12 weeks...

Almost into the second trimester...still sick but getting better. I am getting anxious to hear this little one's heartbeat but have not made it to the ob yet. I am thinking of waiting until I am moved before I find someone since I only have about two months to go. I have considered renting a doppler, that is something I have never done before. I have bought a couple of yellow sleepers. It will be strange to need warm clothes again; Thomas has rarely even worn a sweatshirt. I hope to make it a while yet before needing to wear maternity clothes...

God has a plan for me...

Wouldn't it be lovely to know the ins and outs of that plan specifically? When a big decision is to be made and your mind is swimming with choices and decisions...ahhh to be able to know Exactly what to do!

"I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future." Jeremiah 29:11.

That is such a comfort...when we go through trying times, we know how it will ultimately turn out! Thank you, God! You know me inside and out and have a plan for my life. When I mess up, I can turn to you and know nothing I can do will derail that plan. I am safe in the palm of your Almighty Hand and follow the path you have set out for me.

As we prayerfully consider our move we know that God will lead us forth into great things. He has plans that will surpass anything we can imagine.

Still here...

I am hoping this m/s is winding down and I can get on with life and actually clean my house. The kids have been trying, but...well, you know:) I am eating a little better and getting a few more things done, anyway. We are still planning on moving sometime this summer, so I hope to be going full force by then. So much to do! So much to get rid of!!! We have a whole storage trailer full of stuff that we need to go through. How do we accumulate so much is a mystery to me, but I guess almost 18 years of marriage and 7 kids is one answer.

9 weeks and counting...

Right now I am struggling with this "all-day" sickness that leaves me helpless in its wake. No energy, nausea, indigestion...thank goodness for my husband and son who are currently doing all of the cooking. I cannot bear to be close to meat of any kind. My diet is severely lacking right now. On top of this, the kids are suffering with coughs, colds and fevers. I am counting down the days until my second trimester when I am feeling great and full of energy. Currently I am basically surviving.

We're expecting!!!

Jesse and I are so excited to be expecting another miracle in October!!! I am deep in the throes of morning sickness right now and severely exhausted, but that should pass around week 13.

6400 miles, give or take a few...

I have a deep respect for those brave and enduring pioneers who travelled to Oregon in this mode of transport...

It really is incredible to wake up in Florida and go to bed in Oregon, 3200 miles away. I made this journey over Presidents Day weekend, to see my sis. I can see why Oregon was a destination for many. She lives in the South Central part of the state. It is very temperate with beautiful mountains all around. Plus there is a drive through coffee stand on every corner!!! Notice Human Bean to the top left of my blog:)

Thomas and her little boy, Laken are the same age and they mischievously followed each other around and enjoyed dropping rocks in the next door neighbor's ac unit. That was their favorite activity.

Where is home?

Lately,I've been feeling a bit cranky about this topic. Let me explain...when I was 5 years old, my family moved into the little red brick home on Cedar Drive. This would be my home for the next 15 years. Next, after marriage, Jesse and I moved into the big old farmhouse on the hill. We lived there for 7 years until we put in our modular home down the road. We voluntarily "gave up" that home after 7 years to leave Iowa (and escape family problems) and bought a new home in Florida. This was a really nice home with a swimming pool. When the economy went south in Florida, so did our business. Thus, after 3 years, we left that home, too, as we couldn't afford the payments any longer. Now we are in a temporary home. It is a little, old Florida style farm house. I don't know where our next home will be. The carnal me wants a permanent home again. I want someplace that I don't have to leave, that I can settle in to. I want to know that this is where I'll grow old. I feel displaced and up in the air. My husband will tell you that this is a bad feeling for me. I am a planner who likes to know what the future will bring. I can only say that God is helping me cope with this. There are so many displaced people in the world, who long for their real home. That is a "forever" home. God has promised a home..."Your promises are sweet to me, sweeter than honey in my mouth." psalms119:103. This will be a home without fear, pain, tears. A home where we never have to say "Goodbye". I'm tired of saying Goodbye. My mom lives in Washington, my sister in Oregon. My dad has moved on to be with the Lord. I am resting in that promise. "In My Father's house there are many homes. If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you." John 14:2.