7 year Anniversary

Today I have the wonderful priveledge of celebrating 7 years of sweet marriage to my darling hubby! Praise the Lord...and now off to a nice dinner.

Please see our Christmas pics at

http://www.sweetbabykate.spaces.live.com/

KATE IS HERE!!!

Kate came a little earlier than we expected, but just in God's perfect timing.

She was born at 32 weeks and was 3 lbs and 11 oz but she is very healthy!! Praise God! The miracle story will be blogged in the near future.

I hope this news is sufficient to explain my tardiness in the upkeep of my blog, I have much more important things to do now *tee hee*- like grow a human being...well, God is doing that, but I do have to feed. Speaking of, it's about that time again...

Tried video upload- I waited 15 minutes and it said there was an error- grr...will try again later.. sorry Shells.

for more pics go to : sweetbabykate.spaces.live.com

Our 2nd birthing class was insane! I loved it, but gees…it was torture… we had to hold ice in our hands for prolonged periods and focus on our breathing while our husbands put clothespins on our ears…self inflicted pain to learn how to breathe. I couldn’t believe it! As if I need one more thing to make me uncomfortable… =)

BUT all that to say…it really does work. I was able to sort of block out the achy hand and pinched ear lobe and think about my breathing. I just don’t want to go back next week because the lady seemed excited about another “breathing exercise” that I’m not sure I want to be a part of.

My back has continued to do well, and my swimming is amazing! I am walking 2 mornings a week and swimming 3 mornings and it is wonderful! I am so thankful for that. Saturday will be 2 days exactly since my spine surgery…who would’ve know that 2 years later I would be months away from expecting my first child? Such a blessing, God is faithful.

Kate hasn’t really been moving quite as much these past few days. I guess she is running out of room in there- but I’m calling the doc just in case. It’s weird how she’s gone from total 24/7 kick boxer to almost no movement over night. I have also been having some braxton hicks contractions, and those are quite fun. I'll keep you updated.

I have no new pics for this post, so I think I’ll add a funny…

Baby Shower!!

Yesterday was an amazing day and God has richly blessed us and provided for our little girl in such a fun way! Our shower was awesome, we enjoyed seeing all our Biola family in one spot!







Our friends came together and brought such great food and gifts for Kate. We were generously showered until our cup ran over... truly, God provides for the needs of His children, there is just no other way to describe the generosity of His people. It's amazing to think that 6 years ago we came here not knowing anyone and now we are surrounded with this loving Biola family.

For more pictures go to our photo webpage.
Click on the button....

Last night we got to catch up with some old friends we used to know from Talbot. We went to Downtown Disney to the Rainforest cafe to eat dinner and had a splendid time. Here's Lorna and I (she is about 5 1/2 months pregnant with her second child!!).

Here's her daughter Alaethia.




Lorna wanted a pictures of our babies touching...hee hee!


Right when we got back to their hotel, Michael and I felt an earthquake...it was so rolly....that's 2 in one month!

Today is our first baby shower and it's at work. We are so blessed to work here at Biola and to have such an awesome community of friends! I am so excited about it. I am sure I will have plenty of pics to post later on...

Until then, here's a story....
Sunday night, Michael and I were very tired and we still had 3 loads of laundry to fold. While folding the laundry, I saw something on the floor I needed to put away and walked into the other room. I came back and Michael was facedown on the bed (his arms underneath his body like he had fallen). Being a bit more jumpy than usual....I went into hysterics...screaming at him asking what was wrong. He looked up at me and said, "what is wrong with you?" I said, "I thought you were dead!!"

He was laughing until he saw that I was really crying...trying not to go into early labor. (I really thought I would!)

He never plays tricks on me and wasn't intending it to be a trick....needless to say it was NOT funny at the time, but now I am cracking up at how edgy I am these days...

Ahh..the joys =)

We're Havin' Ribs Tonight!!

Kate has found her mommy's rib cage and she loves to kick and play with those strong little bones she feels underneath her feet. It is a fun game....for one person alone =) ha ha!

Well, I have a new video...and not for the faint of heart. It is a tummy roll unlike any other that I have caught via video so far (yet I see them every day!)...watch carefully to the lower right of the screen where a little foot is kicking and then as my entire stomach changes shape as Kate swims around in her little home.

This is my good friend Claudia and her new son, Levi. Isn't he too adorable? Claudia was my RA at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and when I met her, right away I knew there was something special about her. I am so glad to see this new joy God has brought into their lives! Congratulations friends! We are so happy for you!

And Claudia, you look amazing, as always =)



Well this weekend proved to be the first of many wonderful Fall days at Huntington. It was the perfect weather and there is a hint of winter goodness in the air.

Michael was on fire this weekend and I got some fairly decent shots of his games.
Click our photo button below to see more:







Lastly, let me also give a shout out to my parents who have been married 29 years (yesterday!!)

Happy Anniversary guys...thanks for creating a fun loving home for all of us kids.

Picture of the kiddos in years past...lovin' that perm!!


May the Lord bless you with many more years wonderful to come!!



I love you!!!

Fireproof (the movie)

I don't usually find movies I like these days, but this is a must see. I can't wait till it comes out! I love it when Godly people are working for God in the Hollywood realm. Praise the Lord!

Click here for preview:
http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/

Watching in Wonder- 30 Weeks

Michael and I stare constantly in wonder and amazement as we gaze upon "this basketball belly" as Michael calls it. One would have to be crazy not to believe in our majestic God after going through the journey of pregnancy (and I haven't even experienced parenthood yet)! The miraculous order and design of the human body is truly a work of art.



Well, we have had some really neat blessings lately that are "worth writing home about".
ast Saturday, Aunt Anita (Hengiman) our adopted CA aunt, called and said she wanted to take me maternity clothes shopping (again!). I was thankful because as you can see, I am growing out of my 2nd trimester clothes! It was so nice, we actually got to bring Jesse Hengiman along too and we spent 6 hours wondering around the stores just browsing. I got some nice things and we got to eat out together at Macaroni Grill- my favorite!! It was a lovely day! Thank you so much Aunt Anita! You are such a blessing in my life. (Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera on hand.)


Then, on Monday night we were asked to meet my friend Katrina at a park for a little surprise. When we got there, she had set up a table with pie and plates and forks and we ate by the fountain.



Afterwards, we walked up on a footbridge and they showed us the moon rise. IT WAS HUGE and orange and beautiful. Quite a site I must say.

She planned it perfectly, don't know how she did it! Thanks Katrina, that was very special of you to do for us...








Well, that's all for now...please continue to pray for us as we are being asked at work about what our plans are after Kate comes. We have such peace right now and we know that God is working out details that we cannot even see. "Without faith it is impossible to please God..."Hebrews 11:6

Please pray for His provision for us as well as growth in our faith!

A Word and A Book Series

Yesterday I was looking through my bible and found this. Thought I'd type it up real quick to pass on to you:

"For a long time, whenever my life was just about to really get rolling, I'd hit another bump and have to put everything on hold for awhile until I got "that" straightened out. "Real life" was always alluding me like a desert mirage. Most of the time the faster I'd pursue it the further away it would be. My life was full of obstacles, something to be gotten through or over, some unfinished business, obligations still needing to be served, debts to be paid. "But...(I would say) as soon as that's over, life will begin."

Then, about the time I hit mid-life crisis, it suddenly dawned on me that all the stuff I was trying to get through or over so I could start my "real life" was, in fact, my "real life." It also began to dawn on me that maturity doesn't come with age; it comes with responsibility. All the "bumps: in my life were actually gifts from God. The accrual of life's duties and responsibilities were part of His plan to turn a little boy into a man.

If I had to do it again I think I'd start by striving to make work a pleasure and understand, for the sake of my physical, spiritual, and emotional health, that I should be satisfied it if was enough to support my needs. I would have asked God more for strength to battle life's difficulties, instead of depending so much on my own resources. I would seek more grace to confess my sins and forsake them. I would ask for more patience to work until some good was accomplished in order to bring glory to my Savior. I would ask for more love to move moe to be helpful to others and to always try to see some good in everyone. I would seek stronger faith to make the things of God more realistic in my life. I would trust Him more and thus remove much of the anxiety caused by concern for the future.

And I would seek from God the wisdom to maintain all these things in balance. I think that's the real trick."

"Circumcise then your heart, and stiffen your neck not more."
Deuteronomy 10:16

Jim Riggs
(Men's bible study member Michael attended)

Also, I would like to recommend to you today these books by Lynn Austin. Gods and Kings, The Song of Redemption, and The Strength of His Hand.

Awesome- historical Christian fiction....

I think there are even 2 more that go with this series!! I can't wait!

(P.S. They are borderline as good as the Francine Trilogy...) Tell me what you think....

Lots of Happenings!

Life is going great here! It's so fun to see things come together for little Kate. God hears our prayers! And He answers! And each time...I'm still amazed. He does care about the small things.
My friend called me up the other day and had found/purchased a breast pump for me...such a blessing and huge burden lifted!

We also walked to a garage sale down the street on Sat. morning, where we found friends we had known in school. They didn't know we were expecting and wanted to give us all their baby stuff! I got a bouncy chair and some clothes and went home and got crafty! I re-covered the boy-ish looking chair with some flannel yellow fabric with stars I picked out from JoAnn's for $1.80 and now it looks just like new! We love it! I even ventured out to make little a little hang-y star and heart!

It vibrates and plays music...brilliant!

Also, last night, a huge miracle happened! We got our hands on (what seemed like) California's last Dutailier glider!! It's the thing I really really wanted for nursing- because it feels SO good on my spine! It's a neat story....Apparently the one we picked is on backorder for life and we weren't getting it! Turns out a store I called yesterday in West Covina had a floor model that broke the guy said, "we just got one in! I will hold it for you!" Later we found out that his manager yelled at him because it was the floor model replacement! But, we still got the chair! Yipee! God is so good!

Also, after picking up the chair, it was getting late and we grabbed a bite to eat. It was my first attempt at Chinese food in 7 1/2 months (it is usually my favorite but Kate has made me dislike even the smell!). I still read my fortune cookie just for fun- certainly not looking for divine wisdom but I like what it said. It read, "Children will play an important role in your life." I think God can speak to us through anything.

This weekend was a big weekend for us! We re-arranged all our furniture to fit Kate's little crib and changing table. Her wall is getting girlie already... The crib will go to the left of the dresser/changing table...

And this is up on the other wall. It was so fun to hang things up and makes it feel ever closer to meeting her!!..which by the way is only 10 weeks away, Lord's will!

Other happenings:
Michael planned a Bocce ball tournament at work, and it started last Wednesday. We are having such a nice time on our lunch breaks eating and playing bocce in the shade! Explaining the rules to all 36 players...

Jason's on our team, thankfully! Look at that roll!

Melrose and Karen, Bocee beauties.

And yes, even pregnant ladies can play too =)
Click here for more bocce pics: biolabocce.spaces.live.com

Hope to hear from you...leave a comment below so we can see who's reading! God bless!

Meet Mabel

This is my grandmother Mabel, my father's mother, who died before I was born. Even though I never got a chance to meet her, I have heard about her from my dad all my life. Until now, my mom and dad didn't have any very good pictures of her...and last Sunday, someone at my their church randomly gave them this photo they had found. My parents are so thrilled to finally have such a nice picture of this lady.





See the similarity?? I think my dad looks so much like her. His eyes and her eyes are shaped so similarly and they are both so peaceful looking. Even his nose has the same shape. It is so cool to have this picture! It makes me wonder what she was like even more....

Ok and now that I am really looking at it, Shelley definitely has her lips! I even think her nose is sort of similar too...wow, it's really neat to see how the genes get passed down.





Well, I must say, while on the topic of my grandmother that I am so thankful God brought my grandma Wanda into my grandpa's life. They married just before I was born (right mom?) and she has been every bit of a grandmother to me...in fact, it took a long time for me to understand she wasn't my grandmother by blood! She is wonderfully sweet lady....I miss you grandma, I hope you read my blog sometimes...



This morning, while on a walk before work, this man came up to me and said in a direct voice, "You expecting?" I smiled and said, "yes". He said very authoritatively, "The Lord bless you and your child" and walked away. It was very cool! Thank you Lord for the blessing...I know you are with us, keeping us both in your hands.



Last night we had our hospital tour. It was so fun! While we were there a lullaby was played, and that means a baby was born! We got to see several newborns and we were squeezing each others hands as we took it all in. It just made everything feel a bit more real (and scary!!) but exciting too. Kate will be here before we know it!

And for today's funny....

3rd Trimester Here We Come!

I am 28 weeks. I made it to another huge milestone...the THIRD TRIMESTER!! and moving right along...all outwardly that's for sure. Here are some picture updates of Kate's home.

So, it was a long weekend, a nice 3 days of rest and relaxation. Hope everyone had a nice Labor Day. Labor day now has a new ring to it to me...I mean, I am going to be in labor in 3 months! Ahhh!!

My mom and I chatted on Sunday night for 2 1/2 short hours...she found a diary of when she was pregnant with me. It told of the delivery story and how my dad was so happy and it was just so fun to hear a young woman like me going through the same things I am experiencing...but it is my own mom and it was me the baby! I hope to have some nice things to pass down to Kate. I started a book to her this weekend that I 'll give her one day when she's older.

We went to the beach Saturday, surprise! and Michael played like 5 games in a row. He had to quit while he was ahead because I was ready to head out after 6 hours, but I think he got a workout indeed! Then it was church Saturday night.....awesome message and great fellowship afterwards. The church provides a meal and you just come eat and chat...too cool.

We also spent a fair amount of time home this weekend, so it was a nice compromise of being out and about and in and snug. I got some new picture frames and made a little collage on the wall...making room for pictures of new baby! Michael is always reading and learning about the things to come...

and then to the Henigmans for a lovely BBQ on Labor Day....

It's always so nice to be down in Fountain Valley with the cool breezes and sweet company. God has truly blessed us with a nice outlet to get away from our daily work week and routine.


If you are reading this, please pray for Michael and I if you feel lead. We are standing in front of a new faith mountain and waiting for the Lord to direct our next steps, as He has so faithfully done in the past. We are about to begin a new chapter in life and have no idea what the future holds. Pray that God will provide a way for me to stay home with Kate for this is our desire. We have NO idea how this can happen at this point, but we are trusting that our God will provide our every need according to His purpose.

Thank you for your prayers!
Blessings!

My Dad

My dad is great
my dad is grand
my dad builds big things
with his hands.

Check out the house my dad just finished.
I see they've added even more pictures!

http://century21lc.com/index.cfm/Home-Search-1170.html?event=listingDetail&ListingID=196327

This is a masterpiece home built by my very own father.
He would never take any praise or credit for it, or brag,
so I am bragging for him.

Dad, I think you are the best builder in the world!

Little Hands and Feet

How is one supposed to concentrate on working with tiny little hands and feet nudging my belly all afternoon? It's very hard indeed...but very sweet.

Our Little Squirt's Growth Spurt

Well, today my suspicions were confirmed...my middle of the night cereal runs are not my imagination. I am starving and Kate is apparently growing! The doc said I am measuring right on now, having grown 3 centimeters in 2 weeks! Way to go little baby (and thank you Lord for healthy growth)!

Here is a pic taken last Sunday at church with some other preggo friends of mine from our Sunday school class...

Although in order by height, Chrissy (red) is due in January with her second, I am due Nov, Eileen (green) is due December with her 3rd boy, and Teya (floral) is due in October, 3rd boy!!

I was teasing them that I cannot be in the boy club...

Friday....

Today is the longest day known to mankind. I am so tired and so ready to go home! It’s our first full Friday workday of the summer and it’s only 3:30!! Michael and I just took a walk together for a break time and all the campus is a-buzz. The students are coming back to school and the place is beaming with excitement. The gardeners have all the pretty flowers groomed for the new students and families who are coming on campus for the first time…and God is always at work here. The Holy Spirit is ready to begin shaping hearts and minds for Christ in a new semester.


Today at work was our final day of Office Olympics, we had so much fun!There We found out in the past 2 weeks who in our office is competitive and who were spectators only! Michael is wanting to start a bocce ball tournament with our offices in a few weeks...so that should be fun. Community is a great establishment of God.


I took a picture of the tree I love, called the Flaming Red Coral tree. It goes through 4 dramatically different stages, and right now it just so happens to be in the "green, full of leaves" stage. I always said I was going to get it in all of it's stages because it's so amazing to me! Click here to see it in March.

AND ... some leaves on other trees on campus have already begun to change color...that confirms that Fall is on the way, and guess what happens in the Fall??? A baby KATE!! We think we want to have a 4D ultrasound and are currently looking at places to go get one…We would love to see our Kate early since technology so nicely obliges.

Last night we went out to dinner with a young guy we met at the beach this past Saturday. This is quite a neat story actually as he says he feels God has called him here to Huntington Beach to start a beach volley ball ministry. It is an answer to our prayers...we need more soliders of the faith out in the sports world. We left feeling excited at what God is doing in his life and tried to encourage him as much as possible. Listening to him reminded us alot of how we were when we first moved here. He is freshly transplanted from the South and has some southern ways about him that will be met with some opposition and questioning here but he will figure it out soon and God will direct him. It was just neat to see the things we have learned about the culture and how much we have changed/evolved and taken on the theme of "when in Rome, do as the Romans do".

The beach is going really well actually, and we feel that more and more we are making headway in our friendships with the players. Michaels game is greatly improving as he has been able to play alot this summer and train throughout the week here on campus (we have an awesome sand court). I am the cheerleader for now but can't wait to "get back into the game". Please pray for God to draw people to himself.

Well, I am just rambling for now…so I better get back to reality.

Fetal Olympics

I finally caught Kate's gi-normous movements on video!

Check it out!

And in this one she has success and actually finally kicks the pencil off my belly! We've been working on this for quite some time =)

Last night we recieved a package from an angel.

It is actually from a woman whom we have never met, that knows my sister. What was inside was too beautiful for words and completely made by hand.

What a treasure and a blessing! Our daughter will be so nicely dressed.

Handmade gifts are the best! We will cherish this forever. God reminded us of His awesome provision and love through this gift. He tells us not to worry, but that he will feed and clothe us even more so than what he does for the birds of the air the fields covered in lilies.