Big Ball

Last week we had vacation Bible school at our church, but went through a program outside of our church that came to our church (though staffed by us still). It was PHENOMENAL! One of the greatest things was that this program has night meetings for the teens. They were awesome, and reaped great results. We had many little souls saved, both older and younger kids, and had a great time. The typical teen night consisted of games, eating, and preaching. Well, one night the games consisted of playing with the "Big Ball". One of the games was volleyball with this ball, over the church bus. I took some pictures and wanted to share the fun.

Big Ball Volleyball in action

The ball was so big, it actually blocked out the sun in this picture.

Racing to pass the big ball back (against another team).

The Harvest

I LOVE fruit, especially blackberries, and right near the base here there is an orchard. Well, currently in season are blackberries and peaches. YUM! I went the other day, and though it was sweltering, had a wonderful time picking blackberries and peaches for us. Fresh fruit is so delicious, not to mention MUCH less expensive than store-bought. The fruit was delicious! I made an apple-blackberry pie (Yum!) and we have eaten much of the peaches as is. Fresh fruit is just one of the reasons to love this time of year!

Apple-blackberry pie and it is delicious (better than it looks)! : )

Comparing Circumferences

Not long after we found out that we were expecting, we found out that my sister-in-law is expecting as well. She is around 2 weeks behind me, so we have been able to share the experience of pregnancy together. As you can imagine, Carl's parents were elated and are soon about to become VERY busy grandparents! Anyhow, she came to my baby shower and at the time we were comparing size. Keep in mind she is a couple weeks behind me, which around this time is a lot (in baby size). Below you will see the picture of us back-to-back, comparing our baby bellies. : )

How fun to see the differences even in the way we are carrying, huh?

Carl, feeling left out because he does not have a baby belly to compare. ; )

A Shower for the Baby

Carl and I went home last weekend and celebrated my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary (wow!) and had a baby shower with family. We had a wonderful time and I thought I'd share a few pictures. Our little boy received some great gifts, as did his mother. : ) It is so fun to go through all the little things he got, sorting them and imagining our little baby boy actually in them. He will be a well-dressed and covered little guy. We can't wait to actually put all his gifts to use!

One of the many cute gifts I received.

My sisters, Mom, and I at the shower. They hadn't seen me since we (the baby and I) had grown. They were excited to feel the baby move, which is always fun.

My grandparents celebrating 50 blessed years of marriage. We thank God for them and the great godly example they are to our whole family.

My family!

Bigger and Better

Here is a recent photo of me at 28 weeks, bigger and better than ever before. I post these periodically because we are far from friends and family and many of you like to see the progress of our first little one. : ) I do continue to grow, and actually am growing out of the few maternity clothes I have. Also, as an update, I have had my glucose testing and do not have gestational diabetes (Praise God!). I know that is a standard test they do for all, but every test makes me pray and be thankful for good results. So far all is going well with both baby and mother. I had a great second trimester, with much more energy than the first and no sickness! Now I am into the third, can you believe it?!?! Time seems to have flown and my appointments are now more frequent. I have been reading up a lot lately on the stages of labor and coaching and breathing techniques. Wow, it is a lot of information, but I am excited about getting closer to the day our baby boy will join us (outside of the womb)! For now, he is growing, as am I, and continues to be very active.

Men in Uniform

On Memorial Day Sunday, the men in our church who have or are currently serving in the military, or civil service (fireman, police officers) wore their dress uniforms to church and performed a flag presenting ceremony. During this they presented the American flag, went through the ceremony of folding it, and presented it to our pastor. Then they played Taps and Amazing Grace on the bag pipes. The whole ceremony was beautiful and produced much sniffling and tears among church members. Carl of course took part in this ceremony and below are a couple of pictures taken afterwards. The first is all of the men in uniform and the second is the men with their wives. It happened that many of us wives actually ended up dressing in matching colors with our husbands. Funny. Anyhow, it was a wonderful presentation and a great reminder for us not to forget what so many have given for us and our home, while still "under God", the greatest country on earth.

Carl is in the very middle, if you have trouble finding him. : )