36 weeks...well kinda

Well, it happened...I got behind on my blog. Sorry about that. I have been a little busier than usual, but mostly I've just been lazy. I've been working on some Christmas gifts for our nieces and nephews and finishing up touches on the nursery. (Update on nursery to come soon.) So here is my picture update of myself at 36 weeks- but I am actually just over 37 weeks as I write this so I suppose I have gotten slightly bigger in the last week. Ugh. I also had my first bought of sickness 2 and 3 weeks ago- a respiratory-something-or-rather and the stomach flu. Thankfully I am over both of these things and am feeling well other than the obvious uncomfortableness of having a growing baby inside me. Brent and I are really excited to meet our little guy and to share him with the rest of you! Hope this finds you all doing well. Near future updates- nursery and baby shower pictures. 

Obviously still have not gotten a hair cut. Also, notice my finger nails. This was after Rach and Riley and I went to get manicures and pedicures. It was FABULOUS! Thanks girls- love you both!

A Friend is with Jesus

A friend is now with Jesus. There is comfort in that, but when I think about Preston's sweet wife, Dara, and the rest of his family my heart hurts for them. Preston and Dara were one of those couples that you know were meant for each other as soon as you saw them together. They even kind of looked alike. I know I have described them before to others as "two of the nicest people I have ever met". I really mean that- they are THAT nice. The love of Christ was evident in everything they did. They dated for a long time before they were married on July 31, 2010. Preston was a 4th year optometry student (a year behind Brent in school) and we had the privilege of going to the same church as him. Preston never held back a compliment. He was always lifting others up around him and providing encouragement. Brent and I went to Tahlequah this last weekend and were able to spend some time with Preston and Dara on Saturday evening and Sunday after church. I am so thankful for this time. Preston was a Cardinals fan, so he was ecstatic his team had won the world series. In light of eternity, the Cardinals aren't really a big deal but I'm so glad he got to see them win. I will always remember Preston with a smile and a laugh that would turn his whole face red. I will also remember the gift he had of making those around him feel like a million bucks. In his short life, he has left quite a legacy that points to his Savior.  

Like most people, I never know what to do or say during such horrible times as these. I want so badly to do something or say something that will provide great comfort to all those hurting so badly, but I think the only person that can provide such things is God. I think what I can do is pray fervently, provide acts of services, and be there for the people most effected after the dust settles. 

Preston, Dara, me, and Brent at the Eye Ball 2011

Please join us in prayer for Dara, Preston's parents and brother, Dara's family, NSU College of Optometry, and all that have inevitably been touched by Preston's life. May everyone be pointed to God and his goodness. 

You may be asking yourself why I posted a picture of my refrigerator on the blog. Well I think you can classify this post under "completely random", but for some reason I was compelled to blog my thoughts as I was cleaning the fridge today. That's right, I cleaned my fridge- please no congratulations- if you knew how long it had been, you'd more likely be appalled than impressed. And along those same lines, do not be alarmed by how little real food there is occupying the refrigerator shelves. That is actually the point. 


Come the month of September, I sat down and scheduled out meals for the month and then made a grocery list to coincide with this schedule. At the end of the month I had several meals that I had not made yet. (I love when this happens because it delays my HUGE grocery store run). Anyway, I decided that we were just going to eat everything we had in our pantry, fridge, or freezer until we had no more food. Would you believe that it is October 26th and we still have some meat in the freezer and enough other things to to make meals. Granted, some of our meals are a little bit random and maybe a little scant, but by NO MEANS have Brent and I suffered on our caloric intake. In fact, we both weigh the most we ever have- blame it on the pregnancy... I digress... Anyway, I am amazed that on any given month I would have made another schedule, gone to the store and come home with a load of food to prepare for that month. When in fact, we had plenty of food to sustain us. So, you're probably still wondering...what's the point?


I think I just realized for the umpteenth time how blessed we are. Brent and I have been learning (slowly) how to live on less (again not meant for sympathy or congratulations just a realization) and God continues to provide us with what we need. 


Matthew 6:30-34 (ESV)
"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."