Whoo Hoo!

Notice anything new on my sidebar, folks? :-)










God is faithful...He is never late.
After a year and a half of trying, we are THRILLED and couldn't wait to share our happy news with all of you.










(I'm due December 22nd...isn't that funny? Hmmm, let's see--how many birthdays CAN we cram into that crazy month?!?! Our little family of 4 will now have 3, and they all fall within 1 1/2 week's time with Christmas in the middle!)

Things I Take For Granted...

Recently my parents regained a functioning septic system after a long year of...well, making alterations. During all of this we would frequently reflect on how easy it is to take our conveniences for granted--like washing machines and good plumbing.

I distinctly remember how giddy I felt returning to the states after 4 months in Central America, and flushing toilet paper down the commode at the Miami Airport. FYI: this is not done in C.A.! (And in other third world regions, I imagine.) Such a small thing, but a huge change from what I was accustomed to.

Well, reading my aunt's post the other day about laundry prompted me to write this tribute to my washing machine. Silly I know, but oh how I love this modern marvel. Not only do I love that it works well and is dependable, but it's on the first floor. If you know me, you know how easily I can forget about it, especially when it was in the basement at our old house. And that only results in nasty smelling stuff that needs to be rewashed. (Aunt Jeanie: I don't even want to imagine the smell of J's "rain-washed" towel. :-P GAG!)

ANYWAY, my point of reference starts here:

These pics were taken in the late 90's while I was on a YES team to Honduras. That's me at the "pila", a raised cement basin with crushed stone ridges that really did a number on our clothes. (Tim's exasperated look about sums it up. "How much longer will this take?!")

It literally was a process that took multiple days. First you'd soak your clothes in soapy water for a few hours. Then you'd take the bar soap and brush and scrub them in the pila, rinse, scrub, rinse, rinse, and rinse again. The hardest part was ringing them out--especially jeans. This is why we had few clothes and we wore them until they were unsightly. What else could we do? There were dirt roads everywhere and it was the dry season! Finally it would sometimes take up to 3 days for them to dry on the lines outside. We were under a canopy of pine trees and then there were the occasional rain showers.

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Today as I consider how easy my life is in comparison, it's still hard not to forget those lessons learned and complain when my life takes an uncomfortable turn. But I must remember...I must consider those whose life is more difficult than mine...and recognize the Source of everlasting joy and contentment, despite my circumstances.

Thank you Lord for my many, MANY blessings...including my washing machine. :-)

Carefree Days

Oh, to be a kid again...

Natalia loves, Loves, LOVES to be outside--no matter the weather. And since it's warmed up a bit again, she just sat on the doorstep yesterday and read her books.


...and later moved outside for a relaxing (more comfortable?) lounging position.

Then, since we have an Amish farm just beyond the trees, she decided to talk to the horsies.

(Translation for the video: "Horsie! Horsie! What are you doing? Are you playing? Where are the cows? Horsie! Horsie! ...") They were mowing the alfalfa or some kind of grass.

Sorry the video is sideways.

Family Festivities

Today is my parent's 35th Wedding Anniversary!

There is so much I could say to honor them for the godly example they've been to me and our family. And so many of you know them personally and can echo my sentiments.

Not only have they modeled commitment, a strong work ethic, honesty and respect, but they've done so by leaning on the Lord and making their relationship with Him of utmost importance. Never have I doubted their allegiance to God and to each other. I know this is rare in today's world and I am so thankful for this incredible blessing.

They are still laboring long and hard, serving others and our growing family, but doing so with love and joy. And of course their wonderful sense of humor and love for life makes their home a haven.

I love you Dad & Mom!

You continue to inspire me and encourage my faith.

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Here are some pics from our Sunday together as we celebrated my parent's anniversary and my brother Ryan and sister-in-law Kim's birthdays. It was a gorgeous day and we spent much of the day outside.

The dogwood and lilacs were in full bloom. GORGEOUS.

The men in the "back forty", looking over the land...he he. Do you think they were actually talking about spring planting?

Garage Sale Treasure

This morning as Pete was running some errands for me he discovered this "fun house" mirror at a garage sale.

While we've enjoyed it this morning, he plans to use it in his Physics classes.

Check out my one-headed, thirty-fingered, six-legged hubby!

Good For Some Laughs

I've come across some real keepers...good for at least a chuckle or maybe even some laughter shakes (some of you know what these are).

Just click on the links:

Laughing Baby (Just wait till he gets started!)

Top 3 Laughing Babies (The last of these 3 is alittle eery but oh so funny!)

The Mom Song (Oh my! Any of these sound familiar?)

Pachelbel's Bedtime Song (I especially like the end, don't you?)

Another Meme

I never really knew what "meme" meant, just that it was a list of some kind. Well, most of you already know how I feel about lists...oh the sheer joy! :-P

My friend Lynn tagged me again and so here it is.

3 Things...

3 places I go all the time: the local library, grocery store (ALDI’s, Country Store, GIANT), and though it’s not ALL the time—the gym.

3 people who email me: Lisa (our husbands were friends in college and now we're close friends too), Jen (high school friend who is now my neighbor), Hope (friend from our MD church who recently moved to the area)

3 favorite places to eat: Symposium (great Mediterranean cuisine; Pete’s taken me there for special occasions since our dating days), Quiznos (always something to tempt the pallet), and at a backyard cookout (everything just tastes better)

3 places I would rather be right now: In bed (not feeling so peppy), somewhere pleasantly warm with a hammock, a fruity drink, and a good book, or with my family (doesn’t matter what we’re doing—just being together is always a good time).

3 TV shows I could watch over and over: Designed To Sell (I love getting ideas), Family Feud (I know, I’m strange), and Friday Night Lights (Yeah! Season 3 coming this fall!)

3 people who will do this: Rebecca, Karla, and Zoanna (gals, feel released though if you’d rather not) and anyone else who wants to join in.