We had an ultrasound done today to check on our newest little one. Because things have been so rough and not looking great we weren't too sure things would be ok. At first it didn't look good as the tech did an internal ultrasound. However, after a lot of time and changing over to the external wand we finally found our beautiful healthy little bean! Her heart was beating away at 151 beats a minute and she measured right where she should be. To say I was relieved would be a massive understatement! The tech said that she heard God whispering in her ear, "Don't give up yet." To me that is just amazing! It brought tears to my eyes and I told her I was so thankful that she listened to God!
When I was done with my appointment I got in my car and just cried. The stress of the last couple weeks just washed away from me and I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I cried for the twin we probably lost and for the relief that the little one that is growing so snuggly inside my tummy is doing well. It was more than I could have ever hoped for.
We are praying that this little one stays healthy and strong and will join us next summer sometime in late June or early July. If you can keep us in your thoughts and prayers we'd appreciate it!
We have many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving but this is by far the greatest blessing we have!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The Rollercoaster of Life
Have you ever seen the movie Parenthood with Steve Martin in it? It's one of my all-time favorite movies. In the movie Gil (Steve Martin) is dealing with the ups and downs of life both within his family life and in the business world. The movie, while funny, has many truths embedded in it. The hardships of family life, the decisions we have to make regarding our jobs and families, tough love, and so many more topics are explored in the movie. It truly is a great movie that portrays family life!
One of my favorite parts in the movie is where Gil is really worried about what's going on in his life (his wife is newly pregnant with their 4th child, he quit his job, his father is trying to save his brother's life from gambling debtors, his oldest son is in therapy) and he and Grandma (who is staying at his house for the time being) happen to have a conversation...
Grandma: You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster.
Gil: Oh?
Grandma: Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride!
Gil: (sarcastically) What a great story.
Grandma: I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.
Grandma obviously knows what life is about! Life is about ups and downs, holding on for dear life and laughing the whole while you are screaming!
Our life has been like that lately. We recently found out that we are expecting our 9th child. It was a surprise to say the least! Caroline is only 4 months old. She will just be turning a year old when this little one comes. While we weren't trying and were very surprised it happened we are so very happy at the same time. We live our lives open to God's blessings and this is one of the greatest that He can give! Of course we don't do anything the normal way... we live on a rollercoaster and that is how the last few weeks with this pregnancy have been.
We weren't sure that things were going to be ok with the baby but we just got back some great news that the doctor thinks the baby will do fine. I have been bleeding and cramping and we believe I may have lost a twin. We will probably never know but we are hopeful for the baby that is now growing inside of me. We have another ultrasound next week, the day before Thanksgiving. We know it's either going to be a wonderful holiday or a sad one. We are praying for the first! We are terrified and excited all at once!
While it can be draining to be on the rollercoaster I can't imagine life any other way. Going around and around in circles just doesn't sound fun to me. I love the highs and the thrills and the excitement that comes from living life the way we do... always trusting in God to see us through the hard times and always with us in the good. I suppose to some it might be scary, and really, to us it is sometimes too. But mixed in with the scary parts is excitement and joy that I just can't even express in words. It's a feeling that makes your heart swell so big that it feels like it might burst out of your chest.
If you'll please keep us in your prayers that this our 9th child will indeed bless our family next June or July we'd appreciate it! We know there are more seats available on this rollercoaster that we are on and we want to share the excitement and thrill with all those who want to come along!
One of my favorite parts in the movie is where Gil is really worried about what's going on in his life (his wife is newly pregnant with their 4th child, he quit his job, his father is trying to save his brother's life from gambling debtors, his oldest son is in therapy) and he and Grandma (who is staying at his house for the time being) happen to have a conversation...
Grandma: You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster.
Gil: Oh?
Grandma: Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride!
Gil: (sarcastically) What a great story.
Grandma: I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.
Grandma obviously knows what life is about! Life is about ups and downs, holding on for dear life and laughing the whole while you are screaming!
Our life has been like that lately. We recently found out that we are expecting our 9th child. It was a surprise to say the least! Caroline is only 4 months old. She will just be turning a year old when this little one comes. While we weren't trying and were very surprised it happened we are so very happy at the same time. We live our lives open to God's blessings and this is one of the greatest that He can give! Of course we don't do anything the normal way... we live on a rollercoaster and that is how the last few weeks with this pregnancy have been.
We weren't sure that things were going to be ok with the baby but we just got back some great news that the doctor thinks the baby will do fine. I have been bleeding and cramping and we believe I may have lost a twin. We will probably never know but we are hopeful for the baby that is now growing inside of me. We have another ultrasound next week, the day before Thanksgiving. We know it's either going to be a wonderful holiday or a sad one. We are praying for the first! We are terrified and excited all at once!
While it can be draining to be on the rollercoaster I can't imagine life any other way. Going around and around in circles just doesn't sound fun to me. I love the highs and the thrills and the excitement that comes from living life the way we do... always trusting in God to see us through the hard times and always with us in the good. I suppose to some it might be scary, and really, to us it is sometimes too. But mixed in with the scary parts is excitement and joy that I just can't even express in words. It's a feeling that makes your heart swell so big that it feels like it might burst out of your chest.
If you'll please keep us in your prayers that this our 9th child will indeed bless our family next June or July we'd appreciate it! We know there are more seats available on this rollercoaster that we are on and we want to share the excitement and thrill with all those who want to come along!
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Why I Vote ProLife
I've had people ask me how I can put a single issue ahead of other issues when I am deciding how to cast my vote. I always answer that according to my faith and belief system all other issues pale in comparison to the life question. Life issues don't only encompass abortion but they also include stem cell research, euthanasia, the death penalty among other things. Without life none of the other issues actually mean anything. There will always be taxes. There will always be issues with immigration. There will always be issues regarding the environment, health care and wealth. But if you think about it, none of these issues will ever matter if we don't have people to benefit from those things that everyone seem to worry about so ferverently.
Here is a video of a great example of why the life issues are so important. It isn't about abortion, it isn't about stem cell research or any other specific issue. It is about a man who was born with such a severe handicap that many would have decided that he didn't deserve to live. I've know people who have killed their children for having far less severe impediments and yet this man was able to live and thrive despite his problem. He has become such an inspiration to others. I just can't imagine how his life, from birth to now, isn't important and yet so many politicians would have us believe that he doesn't deserve to live. They would have us believe that we should be able to decide either during pregnancy, while giving birth, while living life or near death that someone's life is not worthwhile and has no value. Who are we to decide? Is it our right to decide? What about their right to live?
I'm so thankful that this man's mother decided that her son's life was definitely worth living. I encourage everyone to search their hearts and vote for life above all else. If you don't, it could be your life that suffers in the end. It could be someone deciding that you have lived enough of your life already and are no longer any good to society. Life is so precious. We should never take anyone's life for granted.... not the unborn, the handicapped, the elderly, the infirmed. It's not our place to make those decisions. Please vote ProLife.
Here is a video of a great example of why the life issues are so important. It isn't about abortion, it isn't about stem cell research or any other specific issue. It is about a man who was born with such a severe handicap that many would have decided that he didn't deserve to live. I've know people who have killed their children for having far less severe impediments and yet this man was able to live and thrive despite his problem. He has become such an inspiration to others. I just can't imagine how his life, from birth to now, isn't important and yet so many politicians would have us believe that he doesn't deserve to live. They would have us believe that we should be able to decide either during pregnancy, while giving birth, while living life or near death that someone's life is not worthwhile and has no value. Who are we to decide? Is it our right to decide? What about their right to live?
I'm so thankful that this man's mother decided that her son's life was definitely worth living. I encourage everyone to search their hearts and vote for life above all else. If you don't, it could be your life that suffers in the end. It could be someone deciding that you have lived enough of your life already and are no longer any good to society. Life is so precious. We should never take anyone's life for granted.... not the unborn, the handicapped, the elderly, the infirmed. It's not our place to make those decisions. Please vote ProLife.
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