In God's Hands

This isn't going to be an exciting post, but since I use this blog as a journal of our family I want to make sure this is a part of it. We have had quite the experience over the last two days. Just about two weeks ago Tim & I found out we were pregnant based on a home pregnancy test. We really hadn't told a lot of people yet because it was very early. On Tuesday, I headed north to Kristina's house to have some college girl time with a few of my girlfriends. Yesterday morning I woke up with some pretty severe stomach pains/cramping. My gut told me that something wasn't right. I finally decided (with the advice of my friends) to have things checked out at the ER. From the beginning, the pain was more on one side than the other and I was worried that maybe it was an ectopic pregnancy. After some tests and ultrasound this was confirmed. At that point I knew that things could possibly get bad very quickly depending on what was going on. However, the good news was it had not burst and was very small. I was able to discuss my options with my OB in St. Louis and decided to come home right away and get treatment from Barnes and my regular OB. I am very grateful because it was very early and very small still. I was able to avoid surgery and get treated with a drug instead. My doctor was very confident that this was going to be the best option especially to be able to try having more children later.

One thing I want to say is how thankful I am for my awesome friends and family. One of my college friends not only stayed with me in the ER (while the other one was taking care of Hannah) but then drove me to St. Louis (without a car to go back home) so that I wouldn't be alone then proceeded to take Hannah home and take care of her while Tim, my mom and myself were at the hospital. I also had so many people offer to do whatever was needed and most importantly be praying for my family as we were figuring this out. Thank God for amazing friends and family that He has provided to me.

The biggest thing I want to remember through this experience is how much I have felt the peace of God. I know that God has been with us through this entire process. I know because God works for the good of those who believe that He has a greater plan than we do. For whatever reason, this was not our time to have another baby and I know it will happen in the right time. I praise God for small blessings even though this isn't the way we wanted things to happen. Because I was cramping so early we caught it very soon which helped in so many ways. I know that was God helping me see that something was wrong. God has walked us through this just as He has done before and always will. I know He has a great plan for our family and we can't wait to see what that is! I know that we are in God's hands.

Camp!

This week we were able to volunteer as faculty for high school camp at Little Galilee Christian Assembly in Clinton, IL. From the time I can remember my uncle has been the dean at High School Main 1 week. I have great memories of being a "faculty kid" for a couple of years when I was young and my mom and dad were faculty at this week. Little Galilee has extra special meaning to me because during one of those weeks of camp I decided to give my life to Christ and was baptized in the old pool. Now my uncle is the camp manager and him and my aunt live at camp but he also still deans this week of camp. Last year, Hannah & I worked the week of camp but I was in and out a lot becuase Hannah was still nursing. This year we were able to all go work a week as a family and it was so much fun! We still stayed with my aunt & uncle at their house since Hannah is still pretty little but we were able to do a lot more. It was a fabulous week to get away from every day life and enjoy God's creation as well as be filled through worship and teaching. One of the sessions each day was going through the program "Walk Through the Bible" and it focused on the Old Testament. It was really awesome and I feel like I really learned a lot about the Old Testament. It was a really cool program. Overall, it was a great week of camp and I'm so glad we got to spend time as a family and introduce Hannah to Christian camping. I hope we are able to continue helping out.

Here is a picture of our camp "family."

Using Utensils

Hannah has been working really hard this summer at learning how to use her fork and spoon. Sometimes she still gets frustrated and resorts to her fingers, but overall she is doing a fantastic job. One of the foods we have introduced this summer is cereal with milk in it. It is quickly becoming a breakfast favorite and a perfect opportunity to practice with her spoon.

She also got to practice with a bowl of ice cream. Yummy! A summer favorite!

Another Friday Family Outing

We were able to enjoy one more Friday Family Outing before Tim starts his new job. We didn't want to spend a lot of money so we decided to go to Old Town St. Charles, Missouri to walk around and window shop. It was breezy and not to hot so it felt good to just be able to enjoy being together. Here is a family picture of us.

Originally, we were going to eat at one of the cute cafe's in Old Town, but the rain was coming in so we changed plans. We decided to head downtown and eat at the Old Spagetti Factory. This is one of my favorite places and it was the first time to take Hannah there. We had a lot of fun introducing her to a St. Louis favorite. Hannah and Daddy waiting for our food.

I think Hannah liked it -- you can see the spagetti mess left on her face and her digging into her spumoni ice cream!

Friday Family Outing

Last summer, Tim, Hannah & I tried to go explore something on Friday's because Tim's job allowed him to take some time on Friday's. This summer is going to be a lot different because in two weeks, Tim starts a new job. While this is very exciting for our family, I will miss these Friday's. We still have today and next week and we couldn't wait to go do something today. We chose Grant's Farm -- one of St. Louis' best family attractions! Grant's Farm is the land where the Busch family once lived and is now a wild life perserve. It is not only beautiful but has tons of things to do and see. One of the favorites is feeding the goats. Here is Hannah trying her hand at it. The worst part was that the goats eat so quickly that Hannah wanted to keep doing it!Hannah also got to experience her very first carousel ride! I think she really liked it!Here is Hannah and Daddy riding the tram back to the entrance. We had such a great day hanging out as a family!

Strawberry Fields Forever

Tim's family came here for part of the long weekend and we had a lot of fun! On Saturday, we took full advantage of a wonderful nearby site -- Eckert's Orchard. Eckert's is outside of Belleville and has so much to offer all year around. During the month of May, each weekend was Strawberry Fest. What is so cool about Eckert's is that you can go out and pick your own fruits and vegetables that are in season. We hopped on the tractor and headed out for some fresh strawberries. I wasn't sure what Hannah would think, but despite the rather warm day she loved it! I think this will be the first of many "pick-your-own" experiences at Eckert's!

Hannah with Mommy and Daddy getting ready to pick strawberries!I think I found a strawberry! Hannah loved looking (and tasting) the strawberries in the field.

The End is Near

Well, May is winding down and that means so is the school year! It has been a pretty crazy last couple of weeks and I am so glad it's almost over. Not only is it the end of my school year, but also my mom's -- and her last one ever! My mom is retiring after 33 years of teaching -- and over half of those teaching special education students. She has inspired so many people during her career, especially myself. I have lots of fond memories of going to school with her and eating at her on-campus restaurant. Tonight, we celebrated this wonderful accomplishment at a dinner and program that my mom's union puts on for the retirees. It was an awesome night filled with family, friends, co-workers, fun, memories, laughter and reflection. Congratulations Mom -- You are the BEST! My Aunt Jan, Grandma, Mom, Hannah and Me -- all former or current educators! Myself, Mom, Tim & Hannah
My mom and her partner in crime -- her aide Laquita who served the district for over 40 years!