Zach's Shower at Work

What's better than a cake with football plates! You guys know me too well!

These are some pictures from Zach's baby shower last night at work! He got so many neat things that I can't wait to see him use! It was so good to see friends again from work as I have not worked in over 2 weeks now. I really missed all you guys! Thanks for such a great time!

Dancing for Joy

You all may call me crazy but I just have to share this! Tonight I have been sitting down after church checking my email while listening the the Juke Box online from our church. I've got my laptop in my lap and the speakers are pretty much aimed at Zach. After several other songs, one of my all-time favorites came on...Midnight Cry. I just love this song as it celebrates what we all are living for one day. As I'm listening, I start to notice that Zach is really moving! Not typical moving, he is literally dancing to this song! I sit and just watch my belly as Zach gets his groove on! As the song winds down, so does Zach, in perfect timing!

I just can't help but be reminded of the story in Luke that tells of John the Baptist leaping for joy in his mother's womb as Mary enters the room carrying Jesus in hers. Just merely being in the presence of Jesus caused a reaction from John before birth, and this was interpreted by his mother as legit! Not only that, but God felt it important enough to include in the Bible!

I already know that Zach has been a promise and blessing from God and just feel like God has big plans for this little boy! And then I feel him getting so excited and dancing as he heard music describing Jesus and how one day He'll come get us and take us home to heaven! I can only believe that this is a legitimate response to the presence of Christ here with me. How amazing!

Good report!

I went to the doctor this morning and got a good report! No changes and if anything improvement! I appreciate all the prayers for this little guy. And I just thank God that He is continuing to take care of him. I am still to stay "down" at this point. But I have to admit, I feel like Zach feels better when I am down. So it's not been as hard as I thought it might be. The best news of the morning, though, is that I got permission to go to the ASU game next weekend!!! I'm thrilled about going, even if I can't see the game because I have to sit. I plan on bringing my radio for backup (just in case)! Go Red Wolves!

ASU Red Wolves

I'm sitting here tonight watching college football on mute while listening to the Red Wolves play Texas Southern. I LOVE college football and I love even more that ASU is up 52-0 in the 2nd quarter! I keep thinking Matt Stoltz is gonna give a shout out to ASU's biggest fan who is having to listen to the game on the radio tonight...but so far, no love! I thought this was going to be torture tonight, but so far I'm making it. Now next week is another story...I'm already contemplating how to get to that game! I just wanted to say "Go RED WOLVES!" (And also beg the networks to televise the next ASU game so I can SEE it!!!) :(

More Changes

Today was my "last" day to work. Scott and I decided it made more sense for me to just throw in the towel now given I wasn't working enough to even count. I don't like to say that it was my last day. I prefer to think of it as a change in job description, as I am still going to type reports from home for now!

I had a hard time driving home today adjusting to all the changes. It's one thing for life to change to prepare for something else. It's completely another when you realize the transition won't occur for another 3 months! The reality of that began to sink in as I drove home. I guess it's in these times when you truly discover who you are down deep.

How amazing God is because this is exactly what I have been studying about lately in my quiet time! I read yesterday the story about the rich young ruler who comes to Jesus and asks "What must I do to have eternal life?" Jesus's response was to sell all of your possessions and come follow Him. But sadly, as you know, the rich young ruler leaves, weaping, because he knows he can't do this. A familiar, but strange story; however, so full of truth. What must we be stripped of to find our true identity in Christ? What can we not give up?

Right now, I feel like I am being stripped of my identity. I am being stripped of the things that have defined me over the past few years...my job, my activity, my hobbies. I pray that in this time it will draw me closer to him. That I will find my true identity and sense of purpose in Christ and who He has called me to be.

A New Hobby

So I got told yesterday that I needed a new hobby. No more lake trips, walking the dog, organizing closets, rearranging the garage, body surfing in the ocean, ASU victory dances....ya know, all the "fun" things I enjoy doing (and, admittedly, have done) this summer! It is definitely time for me to slow down. As much as I enjoy these things, I know I can do without because it is about so much more now. I want to be able to share all of these experiences with Zach one day. So I guess this is why this blog has been created. To give me a new (calmer) hobby.

I cannot WAIT to meet this little guy! I try hard not to impose anything on this little boy, but I can think of nothing more sweet than seeing my child skiing behind the boat, wrestling with Maggie, playing in the yard, splashing in the ocean, and cheering for the Red Wolves! Everyone says life changes with a child. I am definitely seeing that happen.

Life changes in so many ways. Not only in activities and the things of this world, but also spiritually and in my relationship with Christ. I found myself Sunday morning praying for Zach and all the other young children among our friends. I just feel like God has big plans for these guys. And, wow, the responsibility that comes with those plans! I found myself praying for Scott and myself, as well as our friends, that we would all being willing to give our children to God to serve His purposes first and foremost. That we would raise our children in such a way that God was real to them. Not just by telling them cute little stories and singing Bible songs, but by showing them a real personal relationship with Christ and how important He is and how involved He can be in their daily lives. Talk about responsibility!

So I do ask for your prayers as I slow down during these last months before Zach arrives. I ask that you pray that Zach doesn't get antzy like his mama and try to come too early! But also ask you to pray for Scott and me as we prepare physically, mentally, emotionally, and, most importantly, spiritually for Zach. Thanks!