Train up a child the way he should go, and when he is old he shall not depart from it.  -Proverbs 22:6

Our house is going to be home - a safe place, a place where God is alive and evident in the way that Dave and I live our lives, the way we speak, the way we speak to each other, the way we treat others, the way we treat each other, how we give and use our time, being open an honest to our children, praying for them and giving them over to God.

I know that these things may not always be a reality, but it is my prayer and my hope for our lives with children.  We're going to make mistakes along the way, but what better way to learn.

Dave and I have both gotten so much advice from everybody about the best ways to raise children, parent, etc.  The best advice we've received so far is 'Do whatever the heck you think is best'.  It may sound a bit cold, but how true for all parents.  

God has blessed us with this child.  He has entrusted Dave and I with caring, nurturing and raising this child to love his/her creator.  How beautiful and oh so scary!  In a way, it makes you feel a bit inadequate to parent, but it's such an honor.  

If I've learned one thing these 8 months of being pregnancy...is that PRAYER is the most effective tool for parenting. That is the truth!

Looking at my husband, his character, his love for the Lord and his drive...I have NO doubts that he is going to be an amazing father!

For Christmas he made me a coupon book with random coupons, and one was free nights sleep when baby is here! He is already thinking of me and giving himself to help me any way he can!  That's just the kind of person he is. He said he wants to watch Baby Funk, to give me nights out when baby's ready, he wants to help change diapers...I'm blessed! 

There's just some of my random thoughts this evening...God is good!

this man...

Born in Mexico, raised as a Texan...this man won my heart

He's super goofy, and only very few see his serious side, both I love equally

He's often misunderstood, but is the most intelligent person I know and a deep thinker

He's slow to anger, but very witty 

He honestly does not care what others think of him, and will always put others before himself

even if it means he has no time for himself

He's the hardest worker I know

He's gracious

loving

and compassionate...

but at times seems "hard as a rock"

He's loved me at my worst...

And wouldn't change a thing about me...

He's made me a better person and brought out the best qualities of me

Because of him,

I'm more selfless, patient and forgiving and always give others the benefit of the doubt

I love how he giggles and sings - serenading me to my favourite country song 

(making up his own words of course)

He tells me he'll love me "as long as there are stars in the sky"

We've been married 5 years now...

It hasn't always been "easy" but I wouldn't change a thing.

Only this man can make me laugh when I'm miserable

Listens

and gives honest insight - even when I'm wrong

He has wiped my tears, helped mend my wounds and picked me up when I've fallen

This man, is my best friend.

my lover 

and my rock

new life, new lives

New life.

It's a beautiful thing.  After suffering a miscarriage just over a year ago, the concept of new life brings a whole new meaning to me.

I'm currently 32 weeks 6 days pregnant, and cannot thank my God enough for allowing me the privilege of caring this new life.  This new life that my husband and I created together.  I had my last ultrasound yesterday and got to see our little one move, kick and wiggle in my womb and cannot even begin to describe the feeling.  It was perfect.

I LOVE being pregnant. Don't get me wrong; it's uncomfortable, my ribs are permanently bruised from being my baby's footrest, I miss sleeping on my belly, heartburn, back pain, leg pain...I could go on.  Despite all of those things, being pregnant has been the most amazing experience of my life, thus far. I wouldn't change anything.  I'll take those pains 10x over again...as long as it meant our baby was healthy.

I'm counting down the days to the arrival of Baby Funk.  Anticipating that moment when I can hold him/her skin to skin, our baby will look at me, just knowing I'm their mommy and hubby is their daddy!  Us both knowing our life, our decisions will now be for our baby, taking care of this life God has blessed us with.

Our lives are currently are full with ministry and work and just life.  I don't necessarily like to call our current schedule, 'busy'.  The fulfillment in being able to give my time, my spiritual gifts to a ministry has changed me more than I could even say.  God calls us to be selfless with our lives because this life is not our own.  It gives me less time for "myself", but has allow our marriage to grow, and most importantly, my relationship with my Lord to grow.  And the relationship between my God and I is the most important.  People often call our schedules, "too busy", but I can't picture our lives without it...yet.

I know a baby will change our current life, into something new, something beautiful.   We're both excited to bring our baby into our schedule, adjusting it to where we see fit, still serving our Lord, even if it's in new ways.

It's all just beginning....