And some people think there's no power in prayer

For those of you who have been visiting this blog and leaving comments and praying, well, it's having a powerful impact. Check this out:

"Thank you all so much for the prayers and thoughts. We have been humbled to the point of tears today, reading your comments-- from brothers and sisters in Christ, but otherwise strangers, scattered across the country. We have truly felt our spirits lifted today for no explicable reason other than God listening and responding to your chorus of prayers. Thank you doesn't encapsulate how our hearts go out to you all... but what else to say...? THANK YOU. We will truly need you-- family and strangers alike-- in the coming weeks"... --Many Thanks, Leslie's Journey

"I will say that we are feeling more hopeful today than we were on Monday. God is protecting us. We will still be praying for a miracle, but we are also praying for God to prepare us for another hard road to travel. Please be encouraged that God is hearing your prayers!!! I am brought to tears with every comment, so many of which are from people we don't know. How humbling it is that God is waking people up at night just to pray for us! I can't express enough how grateful we are. Your prayers are carrying us through. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!" --Update, Leslie's Journey

Please continue to pray for them, and commenting on their blog. Thanks!

Little Gems

This morning at Bible study*, I was overwhelmed by the gems I picked up as I listened to the video portion of our study. Later, like tomorrow, I will go into more details, to help clarify and such, but some things just need to be shared immediately. Enjoy.

" Nothing sin gives us is worth what it takes from us."

" An unsatisfied soul is a stronghold waiting to happen."

"Stop bowing down to guilt and accept forgiveness."

"Few conditions place us at greater risk than emptiness."

*From Beth Moore's Living Beyond Yourself Bible Study.

Keep praying...and commenting

I mentioned the other day about a blog entitled Leslie's Journey concerning a woman's journey through a serious illness. Here is some of what was posted yesterday:

It was a late night phone conversation I had with Dr. Zender on Monday night that triggered the collective brain-storm sessions...The news still fresh in our minds, we left a message with Dr. Zender on Monday, basically stating that he had some 'splainin' to do, in regards to this next step in the process-- forehead removal and what-not. Did he see this coming? Is this common? Is THIS going to be successful? And at this point, what does "successful" look like? ---The Plot Thickens

Please time some time out to go over to their blog and leave a message of encouragement, a prayer, a scripture, whatever you feel compelled to leave. I have never met these people, but I do know the power of prayer. And, to know so many people are covering them with prayer, well, that can do wonders for people.

We woke up to snow today

We woke up to snow today
Originally uploaded by chelled.

How very random the weather has been lately. Snow today, but it is supposed to be in the 50s and 60s this weekend. I am sure my teacher friends are thankful for today because they got the day off though.

To be honest, I am ready for it to be in the 60s for a while. You know, for more than one day of the week.

Get your comments ready

I came across this blog today, and let me tell you, any encouraging comments you can leave this family will be a blessing. Here is what is written at the top of the blog:

I am sure if you are reading this blog you have been made aware of Leslie and the tumor that was found behind her eye. Our purpose is to keep you updated on the journey that Leslie will be taking as they begin to fight the tumor. This is a small way that we can show her our support as she travels into an arena that none of us quite know how to respond. As we learn of specific prayer request we will let you know so you can lift Leslie to the Lord. We all know the the power of prayer and we can keep encouraging Leslie on her journey. Feel free to post your comments of continuedlove and support for Leslie. --Leslie's Journey

So please, stop what you are doing, and take a moment to encourage this family. Who cares if we do not know them personally, to know there is a community of people standing in your corner offers strength in and of itself.

The story of us

Andy and I...again
Originally uploaded by chelled.

After reading my friend Darla's story over at Live, Laugh, Love, Blog of how she and her husband met, I decided to write about our story; the way Andy and I were brought together and ended up married. Don't worry, it was a short courtship, this won't take too long.

In May of 2002, I got an email from my friend Reco that read, "I met the guy you are going to marry." My response? "Get off whatever drugs you are on!" Throughout that summer, Reco and two other guys who knew Andy, persisted that I would like Andy, for many reasons. They were all excited about the prospect of the two of us meeting, but I continually shrugged it off. Besides, I was in Texas and Andy lived in Tennessee. What was the point?

During volleyball season that fall, we had an open weekend in October, so Reco and the gang decided to fly me out for a visit. I couldn't have been more thrilled to be taking another trip to TN, and to see my wonderful friends. A month before my trip was scheduled, Reco emailed again and suggested I email Andy since I would be spending time with him while everyone was at work when I arrived. I declined the offer (Finally! She learns! Let the guy pursue!) Being the devious man he is, Reco emailed both Andy and I to suggest we start talking. I held fast to my decision to not contact him. I did find out that Reco had shown Andy pictures of me as well as a journal I kept while training for and doing the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk. Something in my writings led Andy to believe I wasn't so bad, and I guess I was not too grotesque in any of the pictures he saw because lo and behold, I had an email from Andy shortly after Reco's suggestion. And let me tell you, this was not just any email, it was a two page email! He had me laughing hysterically throughout the entire email. From there, we began corresponding daily.

The following week, he called me for the first time. I hate talking on the phone, but found myself talking to him until midnight (or later). Andy headed to Dallas with Reco one weekend and I sent my best friend to "scope him out" for me. Yes, I even told her she had to get a picture of him for me. After she met him, she called me (on her way home I might add), and said, "Yea, you are going to like him." Andy and I continued talking, and he even teased me about sending out my spies and making him pose for a picture being taken by a girl whom he just met for a girl whom he had not yet met face to face. What a good sport.

The first night I arrived in TN, Andy came with Reco to pick me up from the airport. It was sweet, but I was so nervous! It was strange to be in the same space as him and not have the security of the phone between us. We made it through the awkwardness and the next day headed out for an all day outing. I laughed and laughed and laughed some more. That night, he told me, "this is a courtship, we aren't just dating." Saturday night, he turned to me and said, "I love you." I responded with, "I love you too." Then I thought, "wow, I really do, how strange. Usually I would be running like crazy away from a guy who said that."

So began our courtship, with me in Texas and Andy in Tennessee. We racked up many hours on the phone and countless emails. We made trips back and forth to see one another, he met my family, and I was able to go up after Christmas that year to meet his. Before I left, I was being referred to as "Aunt Michelle" by some of our nieces and nephews. It didn't phase either one of us.

He proposed on Valentine's Day in 2003 and we were married that July. We began talking about it and realized we had only spent somewhere around 45 days or so in each other's physical presence from the day we met until the day we married. Yikes! We are proof that arranged marriages still work. And, throughout our wedding, Reco had the biggest smile on his face the entire time. I still wonder what it was that God revealed to Reco to make him believe Andy and I should meet.

This marriage was, and is, a working of God because I could never have written this story on my own. I had never been so comfortable with anyone before and had never cared to spend so much time talking to anyone as I did Andy. I am blessed to have a husband who is passionate in his relationship with Christ, and with me. Family is of the utmost importance to him, and he esteems me daily. He makes me laugh until I cry and is my safe place in this world.

We will be welcoming our first child into this world in 10 weeks (or somewhere around there) and celebrating our 5th anniversary this summer. We work well together and I am able to see more and more why God has the two of us together. Andy is not my rock, but he certainly knows how to draw me closer to the One who is, and it is good!

"Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (Mark 10:9)

Happy Birthday Natalie!

The Ds! Happy birthday girl!
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Friday night, we were lucky enough to help our friend Natalie celebrate her birthday. We had a wonderful time! Her sister decorated the private room at J's and it was an incredibly festive time. It was great to be around friends whom we don't get to see as often as we like, and to celebrate one of them! There were even party hats, what could be more fun? Really, it was a great way to spend a Friday evening.

The Childbirth Class that has left us slightly traumatized

Just when you think you know what is going on, "wham," you are given information that makes you realize you have no idea what is going on! First of all, let's review what we covered this weekend in our childbirth class:
* Understanding pregnancy
* Discomforts of pregnancy
* Breathing and Relaxation
* Labor
* Anesthesia
* Choices and Interventions
* Pushing
* Cesarean Section
* Characteristics of a Newborn
* Postpartum
* Tour of Hospital
* Newborn Care

As many classes with large groups do, we started off our day Saturday with a "get to know you" type activity. We were blessed to be paired off with a wonderful couple, Matt and Terri, whom we really enjoyed getting to know throughout the weekend. The class was quite informative, but really? I didn't realize what I did not know about labor and such. No one tells you that virtually every orafice has the potential to explode in some form or fashion. Nice. As if all modesty isn't about to be completely thrown out the window as it is. Our instructor made the statement that, "labor is like doing a marathon, so you husbands people need to really be in tune with what your wife needs." Great. I have done marathons before, I am not excited now.

And then, they show the videos! Oh the videos! I can now say I have officially seen more vaginas than I have ever wanted to in my life. Childbirth is amazing, but to see other women going through it? I could have gone with an animated version and gotten the idea just as well. Luckily, the videos are shot, primarily, from the mother's point of view so they are less graphic than childbirth videos of the past. But still, the shot of the baby's head crowning? I let out an audible, "Ewww." Andy and I both winced. Dear Lord help us when our little girl begins her entrance into this world!

Although I admire women who experience childbirth with no drugs at all, I am thinking I am not one of them. However, I found out that the only draw back will be an inability to get up and move. Ick. And then we are told, "one of the worst positions to be in is on your back because you want gravity to help you out." So, once the epidural is given, I can flop from side to side, but no longer get up, walk, stretch, or get on all fours and pray to God for it to be over quickly. Hmmm, something to discuss with my doctor.

We were also educated on cesareans. Luckily, this procedure was shown via an animation. If they had shown an actual one? I guarantee I would have run from the room gagging. (Do we see now why I am not in the medical field?!?) Even during this animated show, I had to turn away. At one point Andy looked at me with fear in his eyes and said, "I don't want a cesarean!" I couldn't agree more babe. During one of the breaks, Terri and I discussed the fact we had to look away during some of the videos and the fact we were tired of seeing the female body. I mean really, when they were showing clips of newborn babies (and just in case you were wondering, they do not come out looking like any kind of Gerber baby you have ever seen....but I knew that part), I almost clapped when they showed a little boy. Finally, something other than a vagina! It was comforting to know I was not alone in this and wondering why so many women lie and say, "it's no big deal."

At the end of the weekend, Andy looked at me and said, "What I need to know is, who is going to be here to support me?!?! I am not sure I can get through this and help you at all!" I couldn't help but laugh. My joke became that I will be reviewing breathing techniques with him so he does not pass out, rubbing his back, and encouraging him. He responded by saying my martry syndrome would kick in and help me not focus on my own pain and make it all easier. HA! (Really, pray for us people, pray hard!)

The class was quite helpful, even if my brain is now imprinted with images I may have nightmares about. After the initial shock of it all, I do like knowing what is to come. Although, I do not think any class can completely prepare a woman for childbirth. Every birth is different, every experience is different. The one commonality? It's gonna hurt ya'll, it's just gonna hurt.

Ten!

Andy and I attended a childbirth class this weekend, but more on that later. At this point, I am unsure if we are more traumatized or helped by it. "Wow", that's all I can say right now, "WOW!" But, once I have gotten some sleep, I can blog more about it. For now, you will just have to take my word on it.

We are now beginning week 30. Ten weeks until the expected due date. I wonder why it is that "10" sounds so much less than "11". Very strange, but it's true. And next week, when we're in single digits? Holy cow.

So, here's what is going on, and I must sign off because I need to eat dinner. And then? I might just turn in early tonight...like at 8pm, just because I can.

Week 30
Baby: Your baby measures about 17 inches from head to toe and weighs about 3 pounds. Baby is growing plumper and beginning to control its own body temperature. Eyebrows and eyelashes are fully developed, and hair on the head is getting thicker. Head and body are now proportioned like a newborn's. Hands are now fully formed and fingernails are growing.

Mom-to-be: Your uterus is about four inches above your navel, and it's hard to believe you still have about 10 weeks to go as baby continues to push on your ribs. You may be feeling more discomfort in your pelvis and abdomen. You'll probably be gaining about a pound a week.

Tip of the Week: The membranes around the baby that contain the amniotic fluid are called the bag of waters. They usually do not break until just before the onset of labor, but if it does break prematurely, your risk of infection increases so call your practitioner immediately.

Check her out

You must, must, MUST go to this site. You will be blessed by this girl's music, that much, I can promise. That, and she's a dear friend of mine so I would love for you all to check out her profile and music to support her. Well, what are you waiting for? GO!

And it grows

Seeing this picture, looking down and seeing my belly, is still shocking. This belly of mine, protecting a growing baby, is the source of a great deal of laughter and giggles, and complete and utter amazement. And as incredible as it is, it will be nice to be on the other end of it all and see it shrink again.

Blow me away

Two weeks ago in church, the Rhythm and Roots Performance Company performed this dance for us. To say it was absolutely incredible, well, that doesn't quite do it justice. When I first saw this online, I was in awe of it, and loved it. But to see it in person? Well, that is just a whole new story. Being strong and expressive performers, the Rhythm and Roots performers brought this to life. As I sat watching the story unfold, I just began to weep. I knew what was going to happen, I knew what would take place, but still, it rocked me.

My hand did not come off my swelling belly as I saw the main character, a female, encounter so many trials, and each one drew her farther away from Christ. I could not help to wonder what kinds of circumstances our daughter might experience in this life, and how much we will be able to protect her. Clearly, some things, she will just have to figure out on her own, and though we will have boundaries in place to help her, she is going to mess up. But oh thank God, thank God for grace and mercy, and his love that passionately pursues us each day.

Thank you Father for fighting for us, for wanting us near, even when we run so far away! What a blessing it is to be considered His.

I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10)

His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." (Luke 1:67-79)

Little girl in 3-D

Our baby girl in 3d! I love her little hand sticking up. Everything else is A-OK! Hooray. No more worries about a low placenta or any of that mess. I will go to the doctor in 3 weeks, and after that, every 2 weeks. What fun. But, praise the Lord, all is well!

11 More to Go!

Eleven more weeks, only eleven more weeks! That is my mantra right now, well, until next week anyway. I'm ready to greet this little girl and move on with life and all the madness that will ensue! Documenting pregnancy has been fun, but really? I'm OK with the fact it is ending soon. I do marvel at the movements I feel and how God has so intricately designed the human life, daily I am in awe of that. But if I am going to be honest, I am ready to not be pregnant. I am ready to get back to the types of workouts I am accustomed to, ready to not have random leg cramps or shooting pains through my lower back. I am ready for the next phase (she says now...but just wait!). There are some women who have told me they loved being pregnant, absolutely loved it. What?!?! I love the fact God has decided to give us a child, but the pregnancy? I don't love it. The human body fascinates me, always has, and the fact there is a little body inside of mine? Well, my mind still has trouble wrapping around that every now and then. However, it will also be nice when she and I are two separate entities, in one family, and therefore, dependent on one another. Until that day? I'll just stick to my countdown....

Week 29
Baby: Your baby measures about 10.4 inches from crown to rump, or a total length of about 16.7 inches from head to toe, and weighs about 2.7 pounds. At this stage a fetus's eyes are almost always blue and can distinguish bright sunlight or artificial light through the uterine wall. Baby is performing fewer acrobatics as conditions in the womb become more cramped, but still doing a lot of kicking and stretching.

Mom-to-be: Your uterus is about 3.5 to 4 inches above your navel. Weight gain is probably between 19 and 25 pounds. As odds improve that baby could survive outside the womb -- although in a neonatal intensive-care unit -- you may be feeling relieved and excited, or anxious about motherhood, your baby's health, and labor and delivery. If you do experience premature labor, signs include menstrual-like cramps or lower back pain, a trickle of amniotic fluid, or a watery pinkish or brownish discharge preceded sometimes by the passage of a thick, gelatinous mucus plug. Your practitioner often can stop labor from progressing with bed rest, muscle relaxants or other drugs, possibly requiring hospitalization.

Tip of the Week: Your blood pressure typically may rise a little around the seventh month, but contact your practitioner if you get severe headaches, blurred vision or severe swelling of hands, feet or ankles, or if you experience severe weight gain. These symptoms could signal the beginning of preeclampsia, a dangerous condition marked by high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine during pregnancy.

Time outside

Steeple
Originally uploaded by coachdiscavage.

Finally, the temperatures warmed up and the sun decided to shine today. With Andy not feeling well and working from home today, I decided to head out and do some picture taking before running errands. It was the perfect way to spend part of my morning! The sun was nice and bright and there was not a cloud in the sky. Ah, perfect.

I walked around doing some pictures for about an hour then headed on my way. There would be a lot more pictures, but I have taken pictures around this area before, and didn't want the same ones (head over to my flick'r page for the rest of the pictures). Still, it was wonderful to get outside and move around.

Hope you all are enjoying your Valentine's Day and are feeling loved well beyond what any of us will ever deserve!

Week 28

Week 28
Originally uploaded by coachdiscavage.

I figured I would make up for the photos taken last week when I had just come in from a walk. HA! Pay no mind to the towels.

New book on its way

Thanks to Jodi, who recommended the book, "Children Change a Marriage" by Elisa Morgan and Carol Kuykendall. In fact, I just finished ordering it.

Andy and I have discussed how our little bundle 'o' joy may change things, and we know that she will. However, we do not know how things may change because this is our first child. I am excited to read this book for some tips and possible tools. Although I do not believe a book can fully prepare us for anything we may encounter, having a "heads up" is always a bonus in my opinion. We might as well have some resources so we know we aren't losing our minds completely and that what we are facing is not uncommon. Whew, the changes that are coming!

Wisdom from a 9 year old

Last night, while speaking to my niece she said, "You and Andy better enjoy your boredom now because once that baby comes you will be exhausted at the end of the day! Yep, enjoy it now Chelle."

The girl cracks me up, but how right she is.

Lessons from the weekend

Hawaii 10:9 - that was the theme of our Valentine's Banquet this year. The decorations, as you can imagine, were tropical and beautiful. And the 10:9? That is a reference to Mark 10:9 which states, "Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."


Prior to coming together as a group on Saturday, we were given some questions to answer and discuss with our spouse. Andy and I had fun with these, and had some of the exact same answers. Guess the two becoming one really is happening! The questions ranged from things like, "What is something you throroughly enjoyed doing as a child and have not done in years?" to things like, "Complete this sentence: It would make me a better person if I were more like you in the way that you..." We also discussed which two phrases we would like to hear most from our spouse (we were given 6 to choose from) and had to discuss what our present gauge reading is for passion, communication, and stability. I really enjoyed this time, and was really shown how much Andy and I have grown individually and as a couple over the few years we have been married.


When the group came together, some of us shared our answers, which resulted in an uproar of laughter at many times, some "amens," and some "we'll pray for ya." It was a great time. Then, Pastor Anthony spoke for a bit.


Unlike previous years, this year focused more on the individuals. There was no 1,2,3 of things to do, but it was an incredible time. He discussed the fact more people "in the world" are choosing to cohabitate rather than marry because they no longer have strong examples of marriage. Within the church, I believe, he said 50% of marriages (or more) are ending in divorce. To me, that is rather alarming. He also discussed statements people make when they see him for counseling. More often than not, blame is being placed on the other person and no responsibility is being taken. He typically asks, "What is the Spirit telling you about this?" Usually, the person has been too busy talking to slow down and listen to what God may be saying. Is it hard? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes. It seems too many people are wanting to take the easy way out rather than stick to the commitment they have made.

A few points he made were:

* I am to honor God first and foremost

* I must allow the adventure of the sanctification process to occur

* Through that process, I will discover how wonderful God is

* I must be intentional about times of intimacy with God

* God desires for His name to be glorified

* Relationship of honor can't exist in a hardened heart

* Must submit to the Holy Spirit for marriage to work - it's not about happiness! I must die for God to be glorified.

* Satan desires to destroy marriages

Obviously, this is just part of the picture. I wish I could remember everything that was said, but these are the things I wrote down. However, it makes sense. If I am honoring God, spending time with Him, etc., it only makes sense that I will also be a better wife and friend to Andy.

I think, all too often, we are willing to shout out the faults of our spouse and allow those to be our justifications for not doing what we are called to do. You know what? My being obedient to God is not dependent, and should not be dependent, on Andy's actions. That is a hard pill to swallow sometimes folks. However, I believe dying to myself, my flesh, and my desires is more than worth it...for the marriage God has given to me.

My heart rejoiced throughout the weekend, and yet was also grieved because of the attacks I have seen happening in marriages around us. It was a good weekend, refreshing, insightful, and one of learning. Plus, it was a great reminder for us as our family dynamic will be changing with the birth of our little girl. We are more than thankful to attend a church that speaks truth, even when it is hard to hear!

Into week 28

Forgive the lack of make-up and messy hair. I took advantage of the sunshine Friday and went for a walk, and then took this picture. I swear some days it feels like my belly pops out of nowhere, it's insane.

My legs cramp more often than not now, which is annoying as can be, and things that used to be easy for me are a bit more difficult (like, I don't know, rolling over in bed!). But, all in all, I am still feeling alright. Seeing my little girl's movements still makes me giggle, and I do enjoy feeling her dance around. I really think she's dancing in there at times because I can feel her all over my belly at one time. And, of course, she does this late at night or very early in the morning.

People touching my belly and talking to it doesn't bother me a bit. However, only folks I know have done this, which is probably why I am not annoyed. I love that other people are excited about our child, it makes me feel like Andy and I have a lot of support. Plus, it's funny to see how people react to my growing belly. My perspective may change the closer it gets to birth, but for now, I don't mind it at all. Some of the comments? Well, that's a different story, but I am teaching myself to take everything as a positive statement so I am not bothered by what is said. I think people's excitement for us gets ahead of their words and they don't think before speaking. Besides, I have 12 more weeks of this, so I might as well keep smiling, laughing, and enjoying it all.

Andy is ready for me to not have the body aches and cramps. He hates that he can do nothing for me to help, though I must say, he massages my back and shoulders daily...without complaint. I already thought he was a sweet guy, and through my pregnancy, he's become even sweeter! We go through periods of extreme excitement to, periods of "Yikes! We're having a baby!" Mainly, we feel very very blessed.

Week 28

Baby: Your baby measures about 10 inches from crown to rump, or a total length of about 15.75 inches from head to toe, and weighs about 2.4 pounds. Brain waves show rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which means your baby may be dreaming. Eyelids are opening. Branches of lungs are developing, so there's a good chance that baby would survive if born prematurely now.

Mom-to-be: Your uterus extends well above your navel. As baby gets bigger and stronger this month, you may be experiencing leg cramps and mild swelling of ankles and feet, difficulty sleeping, shortness of breath, lower abdominal achiness, clumsiness or scattered Braxton Hicks contractions (hardening and relaxing of the uterus, like rehearsals for labor). You may also be urinating more frequently again as the uterus continues to push on your bladder.

Tip of the Week: Even if your husband is planning on being with you in the delivery room, you might want to consider hiring a doula -- a professional labor assistant who provides support, but not medical aid, for the mother and her partner. Studies show that doulas can shorten a woman's labor and reduce the likelihood of needing pain medication, forceps deliveries or a Caesarean section.

Another great banquet

We had a WONDERFUL time at the Valentine's Banquet. Here's a close up of us all prettied up.

While getting ready, I found out putting hose on while pregnant is even more challenging than usual, more on that, and the seminar, later. For now, I am too sleepy to write much.

Over 10,000: WOW!!!!

I just looked at my counter and realized I have had over 10,000 hits on my blog. WOW! So, you five people who keep coming back, THANKS! HAHAHAHA. Seriously, even if it is just a few people who return often, I am glad someone is out there reading my madness.

Yesterday I also spent time researching a new blog template. I found some I really like on this site, but there were no templates with 3 columns. And, that's just a whole can of worms I do not want to deal with. Oh well.

But yea, thanks for reading folks!

Lightbulb moment

Today is a much better day than yesterday. I have not had too many breaking points, but yesterday certainly ranked right on up there. As is typical of my husband, he asked what he could do to make things better, or at least a bit easier for me, when he got home. You know what? There wasn't much he could do. I have pulled, it seems, a groin muscle (so much fun), and depending on what I am doing, I get sharp shooting pains through my right thigh. Nice. Then of course, there's the stabbing pains I get in the lower left side of my back. Really nice. I have asked little baby girl to get off my nerve or whatever is there that is causing the pain, but I guess she's stubborn, trying to get comfortable herself, and just isn't listening to Momma!

As we laid down in bed, Andy reached his hand over to my belly and began praying for me and our little girl. (I love hearing my husband pray!) As he was praying, I began wondering why the physical stuff affected my mental state so deeply. *Ding* lightbulb moment. I do not like feeling physically weak. I quite enjoy feeling strong and pushing myself physically. I am quite aware of my weaknesses in other areas of life, very aware indeed, but physical strength has rarely, if ever been one of those (fitness yes, but not strength). When I am feeling bad physically, it does affect so many other parts of me because I am such a physical person. Really, it makes sense. So, I get it, I understand why feeling physically lacking broke me down completely. Now, to learn to just accept that, for this time, it is going to happen, but it's ok, it won't last forever!

And with that realization, and some sleep, I woke up this morning feeling much better. I'll be meeting a friend for lunch (it's now a weekly event) and tonight is our Valentine's Banquet. Andy and I were laughing and taking bets as to how early we will end up retiring to our room to go to sleep. You would think we were 80 years old. No joke, we are always one of the first couples to leave...and no one believes us when we say we are tired and want to go to sleep! Oh well.

With that, I'm out of here. Hope this finds you all doing well and being blessed.

Ready for the tiredness to end

Honestly, I have not had a difficult pregnancy, and I am so thankful for that. However, the tiredness I am now having more often than not? Yea, I could do without it. I knew it would increase during the last trimester, I told myself that, was told that by others, but I didn't expect it to be like this.

I miss the workouts I was doing before pregnancy, being able to really push myself. For my safety and our baby's, I have obviously backed off of my intensity level. Every Monday night, I co-lead a fitness class at church, which I love, but every Tuesday I am wiped out! I am talkin' "let me lie on the couch, not move for most of the day, don't expect anything out of me, possibly not even a shower, because I have nothing left" kind of wiped out. Some folks have said I am probably pushing myself a bit harder than I should during class, which is a possibility. But, I would swear I am paying attention to how I am feeling, my heart rate, breathing, everything.

This morning I decided to do some cleaning. I have done all but the floors, and you know what? I can't stop yawning! I mean really, dusting, cleaning two bathrooms, and straightening up the kitchen should not tire me out like this. AH! So annoying! And yes, I will be getting the floors taken care of before all is said and done (stubborn, I know). I wonder how much of this is because of my sleeping more than anything else. As of right now, I wake up every 2 or 3 hours because I have to use the restroom, and my back starts hurting pretty badly around 4am....every.single.morning.

Maybe I should venture out to a chiropractor, a massage therapist, and anyone else who may help get my body more in alignment and help ease some pain and pressure. The problem? I would rather try to take a nap on the couch then shower, get ready, and head out to these people. The good news is, this will be over before I realize it, and then my tiredness will be because of a baby. And the adventures continue....

All dressed up

Andy and I...again
Originally uploaded by coachdiscavage.

This picture is from Valentine's Day last year...ah, aren't we cute?

Let me answer that for you, "yes, yes we are."

Stormy Night

Some headlines from this morning's paper of the storms that ripped through here last night:

This time, Macon family grateful they had storm shelterMACON COUNTY — After living through one tornado in 1995, Lawrence and Judy York decided they weren't going to stay on their Macon County land without a storm shelter. (02/06/2008 06:04am)

Red Cross sets up shelters in Gallatin, Lafayette (02/06/2008 07:14am)

Storms thrash Mid-South, killing 26 (02/06/2008 03:09am)

Sumner: Five dead; rescuers still searching (02/06/2008)

Shelby: Mall, warehouse collapse; 3 dead (02/06/2008)

Madison: 2 dead; storms trap Union students (02/06/2008)

Andy was actually up until 2:45 am watching the news because they had said the storms were deadly, and though late, recommended folks stay up in order to know if they should take shelter at any given time. Praise the Lord of him, I wouldn't have made it all night. I was able to go to bed, though I didn't sleep incredibly well, knowing he was watching out for us. We were lucky, the storms, the really bad stuff anyway, went North of us. I am thankful that we didn't get hit like some areas did, but I hate hearing about all the people who were killed, injured, or lost their homes. Weather is no joke, that is for sure. So today, if you think about it, pray for the people around here who have just had their lives turned upside down due to the storms that came through with a vengeance last night.

Get the dancin' shoes ready!

This Friday, we are off to our church's Valentine's Banquet. It will be great fun, as always, I am sure. I was looking at some photos from last year's banquet (two are on the post I linked above) and had to laugh. My my my, how differently I will look this year in a dress. Man, I loved my dress last year too. Oh well. With a swelling belly, that's just how it goes.

The verse being used this year is Mark 10:9, "Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." On Saturday we have the seminar portion of the weekend, and that too is always a blessed time, and one of growing. With so many things changing right now with us and around us, I am looking forward to this weekend.

So, I'm getting my dancing shoes ready, swelling ankles and all because it's time to party!

It is finished

I just finished our taxes, and now my brain is fried.

That is all.

I Had This Friend Once

I had this friend once who loved his family, adored them actually. Regardless of the circumstances, he did what he could to protect them, and himself, from any deceit or destruction. This friend longed for approval from God rather than man, and was thankful for the situations God led him out of. He was a man who strove for a righteous life, and one of honor. Was he perfect? No, but he could also admit his mistakes, ask forgiveness, and move on from there. He was a man who wanted to protect his children from following down some of the paths he himself chose as a young man. I remember this man as believing Mark 10:9: "Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." But now?

He is a man caught in a web of lies and an unwillingness to accept fault. He is shouting out, "it's your fault!" for the choices he has willingly made. This man, who once honored his wife so well, has made choices that affect her deeply and are forcing her to walk through her own personal hell and he has changed the legacy for his children. He has become someone who is deceiving himself and leaving behind a wake of hurt and destruction. And, it makes my heart weep.

Is it just me, or does it seem marriages are under attack these days? I do not recall having so many friends be attacked by the affects of affairs, or maybe, I just wasn't paying attention. It breaks my heart, for the person choosing the action, and for those he affects with his actions. Have we become so self absorbed that we can no longer see that everything we do affects someone in this world? We cry out that we are independent, able to "do life" alone. But you know what? With each day that passes, I see that we are never independent from one another. We are too connected, it is the way we were created.

I wonder what leads a person to make such decisions because for the life of me, I cannot understand it. Even in the midst of struggle within my own marriage, I respect God, Andy, and my family too much. My respect for them supercedes my fleshly desires. In the end? It would never be worth it, regardless of the turmoil I feel. To solve one problem by adding another, well, it doesn't add up in my mind.

Clearly, I am far from perfect. I have my own battles my own struggles, and I am not trying to say I am above all of it. But the lives of others being rocked around me causes me to sit and take note, and take a deep long look at myself. What leads one down that path and not the other? No one is beyond making that choice, but for me, the vow I made to Andy, and more importantly to God, will not allow for that option. And, I wonder about the "why" because I want to protect my own marriage from this.

As I type, even now, I weep. I weep for the hardened hearts, for the turmoil, for the deceit that was bought as truth, for the justifications, and for the wake of broken hearts this all leaves. I weep for my friend(s) who have made this choice, and for the ones affected by it. I weep because it is just not how God intended it to be.

However, I also believe in hope. I believe that God can do a miracle, can break the hardened hearts, can restore relationships, and is certainly willing to forgive. "Come child, come to me," He gently says. But I wonder, will we go?

"Nothing makes us as lonely as our secrets" - Paul Tournier

27 weeks in, 13 to go

Week 27

Baby: Your baby measures about 9.6 inches from crown to rump and weighs a little more than 2 pounds. Hands are active and muscle coordination is such that he can get his thumb into his mouth (and, my girl can punch and kick simultaneously. Trust me, she did it all last night!). Thumb-sucking calms the baby and strengthens her cheek and jaw muscles. Your baby can cry now (how am I supposed to soothe my baby girl if she cries when she's in my belly???).

Mom-to-be: You may see stretch marks (that's why we use that lotion specifically for prevention of stretch marks!) as your uterus continues to expand. Most women have gained about 16 to 22 pounds by now (or a bit more, if you are me. Maybe it's muscle from working out more again?!?!). Balance and mobility also may be changing as you grow larger.

Tip of the Week: During your last trimester you should talk to your doctor or midwife about the delivery. You'll learn such things as signs to predict labor and how far apart the contractions should be before going to the hospital or birth center. It's also the time to begin interviewing pediatricians and to take care of other logistics, like pre-registration and a birthing plan (what you envision your labor and delivery will be like). This plan should be written in your patient record or attached to it in the form of a birth plan.

No need to be a superhero

My friend Tracye wrote an incredible entry on her blog that you really must read. Here is a little excerpt:

I'm learning that about myself... that I'm always trying to save someone from something... or someone.Um... not my job!So why is it such a passion?It's not always because I care... well, not so much. -- Laying Down My Cape

Really, I recommend reading it....like now. Just click here to get to the post.

123 Tag

I have been tagged by Jodi, so here you go.

The Rules:-
Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more.
Find Page 123.
Find the first 5 sentences.
Post the next 3 sentences.Tag 5 people.

By the time Stephen arrived at the Christmas cantata, the fellowship hall was packed. He stood in the back corner, along with half a dozen others who, like he, had had to park six blocks from the church. The way he saw it, if the membership of Centerville Christian kept growing like it was, the powers that be were going to have to consider building a bigger facility to accommodate the flock.
-And the Shofar Blew, Francine Rivers

I was hoping for something that would provoke some laughter, oh well. I followed the rules, and there you have it folks.

So my lovely people, if you are reading this and have not partaken in the fun, jump on in. And, leave a comment letting me know that you have done it.

Women's Kickoff

Last night, after a day of feeling exhausted, I headed up to church for a women's kickoff event. Since my cohort in crime for the fitness class couldn't make it, I knew I had to be there. Trust me, my desire was to stay home! But, I had given my word, and off I went - through the dark rainy night.

To say that the evening was blessed is an understatement. The worship team did an incredible job, and the speaker, Dr Rene Rochester, was phenomenal. She spoke about being anchored. However, to be anchored, we must go deep, and to go deep, we must go through some stuff. Oh it was good! Let's face it, some circumstances in life shake us to the core, and it is easy to forget the words we sing on any given Sunday, about God being so great, about brokenness being what we long for, about how great He is. However, at the end of those storms, we find God has cleaned out some "stuff" that didn't allow room for Him. And sometimes, God will shake things up to prove He is who He says He is. After those times, we are found ready for that next thing which God has already determined. She also made the statement that "nothing comes by me that hasn't already gone through God." Ah, what a statement of security and hope! To know God has already walked the road, that there are no surprises to Him, and that He desires to draw me closer to Himself, into the deep, to be safely anchored.

Yes, it was a good night, a good night indeed.

26 weeks

26 weeks
Originally uploaded by coachdiscavage.

I took this picture yesterday, after showering, and prior to heading out to the women's event at church. This is the first week of the last trimester. Oh for time to fly by....

And next time, I should turn off the light in the background, how annoying!