Sweet Jesus

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! What a great reminder to reflect on and be thankful for the "good news that will cause great joy for all the people"......that is Jesus :) A sweet young virgin who bore a precious babe, the son of the only God. A boy who would grow into a man that would teach us how to love and live. A man who would die for us while we were still sinners. Because our God is a just god, there had to be sacrifice to forgive our sins. Because God so loved the world, He gave his one and only son for the forgiveness of our sins. All we have to do is acknowledge that He is Lord and ask him to come into our hearts and lives. When we do this.....He calls us his children, forgives all of our sins, and promises that we will have life after death. It is a free gift and it's never too late and no sin is too big. He stands at the door of our hearts and knocks.....if you hear his voice today....open the door!

We had a great holiday here! We spent Christmas eve with good friends. We went to our respective church services and then joined for good food and time together. They have a beautiful family and we are blessed by their friendship. Their 7 year old even recited Luke 2 (from memory) while we ate dinner....I was so impressed! On Christmas morning we had a quiet time at home. I made a big breakfast and we shared our gifts with one another. We drove to Kyle's parents in the afternoon. We had fun with the aunts, uncles, and cousins....always a lively crowd and the night never ends without the yearly wrapping paper fight :) The rest of the weekend was relaxing with time to visit and play with all of the kiddos. We were happy to meet our newest nephew this weekend.....welcome sweet Adrian!

I'm looking forward to this next week off with Kyle. I'm hopeful we can get a lot done around the house and also spend a lot of family time together :)

Until next year...........

Blessings friends!

Birth Story is online.........

For those of you not on facebook.....our birth story is now online! Feel free to read it but be forewarned.....it may be 'too much information' for some of you :)

Blessings!

http://www.morningstarbirth.com/index.cfm?event=pageview&contentPieceID=3226

Woot woot!

This just in...........we are back on the wagon around here :) I am so thankful to the Lord for taking care of a few issues that have been weighing on us over the past 3 months!!!! Ilsa had another good checkup with her hips and we are now weaning her out of her harness..........she should be out in a month or so and then check up again in 3 months.....woot woot! I also had a good checkup recently and am doing mentally and physically better.....finally! All of the other things that are affected by stress in the household are getting back on track as well :)

So many of you have told me that you've been praying for Ilsa and I'm so thankful for each of you! I can never tell you how much I appreciate your intercession :)

In other news.......the basement had the final inspection this week and...........it passed!!!! All I can say is......good job Kyle, you are amazing!! It is beyond me how he can figure out how to do most anything......must be the engineer brain. He did everything himself and it definitely looks like a professional job :) We're thankful for the help from the dads and the drywaller guys :) I'll

post some pics soon. We moved a few things down and will continue to do so over the next while. Soon we'll be working on the nursery :)

Yesterday afternoon we drove to WI to spend the night. We celebrated Christmas with Kyle's siblings and had a fun time together. Kyle's sister Jill is here now to spend a few days with us and Ilsa :) We started our time together tonight with fondue :)

I go back to work in 2 1/2 weeks :( Right now I wish I could stay home with the baby but I'm guessing most new moms feel that way. I'm going to give working part time a shot because I do like my work and we'd like to pay the house off sooner rather than later. We'll have to see how it works for Kyle too. So you can pray for that transition for us if you think of it.

Have a blessed week in preparation for Christmas :)

Tired of being the patient......

Let me preface this by saying that I realize we don't have real problems in life compared to what so many people face. Our situations are in no way dire.....but my experiences lately have gotten me thinking a lot about others facing much worse. If I worry and have anxiety......how much more do they. If the thought that something could be wrong wreaks havoc on my psyche....how much more does it do to those who know something is very wrong.

Mortality hits us all in the face every time we hear a sad story about "someone else"...........a young dad killed in a car crash, a new mom with cancer, a child with something horrific, a loss of a pregnancy......all things that rip your heart out and also cause you to guard your heart just a bit so that you can get out of bed in the morning and face another day.

As I've been to appointment after appointment lately for Ilsa and myself.............as I walk around the clinic now........I see the patients in a new light. I see the tired and worried eyes of the people I pass. I know the fears behind the worry. I know what it's like to have the tech run off with a "I'll just show this to the radiologist" all non-chalantly.......oh crap. I know what it's like to plead with God for good news. To try not to cry at appointments because you know it will waste the precious time you have to ask questions. To hope that the doctor you see is un-hurried and kind. That they would ask how you're doing with everything....and have time to listen to the answer. That they would understand your experience somehow in your short time together.

I'm ready to be the nurse, and not the patient, again. I will go back to work in a few weeks with a new perspective on caring for my patients. A fresh dose of compassion for those I have the privelidge of caring for. I was a bit burnt out before my leave and this time off has been good for my soul. I want to try to remember to be present every day with every encounter....it could make or break someones day. To be sweet and gentle....to be un-rushed (even though I am). To see the weary eyes and to ask....instead of not.

I've been reminded that God is in control! We can worry and worry and it doesn't make too much difference (except in our mental health). "Rest and know that I am God". Rest. I've been reminded that God is mighty.....if he can raise Jesus from the dead, surely he can deal with our problems. I've been reminded that I can plead whatever case with him but if it's not in his will.......then we bend our knee to his will. " He will work all things for good for those who believe". Believe. I've been reminded that he's built in me amazing faith over the years and I should be sharing it. "Do not hide your light under a clay jar". Let your light (God) shine through.

One of my favorite hymns (and also what I also sing to Ilsa in the middle of the night) comes to mind:

'Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

look full in his wonderful face,

and the things of life will grow strangely dim,

in the light of his glory and grace.........'

Cautiously optimistic..........

Hi friends. Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving! We had a whirlwind week......we traveled to Omaha last Monday afternoon so that Ilsa could meet her great grandmother and aunts/uncles.... on Wednesday we drove over to Davenport,IA for Thanksgiving with Judy's family. ...back home Friday afternoon. Was great to see everyone and Ilsa did much better than I expected with all of the traveling. It was good for my heart to see how happy my grandmother was to meet our little one........she is indeed a gift for all of us :) I think God sends his love and faithfulness through her :) Thanks to everyone for all of their handwashing and kindness to the new mommy :) I know I'm a nut but I really appreciate you all not making me feel like one :)

We're still learning how to have a good balance of enjoying life and spending all of our time with the baby, mommy and daddy time, housework and projects, fun time. It's been great for me to start getting together with girlfriends during the day for chats. Kyle and I have even both gotten out with friends a few times. We're planning our first date night out together........

We're also hoping to start planning a few weekends for us all to get away for this winter- to give us something to look forward to :) I think the key is just prioritizing, enjoying this time with Ilsa, and not inviting anyone over who cares if our house is dirty :)

We had some great news yesterday...... the harness that Ilsa is in as treatment for her hips is working! There has been significant improvement since her last check. She stays in the harness full time for now and we do another check in a few weeks. I'm not exactly sure how much more improvement she needs, but the doctor said if at the next check she continues to do as well as she has done, then we can start weaning her out of the harness. So....we are cautiously optimistic and really praying that that is the case. Sincere thanks to all of you righteous hearts that have been lifting our little one up in prayer......God has heard you!

Have a great week!

Still isn't working for pics, sorry, see facebook.

Laughable

Not much new to report this week. Kyle has been working hard at work and around the house-- taking such good care of us! Ilsa has been good....pretty smily most days....sleeping is hit and miss. I had a chance to go have dessert with a few girlfriends last night- felt nice to get out of the house. Ilsa and I did a bit of shopping today....shopping is not fun with a little one :) Online shopping it is for this year :)

A few things I have been thinking are funny lately:

*The baby now licks her lips when seeing my breast :)

*Taking a shower/bath feels like such a special treat :)

*When people touch my baby, I'm just sure they have some illness (certainly the plague) and just aren't showing the symptoms yet.... and plan to disinfect her at first chance :)

*Now and then I'll go through 3 diapers in one change because she keeps peeing :)

*I don't have anything intelligent to add to conversations anymore because I sit around the house talking in baby talk all day :)

*The highlight of my day is getting the baby to smile :) (and taking a shower :) )

*People always say she's a good baby when we're out and about.....she usually promptly starts screaming :)

Have a blessed week :)

Hope

" Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.' The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

--- Lamentations 3 : 21-26

Someone has to be in that percentage..........

Only 2 percent of babies are born breech....

Only 0.004 percent of babies are born with hip dysplasia...

Odds like that used to be reassuring to me.....now I know that someone has to fall into those percentages. Unfortunately, for my sweet little one...she's one of them. We found out this week that Ilsa has ultrasonic hip dysplasia on both sides. We met with an orthopedic surgeon and Ilsa was fitted into a Pavlik harness. She'll probably stay in this for at least 6 weeks. Risks for this are first born girl, family history, and breech presentation....Ilsa has all of these risk factors. The first 3 days were pretty rough but she seems to be getting used to the harness a bit more. She's back to taking naps again today (after only being able to sleep while lying on my chest) and is generally more pleasant :)

One thing I know........the Lord is faithful. He is constant and promises never to leave us. I can look back at my life and see evidence of this at every turn and I can especially feel it lately. Even when life sucks......He is there. Run to him. Lay it down. Let him carry your burden.

If you think of it......pray that this is all the treatment Ilsa will need.

Blessings friends.....

Getting big.....

I weighed Ilsa yesterday and she is 9lb 4 oz already!!! A good eater...just like her momma :) She is also starting to smile which just warms my heart :)

Not much to report this week. Us girls just hung around home. We spend the days in the rocking chair and around the house.....enjoying bath time, play time on the couch, naptime, and reading time. We do NOT enjoy 'getting ready for bedtime' :) We've gotten out of the house a few times in the past few weeks for lunch and to a friends house for dinner. We all went to part of church :) today and then to panekoeken :) Now home for naptime and packers game :)

Earlier this week I started a bible study on 'overcoming fear'. I'm sure it's a new mom thing... but I've been having trouble getting over the paralyzing fear of Ilsa getting sick or worse. It's a dark place at times. I am so thankful to God for His faithfulness and for His word!! He hears my heart, comforts me, and reminds me of his promises! He doesn't promise that no bad thing will ever happen but he does promise that no disaster will 'overtake' us and he does promise that he will never leave us. It's time to start living in the freedom, blessing, and abundant joy he has provided for!

PS) Website won't let me post pics right now..........check them out on facebook!!

Our little gift from God......

Our precious baby girl joined our family almost a month ago. She was born at 8:15pm on September 24th and we decided to name her Ilsa Ginny. This last month has flown by in a whirlwind of thankfulness, admiration, and love sprinkled with a little sleep deprivation, exhaustion, and over-analyzing :) Just as everyone told us before the birth.....our life is indeed totally different. We no longer have the luxury of thinking of only ourselves....we now have the privilege of caring for Ilsa 24/7. It has been amazing watching her grow and change every day....she's already over 8 pounds and is starting to interact with us more :)

Ilsa was still in breech position when she was born. In the weeks before her birth we made some tough decisions. We had tried everything we felt comfortable with to turn her around and we also didn't feel that c-section was necessarily the safest option....more predictable but not safer. In the end, we decided to deliver at Hudson hospital. Our midwife set us up to meet a physician there who is very experienced in breech birth and would assist us in attempting a natural delivery. We were blessed by her wisdom in helping us make the birth choice that was best for us. Despite what decision we made and what the outcome was.... we knew that God was in control and that Ilsa and my lives were in His hands. We also knew that He is not a careless mechanic.......he made my body to have my baby. Once we made a decision on the birth plan, we were able to rest and prepare for her to join us.

Labor started on the 23rd at 5 pm and 27 short hours later our little bundle was here! The sense of relief, awe, and excitement was amazing :) Not finding out her sex was well worth the wait.....what an amazing suprise! She's just the MOST beautiful little girl!! We were blessed by an amazing birth team: me, Kyle, nurses, Paula (our midwife), Shayna (midwife intern), and Dr Hartung. We first heard her name on the movie Casablanca and after looking it up, pretty much decided that was our first choice unless it didn't feel right. 'Ilsa' is a German derivative of Elizabeth and means 'God is my oath'. 'Ginny' is short for 'Virginia'(my grandmother's name and what my grandfather used to call her). Ilsa was 6 pounds 9 ounces and 19 3/4 inches at birth.

We stayed in the hospital 3 nights and then welcomed her to her new home. Since then we've just been lying low and recovering and getting used to each other. We've enjoyed the many family and friends who've come to meet Ilsa :) We're also thankful for the many meals and gifts (and I will send thank you's some day :) ) We've received more advice than we know what to do with and have certainly appreciated most of it :) We're still figuring things out but are enjoying being a family. Kyle and I have been through quite a journey together with all of this.....it's been cool to see the removal of all barriers between us, the pure and real trust in the Lord, the need and benefits of communicating well with one another, and the comfort of having one another. I absolutely could not have done any of this without him- he is amazing!

Well, more later....nap time is winding down :) Thanks so much for all of your thoughts and prayers over us.....we truly appreciate your care :)

Almost.....

Hi friends--

Hope you are all enjoying what seems to be the end of summer and the beginning of fall!! While I am always sad that summer is over so fast.......I absolutely love the fall and welcome it's coming. Apple picking, football, sweatshirts, bonfires, leaves, pumpkins, cool breeze...... lovely!

We continue to feel the abundant blessings that the Lord has poured out on us! We feel especially blessed to be meeting our little one very soon :) The due date is a week from today.....so sometime in the next few weeks we'll have a new and precious addition : ) As most of you know we found out about 3 weeks ago that the baby is in breech position. It was distressing at first because this is a riskier situation for birth. We've learned all sorts of things to try to turn the baby (inversions, music, hot/cold application, homeopathic pulsatilla, chiropractic technique, swimming, accupuncture). We're not sure what position the baby is in this week. In the end.....it comes down to trusting the Lord and trusting my body. He is NOT a careless mechanic and He IS in control! We would appreciate your prayers for a peaceful birth!

We're finding out that so many other friends are pregnant right now....so exciting! I wanted to share some books that have helped me think and prepare......

A thinking woman's guide to a better birth---- By Henci Goer

Gentle Birth Choices-- Barbara Harper

Ina May's guide to childbirth---- Ina May Gaskin

The womanly art of breastfeeding----La Leche League

Sleeping with your baby- a parent's guide to co-sleeping---- Dr. James McKenna

Also...spinningbabies.com

Kyle has been busy being so wonderfully supportive to me!! He's also making wonderful progress in the basement and preparing for football season :)

Many blessings on you all!!!

Slacker Summer

Hello friends.....I've been a bit of a slacker with blogging this summer! I always write in terms of where we've been......last I wrote was in June which took us on a trip to Austin, TX and a camping trip up north :)

In July we spent a weekend back in Omaha with the fam and a weekend at the cabin with friends. This month we've been sticking a little closer to home...... driving more than an hour or so isn't very comfortable these days :)

We had our summer party this last Saturday and had great weather and great friends to celebrate with :) Sunday we travelled down to celebrate our nephew's 1st birthday (see the cute pic of him hugging my belly :) ). Yesterday, my coworkers had a shower for us -- such wonderful people!

We have our 36 week appointment this week! Yes, I'm excited/nervous/amazed/blessed :) Our little one will be here before we know it :)

Kyle has been a working fool lately! He's been working at work and then working every evening and weekend on the basement. (And NO, it's not because I'm a nag!) It's really coming along.......working on getting flooring in and trim/doors up now. Such a hard working, wonderful man :)

We'll be missing my brother's wedding in 12 days :( Many prayers and blessings their way :) Congrats Ty and Natalee!!

Camping on the North Shore

My love for visiting the North shore began 5 years ago when a group of girls from church invited me along on a camping trip to Gooseberry Falls. I fell in love with the breathtaking scenery of Lake Superior, the rocky cliffs, the rivers, the agate beaches, the hiking..... While that first trip was filled with lots of fun and laughter it also took a turn into a spiritual retreat of sorts. Time spent watching the sunrise, bible in hand, talking, praying, and listening to God. I've looked forward to this same refreshing each year as I've visited. Kyle and I talked this year of how much we appreciate these times away from all of the distraction of life.....and how we found ourselves thinking of God and praying throughout most of the day without even realizing it.

My reading this weekend found me in the beginning chapters of Luke. These chapters talk about Elizabeth becoming pregnant with John the Baptist and Mary becoming pregnant with Jesus. Reading their stories and praises touched my heart in a new way than in the past......... so I found myself reflecting a lot on God creating each of us (and especially this little one growing inside of me).

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. " Psalm 139: 13-14.

How awe-some to my soul.....

I've also begun to pray a lot for this little one. Praying that Kyle and I would raise our little one to know the Lord. That His Word and spirit would never be far from our home and life. Praying that our little one would be filled with His spirit and joy and live a life to glorify the Lord! If you think of it.....send up a little prayer for baby schlosser :)

As we returned yesterday I thought a lot about my yearly camping trips with the girls and now with Kyle the last few years. There have been SO many fun memories and stories from these trips!!!! If you're reading this........please post a memory from one of these trips if you have one :)

Have a blessed week and 4th of July!!!

Pics

Rockin the baby bump at 25 weeks!!

The prettiest flower garden in the neighborhood....

The jelly bean jar at Grandma & Grandpa Schlossers' ......

A favorite memory of Kyle's.

I heart summer!

Hey friends! Isn't it JUST a beautiful Memorial Day!! It's absolutely perfect here! We enjoyed our day with sleeping in, having friends over for a grill out, and then a quiet afternoon :)

Nothing too new here to report. Kyle's been working hard on the basement and some landscaping outside. We're 90% done with painting and hopefully will get going on the brick fireplace surrounds in the next few weeks. I think the flower bed is looking good (will attach some pictures)-- everything is huge this year!

We spent a quiet weekend at the cabin last weekend which was great! Wednesday we're heading to Austin, TX to visit Kyle's brother's family for a few days. We'll see how 100 degrees treats us :)

I've gotten to spend a few days with Kyle's sister lately-- garage sale-ing and fabric shopping :) I finished the diaper bag, burp cloths, and baby blankets so that was huge :)

The baby-growing business is going well still! 25 weeks this week!

God has been so faithful and merciful to us!! I've been reminded lately to live a life of praise-- for the good and not so good in life. I'm basking in the glory of this time of blessing but trusting God to carry us through whatever may come.

Pics

Baby bump at 20 weeks!!!

Strawberry Rhubarb pie....soupy but cute and delicious!!!!

The news....

Hello friends! Praying that you're all getting ready for a wonderful weekend as I am :) We have been blessed with this beautiful spring, but I think the rain might be coming this weekend....all is well though, it will green everything up :)

Speaking of spring...most of you know that I've found a wonderful new interest in my flower garden. My mother in law helped us set it up with starter plants, etc and now we've extended the flower bed and done a lot more planting......this spring it has been wonderful to see all of the new and old getting started for the year :) I have lovely new hot pink, light pink & white, yellow & red, and purple/black tulips :)

I've been working on the diaper bag once or twice a month when we visit Kyle's parents...hoping to finish that soon and will post pics. This week I've been working on burp cloths :)

Let's see.....what other hobbies do I have....oh yes, I'm curing a batch of soap that I made a new recipe for. I'm trying to make a little harder bar that lasts a bit longer so I experimented with shea butter in the bar and will see how it comes out. Card making & crocheting are on back burner although I do have projects for both that need working on at some point.

I was motivated by the Julie&Julia movie to make a few new recipes so last week I made a Beef Curry and Gnocchi with Ragu.....both were different for us and good :)

So when my coworkers ask what I do since I only work part-time......... mostly housework and hobby stuff. Taking advantage now because I'm guessing being a mom might limit the hobby time :)

My wonderful husband has mostly been working at work and then working at home :) He finished the wiring this week and got the basement cleaned out (seriously....you guys will not believe our basement-- not a tool or scrap to be found!).....passed inspection this morning.....drywall to begin within the week!!!! I suppose DIY work on the house is kind of like a hobby..... :) He takes such good care of me and has done such a GREAT job making this a lovely home!!!

We've been praying about finding the right place to connect at our new church (if attending there for 1 1/2 years is in fact new)....... last week we committed to joining a weekly small group called First Principles. If you think of it...pray for us that we both keep growing in the work God started in us-- becoming more like Christ.....also pray that we would have good attitudes and continue to try to make Christ the center of our marriage and home :)

A good friend of a good friend had a beautiful little boy this past week......it was great to visit them and see just how tiny and precious he is :) How good is our God!!!!! Congrats Ambria & welcome baby Nelson :)

Well ......that's the news here. Have a great weekend!!

Godstop:

Titus 2: 3-5 "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."

What a wonderful day....

It's 10:39 pm, Saturday evening. Kyle is out with the boys watching basketball. I just finished watching Julie & Julia-- loved it!!

It's been a great day! Started off with waking without an alarm clock blaring, the realization that it was Saturday and there wasn't anything that I HAD to do, and beautiful sunshine coming through the window! I had been wanting to do a little shopping so decided this was the day to do it. I've been starting to feel a bit frumpy and decided it was time for a few new clothes to accent the new baby bump and make me feel pretty again :) Thank you to everyone I saw today that said I looked great (Amber, Knelly, Chinwe.... )... I heart you :) So 3 stores (+ a trip to Inta Juice) and 2 hours later I returned with 4 new clothing items, 1 gallon of paint, and 4 yards of fabric (ok so these last two didn't have anything to do with the baby bump :)

Then we were off to Fiona's 7th birthday (our dear friends little girl). We had a great lunch, an EXCELLENT birthday cake, and a fun time celebrating with everyone!

After lunch I came home to make my cupcakes that I'm to take to Easter dinner tomorrow. You would think that after a few years in the kitchen I wouldn't make silly mistakes ...........hehe I wish. I was to add 1 1/2 cup flour and so I took out a 1/2 cup measure and put three 1/2 cups into the mix = 1 1/2 cups, yes? Only to find when I was cleaning up that there was no 1/2 cup out on the counter!?? So.....I surmised that I used a 1/3 cup instead of a 1/2 cup and added 1 cup instead of 1 1/2 cups flour to cupcakes. Hmmmmm.....what would Julia Childs do??? Never apologize or make excuses.......... tasted them, frosted them up, and will take them tomorrow :)

After I tore Kyle away from working in the basement (he's marvelous btw), we were off for another birthday party. This time to celebrate the 30th birthday of my girlfriend Miriam. It was a surprise party and such fun to see her expression :)

After this I dropped Kyle off to hang with the guys & came home only to find I was pooped and wanted nothing more than to curl up in the chair. I read the last 7 chapters of Matthew and then started the movie.......... a must see ladies ;)

Godstop:

As we prepare to celebrate Easter tomorrow.....I'm filled with anticipation. Since committing my life to Christ, Easter has been one of my favorite days of the year! What joy, what excitement, what amazement........the Risen Lord! Can you even begin to imagine the reaction of the disciples when they learned that Jesus had risen from the dead? Everything Jesus had said to them suddenly making perfect sense! The crazy realization of the true meaning of the gospel they were preaching. How thankful I am that Jesus chose to die for my and each of our sins......that God rose him from the dead into everlasting life....that he promised if we confess our sins and ask Jesus into our life, then we would be raised to everlasting life in heaven as well!!!!! He could have backed out you know.....and he would have been fully justified in doing so....probably all of us would have backed out. But he was perfect and perfectly loving and demonstrated the purest form of God's grace.........an undeserved free gift.

Baby Stuff Pics

The moment of truth.... :)

Baby Belly at 15 weeks!

Up Close....

Beautiful blanket that Mom sent for baby already :)

Qwik Trip

We haven't been too exciting lately.....mostly working. I've been doing a lot of evenings so Kyle has gotten a lot of boy bonding with the guys :) I went to Alias night with a few girlfriends last week so that was great.....theres 5-6 of us that love this show and since it's not on anymore, we get together now and then and watch :) Kyle and I have also enjoyed watching basketball together this week!

This past weekend we went to O-town to visit my family. A lot of driving for a short weekend but we had a fun time :) Friday night we had a family dinner at grandma's with the aunts and uncles and a few out of town cousins. Saturday the girls went to Target to buy wedding gifts and the boys watched NCAA. That night we went to Mama's Pizza on Kyle's request :) and then watched 'The Perfect Getaway'.

Hoping for warm weather and the chance to get out in my flower garden this week! We also have our next appt on Thursday (yes, by the way....the baby growing is coming along swimmingly) :) We'll spend the day up there with Kyle's family then and I can work more on my diaper bag :)

Godstop:

I've been reading Matthew 15-21 this month. This passage has stuck out to me the most. If you get a chance read Matthew 18: 21-35.

It's time to let go of those things that are stumbling blocks for us!

Kyle and Beth Plus One

That's right.....I'm pregnant and we're excited to be adding a new addition to the Schlosser household :) I haven't blogged since shortly before we found out because it just seemed fake to write about everything other than what I was thinking about every minute :) So now the news is out and I'm happy to answer your questions..........

"When are you due?"-- at this point our date is September 13th!!

"Are you going to find out what you're having?"-- Nope! I'm sure it will drive my little planner brain crazy but I think it will be a wonderful surprise to wait for!

"How are you feeling?" (<-- with head tipped to side in a concerned way)-- I'm starting to feel a LOT better now. I was pretty tired and nauseated weeks 5 through 12 but I'm definitely starting to feel like myself again. I'm thinking I wasn't nearly as sick as a lot of people get so I'm thankful for that!

"How far along are you?"-- 13 weeks this week.....27 to go!!

"Do you have a name picked out?"-- Yes! We have a few names picked out!

"Will you tell us?"-- No :)

"How will you decorate your nursery?"-- it's crazy how many times I've been asked this :) At this point I think we'll paint it, put some stuff on the walls, and stock with all the essentials we'll hopefully have acquired by then........I doubt we'll do a theme. :)

Well....those are the top questions I've been asked so far :) We're planning to give birth at MorningStar Birth Center. This is very close to where Kyle's parents live. We chose this option because giving birth is a very personal experience and it means a lot to us to have our caregivers be people that we've gotten to know over 9 months of preparation. We are also excited about the calm, safe, homelike environment that the birth center offers. I'm sure you'll hear more than you want to about the birth plan as time goes on but if you'd like to read more, here's a link to the birth center's website:

http://www.morningstarbirth.com/index.cfm

So that's our big news friends! Other than that........we've been doing life as usual! We're making a point to really enjoy our time left as "just the two of us" and we started this off with a weekend away this month. We stayed for 3 days in a cabin on Lake Superior (pics on facebook) and had a fabulous, relaxing time! We're very excited for spring and hoping no more snow comes our way before then.......either way, it's almost here. Almost time for sunshine, flowers blooming, grilling out, walks.....ahh, I'm happy just thinking about it!!

Godstop:

I've been so thankful to God these last months for this new blessing in our life. I've gone through different periods or moments of anxiety about different things relating to this but keep coming back to rest in God's promises and attributes.......

He is mighty (if he can raise Jesus from the dead, surely he can watch over me and my family)

He is good (he promises to work all things for good for those who believe)

He has ALWAYS been faithful to me (looking over the stepping stones of my life...he's there)

He is sovereign (no matter what happens in life (good, bad, or devastating)....we bend our knee to his will and know that he has each of our days in his hands, loves us, and is in control....and we rest in him even when we do not understand)

He saves! (because I have confessed that I am a sinner and asked Jesus into my life.....I KNOW that when I die I will go to heaven (simple, isn't it!)......this allows me to lay my worries down).

If you've read this far...what a dear friend you are. I guess it IS my blog so I can write as long as I like :)

Have a blessed week and thank you for sharing in this blessing with us!

So when I said I missed my calling a few blogs back.......

it wasn't so! I was never supposed to be a Rock Band superstar.......I WAS in fact supposed to be a DDR master :) I won a playstation with DDR this past week on ebay and have been thoroughly enjoying my new game! For those of you who don't know...DDR is a kind of dance video game....you follow the screen and dance on this pad on the floor. Anyways it's great fun and a good workout and I've wanted it for years and years but didn't feel I needed it or want to pay for it. So while I still don't want video games and such around the house...I made a selfish exception for this :)

Other than that....life as usual. We spent a long weekend up at the cabin this last weekend with two other couples and Kyle's parents and younger brother. The guys went ice fishing and the gals hung by the fire for a few relaxing days. Kyle is planning a short work trip to New Hampshire next week and then jetting off for Vegas with his friend Jake on Friday night!! I always miss him when we're apart (even if only for a few days) but will give me some time to catch up some girlfriends hopefully! 

Godstop:

I've kept up with my 7 chapters every day. Really learning Matthew 1-7 and have felt the blessing of God working His promise out in my life.... "to finish the good work He started" in me!

Stay encouraged friends!

Happy 2010!!!

Happy 2010 dear friends!! It's been a few weeks since I've written. We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and New Years. I got lucky with work this year...I was supposed to work a 3-1130 pm shift on xmas eve & xmas both BUT...I got an EA on Christmas Eve & then a wonderful coworker offered to work Christmas day for me.....WHAT A GREAT GIFT!!! So Christmas eve Kyle and I were able to go to church together & have a nice dinner & exchange gifts. Christmas day we woke up early and went to Dorothy Day House to volunteer and cook a pancake breakfast. After that we got on the road and headed to WI...the roads were a bit sketchy but we made it. We spent a great weekend with Kyle's family.....enjoyed seeing all of the aunts, uncles, cousins & the yearly wrapping paper fight!. Also- that Saturday me and my two sisters-in-law went to town and got a pedicure, had lunch, and did day after christmas shopping!....was great fun and we decided it should be a new tradition!!! 

I got so many nice gifts this year! Of note: a pie iron, ravioli press, misto, and dutch oven from my Love; some starter sewing projects from Kyle's mother (a new hobby!!!); cake decorating equipment (another new hobby!!!!); and a warm, comfy homemade afghan from my mom!!!!

Last week, Kyle's younger brother came back to Rochester with us and stayed the week. He put new brake pads on Kyle's truck, fixed the snowblower, put the motorcyle back together, and helped Kyle with more of the wiring in the basement. What a nice houseguest!!!

We spent New Years Eve with 3 other couples at a Mexican theme dinner party! One of the couples was recently engaged so that was fun to celebrate with them and hear about their plans! 

Godstop: 

I was listening to the Grace to You radio program (John MacArthur) recently and heard a series on interpreting the bible. He said that "knowing the bible" is one of the best ways to effectively interpret the bible. He offered one suggestion that caught my attention: Work your way through the New Testament 7 chapters at a time. Start in Matthew and read Ch 1-7 every day for a month. Then Ch 8-15 every day for the next month. Do this all the way through the New Testament. Read the Old Testament more as a narrative....just read it all the way through (at least 7 Ch every day).....and then do it again. 

He also said not to get hung up on things you don't understand as you read though. Just keep a notebook nearby and jot down the things you don't quite get. Then spend some time each week looking back into these passages and using your resources to understand them. 

So that is my goal this year....to start in on "knowing the bible". I think I can be entirely through Matthew, Mark, Luke, John by the end of this year. My hope is that my faith and knowledge will grow as I spend increasing time in the bible and become a good friend to the Word. My hope is that I will know our Father in heaven better, that I will take his Word into my heart, and that He will continue the good work he started in me!!!!