Hard Choices, Right Choices

So, I made the official announcement this week at school that I will not be coming back next year to teach. I first met with both of my principals to let them know of my decision. I think they thought something was seriously wrong with me, because I couldn't even tell them what I was wanting to talk about before I burst into tears....I know...I never cry right;) Cole and I have been planning on me staying at home with our children since we got married. I think in my plan, though, I thought that would be a year or two longer. I have been so blessed by my co-workers and students that the decision to leave became a very difficult one. But sometimes we have to let go of the current blessing to go forward to the next blessing God has for us. I am excited to stay at home next year, and I know that God will use the things I have learned as a teacher to change the world for Him, but outside of a classroom setting. This verse really seems to sum up what the Lord is doing:

Philippians 3:12-14
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

God bless! Have a great weekend!

It's A Girl!!!

So as most of you probably have heard or seen on facebook, we are having a little girl. Her name is going to be Charlotte Lynn. There was some debate about the name...I didn't care as long as I liked, but Cole wanted the name to be meaningful and tied to their faith. So, Charlotte is for Lottie Moon the famous missionary to China, and Lynn for Cole's boss and mentor at the BCM, Lynn Loyd. It's wonderful to know and call her by name and get to pray for her by name now. So, now all the fun begins....and I've already found the bedding I like...what do you think?

Belly Pics

So here are some belly pics...I think the timeline is 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, and 17 weeks. It's been frustrating for me b/c I am really anxious to show, but I still feel pudgy instead of pregnant. It's silly I know...and soon I'll be showing enough that everyone will know. Only two more weeks until we find out what it is!!!!

Cole's Spring Break

For those of you that don't know, Cole is currently in North Africa with a group from our church. Please be in prayer as they try to make contact with the "B" people. We are looking at adopting them as our people group. He will be back this Sunday. Thanks for the prayers!

Snow Days!

Cole headed to Passion, a college conference in Atalanta, New Year's Day. While he was gone our house got cleaned and I got lots of work done for the upcoming school week. Mother Nature had other plans! We ended up with very cold temperatures and wintry weather that got us out of school for another week. Here are some shots of the snow from our apartment.

18 months!

So going off some advice we got in premartial counseling, Cole and I go on a date every six months (we go more than every six months...this date has a more intenional purpose). Anyways, the purpose of the date is to talk about our marriage openly and honestly and set goals for the next six months. We were in Tulsa and took the opportunity to just hang out together in the city. We went to Zio's for lunch and then went shopping. I'm so proud to have such an amazing husband and one so willing to talk about our marriage.

Christmas Catch-up

I can't believe it's been a month since I posted last. We had a wonderful Christmas in Tulsa with Cole's family. Apparently we were really good this year beacause Cole got a set a golf clubs and I got a sewing machine. And on top of everything we had a huge snowstorm that hit Christmas Eve...the first blizzard in Oklahoma state history! We even got a chance to go sledding a couple days after Christmas!