Exciting News!

December has been full of fantastic gifts and surprises - I am so thankful for all my God has given to myself and my family!!

For starters....It's A Girl!! John's reaction was absolutely precious...one of sheer happiness, surprise and fear...all at once. We are so very excited to start getting to know this little one. Baby Peanut is going to be so loved! She's the first grandchild on my side (with a Pap who just loves little girls) and she's the only granddaughter on John's side with a bunch of adoring uncles and a Pop who also has a thing for baby girls!

Oddly tho, amidst all this excitement, I have had unexpected feelings of uncertainty and fear this week. I want my baby to be strong in will, strong in her faith and respectful and loving to others (among so many other hopes and dreams). How will we do this? I am really capable of being the mother this child deserves? John is worried about all those boys and the confounding girlie drama that everyone likes to talk about. Then this morning, after my devotion, I have started to feel peace. Thank you Jesus. I was reminded of some very important scripture....my Father's words reminding me that this is all in His PERFECT and loving plan for my family. That it is not my job to worry! My baby is a good and perfect gift...one that I will cherish forever. She has the best protection...our Father's hands. I may not always be there with her, John may not either...but He will never leave her.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above...
~ James 1:17 From KJV

In other news....Nate, my brother, has asked his girlfriend Ashley to marry him! I am so very excited to have another sister (officially now). They have dated for years and in many ways she is already family, but we are incredibly happy to welcome her to our family circle in marriage this year. Yay!

I promise pictures of the holiday festivities in the new year...so much fun to look forward too!