Belly- 27 Weeks

 

Pregnancy Week 27

How far along: 27 weeks

Size of baby: Roughly 2 pounds and 14 inches in length (based on typical growth patterns)...

Maternity clothes: Funny question....haha....is that supposed to make me laugh or you?!?

Stretch marks:  Nope...not yet.  Still holding on strong.

Sleep:  I have the desire to sleep but can't quite get comfortable at night.  I usually sleep with two pillows between my legs, per the recommendation of my osteopathic doctor.  And I've been using a pillow under my tummy when I sleep on my side.  I'm a bundle of fun, that's for sure...haha!

Best moment this week:  Feeling humbled and honored to have God hand pick me to grow this little boy.  I'm still in awe that this is really real.  It's really going to happen...(tears).

Movement: Tons...he's extremely low so I feel most of the jabs in my lower pelvic area.  He tends to be most active at night when I lay down.

Food cravings/aversions: I'm not craving or avoiding any foods right now.  I know, I know...that's boring.

Gender: Boy!!  Names choices continue to be considered.  And certain names (Levi & Jeremiah) came to a screeching hault recently too.  Stay tuned as we refine our list and prayerfully consider what our little guy should be named.

Labor signs: Would you consider Braxton Hicks signs of labor?  That's the only thing that I've experienced so far.  I never had them when I was pregnant with PQ, so this is a whole new world for me.  I seem to get them every time I stand up.  Ive had them since I was 18 weeks along.  My stomach clenches into a tight ball for about 20 seconds and then it goes away.  Fun times!

Belly button - in or out? It's funny because we just noticed this evening that my belly button has an 'innie' option as well as an 'I can't decide' option, depending upon how I'm sitting.  PQ thought it was hysterical...he said it looks like my belly button can sing when I toggle between 'innie' and 'I can't decide'....hahahaha!

What I miss: Feeling like I can breath normally.  I feel like I can't breath very well when I sit down.  I'm telling you...I'm a treat this time around....hahaha.

What I am looking forward to:  Looking into the eyes of my youngest son.

What else I am looking forward to:  Seeing the look on PQ and Sugar's faces when they meet their baby brother face to face.

Titi's Girl: Sugar-Ism's

It seems like every day I have a funny Sugar story to share, a hilarious quote, or something quirky that can be reported on.  Sugar is hilarious and there is no other way to put it.  Trust me...Titi knows it all too well.  She gets random notes from me with quick quotes, funny stories, or just a simple picture to sum up our moments.  And for months, she has been encouraging me to write a book to keep track of all of the funny things that we couldn't make up, even if we tried.  So without further ado, here are a few random Sugar-Ism's to share with y'all...

 

 

Did you know that Sugar thinks denim is "nasty"?  (We had no idea she felt so strongly about denim until a cute jean jacket was handed down to her.)

 

Did you know that Sugar thinks jean is "icky" and "ugly"?  (Same jacket...)

 

Did you know that Sugar thinks coral colored skully caps are "redneck"?  (Grammy bought her an adorable skully cap for the winter months and she immediately told her grandmother what she thought of the bright colored hat...yikes!)

 

Did you know that Sugar often tells Twirly's kids that she's in a "Foul Mood".  It's a coping mechanism for her, I think.  It's her way of giving them fair warning that she doesn't want to be picked up, touched, or talked to (unless of course, it's on her terms).

 

Did you know that Sugar knows how to accurately use the saying "AKWARD"?  (Papa H and I found out while trying to 'discuss' a discipline issue with Miss Sugar.  Seriously, how can you keep a straight face when your 2 year old daughter yells "akward" before hearing her consequence?!?)

 

Did you know that Sugar got another jean jacket hand me down?!?!?  (See below...it only gets worse for her...this time it was a white jean jacket with multi-colored flowers)  Her initial response was "REALLY NASTY" but once her Daddy told her she would look cute in it, the initial comment went out the window.



 

Did you know that Sugar loves pretending to be an old lady?  If you haven't heard it directly, ask her to say "old lady" sometime.  Trust me...it's hilarious.  Ooooooold Laaaady!

Did you know that Sugar snuck into the bathroom to use my mascara?  And she snapped the brush inside of the tube before heading to the library, so Mama H had to stop at Walgreens to get some mascara to wear?  (Redheads without mascara= Albino-ish eyelashes...YIKES)

Did you know that Sugar often yells "Super Sugar" before heading off to see her brother?!?

Did you know that a bathroom plunger can be used as an Old Lady Cane?!?  Oh my word...there's something hilariously wrong about a 2 year old coming out of the bathroom, hunched over with a plunger in her hand, telling the world that she's an "ooooold laaaady".  Priceless.

Did you know that Sugar loves to wear "big dresses" wherever she goes?  Her sense of fashion cracks us up.  She loves to pick out 'over-the-top' outfits with an absurd amount of accesories.  (Picture it...yellow sequin dress, pink pants, striped shirt, and hot pink suede boots.  You think I'm joking?!?  I have pictures to prove it!)

Did you know that Sugar LOVES to dance and twirl?  She is not afraid to bust out dancing wherever she goes.  If she hears music, she immediately heads to the front of the room so she can be seen dancing.  All the while saying "Look at me...Look at me."

Did you know that "braids make Glory feel sad"?!?  Today was the first time Sugar has had her hair in braids and on our way over to Glory's house, she said that "braids make Glory feel sad".  Random...and SO NOT TRUE!!!

Did you know that we cringe every time we see an actual old person out in public who has a cane?  We never know when Miss Sugar is going to yell out "ooooold laaaaady" or "oooooold maaaaaan" in public.  Papa H recently went to the post office and saw a little old man strolling in to pick up his mail.  As soon as Sugar saw the old man carrying his cane, she immediately said "Aaaaawww, Daddy...he's so little...he's so cute."  (Phew...that could have been even more akward than it probably already was...hahaha.)

I'm sure there are many more that I'm forgetting.  But this should give you an idea.  Sugar has a mind of her own and she's not afraid to express it.  We're working on cooth but in the mean time, please be patient with us while we redirect our strong-willed, extremely vocal, little girl.  She certainly keeps us on our toes!  *WINK*

Merry Christmas, Y'All

24 Week Appointment & Ultrasound

Today's appointment went great.  I got an updated peek at our little man and saw how active he is.  It's no wonder I constantly feel like my belly is on spin cycle!  All is well with the little guy and we're happy to say that he currently weighs 1 pound 9 ounces.  He's right on track and we're anxious to meet him!  I've gained three pounds since my last appointment (four weeks ago), which I'm thrilled about!  I'm hoping we don't have any of those 13 pound jumps again!  *wink*  

 

Here he is...

December Paper Prayer Chain

Happy December 1st! 

 

With only a few weeks left before Christmas, we decided to start a new Christmas Tree Tradition as a family.  Just moments ago, we made a paper prayer chain for our tree. 

Each chain on the train has the name of a person (or family or group) that we will be praying for during the month of December.  A new link will be removed each day during the month and that specific person (or family or group) will be bathed in prayer on that given day. 

With December 1st at your door, are there any family traditions that you would like to share?  I would love to hear about them!

Just like Dad? Or Just like Mom?

After a haircutting error earlier this week, Grammy had no choice but to buzz it all off.  She felt terrible about it but PQ graciously told her it was just a mistake.  (I love hearing these types of stories...they warm my heart...my little man is maturing, that's for sure.)

 

Anyways, I digress.  When I saw PQ's new cut, I immediately thought of Papa H.  Afterall, they both have the same buzzed look (although Papa H chooses to cut his hair that way).  I decided to take some pictures and let y'all give some input on WHO he really looks like.  Ever since PQ was born, people either thought he looked JUST LIKE ME or thought he looked JUST LIKE PAPA H.  This new haircut really shows his facial features and I have to admit, I'm torn.  I've always thought he looked just like me (or my family-Uncle L or Grampa) but this new cut really has me flip-flopping to the other side.  What do you think?

 

 

Just like Dad?

 

 

 

Or Just like Mom? 

 

 

I think there is proof in the pudding...he's a nice mix of both!  xoxoxo

A Sleepover in PQ's Room

Look who got to sleep over in PQ's room last night!  Sugar thought she was a BIG DEAL getting to bring her mattress into her BIG BROTHER'S room last night.  After pooping on the potty, Sugar was given the option to camp out in PQ's room (per his request) for the night.  And she JUMPED at the opportunity!

When it was time for bed, Sugar went straight to sleep.  I went in to check on them around 3am and I was SHOCKED to see Sugar missing from her bed.  I checked PQ's bed to see if she crawled into bed with him but she wasn't there either.  After looking more closely, I realized that Sugar had crawled UNDER PQ's bed and was fast asleep on the floor (laying on her tummy) directly under his bed.  I woke her up but she insisted on staying under the bed where she was.  OF COURSE!  I pulled her towards me and placed her back on her mattress for the remainder of the night.  And she slept like a rockstar from there on out.  WAHOOO!

I sense this becoming a trend.  These two love each other more than I can even describe.  She LOVES being with her big brother and he ABSOLUTELY ADORES her too!  It warms my heart for sure!  xoxoxo

WANTED: More Strawberry Milk

After having dinner at the Mouse House earlier this week (click HERE to see some pictures), I would like to personally thank Papa Mouse for talking about strawberry milk in my presence.  Because ever since I left their house, I can't stop thinking about fresh strawberry milk from the local farm!  I've managed to drink 2 quarts ALL.BY.MYSELF in the past 2 days!  I bought 2 quarts thinking that my family could enjoy it with me, but apparently it's too sweet for their liking.  I tried adding milk ot PQ's glass but he didn't really love it (I was secretly psyched to have it all to myself). 

 

So what is a girl to do?  Sneak cup fulls every few hours when nobody is looking, of course...uuhh...all for the love of strawberry milk!

 

H Baby Gender Reveal

20 Week Pregnancy Survey

Wow. I can't believe we are half way there! Only 1 more day to guess whether baby H is a boy or a girl.  Our ultrasound is scheduled for 12:45 tomorrow afternoon.  

How Far Along: 20 weeks

Size of baby: Approximately the size of a banana.  Fun!

Total Weight Gain: 11 pounds...but tomorrows appointment will give us an up to date figure

What I miss: Cute clothes

Sleep: I still try and sleep on my side but I am on my back for the majority of the night.

Symptoms: Big belly

Cravings: Salty foods...olives, processed nacho cheese (don't judge me), and rotisserie chicken.  Sweets include coffee ice cream (still) or anything with chocolate and peanut butter (ask Papa H about the nutter butters...yikes...not my best moment...haha)

Aversions: I think my egg aversion is going away.  I have had eggs on a few occasions recently and it was fine...still havent tried to make PQ an omelette since the first episode but egg and cheese sandwiches on English muffins seem to be okay.

Movement: Yes indeed... I feel like it's a bit lower than I remember with PQ...but all is well...our little munchkin loves to bust a move right before I go to bed at night.  PQ was the same exact way!

Maternity Clothes: Yes...and I need a few more long sleeve shirts for the upcoming cold months.

Best Moments this week: Hearing PQ guess whether he is going to have a brother or possibly another sister.

What I'm looking forward to: Being reassured tomorrow...

Stay tuned...

Where Have I Been?!?!

Yikes...it's quickly approaching November and I have failed to showcase each word along our way!  A dear friend of mine checked in with me this evening and asked me if I was her "friend who likes to blog".  It was a clear reminder to me that I have neglected to keep y'all in the loop with what's been going on.

Our home computer has been continuously giving us headaches- crashing for days at a time.  Our pictures have always been uploaded to that PC and with all that has been happening with the computer, I haven't been downloading my photos to our laptop.  It just feels strange to me...hahaha.

In all seriousness, things have been rather nutty around these parts.  God is stretching me (or trying to stretch me).  Little set backs continue to be thrown our way (everything seems to be breaking lately).   Can you say money in, money out?  And sometimes more money out than what's coming in?  It's all good though...I know that He is at work in my life and I know He has a plan...it just doesn't always look like what I think it should.  But then again, that's why He is God.  Right?!?

So please forgive me as I try and get things back to 'normal'.  I might not be posting each day but I'm certainly living out a story to tell at a later date.  But enough about me, what's new with you?  I would love to hear what's happending in your lives...please reach out.  I would love to hear from you.

October 10th Photo- PUMPKIN

Okay, okay...I'll admit it.  Today's word was probably one of the easiest words to capture considering it's fall in New England.  But we really struggled to not overload you with pictures of pumpkins on a front steps.  Instead, we set out together hoping to find just the right "pumpkin" photo opportunity. 

 

The day began by heading to the big city to meet with my OBGYN for my routine check-in appointment.  PQ was so excited about the chance to hear his siblings heartbeat for the first time, that he asked if Grammy could come along with us.  And she was thrilled to have the chance to come along as well.  The appointment went well and the kids seemed to really enjoy hearing the baby's heartbeating.  The baby had a heart rate of 158 today and all is well. 

 

After the appointment, I took the opportunity to head north to get Papa H an item that he's been needing from the local tourist trap.  But before we ventured to that destination, we stopped at another local destination (that we've never been to) for an unplanned field trip.  When we realized that it was going to cost us $30 for a 20 minute tour, we decided to pass on the field trip and head to the 'trap' to get the goods for Papa H.

 

PQ got a chance to pan for gems (ie: fish tank rocks)

 

 

 

Sugar posed near the beautiful flowers.

Sorry...no pumpkins here! 

 

PQ spent some time in a bubble...after all, he IS homeschooled...hahaha

(I think I will be giggling about this for days...hahaha)

 

 

 

 

 Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?!?

I see a PUMPKIN looking at me!



 

PQ had a little knot-tying fun in the kids room.

 

During lunch, Sugar took a phone call from her Daddy.

 

 

 

 

And PQ smiled upon request but really wanted to watch football on TV.

When Papa H got home from work, I snuck off to get a haircut...

 

 

...and daydreamed of PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES!



Creating an organic PUMPKIN photo opp that wasn't your typical pumpkin patch photo was tougher than I anticipated.  I consider today's photo-opp challenge somewhat of a fail on my part.  But perhaps tomorrow's word (SUNSET) might be even more interesting.  Come on, creativity!!!  Stay tuned, y'all...

October 9th Photo- SOCIALIZATION

Today was a working day for me so we didn't have a lot of photo opportunities to capture today's word of the day.  We did enjoy dinner with friends prior to PQ's mandolin lesson and of course I forgot my camera, so I had to take a few random shots using my phone.  The top picture is a quick dinner (chaos) shot and the other picture is for sheer laughter.  I think she was embarassed to be caught eating chips out of the PARTY SIZE bag while roaming around the house looking for Sugar.  Funny stuff, y'all.  Funny Stuff!

Homeschool Photo-Op Challenge

 

I recently stumbled upon an October 2013 Homeschool Photo-Op Challenge (where pictures are supposed to reflect a certain designated word each day) and I thought it might be fun to try.  My blogging efforts have been scarce lately but I'm hoping this gets me back on track.  But in the mean time, I have a few days to catch up on before we roll out the Photo-Op Daily posts.  And I have to admit that some of these pictures are not from the exact day that I am listing but that's what happens when you have a bunch of unposted pictures to choose from!!  These pics should keep you updated on recent happenings in the H house...

 

 

October 1st- "DONE"

(Sorry- I couldn't resist...*wink*)



                                           

 

 

 

October 2nd- "GRANDPARENT"

*Sorry y'all, I forgot to take a picture when we had dinner with Grampa H & Grammy JoJo*

 

 

 

October 3rd- "ORANGE"

(Please note the orange sparkle in the hat and along her apron)

 

 

 

October 4th- "READ"

(This was not staged...Little Miss Weenie curled up next to THIS book-hilarious!)





 

 

 

October 5th- "BEFORE AND AFTER"

(You'll see why...)

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 7th- "TREAT"

(PQ had a few interesting treats...)

October 8th- "PLAN"

(They had a plan to hide in the closet so PQ wouldn't have to do his school work...and I had a different plan of my own.  My plan won.  *wink*)

 What's coming up?  Here is a list of the words from the next week ahead.  Stay tuned...
          *Socialization
          *Pumpkin
          *Sunset
          *Family
          *Neat
          *Craft
          *Shadow

Pregnancy Questionaire- Week 16

How far along: 16 weeks

Size of baby: The size of an avacado according to online research...hahaha!

Maternity clothes: Yes indeed and I'm happy to say that I LOVE full front panel pants...they make me feel secure.  HAHAHA!

Stretch marks:  Nope...not yet.

Sleep:  BRING IT ON!  Y'all know how much I love to sleep (even when I'm not pregnant) but this pregnancy seems to be sucking me dry.  I'm exhausted and I have NO PROBLEMS falling asleep but I do wish I could STAY asleep and not have to wake up 3 times to pee in the night.  Just sayin'...

Best moment this week:  Having Sugar rub my tummy saying "HI BABY...AAAWWW, IT'S SO CUTE, MAMA!"

Movement: Not yet...although I did suspect a little something this afternoon.  It's probably just gas...sigh...

Food cravings/aversions: I had a craving for warm chocolate chip cookies this afternoon so I made a batch and they came out TERRIBLE.  If Titi is reading this, please know that I would LOVE a warm chocolate chip cookie date at your house at some point soon.  *wink*  And the only aversion that I seem to be having is to eggs and wheat bread of any kind.  They both throw me over the edge if I'm not prepared to handle them.  YUCK!

Gender: We don't know yet...but after my recent visit to the hospital (for some gastro issues), Papa H suspects that we are having a boy.  The ER doctor ordered a full ultrasound to check on the baby while we were there and he commented on how big 'he' was.  He quickly asked us if we knew what we were having and once we said "not yet", he smiled and said "let's not try and guess then, okay"....afterwards, he continued to reference the baby as 'he' so Papa H is convinced that it's a boy.  I, on the other hand, think it's a girl (based on the crazy symptoms that I've had all along that are nothing like the symptoms that I had during PQ's pregnancy).  But only God knows for sure.  We shall see...

Labor signs: Remember the ER visit I just mentioned?  Well, my stomach cramps were so bad that I thought I was having a miscarriage.  Hence the reason for my trip to the ER.  It was awful...but we were relieved to hear that the baby was FINE and the cramps were some serious gastro issues going on instead.  Praise God for a healthy pregnancy so far!

Belly button - in or out? It's IN and it will probably stay in for a while...I think it 'popped' around 35 weeks with PQ.

What I miss: My ENERGY!!!  I feel SO OLD with this pregnancy!

What I am looking forward to:  Obviously meeting our new little friend in person! 

What else I am looking forward to:  Hearing whether it's a boy or a girl...and then trying to figure out the sleeping arrangements for the kids.  If the baby is a girl, it will be easy enough for the two little kids to share a room as they grow up.  And if it's a boy, than we need to come up with another plan...not sure what that is right now...hahaha!

Sugar's new trick...

 

We really have to watch Sugar with an extra set of eyes lately.  She insists on picking up Little Miss Weenie whenever she wants.  Most recently, we heard "Gook, Dah-la...Gook!"  And this is what we found...

 

Gook in our home translates to LOOK.  Sugar saw a fat squirrel out her window and she wanted Weenie to LOOK at the little furry friend too.  And so it continues...

Did someone say HOMEMADE GRAPE JUICE?!?

Tis the season for Concord Grapes!  We love seeing the grape vines full of dark purple fruit because we know what's coming...

 

HOMEMADE GRAPE JUICE!!!!

 

We harvested the grapes yesterday.  I picked the grapes off the vine last night.  And today, we made our famous annual batch of grape juice.  (If you've never had homemade grape juice, please swing by the house this week and get yourself a cup.  It's SOOOO GOOD!  But hurry...because I can't guarantee that the H Family won't drink it all before the start of the weekend...It's SO GOOD!!!)

Smiling Siblings...

Seriously...SO MUCH LOVE...

Corn Chowder Makes Me Cry...

Oh, the joys of pregnancy.  I honestly don't remember myself being this over the top (ie: emotionally unstable) with PQ's pregnancy.  Emotions, cravings, and other random things just didn't seem to be this whacky with PQ.  Perhaps I'm older now and I'm a lot more aware of thing.  Who knows??!!? 

Yesterday was a big day for me.  I heard the baby's heartbeat during my appointment in the big city.  The heart was beating at 157 beats per minute.  Any guesses on a sex?  Two of my friends have ventured a guess that it's a little girl...but nobody can really be sure.  Stay tuned...

And on another note, Corn Chowder made me cry this week.  I really don't know why.  I simply broke down at the table sobbing while eating corn chowder.  My poor family didn't know what to say.  Or do.  They just smiled back at me and asked if they could do anything to help.  Nope...nothing...nothing could help me because I really couldn't put my finger on exactly what it was that was throwing me over the edge.

Oh joy...when corn chowder can make a girl cry, you know it must be good chowdah!  *wink*

Morning Sickness (aka: All Day Sickness) Self Helps

The following is a list of random things that have helped me 'get through' the past few weeks...I continue to be nauseous, although it seems to be letting up a little.  Papa H has been cooking all of the meals because I can't seem to get over the smell of certain foods.  I'm not spending my entire days feeling like I'm on a ship in the middle of the ocean...instead, I'm spending off and on moments waiting for the boat to get to shore.  *wink*

*LIFESAVERS- who knew that those little round candies would help me get through WEEKS of sickness.  They were my life savers, that's for sure!

*COFFEE FRAPPES- y'all have heard this before....but seriously, I have a small frappe almost every single day to replace one of my meals. 

*CHICKEN FLAVORED RAMEN NOODLES- I literally had not eaten these since 1998 but for whatever reason, I NEEDED these a few weeks ago...and they continue to make me happy.  (We can talk about sodium content at another time...)

*DILL PICKLES- these aren't necessarily a new thing for me....but I do seem to love them a lot lately...bring on the PUCKER!

*JUNKY CEREAL- once again ladies and gentlemen, this is not something I'm proud of...those sicky, sweet cereals seem to be hitting the spot.  Cocoa Puffs!  Lucky Charms!  Up next...Fruity Pebbles!!!

*BLT's- there is something amazing about mayonnaise, bacon, lettuce, and tomato on toasted bread (or a fresh sub roll)...and if you throw in a slice of cheese, I'm pretty much gonna kiss you.

If you're like me, you're seeing a running trend....junk and more junk...YIKES...

Does anyone want to come over for dinner?!?  Papa H can cook for you....or you can opt to have dinner Mama H style...*wink*

2 Years Later...To The Day!

Some of you may remember the picture that I'm referencing.  Unfortunately, I can't find that original picture anywhere in my archives (so if you have it, I would love a copy).  But regardless, this is Sugar two years later laying/sitting in our own laundry basket.  HAPPY 2nd YEAR, BABY GIRL!  xoxoxo

 

Here it is....wait for it...



Surprise!

 

Have you ever been crippled by your own fear?  Have you ever felt paralyzed by the unknown?  Or by what you've dreamed up in your mind?  Today was a HUGE day for me.  I was face to face with my fear and it was not a place that I wanted to be. 

 

As I sat in the doctors office listening to my doctor, my husband tried to graceously rub my back to console me.  But it wasn't helping.  I could feel the fear gripping me.  There was nothing that I could do to help ease the panic.  I cried.  I sobbed.  All because of the unknown...

 

During the month of July, we found out that we were pregnant.  Expecting.  And our minds are still swirling at the miracle that has happened.  We never anticipated having another child on our own.  We never thought that my body was capable of getting pregnant...and we never expected it to happen now. 

 

Today's appointment went well and we opted to have an ultrasound done afterall.  That has been my fear all along.  Having an ultrasound and possibly going through the heartache that we have been through with the prior pregnancies was crippling to me.  I was fearful of the unknown.  I was fearful of what has happened in the past.

 

Sobbing my way through the appointment was not where I should have been.  My head knew that God has this all under control...but my heart was not connecting the same way.  As I sat in the room with my husband, we both talked about a local family that recently lost their 10 year daughter.  With tears streaming down my face, I knew that if this family was gracefully handling their circumstance than I could handle the fear that I needed to overcome.

 

With hands clutched and my eyes closed, the technician started the external ultrasound.  Within seconds she said "this is completely viable...look at the heart beating".  I immediately sat up and opened my eyes to see the screen.  There he/she was.  My child.  And he/she was fine.  The little legs were kicking and little arms were moving too.  And a new type of tear came rolling down my cheek.  Thank you, Lord.  Thank you!

 

 



 

Isaiah 41:13~ I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

COFFEE FRAPPES!!!

 

 

Thick, coffee frappes seem to be getting me through the days...

 

As summer unwinds, what seems to be your 'thing'?!?

PQ's Prayer Request...ECUADOR

 

For the past month and a half, PQ has been prayerfully considering a mission trip for next summer.  After seeing his best buds, Scholastic and Duck Egg, head out of the country on a trip this past summer with Teen Missions International, he has been eager to serve in his own capacity next summer.  When the 2014 list came out while his buds were still on the mission field, PQ immediately decided upon the biking trip to Ecuador. 

As TMI's website describes, the preteens will be sharing Christ’s love through puppets, drama and music as they ride their bikes from village to village throughout the Andes Mountains. During free time they will enjoy playing with the children who come to the base for Sunday school. Housing will be in dorms with showers available; laundry will be done using buckets.

Because it will be winter and the elevation could cause some respitory issues, PQ recently asked if he could meet with his Allergy and Asthma doctor to discuss whether his asthma would prohibit him from the trip.  His doctor gave him full medical clearance for the trip and did not feel that their was any medical reason that PQ could not go on the trip.  His doctor was extremely excited for PQ and PQ was beyond thrilled to hear that he was cleared medically for the trip.

So, my friends....we would LOVE to have your prayers as the next few months unfold.  PQ would appreciate prayers to raise financial support for the trip.  He will need to raise ~$3000.  And I would appreciate prayers for complete surrender and trust.  I know that this trip will change his life.  I know that this trip will impact the way PQ sees the world.  And I know that God has placed this desire on his heart for a reason. 

In a recent text message, my friend said "2014 is going to be a BIG YEAR"....you can say that again!!!

 

Say What: What are you eating?!?

At dinner this evening at Titi and Uncle L's house, the following took place:

ME: Sugar, what are you eating?!?

SUGAR: Eat...hmjsirkdpabetp....eat....asksdibnnfksings....eat... (pointing to the livingroom where she was intrigued by a bunch of D-Dawg's personnal stuff)

ME: (kiddingly) Are you eating D-Dawg's deodorant?!?!

*SILENCE*

ME: (Still joking) Uncle L, can you smell her breath?

Uncle L:  Yup...that's what it is.

*LAUGHTER ABOUNDS*

You got it.  Miss Sugar dug her teeth into D-Dawg's AXE deodorant and apparently had some stuck on the back of her front teeth.  Hence the reason why she was 'chewing' on something.  So nasty!!!

Say What- Song Lyrics

You all know the feeling that I'm about to describe...

Imagine yourself sitting in church.  The next worship song starts to play and the lyrics pop up on the screen so you can follow them.  The words are pretty...and then the words become real.  The words speak Truth to you.  The words address that very 'thing' that you're struggling with.  And as you sing, you fight back tears knowing that He is good and He is in control.  It's easy to say that you think He's in control.  But when you really know it to be true in your heart (and you have a sense of peace about it), there's beauty in that.

Lyric: "What You complete is completely done."

Before any of the unexpected came to be, He completed those plans.  He wrote my story.  He knows how all of this will go.  He completed my story well before it will ever become known to me.  I know He's in control.  I know He has me in the palm of His hand.  I know He knows.

And there is beauty in that...

Handing Him My Fear...