Do I live in a glass house?

Over the last couple of weeks or so, a few different friends/acquaintances have made the same general statement to me. It's been kinda weird.

And I haven't been able to get it out of my mind.

In more or less words, they have all said:

"Nothing every goes wrong for you, does it Jenny?"

My first response usually has been..."things do go wrong at times and life is hard some days, but I try to focus on the good instead of the bad."

One time after saying that, a friend...well, more of an acquaintance, said..."that's because she only tells us the good stuff!"

The last few days I've been thinking about all those conversations and trying to figure out why I am still dwelling on them...and wrestling with what people are perceiving about me.

As I've been thinking and praying and pealing back more and more layers of the core issue, I am struck by these thoughts.

First, right now, on Wednesday, October 28, 2009, I do feel abundantly blessed. I feel that God has blessed us with a GREAT church, great friends and family, wonderful and healthy children, a warm home, a healthy 3rd pregnancy, money to pay our bills, and an exciting upcoming trip...just Brad and me. I do feel like, at this moment, life is as it should be.

But I do remember times, very recent times, where life was NOT picture perfect. I remember times of feeling depressed and overwhelmed with my life as a grad student, wife, and mother of 2 small children. I remember times of uncertainty with Brad's job and his current pay freeze. I remember times...just a few short years ago...when I cried out to God for a baby, a house to call our own, and a church to serve. I remember a time when I thought Brad would never be in full time ministry again...

No, life is not perfect for us.

I think there are seasons of life that are filled with blessings after blessings. Some blessings I believe are a direct result of obedience. Other blessings come because we have a gracious God who gives us things even when we don't deserve it.

There are other seasons that are especially hard...ones filled with great pain and tribulation. Seasons that seem to go on and on with no end or hope in sight. I also remember such a season. One that took me a long time and a lot of healing to move on from.

In the midst of these thoughts, I've been overwhelmed by what God has to say about this. Because, really, His opinion is the only one that matters.

What I know for sure, as I put my emotions and personal feelings aside, is that...

God chooses to do what He wants with my life.

He gives and He takes away.

My circumstances, for the most part...though some ARE direct results of poor choices/sins or times of obedience...are NOT about me or what I want.

Everything, and I mean everything, happens for the sole purpose of bringing glory to God and making me more into Christ's likeness.

Nothing, absolutely nothing is my own. That goes for my house, my children, my marriage, my talents, my thoughts, my checking account, even my faith is not my own. Everything is from God.

Even the bad times...the hard times...the times I am desperate for relief.

But if I have a proper view of God and His character and understand that He doesn't allow anything to touch me or my family without being first filtered through His loving hands, I am able to more readily accept it.

Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose."

I can either trust Him...

or not.

So, even though it is easier to trust Him in this season of blessing, I pray, oh how I pray, that when the trials come, my view of God will not change.

It's not my job to understand or to give Him advice. It's my job to obey, continue to be faithful, and hold on tightly to His hand.

So, I will continue to focus on the positive, praise God for His many undeserved blessings, and keep relying on God's never-changing character...even when this season comes to an end.

Not Me, Monday!

Welcome to Not Me! Monday...a time to confess all the ridiculous things we have done in the last week. MckMama, once again, leads us in our time of confession and fun. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have NOT been doing this week.

Confession is so good for the soul!

It was NOT me who was irritated last week when, on two different days, a friend dropped by during lunch/nap time and threw off my schedule for the day. NOPE, I love having people drop by and NEVER put my schedule or my list of things to do above spending time with a friend.

I did NOT become very frustrated with my husband last week when he ended up working until after 8:00 one night. NOPE, I totally understand that his job in ministry is not a 9 to 5 job, and I am NEVER upset when he has to stay later at his office or hang out a bit longer with a student or chat with some parents who are going through a hard time. NOPE, I'm completely understanding and NEVER let long hours away from home make me mad.

The night before Sammy's birthday party, I did NOT stay up until almost midnight cleaning my house, prepping the food, and making a princess castle cake. NOPE, I totally know that sleep is more important than a clean house and that no one really cares if I make a castle cake or not.

The next morning, I also did NOT yell at my husband when he wasn't moving fast enough in helping me get the kids dressed and ready and fed. NOPE, I NEVER lose my cool, and never let little things like the sugar cones falling off the castle cake and breaking into a million pieces on my clean kitchen floor...or something like that...bother me in the least.

NOPE, NOT ME!!!

How time flies...

On Thursday, my little girl turned 4.

I'm still trying to figure out where those 4 years have gone!

It seems just yesterday that we held her in our arms for the first time.


And praised God for giving us a perfect, little girl.


What a whirlwind those first few days and weeks were. Even though I was 28 and had been married over 6 years, I still couldn't believe I was a mom...and still couldn't believe they actually let me leave the hospital with her...without a nurse call button to push! I was terrified at times. I would lie in bed awake for hours just making sure she was still breathing.

But God was so good and granted me such patience as I learned to nurse and change diapers and understand her cries.

She was such a good little baby!


She was a great sleeper, great eater, and great traveler.


With each passing year I am amazed by her. She is full of spunk and fun. I can barely keep up with her imagination most days. She loves creating stories and ideas for play. She is currently playing with Caleb in her room. Her bunk bed is an ambulance and when I hear "whee-oooh, whee-oooh" I am supposed to come running with the doctor's kit and help her and Caleb who, I'm sure, will have a long list of injuries.


She is a GREAT big sister, and I can see that Caleb loves and idolizes her something awful! They play together so well, and Caleb can't wait to see her in the morning. I know that she will be such a big helper when her new baby brother or sister arrives in April.


She loves books, loves to sing, loves being with other kids, and loves doing school. Her capacity to memorize songs and Bible verses is amazing!


She is my little princess...

"Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him." - Psalms 127:3

A boy and his trains...

We've been moving a bunch of stuff around in our house lately as we've been thinking about where we are going to put a third child in our little 1300 square foot, 3 bedroom home. We finally asked my parents if they could put the queen bed from our guest bedroom/Caleb's room in my old bedroom at their house for awhile. When they were here a few weeks ago with their trailer, they also brought down an old bunk bed that my nieces used to have in their room.

So now Sammy is sleeping on the top of her "new" bunk bed in her room, and Caleb is in Sammy's old toddler bed in his room. We still have to buy her twin top bunk and the lower double bed new bedding and paint the room, but we think Sammy and Caleb will share that room...especially since they play in there almost every minute they are both awake. But, for now, Caleb is in his room, and since the queen bed is gone, we've been able to set up his train tracks and keep them set up.

And, boy oh boy, does this little guy LOVE his trains!

He is so much like Brad in that way it is NOT even funny!

He has loved trains every since his aunt and uncle got him a wooden train set for his first birthday. Even though he really didn't play with them at one year of age...he sorta chewed on them...within a few short months he totally figured out what he was supposed to do with them.


And he's never looked back! Now he does love buses and garbage trucks and cars, but there is certainly a special spot in his heart for his trains. Now that he's two, I can find him in his room playing with his trains for 20 or 30 minutes. Have I mentioned how much he loves trains!


The one downside is that the official Thomas the Train wooden track and trains are pretty spendy, but I've been able to find a bunch of generic wooden pieces and trains for CHEAP at garage sales and consignment stores.


And, really, who can say no to a face like this!

A little too much like Mommy...

This past Saturday was the annual "Great Pumpkin Festival" in Brainerd. It had been crummy weather all week long, but (thankfully) Saturday was a bit warmer and the sun was shining! The festival is designed for families with pre-school and elementary school aged children, and really focused on good old fashioned fun. There were pumpkin giveaways, 3 legged races, wheelbarrow races, potato sack races, craft tables, food, lots of sidewalk chalk, and Sammy's personal favorite: the pumpkin rolling contest!

Even though most of the events Caleb is just not quite old enough to participate in, it was so fun to be outside in the sunshine and enjoy the fall day with some friends and our kiddos. And every year I am so surprised at what a determined little girl Sammy is!

Here's a picture of her getting ready for the potato sack race. She ended up only doing a couple of steps of the actual race...just look at how big that bag was! But she was set on trying, and trying she did!


We spent some time at the craft tables and playing with the sidewalk chalk as I chatted with some former co-workers. We also played on the swings and slides while we waited for the pumpkin rolling contest to begin.

Here Brad is giving her some last minute instructions!


Ready....set....


And she's off! The course was a bit tricky...the lines weren't straight so Sammy had to figure out how to change directions with the pumpkin.


But she just kept going...


...and going...

Even though all the other kids had already finished, she just kept pushing that pumpkin and asking, "am I there yet?" She never gave up; she was determined to finish!


And at the end, one of the workers gave her this ribbon, which I think was reserved for the kids that actually won each of the heats of each event. She was SO EXCITED to get it!

Bless that woman!


As we were walking back to the van, I just couldn't be more proud of my little girl. She is a tiny, little thing, but what she lacks in size she makes up for in determination and spirit. She fears NOTHING and is willing to try most anything. She wants to do well, and she loves performing for an audience. She has spunk and a twinkle in her eyes.

And she is so determined. She has little goals (like lining up her princesses in exactly the right order), and she can't move on to anything else until she has it just right.

So, in other words...she's a little me.

I sigh a heavy sigh as I write that. While I love seeing some of the qualities come out in her, I also know...quite well...that those same qualities have their downsides.

Sometimes determination can make cause you not to let some things go....

Performing for others may cause you to think performing well will earn other's love and attention...

Sometimes being the life of the party can be quite lonely...

Being too focused can cause you to miss the little things happening around you...

So as I sit here and think of my precious daughter, I will continue to pray that God teaches her and refines her and continues to create her into the young lady He wants her to be. I also pray that I will be loving in my actions and words as I help shape and sand a bit of her rough edges.

But, most of all, I pray that she won't aspire to be like Mommy...though deep down inside my sinful soul I want that some days...but I pray she aspires to be like Jesus as she sees Him in me.

Inconveniences...

I have been quite worked up about the H1N1 flu shot. Really worked up. If you have had any conversations with me about this lately, you know I'm pretty frustrated with the whole thing.

Even though I NEVER watch the news...no way I would have it on while my kids could view it and all the violence, negativity, and completely pessimistic view of the world around us...H1N1 is still all over our town paper, in many status updates on facebook, and even chatted about with strangers at the park or at the grocery store.

What have I noticed? Is it that people are doing their homework and researching this vaccination and are looking at all their options before making a decision? NO! People are scared! They are filled with fear! People are counting down the days until they can get it!

And they feel free to tell me that since I am pregnant and have small children that I am (and this is a direct quote) "risking my life and the lives of my children."

Really? Even though there is a higher chance of me and my children dying in a car accident than dying from this type of the flu...

Why is there so much fear?

Well, I believe the media has caused much of it. The media, doctors, complete strangers, and even my family members are so worked up about it that they are scaring everyone they know into getting the shot as soon as it is available.

And they are calling me a bad parent if I don't get vaccinated or vaccinate my children.

Oh, wait, I thought I was the parent and was the one responsible for making the best choices possible on behalf of my children...

As you can tell...this topic quickly frustrates me.

A few weeks ago, I was content to live my life, do the research on the N1H1 vaccine, discuss it with my husband, and make the best educated decision and go on with my life. I never thought I would be under such great attack or that I would read articles like this one from my town paper.

This portion is taken from the October 7, 2009 Brainerd Dispatch article entitled "H1N1 Vaccines Arrive." I personally added the brackets for further explanation and italicised some words for emphasis.

"Smith [a local pediatrician] said he is seeing a hesitancy among parents to vaccinate their children, as he often sees for the seasonal flu vaccine. While he said it's true that the majority of children who will get the H1N1 virus will be sick for a few days and get over it, he also reminds parents that from a population standpoint there is a cost to the community in general in terms of missed school, further spread of the disease and an economic impact since people are not working because they're sick or home with sick kids.

"Yes, your kid probably isn't going to die from this but they can get pretty sick for four to five days," Smith said he tells parents who are on the fence about getting the vaccine. "You and your spouse could miss work, your grandma and grandpa could die from it. That's a decision they have to make."

Smith said doctors who have a good relationship with their patients can usually convince them that the vaccine is the right thing to do. He said his six children have all had the seasonal flu vaccine, which became available a few weeks ago, and Smith gave the vaccine to himself as well. He said they'll be getting the H1N1 vaccine, too.

Smith said generally otherwise healthy children who contract the flu and are sick but able to drink fluids should stay home and rest. However, if your child seems to have a shortness of breath or is in respiratory distress and flu symptoms are worsening, the child should be seen by medical staff immediately, Smith said. Children with chronic health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, should be treated aggressively so it doesn't develop into pneumonia and become life-threatening."

Needless to say, I will NOT be letting my children see this Dr. Smith anytime soon.

My first thought about this article is how it is filled with fear...even though it does say twice in this portion that people are not likely to die from it. The other thought I had was that vaccines were not so much about protecting our children from diseases but making sure we as parents are not inconvenienced and have to miss work...

I'm pretty sure when I signed up to be a parent, I knew every part of my life was going to be inconvenienced by my child...that's the nature of parenting!

As parents, we put our desires and wants on hold for the sake of our children. And it's hard sometimes to do that...okay, it's hard almost every time to put them first! Early this past Tuesday morning, Caleb woke up with a terrible cough and fever. My first thought was that he had croup. My next thought was that I was going to miss going to Tapestry (my church's Titus 2 ministry for women). I was bummed, but knew I couldn't take Caleb with me. Thankfully, I have a WONDERFUL husband who offered to take Caleb to the doctor while I was at Tapestry and then meet up with me and Sammy at 11:15. It was a huge blessing, one I don't take for granted.

Yet even now as I think about it...and think about the fact that I'm missing going to the YMCA and youth group tonight and possibly BSF tomorrow because Caleb is still sick...I would still put aside my wants for my children. They are more important than missed work, than "hurting the economy", then missing my workout. And if, I mean when, they get sick this winter season, I will continue to put their needs ahead of my own and be grateful that I have little ones that can "inconvenience" me so that I learn more about being unselfish and about being the parent God has called me to be.

And, just for the record, I don't believe that this vaccine is not for some people. If I worked at a clinic or if my child had previous respiratory issues, I would probably get the vaccine for me and my family. Everyone has the right to decide what's best for their family members. I just don't want to be scared into doing something when all the information is not clearly presented to the public.

Not Me, Monday!

Welcome to Not Me! Monday...a time to confess all the ridiculous things we have done in the last week. MckMama, once again, leads us in our time of confession and fun. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have NOT been doing this week.

Confession is so good for the soul!

It was NOT me who invited herself and her family over to a friend's house last Monday night so that she could watch the Vikings and Packers game...since we get about 2 1/2 channels on a good day at our house. NOPE, I would never impose for the sake of a football game...one of THE most talked about games of the year...but if I did, I would certainly bring cookies to share!

It was also NOT me and my husband who planned our weekly date night around the Twins and Tigers tie-breaker game so that we could, again, be able to watch it on cable (of which we don't have). NOPE, NOT US! And we certainly did NOT spend over 2 hours at El Tequila and would have probably spent longer had we not have needed to get home to our babysitter because she had a previous commitment. Who plans their life around football and baseball? NOT me!

Last week after an exhausting and exasperating night at youth group, it was NOT me who tried to drown my frustrations with several large bites of cookie dough.

On Saturday, I did NOT wake up in shock at the snow falling outside our house. I did NOT throw a pity party and shake my head in disbelief. I also did NOT cave into my children's shouts of glee and allow them to play outside.




Because I was too cheap to get a sitter, I did NOT bring my children along while my husband helped move some good friends. And I did NOT spend 2 hours keeping my children from getting ran over by people moving stuff into their new house. I also did NOT carry only 1 box (I am pregnant, you know), but also eat 2 bowls of chili and 3 cookies...you know, because I did so much hard work!

I was NOT utterly lazy on Sunday and let my kids watch a movie because I was quite determined to watch a couple of episodes of Survivor on-line (one of only two shows I watch)...since we don't get CBS at our house anymore. NOPE, who puts their kids in front of the television so that they can get some peace and quiet and time for themselves!

NOT ME!

Ahhh, I feel much better!

Happy Not Me Monday!

Dates with the kiddos

Most of our good parenting ideas, practices, or tips have come either from books or stolen from good parenting we have witnessed from our friends and family. Much of what we do with our kids has NOT come from our own thinking...though I wish we could take the credit at times.

One of the things we have started in the last year has been to do monthly dates with Sammy and Caleb. Even though they were three and one at the time, we realized how important it was to begin doing this regularly...especially since it would be harder to start it once they were older and involved with more activities. And as our family continues to grow, we knew that they would need more time one-on-one with us...especially since we are in full time ministry and are often at church or with students.

And it started with Home Depot. On the first Saturday of every month, they have a "Kid's Workshop" where children and their parents can come FOR FREE...man, I LOVE free stuff...and do projects together. Brad has been taking Sammy to these workshops for several months, and they have such a blast together! She puts on her delightful orange apron,


builds something with Brad, munches on some popcorn, and plays on the riding lawn mowers. They make all sorts of cool stuff, like a little tool kit for dad, a birdhouse, and a bean bag game. She looks forward to this every month...and mentions it almost every time we drive by Home Depot...which may be 5-6 times a week.

So, while Brad is off with Sammy, I've been able to give Caleb some special time. Because Sammy and Caleb are less than 21 months apart, Caleb is quite attached to his big sister. He almost doesn't know what to do with himself when she is gone. And not having Daddy around is really rough as well. So we spend some time doing puzzles, playing with play-do, or doing other things that, well...if Sammy was home...she would want to show Caleb and do for him. We've also done a lot of finger painting, and this little boy absolutely loves it.


He was shocked at first that I let him get his hands dirty...since it seems like I'm cleaning them round the clock, but it didn't take him long to get into it.


We also got a fishing pole for Sammy this summer at a garage sale. She has been talking all summer about going fishing. We live very close to a lake, so one day, near the end of the summer, they (or, shall I say, Brad) dug up some worms and the headed to Rice Lake. Sammy caught two fish, and you couldn't wipe that smile off her face!


Also, when Sammy was a flower girl in August, I decided to make it a really special day and take her to get her hair done.


She had such a fun time, and her favorite part was that she "got sparkles in her hair" and that she looked "just like Tika--the bride."


I have a TON of pictures from that wedding, but I'm still waiting for the CD from the photographer...so stay tuned!

Although it's been hard at time to give up family time for these "date nights" with our kids, it is so worth it. I want to continue to build and create these fun and meaningful times in their lives so that they continue to feel loved, safe, and secure in our family. The time talking with each of them is priceless, and it's been so much fun to see them apart from one another. They play so well together and act so similar that sometimes I forget they are completely different children with different needs and personalities.

These times really let each of them shine...and I cannot help but love them even more!

Do I really want Jesus and where does my identity truly lie?

Ever since attending the "Desiring God" conference in Minneapolis a couple of weeks ago, I have been "chewing on" much of what I learned and heard there.

While most of the conference was focused on the life and work of John Calvin...since this year is the 500 anniversary of his birth...you cannot look at Calvin without being led to Christ.

Calvin's mission was to "know God and make Him known."

That's it.

And in his short life, he wrote a library full of commentaries on the Bible, challenged the church (and its great issues) of his day, taught pastors in Geneva, and was openly involved with the political world around him.

He sought to know God...really know God, not just know about God, but know God intimately...

And he also wanted everyone around him to know this God like he did...thus his hundreds of writings, commentaries, and letters.

The final day of the conference, John Piper shared one of his greatest fears of the church today. He compares the life of Calvin to some Christians today. He worries that many will stand before Christ one day, and Christ will say, "I never knew you." He fears that some love God because of what "He can do for them..." They want His promises, blessings, and all that is offered...but they don't want Jesus...

really want Jesus.

How many people do I know that want the Christian life, but really don't want to know Jesus intimately? They agree with everything they hear on Sunday morning and are able to talk the talk, but do they really long to know Christ?

Do I truly long to know Christ, or am I only in it for what He can do for me?

Ouch!

Where does my affection lie? Is it with Christ, or with other things in this world?

So as these thoughts have been lingering in the back of my mind, my attention has turned to a new study of the Gospel of John in my Bible Study Fellowship class. This week we've been in John 1 and have been meeting John the Baptist and Jesus' first five disciples.

I have been amazed by these men.

As I've been studying and reading about John the Baptist and Andrew in particular, I have been so captivated by them.

These men were so humble...so willing to put others before themselves. John could have stayed in the limelight...baptizing and calling more disciples. But instead he understood what his role was...he knew what he was called to do. And that was to be a voice, to be the forerunner to Christ, to point others to the Messiah.

Andrew was one of the first disciples called and what was the first thing he did...tell his brother Simon (Peter). Peter later becomes a cornerstone of Christ's church. But Andrew...not a lot is mentioned specifically about him.. But when it is, he is ALWAYS bringing someone to Christ...first his brother, then the boy with 5 loaves and 2 fish, and then the Greeks. He fades into the background...much like what John eventually does once he proclaims Christ as the "Lamb of God."

Both these men knew who they were. They were confident in themselves because they looked at themselves through the eyes of Christ. He alone defined who they were...not others or the world around them.

So, who or what defines who you are?

Who or what defines me?

Where does my true identity lie?

I could kid myself and say, "Christ, of course!" But most days, that is not the case.

My children's behaviour defines how good of a mom I am...

My house defines what kind of housekeeper I am...

What I do for God defines what kind of Christian I am...

Is that why so many of us are discontented? We really don't know who we are so we anguish and worry and fret about ourselves.

I don't want to be the center of attention...but I WANT Christ to be. I don't want people to remember me when they leave my presence...but I WANT them to remember Christ. I don't want to be insecure...but I WANT to be content with who God has made me and what He has called me to do.

I must decrease and He must increase.

Or, in the words of John Calvin, "I want to know God and make Him known."

Where does your identity lie?

Not Me, Monday!

Welcome to Not Me! Monday.

It is time, once again, to confess all those crazy, silly, and downright funny things we have done in the past week! Our good virtual friend, MckMama leads us always in our endeavor. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have NOT been doing this week.

Confession is so good for the soul!

I did NOT, while making a desert for a meeting at church, keep adding more and more milk (even though the recipe did not call for milk) because my "peanut butter fluff" was not very fluff-like. And because I would not give up, this desert did NOT make me 15 minutes late for my meeting. (The desert ended up being very yummy, by the way!)

I was NOT elated during my doctor's appointment this past week to see only ONE baby on the ultrasound. (Sammy has been praying for twin siblings even before we got pregnant. It's a good thing God decided in His sovereign grace that we could only handle one child at a time!)

I did NOT try to convince my husband at least 2 times this week that we should eat out...even though I knew we were already over budget for the month in our "eating out" category. NOPE, I would never completely disregard our budget and let my own pregnancy wants dictate our money. And he, being an amazing husband, did NOT cave in both times!

Even though our summer weather has become a thing of the past, I am still NOT planning weekly play dates...even if it means dressing in hats and gloves.


As I have tucked my children in their beds this past week...Sammy in her new (to her) bunk bed and Caleb in his "new" toddler bed...which Sammy outgrew a LONG time ago, I do NOT think that my children are the most wonderful, special, silly, and most precious gifts ever!


Happy Not Me Monday!

It's good to be back!

This morning I woke up feeling like myself again.

It was as if a fog had lifted.

The queasiness was gone, and even though I was feeling a bit tired, I had the energy (and stomach strength) to make my family breakfast, do two loads of laundry, put together a crock pot meal, start a meal for tomorrow evening, play with my kids, make two phone calls, clean my kitchen, and take pictures of my kids playing "sleepover" in their new bunk bed...


...we still have to get bedding and paint their room, but they LOVE their bed!


Oh, and apparently, my little boy needs ALL of those stuffed animals in his bed...good thing it's a full or there would be no room for him!


And, in case you were wondering, Sammy does need all those stuffed animals and blankets as well...especially since she dressed herself in shorts and a tank top today. (She hasn't quite caught on that it's 45 degrees outside!)

Oh, and did I mention I did all before 10:00 a.m.

Miraculous...

This pregnancy has been similar so far to my other two in one way. I woke up feeling sick day 1 of week 6, and I woke up feeling like my old self on day 1 of week 13.

It's like someone turned a switch, and I can function again...as opposed to laying in bed or on the couch all morning...and afternoon...and walking around in a daze the rest of the time. Dishes didn't get done, meals were not really fixed (well, if you count cereal, mac-n-cheese, or pancakes, then I did make meals every once in awhile), and the kids were left to play by themselves. One morning, Sammy even asked me, "Mommy, when are you going to be fun again?"

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Over the last 7 weeks, I have realized how wonderful my children and husband are. Sammy and Caleb have played so wonderfully together. They have been so flexible and caring when I have felt sick. My husband has changed so many diapers because just haven't been able to handle it. He has supported me and helped me so much, and I am so grateful.

I am SO grateful this morning sickness seems to have passed, and I can get on with the daily needs and responsibilites of running a home, carrying for my young children, and being a present wife.

It is GOOD to be back!