Josh and Kerin (dot com)

Isn't she cute?! We're so grateful to the Lord for another girl. Four girls in a row is fun... I know all about that! :-)

Where do I start. So many thoughts that I just don't know how to begin.

God is at work in my life, and He loves me more than anyone else could. He's patient with me, even when I'm so terribly stubborn and don't want to learn more about being like Christ. He has my very best at heart, and knows exactly what I need, even if I don't think I need it.

I've had to revisit the post from last year, and remind myself of everything I believe.

I'm pregnant. I don't want to be. Not at all. This is the third year in a row that I've been pregnant, and the same time of year. Which means I felt crummy for my birthday, again. I'll be going to the beach pregnant, again. I'll be wearing the same maternity clothes for the THIRD summer in a row.

Oh, and not to mention that we're in the midst of preparing our new house to live in, try and find a renter for the house we're leaving, and packing up and moving out in a week or two.

I so don't want to be pregnant. Not now. Not for a while.

And yes, we know how it happens.

But, we've chosen to let the Lord have control of the size of our family. This is not easy, especially for me. I'm the one who probably gets affected the most. I believe God designed the woman's body to function a certain way during the child bearing years to give her rest and spacing between children. But for some reason, God has decided to "break the rules" with me. We're not irresponsible. We truly believe that God knows what is best. He is the giver and taker of life. But don't think I have tons of faith to believe this. I don't. Sometimes it's a battle each day.

So God is kindly working in my heart. Keeping me at the end of my rope, so I have no choice but to rely on Him for everything. And He is my everything. Why should I begrudge letting Him work in my life for my good, and for His kingdom?

We can't take anything with us to heaven but our children and those we've led to the Lord. And God himself calls children a reward. Do I want to limit the rewards God wants to give me, and then in turn have less to offer to Him?

This little child within me has a special purpose. If it were up to me, he/she wouldn't be here yet. But God has a bigger and better plan than mine.

Baby #4 is due September 29th... only 24 days after Bethany turns 1 year.

Pray for me. Pray that I would daily be yielded to the Lord. That I would be very grateful, and have a special joy. That I would be courageous with the Lord's strength and help, and care for my family as I aught. Pray that I would not complain.

I'm grateful for the support of our families, our church, and most of all my precious husband. His care and love are something I could not do without. And he's working so hard in many things right now -- work, work at the new house, being an awesome daddy and hubby, and countless other things that come up and fill his time to the max.

Physically I'm not as bad off as I was with my last pregnancy. I don't know if that's because I'm taking some medication to help with nausea, or if this one is just different. My energy level is quite zapped, motivation is extremely low, and I still don't feel great (cooking/eating isn't fun, but I can do it).

Forgive me for rambling.

May God be glorified in my life, and may I truly learn to say "not my will, but Your's, Lord."

Bethy-boo (2 months)

Who's who? All my girls at two months old. Guesses? :-)

Punky-doo

My pretty girl

I wore this hat when I was her age!

Rachel loved the snow

Staying toasty warm inside, and quite happy

What the deer did... and we didn't even get to "bag" him!

My first thumb sucker

Christmas bear from Granny (great grandma)

We gave Abbi a special baby doll... she is loved! (oh, and that is Abbi's favorite shirt... Aunt Katy got it for her this summer, and it barely stays in the drawer)

Big blue eyes!

All the pictures from November through December
(to view pictures in order, click "previous" button above picture)

Our precious two month old, Bethany!

House Update:
We're in the process of buying a new (to us) house! We currently have a contract on a house about 10 minutes away. It's a farm house originally built in 1914, on 7 acres, with a barn and a couple out buildings. We're so grateful to the Lord for His leading thus far. It's been a long process (we first saw the house a little over a month ago). And if the Lord continues to lead and open doors, we'll be closing on January 8th, and moving shortly thereafter.

So, life never slows down I'm learning... which means this blog gets neglected. But that's ok. There are more important things that require my time right now.

Please be praying for us as we continue to move forward in this journey. Pray for the Lord's continued provision and protection. We desire to walk in the center of His will for us, no matter what that is.

This house does need a lot of work to make it truly a home, but we're going to work on that little by little as the Lord provides for us to do so. I would especially appreciate prayer for myself as we live somewhat in a construction zone for who knows how long. I want joy and peace to flow out of me to my family so they are blessed. My human tendency is quite opposite to this when I'm dealing with stressful situations.

And now for some pictures. :-)

All the pictures from August to November
(to view pictures in order, click "previous" button above picture)

How special is that?! Three-year-olds are just great. So much learning and figuring things out. Our Abbi-doll is no exception!

We've been counting down the days till October 4th, with Abbi getting to put a sticker on the calendar each day leading up to the special day. And Sunday morning she woke up and knew exactly what day it was.

After church both our families gathered together to celebrate. Lots of yummy food and special desserts. The birthday girl was showered with love and special gifts.

We are so grateful for our firstborn. She is a true joy! Abigail means "joy of the father" and she lives up to it. Abbi loves to help her daddy to just about anything... and Josh is eager to teach her! She has also been a big help with Bethany -- watching her while I take care of something, bringing me things, or singing to Bethany when she's sad.

Pray with us that we would be faithful to train her up in the ways of the Lord, and that her heart would be drawn to the Lord.

(not the best picture, but I thought it was cute)

Her favorite breakfast -- cereal and milk!