Baby Shower

For some reason these pictures turned out grainy... Don't know why?? I had my first baby shower this past Saturday, because my sister came back from California. Here is me with my 20 week (almost 21) belly. Along with the yummy food... Lemon cake, cream cheese stuffed strawberries, sweet caramel chex mix.... etc. YUM!!! My sister, Amy (who we just found out is pregnant with #3) She is due 9 weeks after me! And my sister Sara.

I got a lot of nice gifts!!

Grace and Ava decided to dress alike for the shower! They don't get to see each other much, since Ava lives in California!

One Year Ago...

I was unable to post yesterday on my actual anniversary, because we had a busy weekend. Justin has gone on mission trips to Taiwan in 2006 and 2008 to work at a Sports and English Camp. The missionaries that are the deans of the camp when he goes are back in the states and came to visit us for the weekend. They also brought a girl from Taiwan with them. So... one day late I wish my husband a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!! I love you more than words!!!

Where has the summer gone?

I can't believe summer is almost over... There was so much I wanted to get done. I have about one week left before I need to start getting things ready for school and we will be out of town for half of it... I was really hoping to finish my Hawaii scrapbook this summer. I am so behind in all of my scrapbooks and I know once the baby is here I won't have any time.

I think I have finally started feeling a little better over the past couple of days. And finally I have started to be able to eat a little more, so that is good!

We have guests from Taiwan (missionary friends of Justins) coming to stay with us this weekend, so I need to get back to cleaning my house and then bathing my dogs. What fun!!

Lake Okoboji - Lots of pictures

We went up to Lake Okoboji, IA for a few days. I have some relatives that live up there. The 7 0f us rode in my mom's van. It was a little crowded... Here is my niece on the way up there. We went to the Emporium - tourist shopping area to look around. This is my husband trying on hats.

We went to a little theme park called Arnold's Park for the kids to ride rides. It was really hot!

Here is my mom, Evan, Justin, Ryan and Grace riding the train. My sister and I sat it out.

Grace and Evan riding boats. Grace rode several rides, even a little roller coaster. She loved it. It took Evan a little while to like them.

Arnold's Park is right along the lake.

Every time we go back we eat at Mrs. Lady's. Its a Mexican Restaurant. Ryan is eating an "insane" taco, which he finished most of it.

Sara, Ryan, Justin and I went and played miniature golf. I actually got 2nd... usually I am last!

Justin and I were THRILLED they had a shaved ice place. We got Ryan and Sara hooked on them too. In 48 hours Justin and I each had 4, Sara and Ryan had 3. Grace loved them as well!

At the hotel before we were heading out to go on the boat.

It was a little cool at first when we went out!

Evan is helping Ryan drive the boat. Then its Sara, my mom, and my Aunt Jan (my mom's twin)

Grace loved her first experience boating. She kept telling her dad to go faster!

Evan preferred to go slow...

Justin skiing.

We went to the Barefoot bar for some drinks to cool off.

Overall, we had a fun time... It was nice to get away for a few days.

15 weeks

Here is a picture of me at 15 weeks. Not the greatest picture. I think my stomach looks bigger in person. All of my pants officially do not fit me now, so I have started using rubber bands. Tomorrow through Sunday we are going up to my aunts to go boating, swimming, etc. Hopefully one of my swimsuits will work... I can't believe how fast the summer is flying by... There is so much I want to get done still.

2 down 4 to go

So, my husband is away at work camp with the high school youth from church up in Wisconsin. I hate staying by myself especially at night. I worry and get scared at every noise... I have made it two nights so far, but still have 4 more to go. He is coming home Saturday. Then in about 3 or 4 weeks he leaves again for a week of church camp. I had all of these plans to get things done while he was gone, but unfortunately haven't done much. I did start registering for some baby stuff, because my sister had the day off yesterday to go with me. Now, on to cleaning and laundry... Luckily I am starting to feel better and can get more accomplished than laying around and eating saltine crackers.

Yea!!! It's officially summer for me!!!

Life has been so busy over the past few weeks. Between my mom and us we have had lots of visitors lately. I finally have gotten everything packed from my classroom and have checked out of my room. (Now I just have to finish unpacking our cars...) I can't lift most of the stuff, so Justin gets the privilege of carrying all of my heavy boxes. I can't believe how much stuff I have. Nor could Justin.

Last Tuesday I had a doctor appointment. It was so neat to hear the heartbeat. It felt so much more real. My pants are starting to get tight and some won't even button... I have started my maternity clothes shopping for later on... I found some great clearance deals at Penneys for the winter. Unfortunately we don't have a lot of choices for maternity clothes here. I have started feeling a little better, but still have sick days. I had to leave in the middle of church to throw up, which was lovely. But I did feel better afterward.

I have started looking around at things I will need for the baby. My sister is coming to visit in August. (She lives in California) and wants to have a shower for me, so I wanted to start finding things. ONce again, slim pickins here... Anyone have suggestions on some things I must have...