Day 302- Glorious riches= Strength and power

I needed this verse this morning. I've been on Caleb duty all weekend, and Alan has been working 12 hour shifts. I took Caleb to church this morning to go to a girls' Bible study during the Sunday school hour. No one else was able to come, so I decided to spend some time alone with God. I got a call a few minutes later asking me to pick Caleb up because he had a runny nose. He had a cold earlier in the week, but was feeling better and I thought he was well enough to attend Sunday school. Needless to say, I was disappointed to lose my focused time with God, as well as fellowship at church (I wasn't weary so much of taking care of Caleb, but of the social isolation of the weekend). After reading this verse and having a good cry (thank you preggo hormones), I decided to take Caleb back to church during the service time and see how long he could last with me in big church. We made it the whole service, though he was a bit restless. Anyway, this verse is what I'm drawing strength from today and I hope that it is encouraging for anyone who reads it as well.

Ephesians 3:14-19
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Day 300- 4 months to go and 65 days til the New Year

I can't believe that it is almost November!!!!  Well, the weather changed yesterday and at least it feels like late October now (instead of the 80's we'd had for a the last week).  Yesterday marked the 4 month countdown til baby's due date/my 29th birthday.  In many ways it seems like forever away, but it is also coming so quickly.  I have a feeling that with the holidays coming up, things will really fly.  I'm excited to started getting the nursery ready and reading up on labor/newborn care to refresh myself.  Caleb is learning how to be a big boy in anticipation of the baby as well.  He now sleeps in a big boy bed, has started beginning potty training, and is practicing climbing in and out of his booster seat/car seat.

I also can't believe that there are only 65 days til 2013!  This year has absolutely flown by.  I don't know if it is because of getting older, having a kiddo, Alan being in school, or all of the above.  I can't complain though, because while I don't want to wish the next year and a half away... I am looking forward to Alan graduating, getting a job, and being able to settle where ever God leads us. 

We've been extremely blessed to be accepted into community with friends from church who are in the same phase of life and who are lots of fun.  I want to live intentionally over the upcoming months, whether deepening relationships, serving others more, delighting in my children and husband, resting, living more simply, or engaging my mind with my work. 

Day 295- *easy* Chicken and rice soup

Alan has a cold, so this morning I hodge-podged a super-easy chicken and rice soup. It turned out pretty good, so I thought I would share.

Chicken and Rice Soup
9 c. Chicken broth= 4 cans (I used 6 c. Homemade chicken stock and 3 c. Water)
5 or 6 carrots, sliced
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 c. Brown rice (makes it super ricey- use less if you want it more brothy)
1 package mixed frozen veggies
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix everything together and let cook until carrots and rice are tender and chicken is cooked through. About 30-45 minutes.

Enjoy!

Day 293- Louisburg Cider Mill!

We spent the morning/early afternoon at the Louisburg Cider Mill today! It was the perfect fall day to enjoy cider, cider doughnuts, a pumpkin patch, wagon rides, and more. We enjoyed seeing the Sheltons, Grabers, and running into the Menards just before we left. Here's some pics!

Day 291- 21 weeks!

It's ridiculous how long it's been since my last update!

Pregnancy Highlights

How far along: 21 weeks
Size of baby: 10.5 inches long, 3/4 of a pound, long as a carrot
Weight gain: about 15 lbs
Maternity clothes: pretty much all maternity besides a few shirts and my workout pants
Gender: Boy!
Food cravings: carbs, grilled cheese (I have it several times a week)
What I miss: energy!
Sleep: I'm not sleeping very soundly lately, but I've been trying to go to bed earlier and take naps when I can.
Symptoms: a headache here and there, tiredness, not much else
Best moment of the week: Alan feeling the baby from the outside
What I'm looking forward to: getting the nursery ready and hearing the heartbeat at my appt next week.