meet our little man

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:23:03 -0500

I know we already shared a peek from our first ultrasound, but just as I suspected, the little blob from week 9 now looks much more like a little person in week 20!

Monday was my favorite day of being pregnant to date. Ian and I went to the anatomy ultrasound to find out if we were having a little mister or a little ma’am. The verdict is in, its a BOY! Aside from discovering our little one as boy parts, we also learned that all his other parts (read essential organs) are growing and developing right on track.

He’s a mover; would not sit still for one moment for the nurse/technician to get the measurements and pictures she needed. His lack of cooperation meant we got to spend 45 minutes to an hour watching him on the ultrasound screen. We didn’t mind one bit!

Friends and family have been so wonderful and supportive, this little guy is already lucky to be so loved.

Here’s a look at what he looks like from the outside

In other news, summer is sailing by and we are looking forward to things calming down! My work has slowed down quite a bit in the last week. Ian’s heading to Nicaragua with our students from Sunday to Sunday of next week. I miss Nicaragua, and would love to be journeying to Central America on this trip. So glad Ian is going to love on the kiddos and families we love in Los Brasiles.

I’ll spend my time while he’s away working and doing some baby shopping with my parents in Katy. Can’t wait!

half pregnant

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:29:16 -0500

Truthfully, I’m 100% pregnant, but as of tomorrow, we’ll be halfway to meeting our baby!

Tuesday marks 20 weeks, and Baby Rock graduates from a mango to a cantaloupe.

You know what else 20 weeks means... we’re finding out the gender... TODAY! I cannot wait! I have no inkling, motherly intuition, guess or feeling as to what this little one might be, but I absolutely want to know now! But I guess I can wait a few hours. 3pm can’t get here fast enough!

lately...

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:10:24 -0500

What’s that? You want to hear more about this baby? Well okay, if you insist…

Baby Rock (aka Rocket, aka Pebbles) is about 16 ½ weeks along (about the size of an avocado). We’ll find out what flavor (pink or blue) on July 19th. Hopefully the baby doesn’t yet have a sense of modesty so the doctor can be definite in determining the gender. We are SO ready to know if we have a son or daughter. In the next month, we will know the gender, I will be showing more, and we will have a sonogram that looks less blob-ish and more baby-ish. With those three factors combined, the idea of this baby will seem more real.

This whole crazy season has gone by so quickly, for which I am very thankful. I am well into my second trimester and am feeling great. The little sucker is sucking the energy out of me, but I don’t really mind. I am starting to show, but only slightly. I look less like I’m growing a baby, and more like I just ate a big dinner. Ian is quick to point out when I look particularly pregnant… I haven’t decided if I like that or not.

We’ve made one baby purchase so far- two cases of DIAPERS! I did some research to find out what was a good deal per diaper, so I can shop the bargains and spread my diaper spending. If you have diaper buying secrets, please send them my way.

I started making a list of things this baby will want and need (and things this mama will want and need!) You know, crib, stroller, car seat, etc. I would love any and all suggestions on what baby/mama products I must have, and what I can do without.

Pray for us as we continue this journey toward parenthood. It is both exciting and scary to know our world is going to change in a few months. Ready or not, here we come!

big news...

Tue, 25 May 2010 16:09:00 -0500

A lot has been going on in the Rock House over the past 3 months. We discovered on March 29th that we are expecting a new addition in our lives. Yes, that’s right... on or around December 6th, Ian and I will become parents. Wow, that word will still take some getting used to!

We kept the news (mostly) to ourselves until Mother’s Day weekend when we got to share the exciting news to both sets of parents, and two sets of grandparents. Their reaction only furthered our excitement. Both our parents will be first time grandparents, and might I say, they already are doing a fantastic job loving our child.

From there, we shared the news with some family and close friends. Both of my brothers were quite excited upon hearing they are going to be uncles. They both love babies so I can’t wait to see them playing with our little one.

We kept the news semi-quiet for another couple weeks until we were close to the 12 week mark. This past Sunday, while teaching the high-schoolers at ACF, Ian shared the news with about 100 students. Their reaction was so humbling and brought joy to my heart. The excitement in the room literally brought tears to my eyes!

After that point, we knew it was a matter of seconds before our ‘secret’ was let loose in the world of social media, so we took the opportunity to make our announcement on Facebook. It makes me laugh to think how different life is these days with the existence and prominence of Facebook. Again, the response was so supportive and exciting.

Ian and I have been blown away and so very blessed by the numerous people who have offered their congratulations and more importantly their prayers for what is going on in our life. Thank you, thank you, thank you! This baby is already so loved, and for that we are very grateful.

Please continue to pray for us as we prepare to start what promises to be the most challenging and rewarding journey of our lives. Pray for the growth and health of our baby.

PSALM 139
13 For you created my inmost being;   you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;   your works are wonderful,   I know that full well.

We’re aliiive

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:09:07 -0500

We’re alive... just really busy lately! Along with the rest of you all, I know. The month of April has flown by much quicker than I would have liked.

Work has kept me busy, busy and Ian has been trying to catch his breath before summer hits in a few short weeks. We spent 5 days in California last week with good friends, Lane and Alex, to attend a conference- Catalyst West. Holy cow, what a well executed conference. We’ve been to many as part of church staff, but this was mine (and Ian’s) favorite by far. We heard speakers such as Mark Driscoll, Andy Stanley, Erwin McManus, and Kay Warren teach on topics such as leadership development, orphan care, and living with global intention. Was a wonderful get away for us! We may or may not have skipped away to the beach for an afternoon or three. :)

While at the conference, we heard the musical talents of Zach Williams. LISTEN TO HIM!!! He sounds even better live. Support his music, he’s good people.

Ian and I celebrated a lovely 2 years of marriage on Monday, April 26th. We scored a dandy of a anniversary gift for ourselves while in CA on Saturday night. Our favorite red-headed former late night host happen to be performing live at Universal in Hollywood and some tickets to the sold out show were released about 6 hours before he went on. We jumped at the opportunity, and jumped in the car to head North on the 5.

I am borrowing these pictures from my cousin, Annie, who attended the show in Washington, since her seats were much better producing better pictures.

Much to our delight, a handful of funny guys from our favorite shows joined Conan on stage. Jim Carey, Aziz Ansari, Jon Hamm (Mad Men) and Jack McBrayer (30 Rock) all shared the stage and made our night even more amazing.

If you don’t recognize the name Aziz Ansari, you are missing out on a very comical piece of life. Check him out on Comedy Central... Then think about Ian and I on July 31st because we’ll be laughing at him live at his comedy tour in Austin.

Hmm, that’s all I can think to share at the moment... More on our life soon. In the mean time, here’s our dog child. He was at work with Ian and behaving quite nicely...

Good Friday

Fri, 2 Apr 2010 17:34:35 -0500

Today, at noon, Ian and I joined a crowd at Austin Christian Fellowship in celebration of Good Friday. We sang. We had communion. Many wept. It was beautiful.

I am so thankful for the body God has granted us to worship with on a weekly basis. Thankful for a pastor who preaches truth. Thankful for like-minded, like-hearted friends and family to do life with. Thankful for a Savior who did exactly what he did on the cross for me. It’s a solemn day, but a joyful one. Thank you Lord for being FAITHFUL!

Wishing you and your family a blissful celebration of His goodness.

Spring!!

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:45:37 -0500

Here are a few things I am loving this Spring...

I have seen the light! The answer to modest swimwear can be
found at Lime Ricki. They have precious tankini and one piece swim suits.
Like, honestly, cute! Nothing you would find in the old lady section at
a department store. Check them out!

A friend’s blog is doing a giveaway. Check it out HERE.

Mmmmm, Sonic. Can I get an Amen? My fave drink right now
is Diet Cherry Sprite. Similar to the Diet Cherry Limeade, but
not as tangy. I know a few people who drink flavored waters.
I’m trying to work up my courage to order a lime water or cherry
water. I have a fear that the teenager on the other side of the
speaker will think I’m crazy. I don’t even mind paying regular
drink prices, just don’t want them to judge me. Weird, I know.
I think I may try to get one today. Wish me luck!

Sno Beach snow cones. MMMM. I thought of sonic and
my mind immediately went here. That personified purple
snow cone that sits atop their trailer in downtown ATX
makes me a very happy girl. I’ve had Sno Beach only
once so far this Spring. Not nearly enough! I’ll remedy
soon!

This is hopefully of sign of things to come. I love fresh
herbs and hope this Spring, they make a home in my
backyard. Probably in ugly clay pots, because we
have a bit of a weed infestation at this moment, and
Reese is indiscriminate as to where he chooses to go
potty. Yea, I am thinking pots elevated on my
porch is a better option.

Okay, that’s all for now. Why do you love Spring?

why i love students

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:42:23 -0600

My life changed drastically around the age of 13 as I entered high school. I realized the gap between who I was and who I wanted to be. This epiphany came with the help of godly adults influencing my life, and came at the expense of my social life and well being. Thank God for the incredible Christian friends who quickly received me. I battled relationships, peer pressures, friendship drama, academics, and an overly stressful schedule like most all high schoolers do, and I think I did so pretty well (not perfectly, mind you).

I had a real picture of who I felt God was calling me to be. I understood the self sacrifice to it would take to accomplish and become that person. And I had an incredible support system of family, friends and church leaders rooting for me to succeed and expecting nothing less.

This equation makes a lot of sense to me. There are so many hurting, confused and lost young people in today’s schools. They are lucky if they have parents who believe in them. Good, wholesome friends can be very hard to come by. And few adults are willing to truly invest time and love to see these kids grow.

It’s no coincidence I married someone who, with his life and career, pursues instilling godliness into the lives of students. I have the unique honor to love and know so many high school kiddos. It’s a constant reminder to me of how the Lord grabbed my heart and my life at their age. And I know how fiercely Satan is trying to pull them to the dark side. In a given week, I have 2-4 organized meetings/hangouts/Bible studies with these girls, exchange countless text messages, and have traveled around the country and even out of the country with them. I love being there for them. I love expecting much of them. I love them.

Some of the things I see these girls struggling through amaze me! High school has gotten even harder since I was there not too many years ago. It breaks my heart to see the magnitude of crap these students are put through by their friends and even their own families. I want them to know our God as the giver of peace, as the provider, and as the only constant in this crazy life.

He...

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:31:15 -0600

... is my best friend
... looks as good in a v neck t shirt as he does in a suit
... has lovely taste in music
... is a great travel buddy
... speaks truth to young people with passion and fervor
... has mad grilling skills
... thinks I’m beautiful
... knows everything I wish I knew about electronics/tech stuff
... picked out the best puppy ever
... is silly
... enjoys the things I enjoy, just because I do
... loves our family
... has a pretty stellar smile

He... is my Valentine, and always will be

safe?

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 22:01:15 -0600

I’ve never been one to hide from risk or danger. I love adventure and the thrill that comes with pushing myself beyond what is ‘comfortable’. This drive has pushed me off a ledge as I bungee jumped, it has taken me to the bottom of the ocean with an air tank on my back, it has dropped me off in the wilderness of the Rockies for a week, and hopefully, one day, will push me out of a plane with a parachute. (oh please, oh please let that really happen someday!)

But lately... I’ve become quite fond of my safe, comfortable life. As much as I love the adrenaline high that overcomes me with each of the things listed above, I also kinda love the fact that I’m laying on a couch next to my husband in my cozy suburban home, and I can fairly accurately predict how the next several days and weeks will play out.

So, how can both these feelings coexist? I want an adventurous life! I want to squeeze out all the excitement and fulfillment this side of eternity has to offer me. I also want to pour out everything I have to offer for His glory. Can I do that whilst laying on my comfy couch?

Doubtful.

I’ll rest in the nice, predictable season the Lord has placed Ian and I for now. I hope when He comes to stir it all up, I’m ready. I hope I’m willing. I hope I recognize the call. My hearts been stirring for something big... Wonder what it is? Can’t wait to find out.

Here’s a little Francis Chan for your viewing pleasure. He’s neat.

dinner guests

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 18:33:53 -0600

I so enjoy entertaining. I grew up in a home that frequently hosted family and friends for food and fun. Ian’s family is the same way. Ian and I hope to be that kind of couple and family.

Tonight, our good friend D is coming over, and here’s what’s a-cooking...

Grilled Chicken and Herbs (I’m brining my chicken for the first time... wish me luck)
Spiced Green Beans
Roasted Potatoes
Pillsbury Rolls (yum)

The food should be good, and the fellowship shall be great.

Please let Ian and I cook for you sometime.