My First Solo Cut

Carl was proud of this achievement, as was I, so he suggested I post a blog about it. So, here it is. : ) Carl has not regularly paid for a haircut in years, and recently, I have been learning to take over this job. Little by little with each haircut, I help a little more. Well, this time I did it all on my own! So, here is a picture of my first solo cut, a "high and tight" we like to call it in the military (or as close as I can get to one). : ) Before this, his hair was buzzed all around, the same length as the hair on top of his head, so I had to clip and fade the sides and back up. Now hopefully I will retain these skills and confidence for future cuts! : )

Me Currently

I was asked recently when I was going to post another photo of myself, so here is a recent picture of the current shape that I am--round! : ) I weigh more than I ever have, as is to be expected, and the baby is growing well. I am doing well, though feeling a bit cramped, and he is as active as ever, though I expect that to slow down anytime soon as he runs out of room.

Something we thought was funny---my tummy provides a great holder for our Frisbee. : )

Finished Project

I recently finished a little project I have been meaning to do for quite some time (just recently I found the time). It is a bookkeeper. I found the pattern at this site, if you are interested: http://www.modabakeshop.com/search?q=bookkeeper. Her finished product is much neater and nicer than mine. I am not by any means a good seamstress, but enjoy creating. I wanted to make this bookkeeper to hold my Bible, as I carry it around freely, and don't like the bigger, bulkier zipper pouches. I am planning on making a few more for family and friends, but always do the first experiment for myself, refining the kinks on my own, rather than someone else's. : )

The buttons are just for decoration. You could design a clasp or button-closure for this, but I prefer to have mine not, as I like the flexibility in size I have when I don't have to clasp it. I often carry different books along with my Bible.

The inside is just a fat quarter I bought that has complimenting colors. The outside is made up of strips from a Moda honey bun (Soiree). The buns come with many strips, so as I said, I will be making a few more of these, with different patterns of strips. I bought my honey bun off eBay, as it was less expensive than other sources. This was a fun and easy project, and fairly inexpensive if you use the honey bun for multiple projects.

A Future Revealed

Some of you may know that for a while we have been waiting on an answer from the Lord (and the Navy) about our future. We had decided that unless we (by we I mean Carl) were able to get into one particular program in the Navy, we were going to get out. If we got out, that meant that we would have roughly a year left in the Navy, and an uncertain future as far as a job. Either way, we were not worried, as we know that the Lord's plan is always best no matter what it may be, but were just wanting to know the course. We prayed for the decision to apply to this program in the Navy, and about God answering clearly whether or not it is His will for us to be in it or out of the Navy. Well, last week we found out, about a week later than the original date that we DID get into the program! What does that mean, you ask? We will be staying in the Navy. Carl has signed for another 5 years for now, and most likely we will stay in longer. This particular program is called the Engineering Duty Officer program. In this program, among other things, Carl will not have multiple sea tours as he would if he stayed in the program he is in now, which means he will be assigned tours where he will be home most every night for the rest of his career. I hope that makes sense. That factor is invaluable to us, especially as a growing family. We are very thankful to be able to continue in the military and for the Lord granting us our heart's desire, though we were fully prepared for whatever path He laid before us. Now we can just know and plan for this small portion of our future. : ) Praise God for answers He reveals in His time! Oh yes, and I have to give my husband praise also for being such a stellar Naval officer that he was able to even make it into this program, as the requirements were stringent and the available slots very few. He beat out many others in the running, but I must say that I was not surprised! : )

LABOR?!?!!

Okay, all you mommies out there...I come again before you for advice. I am just a little over a month out and a half from my due date, and of course with the increase in my size, baby's size, and the days passing, I am thinking more and more about the actual day of delivery. Add to that the fact that only 5% of babies actually come on their actual due date, and you'll understand why I am really starting to buckle down on preparation for our babies arrival. Upfront I will say that I am going to try to deliver naturally, as that is the wish of both Carl and I. Having said that, I will not go into the delivery room completely down on or against any other type of delivery, as only the Lord knows what will happen there, and I don't want to ever be disappointed with the birth. How could I be when the result is such a glorious gift from God? :) To the point of this post now---What is your advice for labor/the delivery process, etc.? Thank you again, all my sweet friends and wonderful mothers!

P.S. We are temporarily out of internet at home, so my posts may be more infrequent as of late.