Wednesday, September 12th, 2007

     We're moved and settled now and preparations for the baby are underway.  We had plenty of help on the day we moved and were able to fit most of our stuff in Eli's brother's trailer and my parents' van.  After the first caravan went down to the new place and unloaded, we only had a couple of small loads left.  I thank God for my mother's example of not hanging on to a lot of superfluous stuff.  All the preparation that I did before hand really paid off and we were able to spend a good chunk of the day settling in and unpacking my kitchen.  My mom was a wonderful help in that area, keeping me going and just taking things out of boxes and putting them somewhere.  She believes in one day moves and I think I agree with her.  By Tuesday, I was able to sit on the couch in our new living room and not feel like there was anything left that I needed to move in.  Books were settled on their shelves, candles were lit, pictures were on the wall, and the place was already feeling like home.

     I've enjoyed the getting to know the house.  It's an older house and, while I'm waiting to decide if I like living in an old house until we actually have some experience dealing with things, I can definitely see why people like them.  It has so much more character than our apartment did.  The walls there were just white rectangles and it took a lot to make them feel decorated.  Here our furniture and possessions look so much more cozy and settled and just a few tasteful pictures and candleholders are all that's needed to decorate the room.  All the little creaks and squeaks will soon become familiar and I can tell that there will be many fond memories associated with this house.

     With only three weeks left till the baby's due date, I'm beginning to get excited.  I'm going to the doctor every week now and today he said we are safe to deliver.  The baby could safely be born any time!  Of course, we could still have a solid month ahead of us, but I've definitely reached the anxiously waiting stage.  Since we have more room in the house, we bought an upright freezer and I've begun the process of filling it with food that will make meals easier for months after the baby's born.  Soon I'll set up the bassinette, wash all the cute little pink clothes that I've been collecting, and gather supplies for the birth.  It's amazing to think that in only a few weeks we'll have another little one in our home!

Humbly Thankful

     Whenever I stop to think about my life right now, I am overwhelmed with a sense of God's goodness.  I sit in our beautiful new home surrounded by lovely possessions: shelves full of good literature, a kitchen stocked with quality tools and good food, pretty pictures hanging on the walls.  I have a loving, caring husband who has plenty of work to do that he enjoys.  My son is the cutest boy that ever lived and he's learning how to walk in the way he should go.  On top of that, we will soon be adding another little baby to our family who hasn't given me any trouble during the pregnancy.  God has blessed me more than even I think I deserve, and I know I deserve a lot less than I think I do. 

     I just wanted to take a moment to thank God publicly for these and the many more bountiful blessings that He's showered on us.  His mercy and love are more than I can comprehend and I only wish I could praise Him better for them. 

Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103: 1-5

Fewer Movies, More Books
   Books to read in 2007

Amanda's Short Stories...
NEW! Go Back to Sleep, Baby
Amy's Math
The Importance of Fathers
The Little Yellow Dress with Blue Flowers

...and Book Reviews
The Golden Age,
     Kenneth Grahame
Horatio Hornblower series,
     C. S. Forester
Kim, Rudyard Kipling
Reforming Marriage,
     Doug Wilson
Story of the Trapp Family Singers,
     Maria Trapp
So Much More
     Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin
Stepping Heavenward
     Elizabeth Prentiss

Links
Exodus Provisions
Karen's Cookbook
Choosing Home
Stoos Gallery
Walker Gallery
Jal Duncan Photography

...Etc.
January 24th, 2006
     The Birth Story
     A Letter to Joshua
December, 2005
     Christmas Letter
March 5th, 2005
     Bridal Shower

     If you have any questions, comments, corrections, or communications, I can be reached at "amanda at exodusbooks dot com".