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Fun group picture from our brief visit w/ Brenna before she leaves to start her new job.




Swimming lessons this morning...





We had a fun dinner at some friend's yesterday evening. Samuel and Eli were shaking hands before we left...isn't Eli a cutie?!

Here's how I found the boys the other morning...just a little pre-breakfast snack!

Thanks to Samuel's photography, I have these lovely hugely pregnant pictures of me--taken Tuesday. For those wondering, Yes, I am still in this pregnant state, still gaining weight steadily, baby's active...got a good report from the midwife on Tuesday. I'm measuring 37 weeks (normal for me...I'm actually 40 weeks) and baby's head down. We're just playing the waiting game now. The boys have improperly prepared me for early deliveries. This is the longest I've carried a baby. At this point, I'm just reminding myself that it's common to carry over the due date. Next week I'm supposed to go in for a non-stress-test and another visit w/ the midwife. Amazingly, I feel very comfortable and am just a little tired. A few weeks ago, I was way more uncomfortable...go figure!



Funny how the guys have to get their gear on to go scout for deer. :) We love camo around here! (I'm enjoying being a Mom of boys--lots to get excited about!)

Justin perusing No Greater Joy's Website...He's been highly encouraged by listening to preaching on the book of Hebrews by Michael Pearl. We just received a big box of books and tapes we ordered recently. Samuel and I have been enjoying the Good and Evil Comic Book. Last night we listened to a cd about Repentance--good stuff. (makes me think!)



Samuel enjoying Therese's brownie trifle...yum!


We had fun visiting w/ Samuel and Jenebu, Art and Annie, and the Reynolds Family...


Gorgeous Girls ;)




Justin and I had a fun date night...wanted to squeeze that in before little miss arrives. We broused around at a local outlet mall. Gap had some good deals on tee's and capris. I'm quite excited at the prospect of wearing non-maternity clothes! I'm not being optimistic that I'll be able to wear my size 4 summer clothes, so I got a few things to get me by. :)

Justin and I enjoyed celebrating w/ Kyle and Gretchen for Kyle's b-day!

Happy Anniversary

It all began in July of 1980...



Here's 2007...

And here's 2008 w/ the whole family...



~~Happy Belated 28th Wedding Anniversary to my parents: July 26th, 1980~~
The past 28 years of their marriage has been enhanced by 7 children, 2 sons-in-law, and nearly 4 grandchildren. The three quotes I have often heard from them:

"Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last"

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." III John 4

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven us." Eph. 4:32

My parents will be the first ones to say that their marriage didn't start out perfect. (who's does anyway?) But because of God's mercy and grace, He saved both of my parents and has been transforming them and their marriage ever since. There have been several godly influences that have not only impacted them, but also us kids. The three primary examples are both sets of their parents (both of which have celebrated 50+ years of marriage, and Mike and Brenda Houk. These people have been mentors by word and by example. For which I am grateful!

I'm so thankful that God delights in changing lives for His glory. I know Justin and I are not the only ones who have been blessed by their example of Christian marriage. Thankfully they have helped us learn from their mistakes, as well as their successes. My parents have been the type of people who experience virtually all of life w/ their children right by their side. That is one of the primary reasons all of us kids are so close...we're a team! We have worked together and played together, and encouraged one another. We all have lots of laughs and enjoy eachother's fellowship.

Dad and Mom, here's to another 28 years together, and may those years be even more blessed! I hope you two are able to get away for at least an evening, to enjoy eachother's company and dinner. As much fun as it is to be with all the kids and grandkids, you two deserve some *quiet* time. (w/out eyes, ears, and opinions--ha ha!)

We Love You,
Justin and Megan
Samuel and William

~~I just realized that I have very few pictures of only my Dad and Mom in my computer picture files...That's a good thing though, because they're always having fun w/ one or more of us children, or their grandchildren. :) ~~

"This I recall to mind, therefore I have HOPE.
It is of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because his compassions FAIL NOT.
They are new every morning: GREAT is thy FAITHFULNESS.
The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I HOPE in Him.
The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both HOPE and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord."

Lamentations 3:21-26

**Hope: desire accompanied by expectation**

William's newfound interest: The Rocking Horse

Storms and fallen trees = Job creation

Our Library Excursion

One of the boys and my favorite pasttime is reading books. Tuesday afternoon, I mustered up the energy to load up the boys and take them to our local library. Boy, did we get some fun books! Mommy was as excited as Samuel to get some "fresh" material. :) William had no idea what we were doing, but as you can see, he was the biggest duck in the puddle. Samuel's backpack was so full when we left, he could hardly make it to the car! :)





I just didn't get a picture of us crashed out on the couch reading together after we got home. :) Oops!

Hmmm....

Not sure what it is with pregnancy and insomnia w/ me. I suppose everyone gets it to one degree or another. And when you are 39 weeks pregnant and toting around a 6, 7, 8 lb baby, things do get uncomfortable...even sleeping for any extended period of time. The contractions I've been having aren't really painful, but they are annoying enough to keep me from sleeping. I'm looking forward to meeting this little one, and hoping she'll come soon. :)

"Arise , cry out in the night, at the beginning of the night watches! Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord! Lift your hands to Him for the lives of your children..." Lam. 2:19

Random Pictures from the past several weeks...

We've just been taking it easy around here...trying to get ready for the baby, keeping up w/ our prolific garden, playing w/ the boys, and enjoying visits from family. (Aunt Louise, Grandparents and Cousins) More company to come this weekend. I'm hoping I stay pregnant, so I can enjoy all this weekend's fun. :) There's a few pictures of William I thought were funny--the baby seat one (went to look for him b/c it was quiet (not always a good thing!) and found him grinning from ear to ear relaxin' in his baby car seat. The other one, the boys renewed their interest in their old paci's and some hilarious penny loafers my mom picked up at a garage sale. Those have never been worn outside this house, but Samuel, especially loved to wear them! William trotted around the house for a while w/ them on, till they fell off. :)










Just a few pictures from Therese's viola recital. She did such an excellent job and I was so proud of her! Loved hearing all the familiar piece in the viola repertoire. Especially liked Schubert's "Arpeggione"