At the end

Well - we made it to 40 wks and now we get to wait and see when his perfect birthday is going to be.  Last week we took a few quick pictures and here is one from today, his actual due date.  Can't wait to meet this little guy!!

Carrying on a legacy

I have been avoiding this post, not knowing if I want to write anything or what I should write, but when it comes down to it I want to share about the amazing life of an amazing woman - my mom.  I was reading back a few months ago to the post I wrote when we found out my mom had cancer.  I cannot believe that was 6 short months ago, it is amazing how much can change in 6 months.  I would say that one of the biggest things that happened in that 6 months was witnessing the true faith of my mom who walked the road that no one ever should have to walk.  As a close family friends said, her faith was woven into her life.  I think it is in those last days that we truly saw that statement lived out.
The last few months have been a road that I hope others do not ever have to go down but looking back, and still today we truly have seen the Lord's hand on so many details.  Even though He did not choose to heal my mom as we were praying and hoping, He showed His faithfulness, His love, His peace through so many incredible details.  My mother was a woman of faith that I can only hope to live out.  In her last days she continually prayed for us and friends, she encouraged us and loved on us like I have never seen before.  There was no anger, no regrets, only her faith speaking out in truth and strength.  We had such a unique opportunity to all be together with her the last few days.  Those three days I will cherish always.  Although it was hard it was such a sweet time as a family and I believe it was comforting for my mom, to have us all together and to know that we were all going to be ok.  We also got to see a marriage that was faithful and strong to the end - they did it well and I am blessed by my dad.  His faith has been incredible and they lived out their vows.
I know hard days are ahead, I know we will miss her every day, but her legacy is one that I cannot wait to live out!  My mother was the example of a godly wife and mother and I am grateful for the qualities that she has instilled in me.  It has been incredible to see the faith of the kids in our family, and being able to teach Emma more about our Lord through this event.  I only pray that we do not forget and continue to use my moms life as a testimony for His glory!
The last night as we were all together in the hospital room, my mom prayed that we would continue to bring Him glory, that we would follow Him and praise Him.
I hope that through her testimony we are all encouraged to do just that!
This picture was taken on Mothers day.  It is our last picture together and was taken three days before she went to be home with our Savior.  I love her smile!

Little dancer

Emma finished up dance class this year with her recital on Mothers Day.  We did not make it to the recital since we were going out of town, but we went to the rehearsal the Friday before (yes we video taped it, brought flowers, it was good enough for our little 3 year old!) and she did such an amazing job.  I was pretty shocked that she remembered so much of the dance, but was not surprised that she loved watching all the other girls dance in their "preeetty costumes"  She loved it all and is already talking about next year!  Today I finally took some quick pictures of her in her dance costume - little girls are just too fun!

Getting closer.

Well one thing is for sure - this pregnancy is moving right along!  Sometimes I do not think I have grown much, but when you compare these pictures there is no doubt.  Did not even plan to have the same shirt on, but it is fun to really see just how much he is growing!  We now have a little under 3 weeks (give or take) till we get to meet him.  Getting excited!

32 weeks

37 weeks

A few of the house

We have been in our house almost a week and are getting all settled in.  We still have a lot of unpacking to do, but it is definitely coming together.  We were completely blessed by some friends of Jen's parents who came and helped us for two days this week.  They hung anything we asked and organized even our closet!  A huge thanks to Tom and Kathleen!  So - here are just a few pictures...

The front view

Loving the kitchen!

Living room - cannot wait for it to get cold so we can use that wood burning stove.

And just for fun - the animals are a plus too - Emma loves watching them in the mornings, this is the view from our kitchen table.  Love it!

We still feel a bit like we are just staying in a vacation home and cannot believe this is our house.  Amazed at how the Lord has provided for us to live here and cannot wait to make so many memories in this place!

Easter.

The Zip line!

Here is our big girl doing the zip line - so fun!