Oh Omaha!

Omaha...Nebraska... NEVER in a million years would I have imagined this would be a place I could be living.

I have often imagined moving somewhere great, like Tampa or Aspen...but Omaha? Not so much.

But yet here we are, in the middle of this adventure of life, and it seems as though Omaha is where God is directing us.

It really is a beautiful place, but still not too far off from our midwestern roots.

I really am excited about this opportunity, but stepping into the unknown and unexperienced is always a little bit scary too.

Justin and I could both travel the Quad Cities blindfolded...we have lived here our whole lives!

We were in Omaha for about 2 1/2 days this past weekend, and got lost almost EVERYWHERE we went!

But I'm sure, like with everything, you adapt. And I'm sure it won't be long before the city and people of Omaha also begin to feel like home.

I have never been outside of my comfort zone when it comes to living environment, or being away from family.

I think it will be good for us. It will force us to open up to new relationships, and I think it will draw us closer as a family as well.

Sometimes surrendering to God...I mean COMPLETELY surrendering...is the most difficult thing to do. It would be so, so, SO much easier to stay here in the QC and just keep doing what we are doing. But when it comes down to it, no matter how painful or how difficult, the voice of God is the only one we should listen to.

What an adventure....here we go!

I'm so ready!

A few months ago, I was dreading the thought of going through the whole labor/delivery/recovery process again. But now??? I can't wait!

When I was pregnant with Javen, I ended up having him 8 days after his due-date. I had a very comfortable pregnancy, up until that last week or so.

I don't understand why this time is so different, but the entire past month has felt like those last 8 days...and I still have 9 weeks to go!

I feel...HEAVY!

I am normally a pretty petite person. So when you throw 30 lbs. of excess weight at me and just expect my hips, back and legs to suddenly support it... well it's not working out too well!

I am looking forward to going into labor. With Javen I think I was a little bit naive about the whole process, I didn't know what I was getting into when I checked into the hospital that day!

But now I know exactly what I'm in for, and I have spent the last several weeks preparing my body and mind. I feel unafraid and empowered to bring this baby girl into the world!

I know that by the grace of God that this labor and delivery is going to be quick, easy, and free of any complications.

I am craving this little girl, I want to see her face....and I would also love to go for a jog. :0)

Can't wait to be non-pregnant!

6 Weeks

It's been 6 weeks since I have sang into a microphone.

Just typing that makes my heart ache.

Not out of pride, or a longing for the "spotlight". But it's a longing to be doing what I know God has called me, gifted me, and blessed me to do.

I didn't realize how much singing had become a part of me...until now.

Like everything, I choose to believe that this is just a season. I know that I will be singing again. But for now, God, my husband, my son, the shower and the steering wheel will be the only ones who hear my voice...for now.

Back at it again

It's been a while! So I redesigned, and re-titled my blog, and I am vowing to post a new blog at least 3 times a week.
Let me give a brief description of my new blogger-title. Yes, we are naming our soon to be born daughter Zoe. But I titled my blog "living zoe" because of the meaning of the word. In the Bible, the word zoe represents abundant life---therefore "living an abundant life" is the title of my blog. :0)
Oh the seasons of life! The past several months have been...a rollercoaster. Our direction has been changed from east to west and back again a dozen times. I guess that it just goes to show that our plans are not Gods plans.
I will tell you this, relocating was the LAST thing I expected to be doing in 2010, but it looks like a big move will be in our very near future. We have not made any final decisions regarding where we will be living for the next 1-2 years. We have been invited to Omaha, and we will be heading there this weekend to check things out and see if it's a good fit for us.
This is all so scary and thrilling at the same time. I am not looking forward to the day we hug our friends and family goodbye and pack up. In the immediate, I am heartbroken. But looking at the grand scale of life, this season is so temporary.
I believe that this opportunity is going to be one of the most refreshing, fulfilling things we have ever done. I know that we would regret it if we chose not to go.
You can read more about this transition at my husbands blog.

I can finally feel my joy returning as I look towards the future.

A Change is Coming...

I had my 19 week ultrasound appointment yesterday, and discovered with absolute certainty that our 2nd baby will be...a girl.

I can't say that I "knew" it was going to be a girl, nobody can. But I had a strong feeling that it was going to be a girl, and I wasn't taken back or surprised at all when we were told.

My husband on the other hand was, ummm... "slightly" surprised. I'm pretty sure he went into some form of shock, causing his eyes to bulge and his vocal chords to stop working.

I have only ever dealt with a son, where everything is rough and tumble and favorite toys are motorcycles and army guys.

Now we are being thrown into a world of baby dolls, hair bows, and Barbies. What a change, but what a joy.

I have no doubt that this little girl will be beautiful, intelligent, sweet and abundantly talented. I can't wait to meet her, but in the meantime, I've got shopping to do :0)

I can't wait to get my hands on...

...our living room! Along with our kitchen, bathroom, kids room....but the living room first! There is an HGTV worthy masterpiece brewing in my mind, and I can't wait to make it come to life! Our living room is BIG, about 25'x14'. The color theme will be shades of beige, charcoal gray, and accents of cranberry red. I am wanting to cover one wall with a bold geometric wallpaper. My favorite that I've found so far is in the photo above. I will be sure to post before and after photos of the transformation, once it gets underway!

Prayer Request

Please read this blog and take a moment of your time to pray for this sweet little girl, Kate. This beautiful 5 year old is having brain surgery today to remove an egg-sized tumor. Her family are believers and are holding tight to the promises of God and the power of prayer. Let's come into agreement with them. As a parent, I can't even comprehend what they are going through. My heart aches for them, and I am praying that God will do a miracle in Kates body.

http://promisetangemanblog.com/life/pray-for-kate