Packing Mania...

T minus 3 days until we leave for Zambia....it's really hard to believe that it's actually here. We have been thinking about and preparing for this trip since last summer, when God laid it upon both of our hearts that we needed to spend an extended amount of time in Zambia. My goodness, time flies! We have been busy little bees this week gathering everything we'll need for 8 weeks away from home....our guest room looks like a suit case hurricane hit...hard! They're everywhere....but slowly starting to get filled and zipped up! We get to check 3 bags each and we each get 2 carry on bags....so 10 bags total! No traveling light here!


Not only has this past couple of weeks been filled with preparation (and endless to do lists), but also with reflection on the amazing opportunity we have before us to serve the Lord and the orphaned children of Zambia. My heart is is completely full with gladness and gratitude. We are so blessed. Truly, God has taken care of every single detail....why do I ever doubt him. Thank you Lord Jesus for your faithful provision.

And never in a million years did we think we would would be traveling to Zambia with a baby on board! I love God's sense of humor. I'm resting in the promise that His timing is perfect. Since the day we found out that we were expecting, we've been fervently praying that the Lord would clearly reveal to us whether or not I was suppose to go to Zambia. He has graciously shown us His will and we feel 100% confident in that! Fear has a way of sneaking it's nasty little head in my heart at times, but my faith rests in God alone. He is my protector. He is my shield. He will walk before me during our time in Zambia. I'm so thankful for His promises!

The thief comes only to steal and destroy. I came that you may have LIFE and have it ABUNDANTLY. John 10:10

B is for Baby...and the birds & bees!

We celebrated the glowing momma-to-be and baby Rector on Sunday at a lovely "birds and the bees" themed shower at my mom's house.

The adorable invitation created by the one and only Penny Lane Designs...

Birds and bee decor...

We did a blessing branch and asked guest to write a blessing or prayer to baby Rector...

The blessing branch...

Yummy food {all things baby Rector craves right now}! We also did a parfait bar, but I didn't get any pictures of it...opps! We had strawberry, blueberry and vanilla yogurt....strawberry for those that think baby is a girl...blueberry for boy...and vanilla for undecided. Toppings included granola, mini chocolate chips, pineapple, blueberries and strawberries. It was a huge hit and so cute!

Root beer and lemonade...

Momma opening presents...

Somebody got a BOB!!!

Lots of fun loot for baby...

Group shot...

The hostesses with the mostesses...

DFW Events gang...

Fun friends...

Proud grandmomma and aunt to be!

Baby Rector....you are already loved by so many! We can't wait to meet you in July!

April Budget Update...

I'm proud to report that I met my goal to spend $400 or less on groceries and household items for the month of April! Actually, I came in $2.42 under budget.....whooo hoooo!!! I think I can do even better moving forward...I just need to get better at meal planning each week. That is definitely my weakness. If you have any suggestions/advice on meal planning, please send them my way. I think I'm in a recipe rut right now.

For now, I'm going to relish in my accomplishment....and have a Skinny Cow to celebrate!

16 Weeks...

This past week was filled with lots of preparation for Zambia! I ran errands almost every day after work and spent all day Saturday running more errands and even packing a bit! It's really freaking me out that we leave for Zambia in less than 2 weeks....YIKES! I have so much to do between now and then. I know it will all get done, but it's a little overwhelming to be quite honest. When I step foot on that plane in 13 days, I think I'll finally be able to breath a sigh of relief and relax a bit. Thankfully, I've continued to feel really great. I can tell that my energy level is lower than normal, but I think that's because I've been running 90 to nothing every day. But don't worry...I'm not skimping on my sleep. I get a solid 8+ hours each night!

I'm all gussied up in my week 16 baby bump pic, because I was on my way to a shower for Karen and baby Rector. I'll post pics from the lovely affair sometime this week.

Week 16...

Kaci and Chloe ♥ Baby...

15 Weeks...

Today I had a doctor's appointment and baby Rives is doing great! We got to hear it's little heart beat (160 BPM)....which was so amazing! And no more placenta previa...praise the Lord for that! My doctor is pretty certain that he knows what we are having... but the rest of us will have to wait to find out until baby makes his or her arrival in October!

Week 15 sonogram...

Josh took my weekly belly pic last night. During our "photo sessions" we tend to laugh a lot....mainly because Josh thinks I look silly trying to strike just the right pose. Half of the pictures turn out looking like this....me laughing because Josh is laughing {at me}...

OK, here is the serious one...

Vulnerability is the name of the game when it comes to posting weekly belly pictures of myself! I know my face and arms will start to get plumper as the weeks pass by, but I've decided that I'm not going to let it bother me. I'm pregnant and that's what happens when you're pregnant (as Josh likes to remind me)! I'm going to enjoy the journey...even when other parts of my body are expanding in addition to my belly! Friends, please don't judge me.... :)