Changes

So, last night was the first snow. And I can't even say it was the first snow of winter! Can you believe it was 29 degrees here last night? We had the stove in the basement pumping out heat so we didn't have to use the heater the whole night through. And during the day I keep the fire going as well. Winter's cold fingers are tickling the backs of our necks letting us know she's almost here. Oh, farm life...
Not only is the weather changing, but our little one growing my stomach is changing and getting ready to make her debut in about three weeks. Unbelievable! And I'm all nerves. Cylas is such a curious and energetic little guy that it scares me to think I'll have to control two babies at the same time. Yes, for those mother's who have more than two...or more than four I stand in complete awe. And, I'm so glad that you can do it because I think I'm going to retire from being pregnant...hah. Having two children just seems so symmetrical and affordable and much more manageable!
And on a sad note, I had to quit my guitar lessons. My stomach was getting too big and I would have contractions while I was playing...hahah. So, I have to wait to resume my lessons until AFTER the baby is born. Going to my lessons would bring me such joy. Honestly, it was like I took a happy pill or something. I looked forward to every Thursday. I'll keep playing here at home so I don't lose what I've learned, but it is quite the task trying to prop that guitar in a comfortable position so I can see my fingers...hehah. Oh well, in a few months I'll be strumming again!

The Ark

Growing up under the leadership of Bishop Wilson and later Brother Young I have found myself leaning heavily on the principles taught to me throughout the years, since our move to Pennsylvania. After the first couple of months living here, I realized how they had sacrificed so much to make sure I did not become infected with the negativity church politics bring. Talk about a reality check when I realized that there was so much going on out there that I cared to know nothing about and was extremely disappointed once I did find out. I have to thank both my Bishop and Pastor for their selfless giving to make sure we weren't blind but only protected. And so, now, here I am married almost 3000 miles away from anything that is familiar or comforting and I have to do it alone. I don't have the comfort of stepping inside the doors of my church and knowing that I can count on a smile from Sis. Sargent, a hug from Nona or an encouraging word from Sis. Bertram. I am standing in the middle of a battle field with the daunting task of protecting my family and making sure we stay in "for the long haul". Recently, my sister sent me a message preached by Brother Young entitled "Noah's Ark". Now, before you smile and say that you've heard a message similar I have to say that you may need to pause a moment and read what I am about to write.
In Brother Young's message, he opened up a new point of view on the ark and the significance of how long it took to build it and why it was built with certain elements and the particular process of gathering the animals God called "clean". After 120 years, God finally gave Noah and his family the nod to step aboard but not before giving him the enormous task of building this ark by hand. Noah himself built the ark...it wasn't some miracle that made the planks stack atop each other and fit neatly. It was the hand of a man who was guided by the instruction of God. From the structure of the ark to the pitch it was covered with, the ark created a miniature world that would sail the deep holding the future in its bowels. Imagine how many crops Noah had to farm throughout the 120 years to prepare the proper amount of food, imagine how he had to raise his children to love their God with all their hearts so that, in the end, when God called, each of his children would understand the importance of obeying His voice and imagine how laborious the process of gathering animals was to the specifications God gave Noah. But, in the end, each of his three sons married a woman who understood and wanted to be a part of the sacrifices that needed to be made in order to step aboard that ark.
Oh, that the ark we build for our family would be secure and built just how God has specified so my family can be saved. And on an even grander scale, don't let me scoff at the ark that the man of God has built by his hand, but let me step aboard with my family ready to sail.

Family Time

So nice to just spend time together! At times, it's easy to forget the serenity felt in just sitting on the bed together reading a book, laying on the floor with your two year old playing cars while your husband sits near by, holding hands and going for a walk and watching your little one run from bush to bush to find all of the hidden treasures, watching your husband and little boy through the kitchen window while they munch the fresh raspberries in your garden , listening to your husband and baby talk to each other about utter nonsense, eating ice cream when it's cold outside and so many other activities. Each one has such a special place and creates the best memories. Last night, I was feeling a little emotional because we hadn't "spent time together". We eat dinner together almost every night but that isn't enough. I really wanted to go for a walk and just enjoy the closeness of happy family-ness. We used to do that a lot in Sac, but since we've moved here it's not the same. So, every once in a while I make David walk me around the corn and cow fields with Cylas so we can get some fresh air as a family. It's such a small thing but it means so much to me.
I took a couple of snap shots of us last night...

It's Fall-ing

As of four nights ago, we have started to use our heater! Gracious, it's cold. And last night, for the first time, we could see our breath as we stood outside talking. We invited a couple from the church over last night and I cooked chicken artichoke casserole. It was suuuper delish! Anyway, it feels like winter to me, but this is only the beginning of Fall! It's going to be a cold one this year, so they say. And I'm thinking, "Give a Cali-girl a break". hahahah
Last night, David made butter from the milk we get at the neighboring farm. it took him almost 45 minutes to get the stuff to harden! But, he got a whole stick of fresh churned butter and used it this morning on his biscuits. He informed me that butter making should become a part of our weekly chores...hahah. He's excited about it. It's just more fun to keep us occupied in the winter months!
I've started my search for warm winter coats and snowsuits for Cylas. He's definitely going to want to frolic in the snow. Uhm, I'll leave the frolicing to him and David. I'm very content to sit inside and sit hot cocoa and read a REEeeaaLLy good book! There isn't too much to write about at this point, only that I'm seven weeks away from having our little girl, we FINALLY bought a couch and we have a desk and shelf setup that fits so nicely into our sitting area. I'll take photos soon...