

     When I began driving my dad always made sure my car had gas. I very rarely had to pump gas. My dad worked at the university I attended for most of my time there, so I would almost always get in my car and find a full tank. It was a small thing, but it was one way my dad showed me he loves me. Even now my dad pumps gas for me when I take him to run errands.

     One time when Joshua and I were dating, he was driving my car and stopped to get gas so I wouldn't have to on my way home. That night I told Joshua had my dad had always done that for me and how special it made me feel. Since that night, Joshua has checked my gas gage and filled up my car when needed. It's a small thing. It's something I could easily do for myself. It's a small act of service that makes me loved and special. 

Super Hero Shenanigans

     When the boys and I go shopping and come across super hero masks, we always have to try them on. We have so much fun being silly and taking pictures. I've included a few pictures of our super hero shenanigans.

     Lucas' homework for school back in November was to create his own super hero identity. It had to be based on one of his character traits. I suggested Loving Lucas and handy helper. He didn't like those. I jokingly said, "How about Handsome Helper ?". He exclaimed, "YES!!!" So we made a cape out of t-shirt and a shirt to wear. He already had the mask from a birthday party. That was the most fun homework ever! Lucas wears his shirt and cape all the time. I hope Lucas always stays a good helper. 

Animal Night at AWANA

Consider it Joy

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
 (James 1:2-4 NASB)

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

 (Philippians 4:13 NASB)

13 Weeks

     Today I am 13 weeks. I've been so exhausted. Way more exhausted than I was with either of the boys.

     This pregnancy feels very different. With the boys I felt nauseous off and on all day and eating made me feel better. I've felt mostly well (outside of the exhaustion), but food is not appealing to me at all and does not make feel better or worse no matter how I feel to begin with. At this point, I've gained 1.2 pounds. With the other two, I gained ten pounds in the first trimester. Probably because eating made me feel better and I craved foods.

     I had a sonogram today. The baby is measuring 13 weeks and has a strong heartbeat. The boys are telling everyone they having a sister. I keep telling them that God knows what our family needs- a boy or a girl  and will give us what we need. They are still very set on a sister. When I showed the boys the sono picture they talked about how tiny she is. Lucas said she is pretty. We are all so thankful for this tiny miracle. 

For You formed my inward parts; 
You wove me in my mother's womb. (Psalms 139:13 NASB)

It's Over

     Christmas vacation is over. Tomorrow I go back to work for two days of teacher inservice. Lucas goes back to school on Tuesday, and Logan goes back on Wednesday. I see my classes for the first day of Spring semester on Thursday. We also start back to AWANA on Wednesday night. I have enjoyed each moment of Christmas break. I have not done one thing to prepare for my classes this week or school at all, but I have enjoyed lots of fun and lazy days with my boys! I will remind myself of those precious memories while I'm writing lesson plans and assignment sheets tomorrow and Tuesday. I mapped out my whole year back in the summer, so I just have to write my plans. Bring on the Spring semester! 

Date Night

    When I came home from helping host a wedding shower for friends, Joshua surprised me by taking me to dinner and shopping. We ate dinner at Abuelos. They have this green, fruity tasting salsa that I love. Joshua ate the choose your enchiladas, and I ordered the chicken fajita chimichanga. I only ate half my dinner so I could get sopapillas.

    At dinner, I told Joshua, "Joshua, Malachi is not happening. Do you have any other thoughts about boy names?". 

  

     "My thought is I hope we don't have to pick one." 

     I hope all my boys aren't too disappointed if we have another boy. 

     After dinner, we headed to the mall. I'm still comfortably wearing regular jeans and sweats, but feel like I'll be out of my regular dress slacks soon. I bought a couple of pairs of pants and long sleeve shirts. Then we bought Joshua a new pair of dress shoes for work.

     It was so nice to spend time together especially after all the crazy hours Joshua has been working. Thank you Grandma and Papaw for taking care of the boys, so we could spend time together! 

     Just for fun, here's a flashback to our dating days. This was taken in May 2005 at my student teaching banquet at Dallas Baptist University.