Exciting News...

I know it has been a while since I have posted. A long while. In my last post I asked you to pray for Stellan as he had recently been admitted into the hospital. I'm happy to report that he is recovered and back at home with his family.

And now on to the other exciting news, we are expecting a baby again! Even as I try to type these words, my hands freeze mid-stroke. Some of you know, some of you don't, that we lost our last pregnancy very early on just a few months ago. When I discovered I was pregnant last week I decided that this time I would wait before telling too many people. Sure I phoned my family right away and they were overjoyed with our news, but I felt as if I was holding back. I felt that I couldn't fully embrace the happiness that goes along with such a miracle because there is still such a fresh scar on my heart from the recent loss. "I'll just tell close friends & family" I said, rationalizing. But to do that robs God of the Glory for His miracle. He saw fit to bless us once again with a child. And if He decides to take it away again, that will be His decision and we will accept it. Will we cry? Yes. Will we be angry at God? No. He knows what's best for us and while we don't always understand, we choose to love and obey Him anyway.

So even though at times I catch myself trying to not get "too attached" - I have to just let it all go. I can't live in fear of things that may never happen and I can't put God in a box and tell Him I don't trust that this pregnancy will last. "We walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor 5:7 (Thanks sis for reminding me of that today.)

So we thank God for such a wonderful blessing and pray that this pregnancy is smooth and complication-free. We can't wait to meet the next member of our family and see the unique personality that God gave him/her. "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13

Emergency Prayer Request - Stellan

Please pray for Stellan. He was admitted to the hospital a few days ago, but last night was his worst night yet. The Dr. said "He's in bad shape." The family is distraught as you might imagine. Here is the link to MckMama's blog for more specific details of Stellan's latest battle. I will keep you updated as we learn more.

Prayer Request - Pray For Mary

I received the following email from my friend Hannah requesting prayer for her sister-in-law:

Hi Everyone,

My sister, Mary is in need of dire prayers. Her health is not improving and she has been in the hospital now just shy of a month. Her body is very weak and not getting much stronger. She has just recently developed another infection and cysts in her throat. She remains in good spirit yet I know her spirit struggles. She needs all the prayers and good energy that can be sent her way. Please pray for her recovery and health.

For those of you who are not fully aware of my sister's condition upon admittance to ICU, she went into ER with DKA, unidentified infection, pneumonia and chronic cough. She then developed two more infections, one life threatening that is in her lungs and continued with high blood sugars. She is at Loma Linda Univ. Med. Ctr. in unit 6300.

Thank you for your prayers and please send this to anyone who may wish to pray for her as well.

P.S. Please pray for my parents strength and health through this as well.

Miniature Golf

We stopped by the local miniature golf course last weekend and had some fun. It was blazing hot, but the kids enjoyed it. We'll be back in the fall when the weather cools off a bit.

Flashback Friday - Nina's Baby Pictures

Here are some old pictures of mine that I scanned in so everyone can see just how much Rachel looks like me when I was a baby.

4th of July Pics

Here are some pictures of adorable Rachel from 4th of July.

Vote for "The Herd"

My friend Bridget has entered her adorable family in Chick-Fil-A's "Show Us The Cow" contest. They're currently in 11th place! Please go here and vote for them. The winner gets free food for a year, and with 5 little mouths to feed, she really needs to win! Please go vote!!

**Remember to click on the confirmation email they send you so that your vote counts! And if you have more than one email account (work/home) you can vote with each one!**

Independence Day - 2009

The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. Not only does it mean that my birthday is 12 days away, but it stands for so much more. I love our country and the freedoms we enjoy, so it's nice to take a day to reflect on what a wonderful nation we live in. I am so thankful that I was born in the United States and not a struggling, violent third world country and I believe that we should help those who also wish to be free from tyranny.

I know that we have Veteran's Day and Memorial Day, but I believe Independence Day is a military holiday just as much as the other two, because we would not be free if it were not for those brave men who shed their blood for us. So tomorrow when you're enjoying the hot dogs & fireworks, take the time to thank an Airman, Marine, Soldier, Sailor or Coastie for their service to our country and for the sacrifice they and their families make for this great nation.

God Bless America!

Summer Fun

We recently got annual passes to Sea World - San Antonio and have been enjoying the water park for the last few weekends. Here are some pics of the kids playing in the water.

Joshua's First Roller Coaster Ride - He LOVED It!

Ketchup

I've been really behind so I've added some "ketchup" posts with pictures from the last 3 months. I put the "correct" dates for each of them, so scroll past the Father's Day ones!

Here's a quick pic of Rachel feeding her baby doll.
Isn't that precious? Enjoy!