Merry Christmas!...With Pictures

So, the baby is still a surprise to us! Well, Matt is convinced the baby is a boy, but we don't know for sure. We have the boy/girl ultrasound picture in an envelope. Believe it or not, during the ultrasound, the tech said, "Ok, I'm going to the gender now, do you want to look away?" Matt said, "Let's find out!"

"What??? .... Maybe we should put it in the envelope since I don't think you really want to know right now." He agreed, but peeked anyway! He said he couldn't see anything. He was just peeking real quick and nothing had been shown yet. So, we had her put the picture in the envelope, with some intentions of opening it this Christmas morning. It is still by the tree unopened, and as of right now, we are thinking of trying to hold off till the big day! Call us crazy or patient...but we may just lose patience and tear it open one day. I am quite content having the video for now that I have already watched at least a dozen times trying to see what I can or can't see. :)

Guess what else? Two nights ago, I think I felt movement for the first time. It felt like if you stick your finger in your cheek and pushed on it quickly. Then yesterday morning, I was really hungry, ate breakfast and started drinking all that cold water for the ultrasound. Baby was on the move! At least, I think it was the baby. I was sooo excited! Yes, I drank what I was told (actually, a little less) and the tech had me empty my bladder because it was too full. Umm, the reason for this whole charade again is....?? Oh, and I'm back to my original due date now, May 22nd. So, I'm 19 weeks. I wonder if it'll change again.

They are kind of blurry, but oh well.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow

Tomorrow's the day! It's Christmas Eve and the day of our ultrasound! I can't wait to have more pictures to post, and a VHS tape to watch of our baby. Now, let me get this straight. We can see my baby in my womb in great detail, tell whether it's a boy or girl, but they have not become technologically advanced enough to upgrade to DVD? I even have to go to a different place other than my doctor's office where I had my other ultrasounds because... I don't know, they have better technicians and a VCR? Oh well. Any thoughts to make that switch over so it will last? We sent in tapes from our wedding to Walmart, but I think it was like $40 to put them on DVD.

I think the baby will be a surprise, unless the baby wants to flip at the right moment and give us a surprise of his or her own, or if the tech slips up. I'm still super curious, but I know I'll be happy in the end waiting. I tested this theory out a bit. I gave Matt one of his Christmas presents early, on our anniversary. It was a tool I was very excited to give him, one he hadn't even known about! (He loves working on cars and fixing things.) He loved it, but I was disappointed after I gave it to him because I ruined the surprise. I should've waited. I am such a goof. I may spoil the surprise tomorrow anyway...you know, spur of the moment yell out,"Oh, just tell me!" We have also considered having the tech write it on a slip of paper and seal it in an envelope to open on Christmas morning. If we do that, we will definitely open it, unless it's destroyed! We'll know tomorrow!!

Just to Reminisce

Because it was our anniversary, I have to file through some wedding pictures right? So the pregnant woman is a little sappy these days. At least this post should mostly be pictures and not a book like I usually write.


I will never forget the way my groom looked at me.













And, do you know what else? We had another anniversary too. We were married 2 years on the 16th, but Matt had been home for 3 years on the 14th from the Marines the first time, officially beginning our relationship. So, two last pictures to represent that time...and yes, Matt is in that awful suit that almost determined the end of our relationship. Notice the way I'm standing...haha, oh dear, I was thinking, what have I gotten myself into and how do I get out?? Well, young Becky, the biggest blessing of your life, your partner, was led to you by your Creator at this time. Now, hang on!

Our 2nd Anniversary

Today we celebrate 2 years of married life! In some ways, it's been wonderful, and in other ways, it's been quite ordinary. As I type this, Matt is working away trying to fix our broken bathroom faucet...apparently getting sprayed by some water still in the pipes. Just typical every day life things, right?

Matt worked today, but our get-away took place this past weekend. We went to Kansas City, MO. It was a blessing and ...not full of blessings at the same time. It was all expenses paid because the military sent us out. However, it was supposed to be a time to clear up pay issues Matt and the other recalls had during the past year. Well, to make a long story short, the guys are pretty much even more upset about the situation than before the little trip. Personally, I never expected to see the huge amount of money but was appreciative of a little get-away just in time for our anniversary. I won't go into the details right now...maybe another time. I hesitate to write about such topics for fear of being viewed as unpatriotic or unsupportive of the military, which is not the case. In fact, because of my patriotism and support for our troops I have some very strong opinions. Anyway, maybe more later on that...for now, it's our anniversary.

Wow, it is amazing to see where we have been and come to in just one year. Last year, we celebrated by taking a little stroll through Balboa Park after church in San Diego.


We exchanged our Christmas presents on our anniversary because I didn't want to be an emotional basket case during a "happy time." You see, the day after Christmas, I was scheduled to fly home, saying good-bye to my Matt for 7 long months. If most people say the first year of marriage is the most difficult, I'd have to say our first 2 years were the most difficult...haha, and yet, the most wonderful. Reasons for difficulty: really, we've only spent about 5 months of this year #2 together. We only spent about 10 months of year #1 together. I am so thankful we are both home and better spend 12 months of this year #3 together! Needless to say, I'm not letting him out of my sight. Yes, indeed, this weekend Matt received another letter from the Marine Corps asking for additional service. I am thankful my husband has made the personal decision to step out of that role and serve on the civilian side. Being with my Matt is seriously the highlight of any day for me. It doesn't matter what we're doing as long as I'm with him. So, having Matt gone for most of 10 months seemed, at times, unbearable. Though he was so far away, the little communication we had at times, and the blessing of webcam devotionals during longer times, were more than important. Just to hear his voice calmed me in an incredible way. Now, he is home, and he has fixed our faucet!

So, what did we do? We went out to dinner at TGIFriday's. We had a gift card! Horray! We did a little mall walking, mostly to look at baby stuff. Then we treated ourselves to a delicious cup of hot chocolate and a giant cookie to share. Check out the picture! The cookie is delicately placed over my baby bump to show just how big the cookie is. Yes, I'm sure the baby was hopping tonight.




Well, I better spend more time with my husband of 2 years!

On my Way to the Doctor's...

I reached the four month mark and am on my way to my doctor. I can't help but think of this clip as I give up trying to squeeze into pre-pregnancy clothes and go to get weighed again! I know I have a long way to go, but this just makes me roll thinking of my own expansion and weight gain, and afterall, it is the Christmas season. I hope you don't find this inappropriate. Sometimes, I have a weird sense of humor. Laugh with me, won't you?



Even though it is taking some adjustment (ahem, already...sometimes I forget, right Megan?), I am overjoyed by the life growing inside me who is almost 5 inches now!(...and overjoyed that my beard isn't growing as fast as Tim's.) I am just in awe knowing the Lord is shaping, molding, and creating our little baby moment by moment. We're praying our boy or girl grows up to be an older boy and man, or an older girl and woman who seeks after the Lord's heart and becomes the person He made him/her to be. This is going to be a very special Christmas for sure.

I'm just dying of curiousity as to whether this baby is a little boy or girl, but so far, Matt is we are sticking to keeping it a surprise until the big day. (Well, we have 2 more weeks till we really need to make that decision. My ultrasound is scheduled for Christmas Eve!) To help my antsy-ness, I've been taking some polls to see what other people's guesses are. So, from now until we know for sure, please share with me your hunch, boy or girl?

My Husband is going to be a Father

and I can't wait!

So yeah, I saw this on another's blog and couldn't resist. I can't wait to have a little Matt, but if we have a little Becky... can't you picture this happening in our household?



He will do just about anything for kids and can be so silly. However, he did tell me he would rather our girls do other sports, like gymnastics (like Mommy) if they are interested, instead of cheerleading (due to some of the attitudes and flashiness of typical high school cheerleading teams). Have no fear, there will probably be hand clap rhythms and gymnastics competitions in our living room with Daddy...along with some other active outdoor play of course.

I can't wait!

Birthday Stuff

Yesterday was my birthday. I am now a quarter of a century! I told my students (3rd graders yesterday) that it was my birthday...and they didn't even ask how old I was!! Nice, huh?

So, what did we do? First of all, I have to say it snowed!! I love snow! When we get old and ever think about moving south, I will at least have to come and visit during snow season. I will be the only 85 year old woman tearing up the sledding hill! I suppose that's what hip replacements are for. Anyway, I stopped by my parents' for a bit after school because my mom had some no-bakes for me. :) I got home to find my wonderful husband doing some dishes (but he doesn't just do them on my birthday). We went out for dinner to...Taco Bell! I haven't been there since we just found out about our baby on the way. I had a bit of a hankering for some taco and chicken quesadilla, so I was hoping my stomach would handle it ok. (I had chili a couple weeks ago....yikes, didn't make me feel so well.) I did fine! I would've chosen my favorite restaurant, Cracker Barrel, but it takes too long to drive there and then order when you're already hungry. To top it off we went to good old Wegmans where ICE CREAM CAKE was on sale! I have a thing for the little chocolate cookie pieces in ice cream cake. I'm sure the baby was just hopping over all this food last night, and yes, I'm ridiculous, I laid in bed focusing...just trying to see if I could feel him/her. I know, I'm early, but it was my birthday, can you blame me?

While enjoying our delicious ice cream cake, Matt gave me my birthday presents. Every time he gets me a gift, I always have a guess at what one could be...and so far, I've always been right. I'm not even trying to figure it out. I didn't snoop (I knew where they were...he told me). He will give the ever so slightest clue, and I put 2 and 2 together. This has been a frustration of his and mine since the beginning of "our" time. I really prefer to be surprised. So this birthday, he made one comment...it's awkward and kind of hard to wrap...something you'll grow into...thinking I will never guess it. What was it? A body pillow and I thought it was all along (did you think of that possibility or am I just that weird?). He even got me a couple pillow cases for it. We're practical. So now if I thought our bed was getting crowded before...ha! I just hope I don't smush it completely before I actually need it! The other 2 gifts: On Saturday, Matt gave me a Josh Turner cd. He really doesn't like country, but will play it while I'm in the car and will even buy me more music to play! I think he's secretly starting to enjoy it...just as he secretly likes the movie he bought me, Pride and Prejudice. It's just one of my all time favorites, and he thinks it's slow and girly, but he'll watch it! Isn't he great? Oh, that reminds me. Earlier on this pregnancy, I was feeling just awful. After work one day, Matt came home with Preggie Pops and a new cd to cheer me up. (We really don't buy cd's this often. I guess these are special instances.) Not only did he do those things, he sat on the bed with me and ate a Preggie Pop with me! I'm sure he loved that I shared that. I so wanted a picture, but it didn't happen. By the way, they don't work. They really don't work if you try the ginger one...right Matt? Yikes, eww, what was he thinking? He was being the Prince Charming he is by eating one I'd never eat. Yuck!

The best thing about this birthday though was having Matt home! Last year was a lonely one. We celebrated my birthday early because I went out to California for the weekend for the Marine Corps. Birthday Ball. We shared the weekend and ice cream cake in his barracks (we couldn't afford a hotel room at the time) to the aroma of bachelor men smells and super loud rap music, and I flew home that Monday, a week before my birthday. Awful flight home, lonely birth"day" to follow. It just makes me so thankful. God is so faithful. And just think, you only have a year's worth of activities/holidays/events for me to bring these things up again.

Kids

Wow, 2 posts in 2 days. I might even have another tomorrow...we'll see.

Last week, while I was teaching, my pregnancy sort of came up. I hadn't shared with students yet because they're so young, and I'm not due till May. I figured when it's more obvious, it may come up. However, I was teaching 2nd grade this week, and I had the cutest little girl. I taught her last year and she just melts my heart every time I see her. She is full of life, a hard worker, and loves to talk! As she was doing some work, out popped a question to me. "Do you have any sons or daughters?" My reply, "No, but I will have a son or daughter soon." Her eyes got so big and she was so excited to ask, "Are you going to adopt a son or daughter or are you going to...give birth?" I definitely chuckled (buried my burst of laughter...at "give birth"). You see, this little sweetheart, is adopted from China. She is very open about it and how her sister is also adopted (in the same class), but "her sister is the older one and she is the younger one." I told her, "No, not this time. I have a baby in my belly." She jumped out of her chair and said, "I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. I KNEW you were going to GIVE BIRTH!" "How did you know?" She thought about it for a moment and said, "I just know." Boy...more questions followed in these little ones minds. "How do you know you're having a baby?" Ohhhhh, we are getting off track here. "I just know." Children piped up with their ideas of how I know and one little boy, though nervous at first to hear his idea, said it wonderfully. "I know. I know how you know. You went to the doctor and they gave you an x-ray, and they saw a baby in there. That's how you know!" "Yes, that's how I know." We finally moved on!

Yesterday at church, we collected all the shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. My mom does the story time for the children to shrink down the message for the little ones. She asked if any of the children wanted to pray for the boxes and the children who would receive them. One little girl stood up. She's 4. She prayed. I cried. Instead of praying for the boxes, do you know what this little girl prayed for? She prayed for something on her mind and so dear to her heart. She prayed for her daddy's safety while he works on trucks in the Army (he's in Afghanistan) and she went on and on. I hardly remember, but it was so clear for such a little girl in front of the church. Yes, I cried. I am a bit emotional at times (ha! with the pregnancy), but this just hits so close to home still, and I'm thankful for it. At the end of her prayer, she prayed for her Mommy, that she would be able to sleep well that night. How precious! I'm sure this is a common bed time prayer, but so important no matter what time of day. I teach her brother in Children's Church. He's 6 and has really begun to warm up to Matt and I. I asked him about his dad, the last time we taught, if he had heard from him lately. I was sort of testing the waters to see what he wanted to share. I didn't want to pry too much if he wasn't ready to share, but I wanted him to know I cared. It was like I unlocked something in him. He just couldn't stop talking about how he can't wait for his dad to come home in January, how he called the other day but got disconnected (oh those stupid phones...and that broke my heart again, I remember that), how he can see him on the computer screen sometimes at somebody's house. He then switched over to talking about all the candy he got on Halloween. I asked him if he brought any for Matt and I...obviously, joking. Don't you know, he came this week (he missed church last week) with favorites of Matt's and mine just for us! I was so touched! So please, pray for these little ones I (girl) and G (is the boy), their mom, and their dad. I heard from their mom that he may be home in time for Christmas. That would mean so much to them!

Here's another little story you can read. "Now that's God."

Have a blessed Monday...and if you're in our neck of the woods, enjoy the snow!!

I really feel like a Pregnant Lady

...because I craved and ate pickles tonight! This afternoon, the family sort of celebrated my birthday with a birthday dinner. Every year, Mom (still) makes a meal of our choice. I requested lasagna and homemade rolls! mmm Get this! In church, guess what I was thinking about (when my stomach was on my side)? Hot dogs with ketchup and mustard and onions!!! Will it ever end? I do not like hot dogs. I do not like them, Becky I am. I do not like them with ketchup. I do not like them with mustard. I do not like them with onions. I do not like hot dogs, Becky I am!! Ok, so it kind of works...or not. Don't worry, I thoroughly enjoyed my lasagna. Though, I think my nieces would've preferred the hot dogs!

Ok, enough with the food.

I had an ob appointment this week. Matt came along to hear the baby's heartbeat. Here, I go being real again. I will admit it, I have gained 6 pounds already. The nurse was so excited as she told me my "progress" so far. "That baby sure is growing! Keep it up!" (She's so nice! Yes, that baby is growing. It is now 2.5 inches and ...6 pounds?? Taking it in stride.) Anyway, My Dr. tried and tried for several minutes to find the heartbeat. All we heard was mine and truckers on their CB's. Maybe our baby has a deep voice? So, she switched her doppler with a newer one and attempted again. Nothing. Inside, I'm saying, "Come on Baby, nice and strong. Do it for Mommy. Do it for Daddy...Do it for the Dr? She sent me down for an ultrasound right away. The ultrasound tech was my favorite one. Horray! She was so wonderful. She found the baby, and we saw and heard the heartbeat. I thought we'd be in and out as soon as she heard it, but she really took her time for us. She explained that we probably didn't hear him/her because he/she was sleeping away wayyyy down low in the tiniest part, and I am still "tipped." Our baby is going to be so good at hide and seek! The tech then tried to wake our baby up to give us some entertainment. She tried and tried. Finally, the baby jumped around and danced, spun, and gave us a little wave. Of course, it made me laugh, causing my belly to shake, losing some good shots. Within seconds, the baby was back in it's little cozy spot, snoozing away...taking after his/her father (he can fall asleep in the blink of an eye)! He or she is so cute!! Here's a picture. It's not as clear as it could be because the ultrasound wasn't planned, and I didn't have time to drink all that water. The scanner wasn't doing a great job either. Just look at that little nose!



Hmm, does this look like a baby boy or a baby girl? :) We're still thinking of making it a surprise and not finding out at the "real" ultrasound. I'm sure I'll be trying to peek anyway. Boy or girl, this baby has a personality and has put me through some hoops already! Hospital time, heartbeat scares! Phew!

Oh, I did some maternity clothes shopping this week. Any tips for the in-between stage. My pants are snug, but maternity pants are just too big right now. I heard something about a band thing to wrap around the button so you don't have to button them (thanks Megan!)...has anyone used this?

I also had my 2nd EEG this week. I made it! I stayed up! Well, after starting to fall asleep before 8pm. I watched a hallmark movie and was able to sleep from 11-1. Then I watched some tv and another movie. I did it!! I was sooo ready to sleep. The guy hooked me up and only let me sleep for 35 minutes before waking me up. What a rip! A 2 hour test, a sleep deprived pregnant lady, and I was only allowed to sleep for 35 minutes. Well, it was a little weird anyway, because here I was, alone in a room..actually an office, with this man watching me sleep in a recliner. Fun times! And no, I still don't have pictures to prove it. I would've felt more than weird taking my picture in this environment. I felt weird enough with the situation at hand, and then at the end, he was rubbing my head to get the goop/paste out. Then he combed my hair! That's nice and all but weird! I'm really ready to leave at this point...I don't care what I look like!

Always an adventure...

I don't mean to disappoint...

...those few readers of mine!

I heard there was some disappointment I didn't carry my camera with me to the emergency room. What was I thinking? I couldn't remember my husband's name, but maybe I could've remembered my camera.

I did some digging through some old pictures. This isn't quite what I looked like, but imagine in addition to the crazy hair that was frizzy-er, dozens of wires sticking out of my head, a thick white gauze wrap around my head, and instead of those smiley face one piece long johns, I was donning a stylish hospital gown and jeans (at least I got to wear my pants!).


(Class trip to Washington D.C., 8th grade, in our hotel room, after a little blow drying...hence, why I don't blow dry my hair!)

Well, guess what? Another opportunity awaits me. I just scheduled yet another EEG, which will be next week. I had to meet with my doctor, and then another neurologist. The neurologist was really good. Not only did he express concern for the way "they" handled my situation at the hospital (1 example, giving me a CT scan while pregnant...after such a stressful morning already, I cried in the scan room when I had to sign a paper that only a pregnant woman would have to sign in case of radiation exposure to my baby. My husband had not arrived yet, and they were ready to do the test. I had no idea what I needed. They had to get me off the table onto my bed to bring in a doctor to explain why this was necessary, to get me back on the table to strap me in again...praying the whole time for protection for my baby), he was surprised when I told him my test results were normal. Normal? That's what I was told. Apparently, my CT scan was normal, but my EEG was abnormal...something about a slower left brain or something. This could account for my numbness on my right side that morning. So, now I'm off to get another one done to compare and hopefully find that it's actually normal now. Just think, another 6 months, and I'll be delivering the baby in that hospital.

I made the call to schedule the appointment. In the middle of the "conversation", the receptionist says, I thought this was the doctor's office calling. "Oh, I'm sorry." "Don't be sorry, you sound so professional." Ok...I must be getting good at all this appointment scheduling, insurance questioning, and stuff. (I've come a long way since that little girl calling about my "shots" (vaccination) records for summer camp. Mom had me do the calling, to help mature me a bit, and I was scared enough. One problem, the number my mom had written down, wasn't the right number for our doctor. It was a man who owned a golf course! He thought I wanted my "shots" record for golf camp! I bet he never forgot that phone call.) :) Moments later, I'm asked for my insurance info. "Who is your sponsor, is that your dad?" I laughed, "No, that's my husband." "Ohh, I'm sorry. You sound so young." I'm young and professional apparently?! People usually think I am a child on the phone, or my mom! Go figure!

Next appointment, I will know my husband's name and ...possibly...bring a camera. :)
Any tips for staying awake 6 hours beforehand...it's an 8am test?

So far, no more episodes, and we're hoping to keep it that way!

I'm hoping to see a few funny pictures from fellow bloggers since I so freely shared! Hint, hint!

Only 9 1/2 hours in the Emergency Room...

It could've been much worse.

I really don't feel like writing this, but I know some people are wondering what the story is. Thursday morning, sometime before 5:30, I got up to use the bathroom (I never used to get interrupted sleep 2-3x a night before the pregnancy...and I have a feeling now that it's started, it will never end). I stumbled to the bathroom, and both Matt and I didn't think anything of it. I'm usually still half asleep anyway. As I washed my hands I noticed I felt disconnected...like I was watching someone elses hands under the sink. Whatever. I was tired, so I went back to the bed. As soon as I laid down on my back, my right arm became numb. You know, like when it falls asleep? Well, I hadn't been laying on my arm, in fact, I was just up walking around and it kicked in when I laid down. Normally, I can just shake my hand out and get that tingly feeling to go away. No matter what I did, there was no relief of that sensation. This only lasted a few minutes, and then my lips, the right half of them, got all tingly and numb. Then it spread to the outer parts of my lips to my face on the right side. Matt was on his way out the door for work, and he didn't think much of the numbness. He thought maybe I slept in a funny position. He told me if I had any more problems to call my parents. Well, my tongue got numb. At this point, I started getting nervous...what if it spread to my throat? As soon as I could feel my tongue regularly, I called my parents.

My mom answered, and I did my best to describe what was happening to me. I couldn't get the words out! I stumbled over all my words, repeating them over and over to try to get them out right. This was worrying me and frustrating me...I literally couldn't talk. I felt so jumbled. I waited for my dad to pick me up and tried watching a little tv. It was early, so only the news was on...and my mind couldn't keep up with the words on the screen. I recognized the words, but I couldn't read them. My dad picked me up, and the radio was on. They were talking about politics and mentioned one of the candidates names. I couldn't focus hard enough to know who they were talking about. I got to my parents' and my mom says we're going to the hospital. She hadn't called Matt yet because she didn't know if I wanted to talk with him. Huh? I could not figure out why she was so interested in contacting this Matt...Matt who? I went to the bathroom and realized that Matt was indeed my husband's name then laid on the couch for a few minutes while my parents got ready. Then it hit me! I went to the kitchen where my mom was and started crying...I had forgotten my husband's name! My parents were quite worried but took it in stride not to worry me more. There were a lot of other confusing scenarios that morning, but I'll save you the boring details.

I got to the Emergency Room just after 7am. 2 IV's (I guess the first one was a dud), a CT scan, an EEG, 7 doctors, hundreds of pokes later, they concluded I had a complex migraine due to the hormones from the pregnancy. They were running the gamut of tests to rule out stroke and seizure. I am to see one more neurologist and possibly have an MRI to make sure everything is ok.

I must admit the emergency room isn't my favorite place to be, but I managed to get a few laughs in. I was hooked up to all kinds of monitors and my mom had me breathe differently to see if anything would change. It started beeping when I laughed, and that made me laugh more...so it kept beeping. Then the EEG...they hook you up to like 30 little wires all over your head. My hair was going crazy like it often can, and I was a site! Then they wrapped my head in gauze to hold the the little probes in place so it looked like I had a head injury. The nurse was fun and laughed along with me...telling me what beautiful hair I had. Matt walked in after getting some lunch (the lucky man), and I'm sure my beauty made him fall in love with me all over again!

That was the day. We're hoping that was my first and last migraine!

Has it begun already?

It's a short one!

I just thought I'd share a few of my cravings so far...yes, they have begun, a little bit anyway. Sadly, Taco Bell, my love of fast food, has taken a back seat. I know, the craziness. I am not too happy about this either. You see, it all went down hill one afternoon I couldn't get rid of the hungry-ness. So, I ate a frozen burrito, and ever since that one "snack" I can no longer think about such things anymore.

Anyway...I have craved:
-McDonald's chicken mcnuggets
-hot dogs
-Spaghetti Os with meatballs

I read somewhere you crave the things you lack in your diet or your nutritional needs. Tell me, folks. What nutrients in these foods am I missing? What nutrients are even in these foods? Ok, possibly the protein, but I think it's a stretch. I don't even like hot dogs, but I specifically craved hot dogs with ketchup, mustard, and onions!! Remember that post about the Slim Jim I so delicately ate? I explain my aversion to hot dogs there.

I am happy to report my morning, afternoon, and evening sickness has gone down a lot! Hopefully, it will stay down. I'm sure more highly nutritious cravings are to come! I'm definitely looking forward to the day chocolate sounds much more appealing too! Feel free to share any cravings you've had, or if you haven't, I suppose you could share some healthy snack ideas for me. It looks like I could use them!

The first look at our little peanut

We had our first ultrasound on Thursday and what a blessing it was to see our little one on the screen. He/She looked like a little peanut. We were able to see and hear the heartbeat...is there anything more incredible than that sight or sound?? As soon as I saw the heartbeat, I have my first hunch at the sex of the baby...but not because of the old wives tale about the rate. The last time I had an ultrasound the doctors were checking for any abnormalities because of my "issues", and though it was good to see "nothing" at the time, how much richer it was this time to see life growing inside me!


In light of this experience, especially for us first-timers, I feel I must share these videos. I have such a love for babies and children and those lives that begin at conception! Listen to Gianna Jessen as she shares her story and so wonderfully and accurately words our need to glorify our Lord and rise up as the men and women He has called us to be for His glory and for the raising of our little ones. I don't begin to do this justice, so please just watch. I hope this moves you as much as it does me.

"Oh, the Places You'll Go" Part 3

*Here's another very long one, but the end of a series...for now!

Yes, Matt is finally home! If you missed the homecoming pictures, feel free to take a little birdwalk to Homecoming #1 and Homecoming #2. Tonight on the news I watched as more soldiers were reunited with their families today, and it just swells my heart with joy.

Oh, and this post really hasn't taken me 2 weeks to get in here...the last one was dated wrong. I guess since I started it one day and came back to finish it days later it published it as being the 16th...really, I think it was like the 26th, but whatever.

So where to begin? There has been some adjustment. When he first came home, I had to get used to sharing the bed again. Before we were married, it was no issue. I was used to sleeping like a straight board on a twin bed. We got married and had a queen sized bed, and I got lost. What do people do with king sized beds? Apparently, while he was gone, I sprawled out. Actually, I think I slept diagonally with my head over on his side and my feet on mine to try to be "closer" to him. He came home, and I didn't sleep so well the first few nights. Now, he started work and leaves early in the morning, and I can't fall asleep again after he gets up. I guess I'm a creature of habit. These adjustments are fine by me...they mean he's home! As I said, Matt started work again. He's at a different company building things for NASA. We think it's pretty cool, but don't ask me about specifics, it's over my head. I must admit I choked up the morning he left for his first day. Maybe it's silly, but honestly, I had to convince myself he was coming home that afternoon...that he wouldn't be gone for months. I taught the same day, so I didn't have much time to myself, which was good.

Maybe you're wondering about that grocery store incident? Well, I pretty much spoiled it at the end of the last post, but I'll share. We went grocery shopping a couple weeks ago. The store was crazy, as this particular store usually is, and there are often people who may not be as considerate as they could be. I will swallow those words in a moment. Matt was pushing the cart...he likes doing that, and I had the list in hand. We were immediately stuck behind an, ohhh, 8 year old boy who had a cart in the middle of the aisle, rocking it forward and back but staying quite stationary, quite in the way. We finally manuevered around him. Matt rolled his eyes at me a bit, but I found it quite funny. Literally, minutes later, Matt's mood must've changed because we found ourselves in the empty, wide aisle that contains the paper products. His boyish self sprang forth and with a running start, he jumped on the back of the cart. It turned out of control to the right (don't carts always turn to the right, or squeal, or something?) and slammed into the toilet paper shelf with a huge bang. He was moving I tell you! I was doubled over in hysterics trying to keep myself from having an accident. He on the other hand, was red-faced. After fits of laughter, I rolled my eyes at him and said, between more bouts of laughter, "and you were annoyed by that little boy!" At least he had control of his cart. I love that man, even when he's silly. Our outings usually contain some sort of unplanned activity. I guess you had to be there.

Other news on the homefront: We moved! I will post pictures later. We moved out of that dark, dank, basement!! This has been a long time coming, and we are so blessed with our "new digs" as my brother calls it. Though we don't have millipedes to keep us company any more, we have a one-eyed black cat that sits at our window and "stares" at us, or winks at us, and meows. Moving right along, we have a large living room and kitchen downstairs. Yes, we have stairs! We're thrilled. Then we have 2 bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. We love going "downstairs" for breakfast in the morning! This apartment is very nice...I even thought it was too nice for us when we looked at it. Countless things happened for the apartment to still be available for us, and we're thankful. I even started decorating a little bit. This is a must have safety device when Matt's lifting things above my head...can you blame me after the grocery store incident? Just kidding!

(Yes, I'm still in a youth size helmet, so it's flowery).
Family helped us move, and we had fun giving the grand tour. This is our bedroom, and this 2nd bedroom is going to be our office for starters....BUT THEN:

We found out the morning we moved!! Let me tell you, I think I only got 2 hours of sleep the night before. I was so excited to move, and I was so hopeful to have news to share. People tell me I'm real on this blog, and this just may prove it. This is how I look, at 6:30 on a Saturday morning, after 2 hours of sleep, just finding out I'm pregnant:

We are thrilled!!! This is such a miracle and seems to have the Lord's timing written all over it (that's what Matt says :). I went in for some early bloodwork because I had a history of low hormones. We had tried a year ago, I went for testing, and the Dr. was basically telling me I was pre-menopausal, and I'm only 24. I went the herbal route to try to get back on track. We are just so overjoyed! And get this! We found out our news exactly one year to the day since Matt's fairwell get-together last year, more of a sad time. That was also the day my mom gave me that crib cover to embroider....yeah, maybe that will be done by the time our child graduates from high school! ;) Our due date, as of right now (I think it may change a bit), is May 22. Well, Matt and I met, May 22, 2005. Isn't that cool? We were engaged May 20, 2006, and so on. No, these dates certainly weren't planned by us. Wow, I feel like I could write a book. So, we know it's early to some people to be sharing this news, but we need to make our praise known to the Lord and what He is doing. My early test results came back great! We would greatly appreciate continued prayers. I'm feeling pretty nauseaus and tired these days, but I take it as a good sign. So, yes, the frequent bathroom trips have kicked in, and thus, my laughter at the grocery store wasn't helping things. We are so excited to welcome our first little one into the family!

So, I'm sure we're not done going places. In some ways, this is still pretty much the beginning. Thanks for sharing the journey this far.

"Oh, the Places You'll Go" Part 2

I have been pretty much procrastinating writing this "part 2" post. I think mostly because it was such a difficult time for me, and I just want to focus on the new, exciting things happening in our lives right now. There will be a part 3, and I will get to those new and exciting things there...I think. Nevertheless, I think it's important to note where we've been and come from, and I think sometimes those memories can make me even more thankful and humbled by the glimpses I catch of how much our God really loves us.

Matt deployed a couple days after Christmas. He spent the deployment in Japan, on a carrier, in the Philippines, and in Thailand. He was even supposed to help out with that whole Burma clean-up, but they never allowed them in. I was at home, spending much of my time with family. I missed him so much. I struggled with the idea of how to be a good wife so far away from him. There were discouraging times like the weeks that would go by without a word from him, or the times we could talk and his phone would disconnect, or the static was so loud I couldn't even hear him. There's also that 3 second delay where we keep interrupting each other (not on purpose of course) and then have to repeat what we said...wasting those precious and expensive minutes. Yes, there were so many things that felt like it couldn't possibly get any more annoying or difficult. We never did get that power of attorney straightened out, and I was on the phone constantly about bills and was told they couldn't talk to me because Matt's name was on them. Then after days and hours of phone calls, I'd get frustrated and burst out, "I'm paying the bills so you better talk with me!" This time apart didn't always bring out the best in me.

I have a funny story actually about one of the numerous phone calls I made about an error. This time, it was just after Christmas. I flew home that morning and my family was celebrating with gifts that evening. I had gotten my dad a new prepaid cell phone that he could really use. I ordered it online and got a great deal. That evening before the exchange, I opened up some of the Christmas gifts I had ordered and had sent to my parents'(being so far away, many gifts were ordered online) to check to make sure everything was correct. I struggled with opening his box, and let's face it, I was burying strong emotions to this point. I hated being home. I hated being away from Matt, and this was only day 1 of this stint. I let out grunts and frustrations at the "stupid box" and burst into tears (up in my room of course...away from everybody) when I saw what was inside. A METALLIC HOT PINK phone! This was for my dad! I don't know about your dads, but my dad wouldn't be so thrilled with a hot pink phone. Ohh, I laugh at that now, but it sent me over at the time. So, my dad got a hot pink phone that Christmas until I spent several hours arguing with the service lady that the phone I ordered was red...etc. etc. Finally, they sent him a black phone...which turned out to be silver. Whatever! At least it wasn't pink!

Of course we all remember the flood in my apartment I experienced. If you need refreshers on my broken toilet and water filled rooms, you can read about that here and here, oh and... here. I spent the winter in our apartment quite cold. Our utility bills were out of this world, and I tried what seemed like everything to keep it reasonable. I shivered through the cold northeast winter with our heat set at 62...with lots of blankets and a space heater at my feet. I began subbing and to be honest, I was nervous. I wanted so much for Matt to be able to pray with me for my first day and be an encouragement, but that was a time we weren't able to talk for a couple weeks, and he didn't even know I started that new endeavor yet. I walked in that first day thinking, if I can make it through this deployment, I can make it through the day with first graders...and "of course," it was one of those days there weren't any lesson plans left for me. I'm telling you, I laugh about these things now, but boy, I wasn't laughing at the time. My cousin, Chrissy, often joked with me, calling me Job. She was usually my comic relief and always helped me put things into perspective. There were so many people who helped me through this time. My cousin, Bethany, allowed me to live the college life again over several weekends to give me an opportunity not to spend some evenings alone. I had phone conversations with my best friend Laura, who's boyfriend happens to be in the Navy, so we have even more in common. My family gave me things to do (even things I wasn't particularly thrilled to...hmm, taking care of the animals), and I could really go on and on about the people close to me I needed and were there.

How about some of the good things while he was gone? I had Matt's ring around my neck.

He had a pillowcase I made. Yes, I'm just an amateur. Yes, it needed ironing. *Hence that lower score on that 60's wife quiz* What can I say? It was a rush to the finish line. I should've just taken another picture of it all fresh...but we moved...I have no idea where it is right now.


He used it pretty much every night...He only didn't when it was in the laundry. Here's proof on his little rack on the carrier:

I asked if he ever was made fun of for it. He said some guys would start to read it, sort of sarcastically, but each one would fade off, sort of back down once they realized what it said. There certainly is power in His Word. Some of them even wished their wives made something like that for them. The verse on it was Psalm 4:8, "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, will keep me safe." I also had Isaiah 61 on the back with a little acorn. We talk a lot about being oaks of righteousness. On the sides, I embroidered his nicknames...silly, I know. I don't think any of the guys started calling him Bubba though.

Another wonderful thing during this time: Skype and webcam!! Whenever Matt had "real" Internet, like in California and a few occasions in other countries, we were able to hear and see each other!!! Sometimes we would talk in the wee hours of the morning for me because he was often 12-14 hours different time-wise. I guess I'll clarify "real Internet." Real Internet, as per Webster..or Beckster...is when Matt had the capability to check yahoo email, the blog, use Skype, and just surf the web in general. Fake Internet is when Matt had the capability to only check his military email and that's it, which was mostly while he was on the boat. Because he traveled to so many different places, he was on and off the boat several times. After a couple of times, he lost access to his fake Internet because the fake Internet did not recognize his username and password...or whatever. Thus, the weeks of no communication period sometimes. I know, I have a lot to be thankful for...his location/s for deployment and the amount of time we were able to talk to each other. It just still wasn't an easy thing...for me anyway.

Pete and Laurel found out they were expecting Annabeth and had Annabeth all while Matt was gone. Remember how I chased after her balloons in the swamp?

Also during the deployment, I started this blog. I think it was so good since I had sort of stopped journaling for awhile. Question to those who journal: What do you do with all those used journals? I have several already, and I'm only 24. So, I figured the blog saves space...and is so much more fun. Does blogger give the opportunity to print these into little books? That would be cool...especially if down the road they can this whole thing and our entries are lost. Anyway, I "met" some neat, neat people through all this blogging stuff. I probably spent more hours on here than I should've, but I had a whole support and prayer group right through here. How cool is that? I was able to read how other Christian military wives handle the stresses and learn from them. Heather's husband was stationed out in Okinawa when Matt was deployed over there. I can't tell you how encouraged I was to find her blog, and start commenting and emailing back and forth! It was so huge to me to have an older sister in Christ who was living right where my husband was for much of his deployment! I have never met her in person but am so grateful for our friendship, especially during that difficult time. I know her husband was an encouragement to mine as well. I'm a little jealous Matt got to meet the family ;), but it was so wonderful Matt was able to connect with others for fellowship and worship. If you didn't catch their meeting...it's here!

I think that's all I have for that time now. Stay tuned, because I promise, we have more blog worthy material since Matt has come home! Glimpse: Grocery store accident: Matt crashes cart into aisle shelf at 20 miles per hour, leaving wife who of course is in need of restroom, doubled over laughing, trying to keep from causing another accident.

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"Oh, the Places You'll Go" Part 1

These posts are probably going to be long (when are mine ever short?)...and they are more for my heart to remember where we've been over the course of this "year-ish," but I'm sharing anyway, just in case you're interested in a glimpse of our young married life.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

This is the song I referred to way back in post #1. We felt like it was a good theme, since we were going for a crazy ride this year. Yes, we were moved out of our comfort zone into a plan greater than ours. We were stretched and have grown...

I guess I'm going to start back at the beginning. So, a little more than a year and a half ago (about 19 months ago), Matt and I were married (December 16, 2006!). In March, Matt got that packet in the mail notifying him that he had been recalled into the Marine Corps for 1 year. Matt served 5 years active duty and had the final 3 years of inactive duty to wrap up. He was a little over 1 year into his "inactive duty" stint when he was recalled. In April, he was sent to Kansas City to get more information and another set of his orders. That's when we knew October was looming around the corner. I am thankful Matt did not have to leave right away, but I must admit March to October was at times, a dreadfully long time.

On October 21st, around 8am, I said goodbye to Matt at the airport. It was a difficult thing, yet a comforting thing, to have so many family members there. I was so thankful to get an access pass to the gate to see Matt off. I had no idea that was a possibility until Matt checked in, and the sweet lady at the counter offered it to me. I about let down my flood gates right there in thankfulness. That gave us a few minutes of alone time before he boarded that plane. Ugh, those feelings come up just remembering that time. We don't have any pictures of that day, and honestly, I'm kind of glad we don't. You see, when troops are recalled, in the Marine Corps. anyway, their orders are written unaccompanied whether the troops are married or not. Had his orders been accompanied, you better believe I would've been on that plane too! The first day was not an easy one. In fact, it twists my stomach just thinking back. I forced myself to go to Sunday School and Church, but to be completely honest, I just wanted to be alone. Throughout his time away, I struggled with the concept of home. I felt a sort of homesick no matter where I was...at our apartment, at my parents' house, in the car...and my apartment wasn't particularly comforting. Despite the fact that it's a basement etc. etc. ;), everything reminded me of Matt. We are best friends, husband and wife, and as long as I'm with him...I find comfort. I think this time definitely enhanced my perspective that this world is not our home. Just as I longed to be close to Matt, the Lord longs to be close to us. Just as I waited for a phone call or email, the Lord waits for our communication with Him. Just as I waited for the day to meet Matt again, so we ought to long for the time we will be in heaven with our Lord and Savior.

In November, I was able to make it out for a long weekend during the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. We ended up going to the wrong ball at first, but made it to the right one just in time. We didn't stay for the dancing (of course), but I must say, it was an experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed the cheesecake! Because Matt's orders were unaccompanied, he and the rest of the recalled guys stayed in the barracks. Barely scraping enough money together to make it out (Matt's pay was a little messed up for "awhile"), ...can you keep a secret? I ended up staying in those little lovely's too. It wasn't exactly a honeymoon suite, but I was able to be with Matt. My birthday was the next week, so we celebrated early with a little ice cream cake! I flew home, and my birthday came and so did some red roses and a special note. Thanksgiving was a tough one...we have never actually spent a Thanksgiving together because of different circumstances. I'm thinking this year's will be really special!

December trudged in, but we were blessed. Family and friends helped make it possible for me to fly out the 5th and stay until the day after Christmas (which ended up being 2 days after Christmas due to weather delays)! That means, for me to come out, we needed a hotel room. I wasn't going to stay in his room again, especially for that long and on days he worked. We also needed a rental car to get around (because Matt was unable to bring a vehicle to base). All of these things really add up, especially after a flight during the holidays. Those family and friends, and the Lord's grace, literally made it happen! We had such a wonderful time and were able to celebrate our first wedding anniversary (that was so important to me)...at Balboa Park. We also exchanged our Christmas gifts that day because I wanted to enjoy the time and not be an emotional wreck because I was to leave the next day. We went to Disneyland...the first time EVER for either of us (to Disneyland or Disney World). We also visited the San Diego Zoo (so cool) and Wild Animal Park. We found a church we really enjoyed and met a couple who were originally from our little town and my college. They gave us a grand tour of San Diego and took us out for many lunches. We had to make several changes to my flight to stay the length I was able to, and finally, on December 26th we made our way to the airport again for my overnight flight home. When we arrived, we saw that my flight had been cancelled. Because I was not notified, the airline gave me some special niceties to make my next flight home more comfortable...which was scheduled for the next morning! Woohoo! I was so happy for more time with Matt, but it only left us with about 5 more hours together away from the airport. Back to the barracks we went (and his tiny single bed) because we had already checked out of the on-base hotel, and let's face it, we didn't want to spend 70something bucks for 5 hours. Matt was able to see me off each time through his military clearance, and I made my difficult flight home. Matt flew out to his destination the next day.
...

Dancing with the Who?

I'll let you in on a little secret, well known by some, not so well known by others. I don't like to dance much, and well, Matt does. He really wanted to dance at our wedding, and I was just too uncomfortable with the idea of standing in a big room dancing in front of a million people. (Ok, a couple hundred is bad enough!) That's just not my idea of fun. So, as a special date night? I told Matt we could rent an instructional video. I really wanted an old ballroom dance video (hmm, 17th/18th century type ballroom dancing), but all we found were more "modern" ones at the library.

What did we come home with? Actually, a wedding dance instructional video. It took us almost the whole week to get over the puffy sleeves and silly songs of the 80's before we actually gave it a whirl...or a twirl...or...whatever. So, the night before the video was due back to the library, we decided we needed to give it a try. Me, half of a perfectionist and self-conscious type (why I only do this in private) who after several minutes of frustration lost it and surrendered to hysterical laughter (other half). Matt a goofy, yet serious type, tried to get it right the first time so we could be successful? I only tried to get it right not to look and feel ridiculous. (I'm still convinced Matt was doing the wrong kind of waltz...we had 2 different versions, and boy, this whole thing brought out some competition in us.) We finally realized these dances just aren't up to our speed, and this was supposed to be an enjoyably fun (albeit hilarious) activity...and we shouldn't be all frustrated with each other! Being wayyy above the simple moves they provided, (umm, that gave us enough difficulty), we did a little choreographing of our own to the classical songs provided!

It is truly a shame we didn't have a camera running. Matt dropped me about 3 times (I'll err on the lower side) trying to "dip" me. I got a few sweat drops...I mean spit drops from laughter...in my eyes. Gross!..but I was able to complete the move with a smile that time... I think! We got pretty good at the twirls, and Matt even had hand squeezes or flicks to signal to me if he was letting go or not. He's pretty tricky! ;) I didn't always get the signal...but...it was a good try anyway. He zoomed me around, and we appropriately named it "the airplane," and somehow we both ended up on the floor like the real airplane rides you give kids. Yes, my stomach was on Matt's feet, as I elegantly and gracefully floated through the air. I don't think I've ever heard Matt laugh so hard before. I tried to do a tuck and roll out of the airplane move...but we got a little tangled and crunched. Actually, I think Matt's exact words were, "...cough..cough...your shoulder just crushed into my throat ...hack"; or something like that. All of this reminded me of my childhood when my family would perform silly stunts and the winter Olympics with our family friends. (In case you were wondering how I fared: I was the "synchronized snow shoveling" gold medalist with my partner, Mr. M., who was like 2 feet taller than me. I think I was his partner because I was the littlest...and easiest to toss?) We decided to call it quits after 20 minutes of craziness...and only a few minor bumps and bruises. Yes, over and over again, we prove that we are still children at heart!

While we're not quite ready to be a part of Dancing with the Stars or close to being invited to the ball in Pride and Prejudice (a favorite!), we had a good time...and learned a little bit more about each other and how to work together! I challenge you to try this on a date night with your husband. The old video was a kicker in and of itself, and if you have skills like us...well, I don't even think I have to finish that sentence!

"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance"
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Ohh, it's good to have him home!

In the spirit of the Olympics...

I'm staying up way too late! Anyone else? I think this is why they are only every four years.

hmm, future Olympic torch carrier? :)

We've Been Busy

The last couple of weeks have been pretty busy for us.



Matt's nephew, Robbie, celebrated his 1st birthday! It has been so much fun to see Matt with all the kids again. The little ones are gradually warming up to him!





We were able to catch the girls' last 2 soccer games too. This was a thrill! Soccer is Matt's favorite sport, and it is always such fun to watch games...especially when nieces are playing...or cousins, Bethany :)



We also were able to enjoy Laura Ingalls Wilder Day at a living history museum. I love this picture of the girls!



Abby was a little shy to do the 3 legged race, so I was Hannah's partner. I wasn't exactly dressed for the Laura Ingalls occasion (I'm in the red hat) :) She did such a great job! I was so worried I would knock her down accidentally. I was the slow one of the pair with the duck run...but maybe we'll blame it on the fact that our sizes weren't evenly matched ;)



Last Sunday, we had a family, friend, church picnic for Matt's homecoming:


This past weekend, we spent time down at Uncle John and Aunt Carol's with them, Grandma, and Bethany for the fair. We had a fun time but missed the rest of the family. Here's my little purchase! I was pretty excited and asked Matt to take a picture of it so I could send it to Chrissy, but he tends to like to take pictures that include me...so I guess I'm modeling it. Ohhh Matt.


(Yes, our game collection...mostly from garage sales...consists of kids games! We are such kids!)

In between, we've helped family move, and Matt has been actively looking for a job. He has sent out a lot of applications, and we are still waiting to hear from them. Please keep that (and us) in your prayers!

Pictures of Homecoming #2

It's taken me awhile to get back on here. Matt's been home for 2 weeks now. In some ways it feels like he never left, but in other ways it feels like he just got home. It was a pretty big moment when we actually got home to our apartment. I had the rest of his red, white, and blue paper chain (to count down the weeks) decoratively hung across the ceiling and of course, a fancy shmancy toilet paper "Welcome Home" sign. I knew he wouldn't have it any other way! (Ok, so I was in a hurry and lacking some resources...that, or we're going a little more green! Afterall, I suppose we can use the toilet paper again.) I thought I'd share a few pictures of his 2nd homecoming...when he came home to NY...never to wear uniform again...or so we think. Matt has decided to end his stint with the military to be able to be home with family and pursue jobs on the civilian side. I'm proud to be his wife and proud to support him wherever he is led, but I am much happier having him home!


Here I am waiting (and waiting...) with Nathanael. He thinks my purse is his personal fun bag. I didn't have time to clean it out beforehand, so he was a good helper.
Yes, my hair is sopping wet. I went to a bridal shower/picnic earlier that evening and ended up playing volleyball. So, I had to come home and shower again and rush to the airport. There was a little mix up about the time he was to arrive. (Thanks Uncle Bill :)...just kidding.) I was in a hurry...only to get there and wait. Oh well, better early than late.




The girls made such a cute Welcome Home sign, and from what I hear, Jacob added a little color too! My mom saw about 5 different Matt's leaving the gate. There he is. Oh wait. There he is. Is that him? It was making me nervous I wouldn't be able to recognize my own husband as quickly....but I spotted him right away (FIRST), and ran to the door that separates the flyers and welcomers.


Yup, same blue dress, same hug, same girl, same man!


I guess it's time to share him with everyone else who was there. It was so nice having so many family members and a few friends there. It was a lot different than being out in CA not really knowing anybody. I think I had different jitters. Each homecoming was different. I can't quite explain it...different seems to work.


Matt and his brother. No, they are not twins. Little joke. They just pretty much have the same shirt.
Did you notice Matt's haircut? Well, if you didn't..don't! There was an earthquake while he was getting his haircut. We won't blame the barber. :)


Matt and his mom...well, his mom was on the phone. She wasn't able to be there but called right away.

Speaking of Home...

You can cut to the chase by reading the bold. :)

Actually, I didn't forget to mention that I am coming home. I intended on writing another post before I left, but time just got away from me. I also figured my last few posts were long enough to add that in there, and I wanted Matt to have his ticket in hand before I sent out the news. When it comes to changes with the military, I'm not too quick to share...because they often change again. So here you have it, I just flew in at 10:25 tonight.

BUT THE BIG NEWS IS: Matt is coming HOME, Home, like OUR home. (The lovely home I often write about...full of moisture, millipedes, and all those good "m" things...but it is full of love..aww...and will be filled with "M"att. Ok, so I'm crazy excited and being ridiculous.) He is to arrive tomorrow night at 10:15pm! Anyone in the area who would like to welcome him at the airport, please join us!! I know it's not much notice, but we do what we can. Yes, this means Matt is "done" for good in the military....until he gets recalled again..:/. We have been extremely blessed to have his year of return to active duty decreased to about 10 months. July 30 is way better than October 19!

We can't wait to see the plans God has in store for us next... together!

More to come.....

It's Good to Be "Home"

Ok, so we're not exactly home, but I feel at home now that I'm back with Matt. I read a couple of articles once on the "power" of being close to the one you love. "A recent study of how human touch affects neural stress release indicated that married women who hold their husband's hand feel instant relief from extremely stressful situations" (Christianity Today). It's totally true!

If we look tired, that's because we are. This was the day after he came home just after picking up our rental car.

So what have we been up to?
Still tired.

Going out for our special dinner! Thanks Brandon and Sandy for that gift! It was wonderful! (We did go shopping for another dress for me, but I wasn't comfortable with any we found, so I wore the good ole blue one. I have worn it for every special occasion, except our wedding :), since high school graduation in 2002. Oh well, it's Matt's favorite anyway.)

The Beach! He makes me laugh.


Disneyland!

Precious Cargo!




Here we are at Sea World...or Sea Land, as Matt calls it. Matt's cousin, Warren, was in San Diego for the week for classes (he's in the Navy), so we connected for church, lunch, and Sea World.



They were huge!






We make a good couple. Notice how the child glasses fit me...but...ahem, don't exactly fit him real well, especially around the ears! We have different "dimensions" that we joke about frequently. I just hope our children's heads grow after birth.