just because it's been a few weeks.

It's (almost) September!
So much to look forward to this month.
College football! Can I get an Amen?!
My sister and her family visiting
No agenda shopping trips
Our second anniversary
David goes back to day-shift for four months! Can I get another Amen?!

Things have been going pretty well. Pregnancy-wise, everything looks great! We are so thankful! Work is keeping my busy, as I'm finally full-time/salaried. I have some new clients, so that's been an adjustment for me. I've had the same 2 since I started working for the company. Now, I have 5. They keep me on my toes! One of my kids was bummed about going camping this weekend because it meant I wouldn't see him after school on Friday and because I couldn't go with them. Melted my heart!

David is still enjoying his job. Never a dull moment! Especially lately. Poor guy... hopefully things will settle down a bit when he switches shifts next week. We did find out that the average salary of a McDonald's manager is $38,500, while the average salary of a police officer is $35,000. I'm just saying, one carries a gun and fights crime - the other oversees flipping burgers and serving fries. (Ok, I know managers do more than that, but you get my point.)

Really nothing else to mention. Just felt like I was overdue for an update.

I stole this from sweet Mary Grace. I haven't done one yet, and I thought it would be fun.
How far along? 22 1/2 weeks
Maternity clothes? Yes

Stretch marks? Nope :)

Sleep: It's been a rough week. I don't feel uncomfortable; I just feel restless.
Best moment this week: Random lady at Publix told me I looked gorgeous on a rough day, sweet man going through a tough time commented on my "glow," felt my silly boy hiccup all through a meeting this morning, found an awesome Batman onesie at Old Navy
Movement: Lots of it!
Food cravings: Athens food. As in Athens, GA. As in I may take a day trip just to eat there (and of course see friends!).
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really. I've had a bit of "reflux" or something at night. But otherwise no complaints.
Have you started to show yet: Yep!
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Mood: Excited!

Looking forward to: my family shower next week, shopping for more clothes and necessities, fall weather

Anything else? Thankful that right now my work schedule is incredibly accommodating to my sleep schedule, when I do sleep.

Philippians 4:19

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."-Philippians 4:19

Wow. We are just days away from the halfway point to our little man's arrival, and I am overwhelmed with all that the Lord has met our needs already. And we still have a ways to go...

Just a few examples...
-The day after we found out I was pregnant, I got a raise at work, which has since turned into a salary.

-We were GIVEN a crib. With a mattress. Even better, I really wanted dark wood furniture (crib, changing table, etc.), and sure enough, that's what we were given. So thankful, and so grateful knowing that this crib has already been prayed over many times by precious people. I feel like God's safety net was around it before it even touched our hands.

-Alright, so crib-check! The search sort-of began for a dresser/changing table combo. I didn't really want two separate pieces of furniture, and I wanted the changing pad barriers to be detachable if any were even on the dresser. That's what I wanted. What we needed was a changing table, period. Back to the "sort-of" search. Well, there wasn't really a search. I knew everything in stores was too expensive, and I had only glanced at Ikea. But behold! A sweet member of Christ Community was serving in the nursery with me recently and asked if I was going to the upcoming consignment sale. She then told me her daughter was selling a dresser/changing table if I was interested. Ummm, yes! Do you have a picture?... It was settled before we left church that it was ours. Guess what. It's a near match to the crib. Guess what else. The changing pad rails/barriers are detachable to make the top flat when we don't need the pad anymore. How cool is that? And did I mention it was a steal?! This beauty looks brand new, and we got it for a wonderful, affordable price.

-On to the consignment sale... David and I went hunting for a jogging stroller right when they opened. We found a few, but we weren't set on any. David wandered over to the actual stroller systems and found the identical one we registered for, for just over half the price. Stroller, car seat, and two bases. At first, I was hestitant, because I had heard stories of used car seats, etc. So what does God do? He provides sweet "second family" members to be right there, right when we couldn't decide to take it or leave it. These sweet ladies checked everything we didn't know to check for, and we felt at piece walking out with our man's mode of transportation.

-David and I decided that I would take 8 weeks maternity leave. When we made this decision, I wasn't salaried, and therefore would have no paid leave. So that was 8 weeks without a paycheck from me that we were preparing ourselves for. Since our decision, I've been bumped up to salary and will now have at least 2-3 weeks paid. It may not cover the whole thing, but it definitely helps.

Those are just a few examples. I love how God provided our NEEDS that also matched our wants. Pretty awesome.

We have already been blessed with sweet gifts here and there... outfits, accessories, blankets. We've been able to pick up a few things ourselves... clothes, diapers... and we grabbed a few other baby gear items at the consignment sale.

I hope this isn't coming across as "look at what we got!" I'm really just excited to share how the Lord has made it all happen. We are truly blessed. David and I have done our best not to be concerned with anything and to just try and figure things out as they go... We have tried not to focus on, "How are we going to afford this?" and other questions like that. Whenever we hit a block (which thanks be to God we really haven't), we, well David says, "We'll figure it out. We always do." We don't have to have top-of-the-line, best-of-the-best, brand-new things. We are so grateful for the already used and loved items we have received. Our bank account is especially grateful :)

We are overwhelmed with how much our boy is already loved. We thank you for your love, prayers, and support. We are excited, and so immensely blessed, to have so many to share in this journey with us.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."  -Matthew 6:34, NIV

"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." -Matthew 6:34, MSG

i can't wait.

i can't wait to...

teach him about the Lord
have superhero, transformers, pirate, etc. birthday parties
bring him to work functions so he can interact with handi-CAPABLE kids
see David to teach him everything he knows about baseball, football, and everything else
hear him say "Go Dawgs!" and "Who Dey!"
hear him laugh
see what color his eyes are
jump in mud puddles and dance in the rain
teach him about the true meaning of CHRISTmas and and yet still have santa
wrap him up in cute pjs and blankets
NOT teach him black and white - my parents didn't teach me, and i'm better for it
help him go through the toys he's outgrown to give to less fortunate kids
listen to him talk about his day at school
take him to football games and baseball games
take him to church
take him to see all the people who love him
watch him sleep
skype with his big cousin carleigh and her sweet mommy and daddy
take him on a hike
take him to the beach
run with him, even when we're pushing him in stroller
make animal noises
pretend to be monsters
play with nerf guns
encourage his learning, creativity, athleticism... whatever his interests are
put a bandaid on a cut and "kiss it and make it better"
hear him say "mommy" and "daddy"
watch him play with friends
teach him to read
hear him laugh
see the man he will become...

david and i are so blessed. our little david (aka "tripp") is already so loved. we are so grateful.

$1.81

I have a very hard time typing the words constitution and institution. I REALLY have to think about them. I actually messed up constitution the first time I tried to type it in here.

My dogs make me laugh. I've been taking fairly consistent (almost daily) naps until a couple of weeks ago. To this day, when I walk in the house, they go immediately to the bedroom door, wagging their tails, ready for naptime. Might not sound funny. But it is to me!

I'm 15 1/2 weeks along now. Crazy. David and I both got to feel our little one move on Wednesday morning. So cool! We're supposed to find out this week if we're having a boy or a girl; hopefully baby will cooperate! I've really been blessed with a pretty easy pregnancy. Other than fatigue (which I completely expected due to stories from my mom and sister combined with my thyroid disorder), I really haven't had too many problems. Had a little nausea here and there, but it wasn't unbearable. Only got sick once. My tailbone gets a bit tender from time to time. David affectionately calls me "tenderbutt." Thanks, honey.

I haven't had a ton of "O.M.G. I need this NOW!!" cravings. Thank God! I'm a big fan of "man food." Ruffles or Wavy Lay's with French Onion Dip. BBQ. Chinese/Japanese/Thai. Mashed potatoes. Chinese/Japanese/Thai. French Onion Dip. Chinese/Japanese/Thai. Ha. I can put away some hibachi chicken or sweet and sour chicken. Mmmm. I have turned down ice cream more since I've been pregnant than I think I have in my whole life. I really like smoothies right now. And lemon-lime gatorade has been a hit for awhile. Oooooh, I went to Target the other day and got an Arctic Blast- mostly cherry with a tad blue raspberry. Best $1.81 I've spent in weeks. If not ever. I might have to go back weekly. YUM!

7 weeks until college football! Can I get an AMEN?!
Speaking of, I need new UGA shirts ASAP.

I REALLY wish radio stations would quit playing "Call Me Maybe." I've been rotating between country and 88.5 for awhile, but when they're both on commercial I switch back to the pop stations. Almost every time that song is on one if not both stations I typically listen to. Ahh so annoying.

I've seen people make some pretty gutsy left turns lately. Almost all of them involve slowing or completely stopping at the intersection when they don't have the green arrow anymore and then deciding to just bolt through in front of traffic. If you're gonna bolt, then bolt! Don't stop and then go for it. Apparently all drivers assume people would rather slam on their brakes and flip out than be hit. I think there's some law or something about how it's our responsibility to make sure the intersection is clear before going, too. I'll have to ask David about that. But seriously, no lie, I've seen at least three cars do it in the past week in BIG intersections. Get to the light, stop/yield, BOLT! I'm pretty sure one accident was avoided by about half an inch. I just don't get it.

There are crickets or some type of bug that have suddenly appeared outside our house. I feel like I'm at a lakehouse when I try to go to sleep. I can't decide if it's peaceful or annoying yet.

Speaking of our house, you should buy it. Or tell a friend about it. Or your cousin's girlfriend's sister's uncle. Anyone.

Lots to look forward to in the next several months, other than having a baby. Two beach trips, wedding events, several weddings, sister + fam coming for a visit, our anniversary, my first NFL game, birthdays, holidays, hopefully moving, seasons changing, college football... I LOVE FALL. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

twice in a week. whaaaat?

What a week!
Finally got to announce our news - part of why I haven't blogged! Didn't want to accidentally drop some hints!

A sweet, new, precious friend was offered (and accepted) an incredible job opportunity! Yay, Christy!

One of my best friends passed a super hard test! Yay, Sonia!

My "sister from another mister" got engaged! Yay, Alli & Chris!

I am just in awe of God's timing and His provision. Oh my goodness. Right after we found out we're expecting, I got a raise! Praise God! Also, I knew I would be stepping down from consistently volunteering in the chuch nursery once a month come Fall, and before I could even mention it, sweet Cailey was ready to relieve me immediately. Precious heart of hers! That's just one of the reasons I love her! I'm also in charge of gathering a communion team once a month, so I wanted to delegate the "leadership" aspect sooner than later. About a month ago, someone volunteered to serve consistently every Sunday I'm in charge of, leaving me with two spots to fill. Usually, that's me + one more. Just this week, I found out that someone else volunteered for the same Sunday leaving just my spot to fill. Perfect! God is good ALL THE TIME. AMEN AMEN AMEN!
Those might seem trivial, but they were just huge blessings from the Lord for me. I really do not like saying, "no." But God has really shown me the past few years to think before I immediately say "yes" to a project/event/volunteering/etc., and I praise Him for that guidance.

Side note, my cousin and I are three months apart, and we are so close- best friends, brother/sister. I am so blessed to have grown up with Rob and always having him to count on, even when he's all the way in Italy. So, where's this side note going? Well, Rob and his precious wife Mary are due in November, and we are just behind them in January. Even though they are thousands of miles away for the next few years, I am excited that our kids will have a similar opportunity to grow up together, even if it is through Skype and vacations. We will have to teach them that noogies, silly pictures, and referring to each other as "cuzy cuz" are the coolest things to do.

Also, slightly random - anyone who knows my husband knows how much he loves food. He LOVES food. Did I mention he loves food? Okay, it's not that bad, but it is comical with friends and family. I swear both of his legs are empty. So anyway, anyone who knows him knows he typically does not "share" food, unless you are a 3-year-old named Olivia. Well, he ordered mashed potatoes the other night, and they looked so good... He allowed me my usual "one bite" and saw my face melt. Sweet husband pushed his bowl of mashed potatoes to me without the slightest hesitation. Ohmygoodness. They were sooooo good. Boy, did he learn fast!

Honestly, on a serious note, David has been so great. (If you don't want the mushiness, stop reading here.) He works until midnight right now, and he calls every night (if I'm still awake) asking if I'm hungry, thirsty, etc. I can honestly say that usually the answer is no, but it's still thoughtful. He never gets on to me for looooong naps or for the house being a mess. After work, I typically come home, put on comfy clothes, and hit the couch until bed; so, needless to say, housekeeping hasn't been a high priority. I'm starting to get my energy back, but that was the norm for a few weeks. No complaints! I am happy to rest while I can. (Also God's provision, my work schedule has totally given me the opportunity to nap in the middle of the day if needed.) Anyway, back to David- he's just been great. Super sweet, helpful, and considerate. I am one lucky lady. So, so blessed.



Mmm. Mashed potatoes.

for anyone following.

It's been awhile. Again. Sigh.

A couple of weeks ago I tried to turn the vacuum cleaner off by pulling the chain on the ceiling fan. That didn't work. I was really sad I was by myself when it happened, because no one was there to laugh at me.

Cailey Dumler is AWESOME. What an asset and blessing she is to Christ Community and pretty much anyone who comes in contact with her. LOVE HER! Again, she is AWESOME!

One of the best parts about David being on the evening shift is really being able to catch up with people. I won't lie, I'm selfish with my time with him. I get stingy, especially when he's on this shift. As much as I dislike his late nights, I love the extra time I have to catch up with friends, especially people who live far away! Sweet phone calls over the past week have been so good for my heart!

Have I mentioned how awesome my friends are? I don't mean to brag, but I'm surrounded by a pretty rockstar group of people. I am overcome by how blessed David and I are to have such wonderful people in our lives. Our families are pretty great, too. Can't leave them out!

Hey, are you looking for a starter home or investment property? Buy our house! :)

If you haven't eaten at Wasabi, you should go. Get their Hibachi chicken. Go for lunch, but not on Sundays - no lunch prices on Sunday! Mmmmm it is soooo good! I hear the sushi is good, too. I don't like sushi. Bleck.

I love my church. It's awesome. If you're looking for a church, come sit with me sometime! Great staff, great pastor, great mission, just great great grrrrreat!

Have you had sour patch kids popsicles yet? No?! Go to Wal-Mart. Buy some. Thank me later.

Easter thoughts.

Happy Easter! He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Every Easter weekend, I become overcome with joy. Uncontainable, indescribable JOY. I have been saved. My debt is paid. I am spared. I have a seat waiting for me at the right hand of God. AND I DID NOT DO ANYTHING TO DESERVE IT. He simply chose me. And you. And you. And you and you and you and you. How great His grace, His love, His mercy...

As much as today is about the resurrection, I can't help but think of His death- one piece of it, specifically. "Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots." -Luke 23:32-34

Are you kidding me?! I remember wanting to punch a doctor for giving me a shot of cortisone in my ankle, even though I knew it would feel better. Jesus was NAILED to the cross. Completely alert. NAILED. And He was pleading forgiveness for those who pierced Him?! Seriously?! How incredible. What an incredible, selfless, amazing act of true grace. A grace which has been freely given to each of us. Man. Just soak that in for a minute. Or an hour. Put yourself in the shoes of those who nailed Him to the cross. Imagine Jesus pleading for your forgiveness, for your salvation, for your life. I am overcome. How blessed am I. How blessed are we.

He does not need to fight for us; for He has already won the battle. But we must fight. He has equipped us with everything we need. "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." -Ephesians 6:13

Oh, praise Him!

' “Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.' -1 Corinthians 15:55-57

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." -Isaiah 53:5

"For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost." -Luke 19:10

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with him again
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave

Oh death! Where is your sting?
Oh hell! Where is your victory?
Oh Church! Come stand in the light!
The glory of God has defeated the night!

Oh death! Where is your sting?
Oh hell! Where is your victory?
Oh Church! Come stand in the light!
Our God is not dead, he's alive! he's alive! -Matt Maher, "Christ is Risen"

Happy, blessed Easter to you. Rejoice! He is risen!