Long Time, No Post!

Life has a way of keeping us busy, huh?! I have had SO many great blogging ideas-- even lying awake at night thinking of things-- but, I just haven't made my way to the computer to post them! Oh, well!

Life is good-- we had a tiny scare with the baby a few weeks back.... It appears that I had developed a rare antibody in my blood. My doctor wasn't sure if I had picked it up when I had the two blood transfusions after Luke was born, or if I had started producing it in reaction to the baby. So, they checked Scott's blood-- he came back negative, which means more than likely my body is not trying to fight off the baby, and I probably just have this weird antibody thanks to the transfusions. That was a relief, but I will still feel better when we go to have our 20 week ultrasound on Tuesday. I want to make sure that the baby's development is on target and normal. We are also very excited to learn if we are having a baby boy or baby girl Westerman!! I honestly do not care which as long as it is healthy-- plus there are definite advantages either way-- if it is boy, then Luke will have a GREAT playmate close to his age who will be interested in the same sort of things-- they can share toys and he can wear all of Luke's clothes!! If it is a girl, then I can learn to smock and have fun buying tons of pink clothing! So-- whatever God has chosen is fine with us! I'll keep you posted! :)

It's so hard to believe November is almost here! I SO love this time of year! From the changing of the leaves and the cooler air-- things just keep getting better and better! Halloween, costumes, and candy-- Thanksgiving, food, family-- Christmas-- parties, presents!!!-- New Year's, Scott's birthday, my birthday!, Luke's birthday, Valentine's Day, the new baby's birthday-- Spring, Easter!!!! Fun holidays and reasons to celebrate just seem to keep coming one right after another!!!

I sat on the couch tonight with Luke watching my thousandth "Charlie and Lola" episonde (a Disney cartoon Luke is addicted to!) before it was time for him to get ready for bed. He is such a blessing and SUCH a great kid! Every day is a joy with him! I don't know how we can possibly be so lucky with child #2!! He is getting so smart! He understands everything we say and is babbling away himself-- soon to be talking up a storm, I'm sure. We were cuddled up on the couch in the playroom when he reached over and grabbed my hand. Right then it hit me that this is what life is all about-- taking the time to treasure these sweet, simple moments. They go by way too quickly.

Scott and I attended a "new/prospective members" luncheon after church today at Otter Creek. I am SO agreeing with their entire philosophy on the vision of the church! We both feel SO comfortable there and "at home", but it is still an extremely hard decision to leave Woodmont, which we also love for many reasons. We're still visiting, and praying!

Last week in my Bible study on Becoming a Woman after God's Own Heart we examined having a heart for your children. It was a great look at our responsibilities as parents to raise our kids to know God's law and His Word, to teach them God's wisdom, to dedicate them daily to the Lord, and to love them in all circumstances-- just as God loves us. One of the things that really convicted me-- among many... She had us look at the "ideal wife" from Proverbs 31. She had us list the things we felt we had in common with her. This was pretty daunting in and of itself-- she sets a pretty high standard-- I haven't bought any fields lately! :) But, the thing that struck me was when she asked us if there were things in the list that we felt we needed to work on or to add to our life as a parent. The verse that hit me was this: She's quick to assist anyone in need, and reaches out to help the poor (Proverbs 31:20). I want Luke to see a true passion in my life and Scott's for the poor and those in need. I want to give him opportunities to serve others in that way. I really want to work on that, and for God to open our eyes to how He wants to use us for His glory.

So, tandem onto this the powerful missional message at the ZOE conference weekend, and I more than ever feel challenged by the call to really "be Jesus" to those I come into contact with each day. As scary as it is for me, I am praying each day that God will open my eyes to the opportunities all around me. I truly want to step out of my comfort zone and be bold for Him, I'm still not sure exactly what that is going to look like for me though-- but, at least I am opening myself up to the possibility!