Landon Steel Schuelke

Landon Steel’s story all began in March 2012 when we took a pregnancy test and saw that it was positive. Landon’s older sister, Blair Nicole, went to be with Jesus on November 11, 2011 and we knew we eventually wanted to have another child. It took a lot of prayer and understanding that it would be ok for us to try after three months of recovery for my body. So we were so relieved and blessed when we got pregnant right away. We immediately spread the word and our friends and family began praying for our little miracle. We were so excited, but also a little fearful for the long 9 months of waiting.

My pregnancy was very similar to Blair’s with virtually no sickness from the start. I love being pregnant because I truly do feel my best, and the feeling of life inside me is just amazing. However, this pregnancy also came with a lot of anxiousness. I feared the worst with every normal ache and pain, every span of not feeling him move even though it was just because he was sleeping, and the small chance that I would hear bad news again at a doctor appointment. Yet, I reminded myself with every fearful thought that God was in control, my son was in the Lord’s hands, and there were so many people praying. It gave me a lot of peace knowing those things and really helped me get through it.

 

On Friday, September 28, 2012 (one day shy of being 32 weeks) I had an appointment with my high-risk doctor in Midland at 9:00am for the first of my weekly fetal monitoring appointments. My mother-in-law, Patty, was with me and we had plans to drive to Dallas for a girls shopping weekend while the guys went hunting in New Mexico. It had rained the night before and was still raining a lot. The roads were also flooded in town making it a little more difficult to get there. Yet there were still cars on the road and businesses were open as usual. Except for my doctors office, which was closed and did not call me to inform me of this. Who does that!? So...very frustrated, I called my regular OB to see if I could get in for at least a test to hear the baby (NST). They were able to get me in at 9:30 so off we went. Our baby boy looked GREAT on the NST and all was well, however, my doctor noticed I was having some contractions so she wanted to check me before we went to Dallas. She discovered I was 3 cm dilated and 30 percent effaced. CRAZY! So, needless to say, I wasn’t going anywhere! I was admitted into Labor and Delivery to be monitored and given meds to stop the contractions. They worked off and on, but I continued to have contractions anywhere from 3 in an hour to 2-5 minutes apart. They were very irregular, but definitely there. I could feel the contractions, but they were not painful. Just a tightening and cramp like feeling. I didn't change any in dilation, but became 50 percent effaced, so they kept me overnight to continue monitoring me. I was checked again Saturday morning, and my doctor found that I was 3 1/2cm dilated and 70 percent effaced, while still having contractions. So she made the decision to send me to Odessa Medical Center, which has one of the best NICU units around. This was IN CASE our baby boy decided to greet the world earlier then planned, not because there was anything wrong with him or me. Therefore, I was transferred from Dr. McBrayer's care to Dr. Kelly in Odessa, which was hard being that I have grown so close to my doctor through the last year. But it was a smooth transition and I really liked Dr. Kelly and his staff. I was in the L&D in Odessa from Saturday afternoon until Sunday evening being monitored with the least amount of meds to see if I would naturally stop contractions. I did, so they moved me to a postpartum room Sunday night for less continuous monitoring. At this point, I actually went from being 3 1/2cm dilated back down to a 2! I didn’t even know that could happen!? Praise God! We then were told that we should not leave Odessa because I needed to be as close as possible to the hospital in case labor picked up again. We then began trying to form a plan and some good friends, Bryan & Tasha Creech, offered for us to use their 5th wheel trailer. We found out that the hospital had hook-ups free of charge right in the parking lot!! WOW! Another God thing for sure! So...I was put on bed rest hoping to make it to at least 37 weeks. I was not confined to the bed, but had to be off my feet as much as possible. I had lots of friends and family come to visit and I was often able to get out and have some freedom. I had appointments at Texas Tech Medical Center with Dr. Kelly twice a week for NST's, sonograms, and check-ups, so it was comforting to know what was going on. Clint went to work as usual and made the hour drive back and forth between Odessa and Big Spring. It was hard to be away from home and out of routine for 5 weeks, but so worth it knowing we were close to the hospital if anything were to happen.

On Friday, November 2 I had my last NST with Dr. Kelly and was officially off of “bed rest” the next day because I would be 37 weeks and considered full term. I had scheduled an appointment with Dr. McBrayer for the following Monday to make a plan with her to deliver in Midland. My mom had come in town on Wednesday and we went home to do some things at our house and I started to notice more pressure and pain, but nothing to make me think it was true labor. However, when I went to my appointment at 8:30am Friday morning there were more contractions then “normal” on the NST. The doctor decided to check me and discovered I was 4-5 cm dilated. Again, I wasn’t going anywhere! I was sent to Labor & Delivery and was told I would be having my baby TODAY! There was no stopping contractions this time!! My mom cried with excitement and I just sat there in shock! It was finally time! So we threw shopping out the window and headed to L&D. Once there we started calling everyone letting them know what was going on. Clint was on his way from work when we were both finally convinced that it was really happening this time.

I sat in the bed for a while still having the same contractions I had been having with no real pain, yet I did start to notice they were happening more often. Dr. Kelly then made the decision to break my water to progress things and help the baby drop. Dr. Bowman and Dr. Kelly worked together to break my water around 2:00pm. During my pregnancy I had been diagnosed with polyhydramnios, which is excess amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac. I couldn’t believe how much water was actually inside me!! I immediately felt lighter and smaller the minute they finished. My contractions also progressed and became more painful. I was asked and told SEVERAL times if I wanted an epidural at any time just to let them know. I had really prepared for a natural delivery my first pregnancy with Blair, and when I was unable to do that I knew that I wanted to try in the future. Therefore, I made the decision to do my best to have my baby boy naturally with no pain medication. I could not have done it without my team though! My husband did the job of putting pressure on my back and helping me push, my mom massaged my feet, back, and hands making it as relaxing as possible while also helping Clint, and my mother-in-law Patty coached me on my breathing. I can definitely see why women say it is the most painful thing they have been through, but the minute it was all over and my son was in my arms it was all worth it! I would do it again for the feeling of accomplishment I had holding him in my arms! I also had the ideal situation with the amount of time it took. From the time my water was broken to pushing it was 4-5 hours of contractions, and I only pushed for about 20 minutes. At 5:56pm he was born! Truly a blessing!

However, I did not hear the sound I had envisioned hearing all this time. I heard some short cries, but not the screaming baby I had expected. After Clint cut the cord, Landon was immediately rushed to the bassinet and the nurses began rubbing him and putting a tube to his mouth to give him oxygen. Those were the scariest moments ever as I was forced to stay in the bed and watch my son get worked on by NICU nurses. I kept thinking, “Oh please Lord, not again! Let me hear him cry!” We were told several times that everything was ok and that this was typical for a 36-week baby, but I was still very worried. It was a total of about 7 minutes, which felt like an eternity before we heard him start to scream. That sound was music to my ears as they brought him to my arms. We looked at our son with complete joy and excitement! Thank you Lord for this sweet miracle of life! I looked at Clint and asked, “What should we name him?” He said, “You just went through natural labor! You can name him whatever you want!! Haha!” He then said, “How about Landon?” I looked with amazement that he agreed to that name! It had always been my number one choice, but had to grow on Clint. He said it had been at the front of his mind for a while and he thought I deserved my first choice! We both loved the middle name Steel because it symbolized strength and resilience and the Lord had definitely given us those things over the past year. So Landon Steel Schuelke it was! A 7 pound 10 ounce, 20.5 inch bundle of cuteness!

We moved to a postpartum room and had great visits from family and friends as we navigated these new waters as parents of a newborn. We were discharged and sent home on Sunday, November 4. The amazing feeling of going home with a baby in the back seat was unlike anything I can describe. What a change of emotions from just last year! We felt so blessed! We came home to a clean and organized house surrounded by our family- another huge blessing! We were now officially a family of four! I know Blair was looking down on us with joy as we got to bring her little brother home. Blair will never be replaced and the ache in our hearts will always remain as we miss her so much every day! Yet, I am just amazed at how the Lord has brought beauty from the ashes of a fire that burned in our hearts not so long ago. Our God is a God of restoration and healing. He has brought us through the storms in our lives to teach us something about ourselves and His deep love for us. We have learned how to love deeper-- to love our God, to love each other, to love our children, to love our families, and to love this world that is lost even more. We have a hope that is greater then anything this world can offer. We have already seen our hope revealed in our son, Landon, and can’t wait to teach him about the love and hope that God has for him and our family. 

Meet our little guy!

Wow! Has it really been almost 3 months since I posted anything!? I apologize to all my faithful blog followers for my neglect to update! Life has been a new sort of crazy as many of you know we welcomed our new little bundle of joy on November 2! There has also been all the added excitement and work to prepare for the holidays as well as finishing up and settling into our house, new baby laundry, family in town, cleaning, cooking....you know how it goes! And as I let each day pass that I didn't update my blog it got more and more overwhelming! I wanted to tell you all (and have for my own record) every single event of Landon's life and so it became this task that in my head required a lot of "time" to sit down and do. "Time" that I didn't feel like I had because I wanted to soak up every moment of Landon's awake time and get things done around the house during his nap time. BUT enough with the excuses! I will start with the basics....

I would like to introduce you to our baby boy...Landon Steel Schuelke! He is the answer to all of our prayers as well as many of you who have been praying diligently for us. We appreciate it more then you know!! He is beyond everything that we ever hoped for and we are in love to say the least! Thank you Lord for this precious gift! May we be the parents you would have us to be to raise this little guy into a man that loves you, serves you, and honors you with his life. 

Landon Steel Schuelke

November 2, 2012

5:56 pm

7lbs. 10oz. 

20.5 inches

We are so blessed and happy to have this little boy in our lives! He is now 2 months old! My how the time flies! I hope to add more pictures and stories soon as well as Landon's birth story to follow in the next posts. Thanks again for being a part of our journey of parenthood. The Lord has definitely brought us through a lot, and I can say I have seen his grace and goodness through it all.  

Living water

I am so excited to announce that Blair's well is COMPLETE!! Such a wonderful blessing to have it done before her birthday on November 11 and before her little brothers birthday TBD ;-). I can't even describe the feelings I had when I saw it for the first time. Tears of joy, tears of remembrance, tears of thankfulness, and definitely some tears of sadness too because every time I think of Blair I miss her even more! But I can also say that I was very proud of my little girl as I saw her name written on this well. Her life has purpose and meaning to these people who need life and purpose every day! I can't imagine not having easy access to clean drinking water and for these people in Uganda it has been a daily reality all their lives. Until now....
Now they have clean running water EVERY DAY! Giving them another day of life that they didn't have before. All because of Blair's short life here on Earth. I have always loved missions and seeing lives changed for the good because of the great news of Christ, and while I never thought it would take losing my baby to be apart of missions, I am reminded that everything is for HIS glory.  Whether that be losing your baby, giving up your life and comfort to live overseas as a missionary, giving of your finances in difficult times, giving of your energy and time, and all other kinds of sacrifices. (Not saying that I like it or that I am OK with it, but it's my life and I want to choose to look at it through the lens of eternity). We are all called to share the love of Christ in one way or another. We are all called to be missionaries. We just have to trust Him that His plans are bigger and greater then we can imagine and be obedient. Building this well is also just another way God has brought beauty from the ashes. 

The story of how we raised the funds for this well just amazes me! I knew immediately after losing Blair that we would want to raise money toward building a well. Holden Uganda was started by a dear friend, Sarah Erwin, who was just an acquaintance before losing Blair. I had known about her loss of her little boy Holden in 2010 and was a little familiar with Holden Uganda shortly after. But as of November 11, 2011 she became someone who truly understood what I was going through and a light of Christ's hope as she reached out to me. She has walked this journey with me through losing Blair and in my pregnancy with her brother, and I am so grateful the Lord kindled this friendship. All that to say, I became very familiar with Holden Uganda and was thrilled to be apart of this awesome organization that brings hope to those who need it most. So we started an account for Blair....

I posted on my blog awhile back and spread the word by mouth about wanting to raise money for this well. Friends and family were so gracious to send money to get this started and I am just so thankful. Sometime this summer, I talked to Sarah about how much more we needed to raise and we were $100 shy of our $2,000 goal!! WOW! We had the Shaw family reunion (Clint's side) coming up in August and I thought how great it would be to get the family involved in raising the rest of the money. Sarah then mentioned the need for building an even bigger well in an area that really needed it. There are some areas in Uganda that have water pressure that is too high for a small well and would crumble if made too small, so there would need to be a multiple pipe well to withstand the water supply. However, these villages wait the longest because of the need for more funds. Sarah told us to think and pray about it and see if the Lord lead us in that direction. I agreed that we would pray and see what would happen...

So...we prayed about it and decided to mention the need for these funds to build the bigger well at the reunion, thinking it would at least help us get closer to our new goal of $4,000. And WOW! The Lord answered our prayer in a BIG way! We ended up raising $2,450 that weekend! Our family was so gracious to give to this great cause in honor of Blair and we were just blown away and humbled by their generosity, love, and support! Blair was and is loved so much!! We were able to send the $4,000 to Holden Uganda to build the well and hold onto the $450 in hopes of either starting another well or putting it toward other organizations that help those who have lost babies too soon. 

Words can't express the joy we had and still have that the Lord provided this money through our family and friends! Thank you so much to everyone who made this happen with your donations and prayers! We seriously can't thank you enough, and I hope as you look at these pictures that you feel part of this amazing project done in Blair's honor. You truly are apart of it! God bless you!!

Love seeing all that fresh water running out!!

Love this woman's sweet smile (the Ugandans don't usually smile for pictures unless instructed to because they are not used to cameras)

This picture is just amazing with the stormy clouds in the background and then the suns light shining on Blairs name, bday and verse. SO neat!!

 "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you don't see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:6-9

Whirlwind life!

Well I'm sure by now many of you know about our crazy weekend adventure and current living situation...Here is the story from the beginning to now the best I can remember and explain.   

On Friday I had an appointment with my high risk doctor at 9:00 to do fetal monitoring. I was with my mother-in-law, Patty, and we were planning on driving to Dallas to meet up with my sister in laws to shop for the weekend. Clint and the boys were going to New Mexico to go deer hunting. It had rained the night before and was currently raining, so it was flooding everywhere. Yet there were still cars on the road and businesses were open as usual. Except for my doctors office, which was closed and did not call me to inform me of this. Who does that!? So...very frustrated, I called my regular OB to see if I could get in for at least a test to hear the baby (NST). They were able to get me in at 9:30 so off we went. Our baby boy looked GREAT on the NST and all was well, however, my doctor noticed I was having some contractions so she wanted to check me before we went to Dallas. She discovered I was 3 cm dilated and 30 percent effaced. CRAZY! So, needless to say, I wasnt going anywhere! Looking back it was all the Lord because I would've probably gone to Dallas and who knows what would've happened!?..... I was admitted into Labor and Delivery to be monitored and given meds to stop the contractions. They worked off and on, but I continued to have contractions anywhere from 3 to an hour to 2-5 minutes apart. So very irregular, but definitely there. I could feel the contractions, but they were not painful. Just a tightening and cramp like feeling. I didn't change any in dilation, but went to 50 percent effaced, so they kept me overnight to continue monitoring me and giving me meds. I was checked again Saturday morning, and my doctor found that I was 3 1/2 dilated and 70 percent effaced, while still having contractions. So she made the decision to send me to Odessa Medical Center, which has one of the best NICU units around. This was IN CASE our baby boy decided to greet the world earlier then planned, not because there was anything wrong with him or me. Therefore, I was transferred from Dr. McBrayer's care to a new doctor in Odessa, which was hard being that I have grown so close to my doctor through the last year, but it has been a smooth transition and I really like this Odessa doctor. I was in the L&D in Odessa from Saturday afternoon until Sunday evening being monitored with the least amount of meds to see if I would naturally stop contractions. I did, so they moved me to a postpartum room Sunday night for less continuous monitoring. At this point, I actually went from 3 1/2 dilation back down to a 2! Didn't even know that could happen!? Praise God! We then were told that we should not leave Odessa because I needed to be as close as possible to the hospital in case labor picked up again. We then began trying to form a plan and some good friends, Bryan & Tasha Creech, offered for us to use their 5th wheel trailer. We found out that the hospital had hook-ups free of charge right in the parking lot!! WOW! Another God thing for sure! So...here we are in our new "home" for the next 4 + weeks! I am now 33 weeks and we are hoping to keep the baby "cookin" until at least 37 weeks. I can even be transferred back to McBrayer if I make it to at least 35 weeks! I will do this by drinking LOTS of water and resting. I am not confined to the bed, but need to be off my feet as much as possible. I'm able to get out, but I just can't leave Odessa. So, it could always be worse, and I am thankful that I am able to have a little freedom. I will be going to the doctor twice a week for NST's, sonograms, and doctor appointments also, so that will be comforting to know what's going on. Clint is going to work as usual and commuting back and forth between Odessa and Big Spring. Turns out to be exactly 1 hour between. We also still have our remodel going on....so close to being done, but still going. So it's a lot of phone calls and Clint going to the house to check in. And a lot of relying on others to help us out. I don't think we have really had "normal" for over a year and a half! AHH! Spontaneity is our new middle name! Crazy to think how much has happened in just a year!? Makes me think....where will we be this time next year!? Hopefully the biggest things on our agenda will be planning our boys 1 year bday party and Blair's 2nd bday in heaven! We shall see....

I have been continually reminded of God's goodness and provision and also how little control I have over my life. The reality of having true faith and trusting the Lord for every step has been a HUGE lesson for me. It has truly been a scary time, but I have also have a peace that I know only comes from the Lord and your prayers. It is the same peace I had when I held Blair in my arms, which shows me even more how real God is. I couldn't humanly handle any this on my own. I have seen what it really means to fiercely love your kids and feel like you would do anything to protect them, however, I can't do this alone. It is completely out of my control. My children belong to Him, and I am just blessed to be their mom, and I need the Lord to be my strength and work through me. Because otherwise I would be a nervous wreck and emotional most all of the time! I would want to find a hole and bury myself in it, not wanting to function with the world. But I have learned to take each moment with a deep breath and prayer, asking God to show me his purpose. I may not know at the moment why, but I know I will someday. I am choosing DAILY to believe God for who He says He is and rest in the truth of His promises that He will never leave me, nor forsake me. He works ALL things for the good if we just love Him and let go! So, that is what I am learning right now, which can be very difficult at times. It's not easy, but God didn't promise that this life would be easy. He just promised that He would help us through it. 

Again, thank you for all the continued prayers for our family. We have been so humbled by the amount of support, love, encouragement, kindness, and provision that has been given to us. You are God's light to us, so thank you! 

Kicks, prayers, and Jesus...

These are the things that make my world go 'round these days! My sweet baby boy's kicks and movement, friends and families prayers for us and this pregnancy as well as our hearts, and Jesus who is my all in all and sustainer of each new day. My sanity is dependent on them!  

A few updates...

Baby Boy Schuelke:

Yup, that's right...still no name! And probably won't have one, at least to the public, until he's born! Makes it more fun that way and the fact that we are just indecisive and need to meet him first! :-) That day is getting closer as I have reached the 31 week mark today! It's amazing how fast it's gone and then sometimes it feels like forever!  He is a very healthy boy and growing lots! He is actually measuring a little ahead at recent sonograms and I've been told I have a little more fluid then normal. I've tested negative for gestational diabetes, which is what they often credit for extra fluid. They say sometimes it just happens for no reason and is just more uncomfortable for momma to carry. But I'll take it if that's the worst I have to endure! They will just keep an even closer eye on me as it raises the risk of preterm labor. I will begin going to either my OB or high risk doctor once every week until he arrives, so it gives me a lot of peace that we will be watched closely. He is very active and moves a lot, which is so comforting and great confirmation that all is well. My OB doctor says at this point she doesn't want me to go past 39 weeks, but all will depend on his development. I am hoping to go into labor naturally without being induced, but ultimately I will do whatever is good for our baby! Only the Lord knows his birthday, and I am completely content in that. Your continued prayers are much appreciated! I will try to update more regularly throughout the next couple weeks. I have to show off a picture of his sweet little face and profile at my last sonogram! I just love technology!

We have been very blessed by our wonderful family and friends over the last couple months! Our brother-in-law Nate took my maternity pictures and they turned out great! He is so talented! I will dedicate a post soon to show more of them off, but for now here is a couple teasers...

I also had my first baby boy shower in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Sept. 9. It was seriously the cutest shower I've ever been to with so many thoughtful details. I felt so loved and blessed by all who came and prepared this wonderful shower! Thanks to you all! Here are some collage pictures I stole from my friend (and one of the hostesses) Lesley's blog, along with some others.  

Wonderful hostesses!

Lesley Gilmore, Whitney Hicks, Jo Wahl, Kelly Birrell, & Aubrey Myers

Blair Nicole:

I am so excited to announce that Blair's well with Holden Uganda is finally underway! We are hoping that it will be complete by her first birthday in heaven, November 11. I can't wait to share pictures and the complete story of how the Lord blessed us with the funds to build this well! It makes my heart smile to know that something life changing will be given to Ugandans who otherwise wouldn't have had hope- all because of our precious daughters short life on Earth. She has changed our lives and is changing lives around the world! Such a blessing! 

On Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 3:00 we will be participating in Memorial Walk for Babies in Midland to honor Blair's life. It will be such a special time with our family and other families who have lost their babies and want to honor them as well. If you live in the Midland area, we would love for you to join us! The website should have all the info you need and I also posted a link on my FB page with more info. You can also email me if you have any questions- bnschuelke@gmail.com. I am hoping to order Tshirts by Sept 27, so if you want one, let me know. They are $15 for adult and $12 for youth....pink or turquoise. You can also order one yourself on the website. Looking forward to this special time!

Other family news:

Both of these announcements will have their own future post, but thought I would at least mention them for extra prayers! Blair and our baby boy will have TWO cousins very soon!!! The first will be Lydia May who will be only 2 months older then our boy. She is the daughter of my sister and her husband . She is expected to arrive before, after, or on Sept 27. We are so excited!! They will also have another cousin 2 months younger then our boy! Clint's sister and husband will be expecting their son sometime around January 24. So much fun! They already have 2 cousins, Stratton (4 in Nov.) and Truett (2 in Oct.) Scott (Clint's older sister and husband) so the fun will never stop for both sides of our family! Did I mention that we have some pretty excited grandparents as well?! ;-) 

Thank you Lord for the many blessings you have given our family! All the praise and glory to Him alone! 

Summer in Pictures

I've been so behind in updating that I decided I would dedicate this post to our whole summer (minus August) through pictures. 

May

On Mothers day I decided that I wanted to spend the morning after church at Blair's grave. This was the first time that Clint and I had been together and the first time that we had seen her grave marker. We were very happy with how it turned out. If you didn't know before, we decided to have Blair buried where we would be, therefore, we had the whole marker made with all our names. We thought it would be special to always have her with us. This was a very hard day for us/me, but it was also very healing and exactly what I needed on my first Mother's Day. I hope to spend many other special days here in the future sharing the gift she was and is with her siblings telling them that this is not where Blair is. She is in heaven with Jesus! It is just a place here on Earth that we can go to remember her and see where her body was laid to rest. 

Congratulations Kaitlyn and Rance Dunn!

June

I had a great time in Albuquerque, NM catching up with great friends. Leanne was in town from Cambodia, so Kelly and I got to spend some time with her. We relaxed by the pool, had coffee & dinner dates, shopped, had family BBQ's, watched basketball, got to reveal the gender of my baby #2, and had great conversations about life and what the Lord is doing in each of our hearts. I am so thankful for these two and the ability to stay in touch! Love you both lots!!

Also got to see other great friends and spend time with family, but unfortunately didn't capture it with pictures. Where's my sister Brittany when you need her!? We NEVER leave without at least 50+ pictures when she is around! Come home sister!! ;-)

On June 15, 2007 I married my best friend and love of my life! We celebrated our 5 year anniversary this year! I can't believe how fast the time has gone! I would not trade one second of the past 5 years for anything! We have grown stronger together through the good times and bad, and I love him more and more each day. I thank the Lord for blessing me with Clint and can't wait for the many more adventures we have ahead. I know that no matter what comes, I can get through it with him by my side and the Lord as #1 in our lives. We decided that our house is our big expense this year, and we are celebrating all the Lord has blessed us with. Every day with my husband is a gift and worth celebrating!  

My step dad, Andy, drove me home from ABQ and stayed with us a couple days. He got a little taste of West Texas heat and country livin' while he was here. Haha! He was a HUGE help to us, and the boys had a good time working hard around the yard sweating! Thanks for all your help Andy!! Come back again anytime!! :-)

Got to see my Hope Mommy friends in Abilene to celebrate Marsha's newest addition, sweet Lorabelle Smith. What a blessing it was to see them again and love on Marsha and her sweet baby. These girls are such a gift to me! 

As I write this I am now 23 weeks, but this is the last belly picture I have taken. I'm a little behind as you can see. Hoping to take another one soon!

July

Happy 4th of July!!

Had a fun weekend with Chris, Sally, & Tom, Shawn, Jennifer, & Kristyn, my Dad & Linda, and Gpa Larry! We all got together to visit, eat, and shoot fireworks. Didn't get many good pictures unfortunately...again...Britt, we need you!! But the ones we did get captured it well. Tom had fun wrestling his dad- Chris and cousin Kristyn while we all watched cringing at each move that the next would cause tears! He's one tough little boy!! And I might add that Chris is pretty tough too!! haha

Thanks to the Schuelke blood "literally" running through me, I caught the biggest fish of the weekend! I thought I was just going out with Clint as moral support (forgot my fishing license at home), but when he gave me his pole to take over awhile I ended up catching these two big stripers! Man! They were hard to reel in too! Clint thought I was just being a sissy since I am "with child", but needless to say he understood once I pulled them out of the water one after another! I guess you could say this was our son's first fishing experience and now he is going to expect it every time! Haha! Not likely! ;-)

I had the awesome opportunity to work on Chrysalis Flight #49. It is a version of Walk to Emmaus but for girls ages 15-19. My mother-in-law was the lay director, so I got to have a big part in all the preparation. It was such a blessing to be able to minister to these girls and show them how much God really loves them. We had 34 girls come on the Chrysalis and 33 team members. God truly showed up in awesome ways and the girls left changed. Going on my walk back in March truly blessed me, and working one was even more of a blessing that I didn't expect! Thank you Jesus! 

My table group! Love these girls!

Well, that about sums it up for now! It has been a great summer with many great memories with friends and family! And there is still one month to go until we can officially say goodbye to summer 2012. Maybe I'll try to do one post per month with an update from now on?! We will see! I hope all your summers have been blessed so far!