Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Counting down...

Tom has been snapping funny pics of me this week...trying to capture the moment. We have 4 weeks to go (give or take). Last Friday the doctor said I was dialated 1cm and 50% efaced, of course I came home and packed my bags (just in case!). We are definitely going to snap some better pics this weekend!!

Church shower...

My sweet Jr High girls and leaders from church showered me and little Winnie this past Saturday. They gave her the cutest blankets, outfits (even little pink boots), and snuggly animals. I feel so loved that the girls in my small group want to love on our little girl and are so excited for her arrival. So thankful that the Lord has blessed me with these girls/ladies... they make me smile.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Deep fried candybars, Funnel cakes...



Who can go to the State Fair and not eat a deep fried something....haha. Last night we endulged in a little bit of everything! I won't devulge what ALL we ate, but it was good! My all-time favorite though has to be deep fried candy bar, milky way is soooo amazing! Did you notice in the picture above that not only do they have "Deep Fried Coca-Cola" (debuted last year) but now have "Deep Fried PB&J"....must be a NC thing...haha!


Oh, and I am SO excited that its finally fall here!! It got just cold enough last night that I was able to wear my fleece vest (which can't be zipped but still very comfy!).

Wed, Oct 9th marked 20 years...

I am still in amazement that its been 20 years since my dad passed away. Last night it finally hit me and I had a good cry. Tom & I went to see Mercy Me at the State Fair, and Bart (lead singer) shared that the last song "Finally Home" on their new album was dedicated to his father, who passed when he was 14 of cancer.

The thought of wrapping my arms around my dad's neck and telling him who I've become, when I see him again, is indescrible. My dad always wanted the best for Eben & I, and I know that he would be so very proud of us.

I am so thankful that the Lord has directed my path these last 20 years, and I can look to Him for guidance through everything. It took me a long time to realize that my Heavenly Father is always there and can fill the gap of my earthly Father.

My favorite family portrait at Christmas time...

Family picture with Nine & Tide (my dad's parents)


My mom & dad, love this picture!





Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Annual Small Group Getaway...

WOW, can't believe its already October!! It all sunk in this past weekend as we went on our Annual Small Group Getaway to the beach. This year we landed an amazing home in N.Topsail Island, that actually could sleep up to 24! Unfortunately we didn't have our whole small group there as the Vallecorse's are expecting in less than a month (wow!!) but the Deline's came again this year. What a change we had this year as every couple had a child (or two) except for the Jones', I just carried Winnie around in my belly all weekend. It was so fun watching James & Emma play ball, Ben push his walker in circles around the living room, Christopher show off his daredevil skills, and the two little ones Kailey & Will snuggle with their mommies. Next year there will be at least two more near the age of 1, crazy! Other than some rain early Saturday the weekend had perfect weather, and we girls got in our late night beach walk. The walk this year was shortened as the thought of ghost crabs pinching our toes scared us silly. Once again the beach getaway took us all out of our element and made for some great fellowshipping!




Sad to say that the weekend getaway was my last trip for awhile....time to prepare for Winnie's arrival.

Tom & I after an amazing dinner...




Like father, like son....

The Deline'sCute Kailey chillin' on the beach

Thursday, October 4, 2007

NC Baby Shower

This past weekend my friends out did themselves....they threw me a very special baby shower. The trimmings were absolutely adorable from Bronwyn's monogram (BJR) hanging over the fireplace, pink flowers everywhere, balloons, gorgeous cake & monogramed cookie favors. On top of all of that there were friends from every stage of my life here in Raleigh...girls from my singles bible study (even ones that came all the way from FL and MD!!), girls from work, neighbors, girls from church / couple's bible study & my mom....all so dear to my heart. I felt so loved that so many friends showered Winnie with love and had such sweet things to say about me becoming a mom. Still today I am on cloud nine as I thank the Lord for directing my path to Raleigh and blessing me with some amazing friends!

Oh, almost forgot....butterflies & pregnancy don't mix... I woke up Sat morning at 6:30am with butterflies of excitement and couldn't go back to sleep. Winnie loved them as she kicked and poked me all over, she is a very active little girl (hmm wonder where she gets that from)!

Here are some pics from the shower...more to come....
My sweet mom & I...

Amy, I and Elizabeth after the shower....
Amy & I showing off those cute bellies!