Encounter Weekend 2009

This past weekend was our annual Encounter Weekend for our high school and jr high students. I believe we had somewhere around 71 students who came this weekend. It was a great weekend of small group time, worship, a speaker and lots of fun!

I was with the 9th and 10th grade girls all weekend. One thing that hit me hard, is how much these young women are dealing with. It hurts my heart to think how many of them have to play the role of "parent" because their own parents aren't stepping up. Or the other young women who find their identity in whether or not they have a boyfriend. Or the young women who are using drugs and alcohol to numb their pain.

These are 14 year old young women! Such hurt and pain for such a young woman. Lord, please heal their broken hearts!

Belly Shots :)

Kendall Left Today for Basic Training

From Erica's Wedding

My brother-in-law, Kendall, left for basic training this morning. He and my sister just got married on September 25th, so they've had a very short time together as a married couple before he headed off.

Last night, my family had an impromptu Pray-Off party for him. Throughout the morning, my sister has been texting me as she's struggled through saying goodbye. Its moments like these that I wish I was closer to home.

But, there is a purpose for everything. :)

Pregnancy Milestone - Maternity Jeans

Today, I have hit a pregnancy milestone. My first full day in maternity jeans...and I love them! They are so comfortable! No more having to use a hair tie to hold buttons together. :) Thank you Megan and Aimee for the maternity clothes!

Other than that, not much has been going on. Matt is heading to Champaign tomorrow for the big football game of Michigan vs. Illinois. So I'm looking forward to a much needed day of rest.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Week 13!

Today marks week 13 of our pregnancy. Its going by quickly!

Monday through Wednesday my mom was up here to visit, which coincided with two speaking engagements she had. It was wonderful to have her here for an extended time and she brought with her an organizing energy that I really needed.

Tuesday night we tackled our bedroom. At first, I thought that was the last place we should organize but my mom is so smart. :) It was exactly what we needed. Four hours and three trash bags later, our room is decluttered and feels great!

We also tackled the kitchen, the bathroom and other areas that I tend to pile things in. I feel like I have a new living space! We didn't get to the guest room, which will become the baby's room, but we have plenty of time for that.

All in all, its been a good week!

Sleeping Through The Night...

Last night at 3am, I had an epiphany. After getting up to use the restroom (at least once every night), I was wide awake. Suddenly it hit me. I will probably not sleep straight through the night ever again...at least for a long time.

That thought kept me up for a while. Of course, I know things are going to change with Baby McClane but they aren't reality as of yet. For some reason, this hit me hard. I felt like I was mourning "my old life" for a moment but was trying to think of all the positives at the same time.

Anyway, I came to a resolve that in order to go back to sleep, I'd just have to be okay with not sleeping well ever again. :)

Aside from my early morning realization, everything is going really well! I've not had too much nausea, however I feel like my energy is zapped before I even get out of bed.

And the pregnancy dreams...Wow! They are very weird and so realistic!

30 more weeks to go!

Please be praying for Mary!!!

I'm reposting my mom's blog post, but all of that to say, please be praying for Mary!

When you read this blog post today, will you please pray for Mary Provance? Mary is my daughter-in-law's mom and she has been diagnosed with leukemia. And of all the kinds of leukemia there are, she has the bad kind.

A little over a year ago, Mary and I were lighting the two candles on either side of the unity candle at Evan and Julie's wedding. Today, Mary is in Northwestern Hospital in Chicago fighting for her life.

When you read this today, would you please pray for her? We're storming heaven today on her behalf. If you want to learn more or post a note of encouragement for her, the family is keeping a blog at: http://maryprovance.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much!

We're PREGNANT!!

I haven't posted on here in a while, merely because I haven't wanted to spill the beans. :) But its now public knowledge. We're preggers!! Very excited!

I haven't been too sick, which is a huge blessing. For those who don't know, I just started a new job at our local high school as the Substitution Secretary. My work day starts at 6am. So, I was very concerned that morning sickness would come in the way of that, but I've only had two days where I've been sick or felt extremely crummy. Thank God!

So, other than nausea and a hormone roller coaster, we're doing well!

This will make you laugh so hard!!!!

Fun Wedding Entrance

I just saw this video and thought it was a lot of fun!