Monday, March 28, 2011

God's Plan?!?

I think I've mentioned before that Steve and I are in a small group at our church. We were asked to join the small group in 2003, and quite honestly, we almost said no. We just couldn't picture ourselves in a group of "Super Christians." You know, the kind of people who have monogramed carriers for their well-worn Bibles (no offense to those of you who own a monogrammed Bible carrier, because I'm envious of and intimated by you, all at the same time). It's just that Steve and I didn't even own a Bible at that point, even though we had been going to church for three years. We just didn't think we'd fit in with the "Super Christians." And so, our immediate reaction was to say no.

However, at the same time, we were in the middle of our struggle with infertility, and we desperately wanted a baby. We were at a place in our lives where we were in need of some hope, some support, some...well, something. And (since I'm being completely honest here), I figured it couldn't hurt to spend some time with the "Super Christians" (because, in my mind, God might just hear the prayers of the "Super Christians" and grant us our one wish). And so, for completely selfish and ridiculous reasons, we found ourselves saying "Yes" to the small group (and making an immediate trip to LifeWay to purchase our very first Bible).

I know, now, that all of it was part of God's plan for our lives. Our struggle with infertility caused us to go out on a limb. God used our selfish desires to draw us closer to Him. We met the "Super Christians" and learned that they were pretty much the same as us. We bought a Bible and we actually started reading it. We discussed God's ways and God's truth, and we all prayed hard for Steve and I to have a baby.

I will never forget the night that Steve and I told our small group that our first IVF cycle didn't work. That night, before our Bible study, every member of the group prayed for us (out loud). I sat there with tears streaming down my face, knowing that our pain was shared by others and that our friends would continue to lift us up to the Lord. I will also never forget the day I walked into small group, with a ginormously round belly, to see the most beautiful baby shower, complete with a three-tiered pink cake, a college-fund piggy bank, a basket of gifts, and some crazy fun shower games that still make me laugh just thinking about them (picture grown men in a race to see who can chug apple juice from a baby bottle the fastest...very funny).

Over the years, our small group has changed. New couples have joined as others have moved on. Today, there are three couples in the group and we have all gotten to know each other very well. And so, because of my comfort level with the group, I decided that I would suggest the book that we should read this spring. It's a big step for me, going out on a limb again to suggest a Christian book that I had heard about over my lunch hour on a Christian radio talk show.

The books arrived this week, and I anxiously started flipping through the pages. My eyes about popped out of my head when I saw Chapter 7: Punctuating Her Period. Oh my. So, apparently, this book is for Moms to help guide their little girls...except our small group is a couples thing and the guys participate as much as the girls.

This blog post is my way of telling my small group about my mistake. Apparently, this spring, thanks to my brilliant book choice, the "Super Christians" will be discussing menstruation (and other girly, girl topics). We have moved from infertility, to baby showers, to discussing our daughters and their upcoming menstrual cycles. I just hope, that after reading this post, they will agree that God always has a plan for us (even when we make mistakes). And, at the very least, our upcoming small group meetings should be quite entertaining, right?

So, Katie & Kristi, when can I drop off your books? I'm sure your husbands will be excited to start reading : )

Friday, March 25, 2011

Out like a lamb...

...NOT! They're calling for temperatures in the low 20's tonight...the last weekend in March. My whole soul is just so ready for spring. We have seen the bulbs popping up through the ground, the robins have returned, and we started making plans for our real, live garden this year (as opposed to last year's overstuffed pots). But, as a last hoorah to winter fun, on this cold March weekend, here's some fun winter pictures from 2011 (and a prayer that we can soon pack up the winter gear and pull out the flip flops)! Steve spent quite a bit of time on this lovely snowman...which he decided was a little too wimpy for his taste. So he built what he likes to think of as his "Snowself," with the ripped biceps and super hot, six-pack abs. Ha! Steve's studly snowself was the talk of the whole neighborhood this winter! I would also like to point out that "Condom Hat" made a return this winter. Seriously...what is wrong with Steve's hat, with that little pouch on the top??? And, of course, a day would not be complete without a little sisterly love. Ellie decided that it would be so fun to jump on Kate. I'm not sure Kate was feelin' the fun, though! So...now that I've finally posted winter pictures, we can bid farewell to my least favorite time of the year and welcome in the warm breezes, green grass, and picnics in the park.

Future Olympians...

Kate has been taking gymnastics off and on for the last two years, but finally, Ellie was old enough to join her. To say that Ellie was excited is definitely an understatement. The girl was seriously bouncing up and down from all the excess energy and enthusiasm that she just couldn't contain in her little body. She was just so happy with the whole experience. I think Kate spent more time "mothering" Ellie than she did actually doing gymnastics. Steve and I have decided that separate classes might be the way to go in the future! But it was fun to watch our sweet girls bounce around the gym. I'm expecting a call from the famous gymnastics coach, Bela Karolyi, any day now!


Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Sneak Peak of Baby Will

This week I had the chance to take some pictures of this sweet little man, who is only ten days old. Newborn babies are such a blessing. I'm always in awe of how perfect (and teeny, tiny) a new baby is. They are God's perfect miracles.



Judy, thanks for letting me spend some time with your family. Your kids are all so sweet. Congrats on your newest miracle...he is perfect. I will be in touch to drop off the CD in a few days!
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