Mothers of the Bible

This quarter at church I am teaching a Bible class for mothers called "Mothers of the Bible." It is something that has been on my heart for a long time now and finally proposed the idea to the eldership in early summer. We are following the book below where we look at 12 different mothers over a 12 week period. The book does this by taking us thru a short devotional thought Monday thru Friday while also reading the stories from the scripture. For class time I use the first part of class to review our readings from the week and the last part to discuss our lives as Christian mothers and what these mothers of the Bible can help teach us as followers of Christ. My first class was this past Sunday morning. It looks like I will have around 18 women in the class. On Sunday we went around the room and each said a little bit about ourselves but I asked them to each share with the group what they felt their greatest blessing and trial currently was as a mother. I was very impressed with how much the women chose to open up and share. Emotions were very high and by the end of class everyone was crying. I think this just proves how much mothers need to get together to share their current joys and trials and have someone understand what they are going through. Please pray for me as I lead this class for the next 12 weeks and that these ladies are able to get out of the class what they need. This week we are covering Eve.

Seattle Vacation

Cliff and I just returned from our mini-vacation to Seattle. I had never been there before so this was really fun for me. During this time we were able to go to Pike's Place Market, have dinner at the Space Needle, visit the aquarium, the music and science museum, see the first Starbucks, and eat at a variety of delicious restaurants. We stayed at the Inn at the Market which was right in the middle of the market. It was very relaxing and a great getaway before baby number 2 arrives.

Fun Toy for the Summer

We got this for Aidan about a month ago at Target and I think it has been his favorite toy of the Summer. Cliff and I like it because we can steer him while he practices his peddling and steering as well. He also loves ringing the little bell. Since we live just 6 blocks from church we often will get up a little early and walk and have been taking him in this instead of his stroller. Next summer I think he will be big enough to take out the adult steerer and he can use it as a regular tricycle. So with all that being said, I would highly recommend getting this for your kiddo if they are around Aidan's age. It also comes in girl colors.

Toddler Bed

We transitioned Aidan over to a toddler bed two nights ago. We probably should have done it sooner but this was the first time we could get to it. We were a little nervous about how it would go. We didn't know if he would fall our or just get out of his bed when he was supposed to stay in. But we were pleasantly surprised at how great it went. He as SOOOO excited to have a big boy bed. He has been spending a lot of time just playing in it and reading his books. When we put him down for nap time or overnight he goes right to sleep and so far has not fallen out and has been sleeping great. Even in the mornings he has just stuck to his regular routine and waited for us to come get him. We will see how long that lasts :) We have his twin bed in the garage ready to be put up but we thought this would be a better transition first for at least a month or so.

Slowing Down?

So life has been pretty crazy lately. Summer is always a very busy time for a youth minister's family. We just had our last day of VBS today and the whole week went great. Cliff helped with skits and was in charge of games. I was the preschool director. I got to bring the two kids I nanny for so that was fun. I think they had a great time. Last week Cliff was gone and teen camp....So it was nice to have him home this week. Tomorrow we are taking the teens to the lake for the day which we do every year. Cliff keeps trying to convince me to let Aidan go tubing with him but I don't see that happening :)

I now have just 8 days left of nannying and then I will be a fulltime stay at home mom. It will be a very drastic change. I hope the transition goes well for both Aidan and myself.

We are making progress on our basement. We have a guy scheduled to come at the beginning of next week to do the taping and mudding. Which just leaves painting and carpet. We are very excited to be done with this home project. It was started in April and has been very stressful.

On a sidenote....Keep me and our little girl in your prayers. A couple of nights ago I woke up with contractions. I have been having the normal braxton hicks contractions but noticed that these were much worse. They came about every 2-3 minutes for about an hour and a half. We called the doctor who told me to drink some water and lay on my left side. He also added that, after my description of them and their consisitency, it was a sign of prelabor and to go to the hospital if the continued through the next couple of hours. After I spoke with him they lasted for another 30 and I was able to go back to sleep. My doc said my schedule has been a little hectic and I should start taking it easy. I am trying my best, life is just getting in the way:) So anyway prayers for that please.

HAIR

Cliff and I were always a little nervous about what our kids hair would look like. Both of us, as you know, have VERY thick curly hair. Oddly, Aidan came out with no hair which later turned to straight strawberry blonde hair. Every once in awhile, if the weather is right, his hair will show the true colors of his parents. Cliff was able to catch a pic of that tonight.

27 Weeks