Transition...

Ellie is finally transitioning from two naps a day to one this week.... and the transition has been a bit difficult on both of us. She has spent most of her days in a grumpy mood (not a great combination with a hormonal, pregnant momma who is 2 1/2 weeks from delivery).

I am so, so thankful that in the midst of the hard moments.... hard days.... and hard weeks.... that God continues to meet me. He continues to be found by me as I seek Him with all of my heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Today, He met me in this verse:

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young" (Isaiah 40:11).

I read those words today and thought, "THAT'S ME!" Maybe that is you today, too.... may you be encouraged as well.... He is GENTLY leading.... even in the midst of the hard moments....

Isaac regarding marriage....

Scott and I had some "royal wedding" coverage on this morning as we were running around with the kiddos and getting ready. It led to some conversation between Isaac and me....

First, Isaac said regarding choosing and asking a woman to marry him: "I'll just say, 'Do you love Jesus?' and if she says no, I'll just go and ask somebody else."

And next, "Do I HAVE to buyed her a ring?!?!" He seemed mortified by this thought....

He has seemed intrigued by all things marriage recently and is at that sweet, tender age when he is trying to figure out family relationships and how things work. The other day, he asked me, "How did you and daddy choosed each other to get married?"

I've heard that he's "gotten married" at preschool and MOPS two or three times.... and last week at MOPS, one of the fabulous MOPPETS volunteers shared that he was playing in a toy boat and just started yelling at the top of his lungs, "HEY! HEY! I need my wife!!!"

3 weeks from today....

.... 21 days.... until we meet Baby! We are all excited (and I'm just a little anxious, if I might confess.... have I ever mentioned how jealous Ellie gets when we are holding one of the boys?!!)

Ellie is in her new room and new crib. The bassinet is ready to go. I washed a load of newborn onesies, gowns, and sleepers today. The carseat has been cleaned up and washed. I just borrowed a suitcase for the hospital. Scott and I had our first conversation about baby names tonight.... no conclusion yet but at least the conversation has finally started (he refused to talk about names any sooner).

And we saw this perfect and beautiful, little face on Friday. They estimated that this little miracle weighed right around 5 pounds 10 ounces. Only 21 days until I gaze at this child who is now in my womb. I am cherishing every movement and kick these days, giggling at the hiccups even. I couldn't feel more blessed.... wow, I love being a momma....

Look at that sweet little nose and precious little lips!!!

Dancing for Jesus! ;)

I know that many of you have probably already seen this.... but I think it's perfect for this day of celebration: EASTER! I just love it.... people joyously worshiping, causing me to join in the party! My boys loved it, too....

Florida.... the crazy water toy edition!

The resort had a great, little lake with a perfect little beach for kiddos. There are some awesome water toys that the boys (cousin, Zach, and Scott included....) seemed to love!

Playing in the sand while waiting for Scott to return with life jackets

Waiting so patiently!
Let the FUN begin!

Before: Daddy holding on tight!

And AFTER: On his way!

This pic is one of my favorites.... check out all the kiddos watching the BIG KID in the middle! :)

Florida.... the swimming edition!

We had a blast in all of the pools at our resort, and oh, how I loved being in the water at this stage of pregnancy! Whew.... it felt amazing to swim! These pics were taken on Isaac's last day in his floatie suit; he learned to swim on his own during this trip! Hoorah!

Ellie loved the kiddie pool with Aunt Debby.

Our girl is a little water bug, too. She was fearless.... jumping in and going all the way under!

My sweet sis with my niece, Abby

Words of wisdom...

.... from our 4-year old!

So, today, as I was driving Isaac to preschool, he proclaimed, "You guys need to hug more."

I said: "What do you mean, 'you guys'? Daddy and I need to hug YOU more?"

Isaac: "You need to say, 'I love you more'."

Me: "To you?"

Isaac: "NO! To each other more!"

Woa. Noted, dear 4-year old.

I guess we'll be increasing the PDA and mushy words with each other in our home AND in front of our kiddos. So funny, I shared this with Scott. Later in the day, he had whispered, "I love you" to me.... and then, glanced over at Isaac, and yelled, "I LOVE YOU, DEANNA."

Yep, our kids need to know that we are more than roommates. I want for my kids to know that I am crazy about their daddy.... because indeed, I am! ;)

Florida.... the golfing edition!

Well, this wouldn't be much of a "Little Scrapbook" (see: blog title!) if I didn't post vacation pictures, now would it?! So, for my own enjoyment, I will be posting pictures from our trip to Florida over the next couple of days! First, THE GOLFING EDITION! This was one of our boys' favorite parts of the trip. Our fabulous resort had mini-golf on site, and the boys were frequent visitors.


Then, my Dad had a big surprise for the boys.... New-to-them CLUBS that were the perfect size for both of them! They had a blast golfing with Grandpa on a real course a few times, and I've even been told that our 8-year old was LEGITIMATELY putting for par on a couple of greens!

With Grandpa and cousin, Zach

Thankful Thursday....

Today, I am thankful....

1) For today. Period. I am reminded that "In Christ alone, my hope is found...." He has overcome this world, and even as we face trouble of our own, we can find peace in the certainty that WE WIN if we are in Christ (John 16:33). I WILL take heart in that fact and be grateful. There are no other guarantees. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Long, healthy life is not guaranteed. He is my one and only. He is my one guarantee. And for that, I am choosing to be grateful tonight. I can't imagine where I would be without Him....

Hello, world!

Hi all. Just wanted to pop in to say hi.... to let you know that I DO still exist and that I am still planning to continue to blog. Life has been a whirlwind. The snippets....

I am still pregnant. 33 weeks pregnant to be exact. Starting non-stress tests and ultrasounds weekly now, just to be safe due to the shots and meds. Will put my c-section on the calendar soon.... probably will deliver around 38 weeks.

Had a great trip to Florida with my family. 17ish hours in a car with little ones, driving straight through, is a very long time.... but VERY worth it to sleep in our own beds. Braxton Hicks contractions freaked me out while 17ish hours from home. But we came home safely.... and I, again, am still pregnant.

Baseball has started again..... a whole new level of baseball at our house. It will be an adventure. We will learn much. And I'm confident that my crock pot usage will be taken to a whole new level, too.

Two situations with two different families have completely swept my heart away over the past week. I can't share more here right now.... but I have been reminded, repeatedly, during my times in prayer for these families of two things: 1st- If we are in Christ, WE WIN. He overcame this world and so will we. 2nd- God was so, so good and so, so smart when He designed us to be in community and healthy fellowship. I watched it play out, firsthand, today with a friend as different people in the Body stepped up to meet different needs. God is so, so good and so, so faithful.... even when trouble knocks on our door. I am so, so thankful for His grace.