36 weeks and counting!

Well, here it is fokes, the wonder that is my huge belly at 36 weeks of pregnancy. For a full monty shot, complete with an array of lovely stretch marks, you'll have to email me at my personal email and ask for it. If you don't have my personal email, you'll have to settle for this covered shot. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and all is looking great. To my surprise and delight, I'm already one centimeter dilated and 30% effaced! But before you get too excited, a woman can stay at this for weeks, but my doc seems to think it's a good sign that things are changing and doesn't see me going the full 40 weeks. We'll see what Chloe has in mind though. If I don't make it to 40 weeks, I'll try to remember to take a last minute picture before I head to the hospital so you can all see just how humongous I actually get before all is said and done. This next picture is just a fun shot we got of Emma this morning after my little photo shoot. She just couldn't be left out, so here's our little ragamuffin with her signature grin. This will be a great one for her wedding slide show some day, eh!

Our Rental House

This is mainly for those of you who haven't seen our rental house yet, because I know how some of you have so much wanted pictures so you can picture where we are, I know I'm that way too. So Here goes: This is obviously the outside and front of the house. It needs some paint, but we're very pleased with it for a rental!

Next and just above here is our front room, I guess you could call it. It's really one big great room, but this half is our "office" and obviously where Chloe will be doing a lot of hanging out when she's on the main floor. I'm so excited to try her new swing!

Next up, the family/living room area of the great room. I can't even begin to tell you how much I am loving all this space! Those of you who've seen our Salt Lake apartment know exactly where my elation is coming from! And the carpet is in really good shape, which is such a nice change from the indoor/outdoor stuff at the village.




And now for my favorite part of the house, the BIG kitchen! No more using the kitchen table as counter space and I even have some extra cupboards with nothing in them, can you emagine!? And don't even get me started on the luxury of a dishwasher, but it's funny, I have to remind myself at times not to just start doing them by hand. Mindless habits die hard I guess.
The next few pictures are of our ever so spacious master bedroom. We finally have room for the king bed we've always wanted and then some. We plan on getting a rocking recliner for all those night time nursing sessions in the near future. You'll notice Chloe's bassinet, all ready to go and a few boxes I have yet to unpack so as not to appear to "posed". Then notice the GORGEOUS dresser my talented brother made us that we finally get to enjoy! I have a lot more orders to give him when he gets back from his summer internship. I have a few more fun touches to do in the girl's rooms, but I'll post those pictures here pretty soon. Stay tuned for my 36 week belly pictures sometime this week as well. I'm getting looks and comments everywhere I go these days like, "are you due tomorrow!?" or "Are you sure there aren't two in there?!" All of these things make me feel a bit self conscious, but then once in awhile I'll get a tactful, compassionate comment like, "you are such a beautiful pregnant woman!" Those are the comments I live for, amen! By the way, I'm planning to blog about a topic that has been on my mind for some time now, so get your thoughts and comments ready. The topic is female body image and the concept of beauty. Once I get a nice stretch of time here, I'll start the thoughts rolling. And please do make comments in the comments section at the end of blogs. One of my main purposes in creating this blog was to get wise feedback and accountability on areas that I'm growing in. I hope you are all doing well and I'll talk to you again soon!
Love, Sarah

FINALLY!

Okay, so now that you all are probably way past impatient with my lack of blog posts over the past month, I'm back! It's quite the task to move to another state when you are 8 months pregnant and chase a two year old around to boot. But no more excuses, here are some long awaited pictures for you all. First, we have my enormous stomach at ONLY 32 weeks. I'm standing in our new kitchen. I appologize, this is the only house picture I have to share so far, but I'm working on it. I'm 35 weeks today, so you can emagine what I'm looking like these days. Next week, you'll get a peek at the 36 week belly and believe me, I'm looking much less "glowing" and a lot more "swollen" these days. I'm so sick to death of my maternity clothes and I'm very ready to have my body to myself again and be holding my precious new daughter in my arms. The kicks and movements are starting to hurt, the heartburn is getting pretty bad, and I'm getting up in the night several times now to go to the bathroom. Ah, the sacrifices of motherhood, but I guess the ninth month of pregnancy makes you appreciate that little bundle even more once they arrive, amen!
Now moving on to our first big event after the move, Emma Gracie's second birthday! I can't believe my little peanut is two years old now, but at the same time, she often seems beyond her years in the little things she says and does. Yesterday morning was a classic. My mom tells me that when I was little, I cracked them up one time by parroting my mom. When the phone rang, I said "get the phone Michael!" to my dad. Well, yesterday morning, I came to realize there is a phase I must say more often then not, as Emma parroted me, yelling up the stairs, "Trav, you bout ready?!" That gives you a good idea of what kinds of things we hear from her every day. My baby has officially and unquestionably become a little girl! It makes me sad, but at the same time, it is such a blessing watching her become more and more the person God has created her to be with each passing day. Well, I'm not quite sure why, but blogger is giving me trouble right now and isn't letting me upload more pictures, grrr! But I'll try again tomorrow perhaps. All in all, we are settling in nicely here in CO and are loving being closer to family. Travis is enjoying his job and we're all gearing up for the big life change of adding Chloe to the mix. Please be praying for a safe, healthy delivery and for a smooth transition to a family of four and all the having a newborn entails. I'll keep you posted more regularly now.
Love, Sarah

Our last week!

Hello everyone! Sorry it's taken me awhile to make a new post. I've been crazy busy getting ready for our move. I can't believe we're down to the wire of our last week here in Utah. I'm scrambling through my big "to-do" list and hoping to have everything done by Wednesday when my wonderful friend Carla will be coming over to help me clean the apartment, bless her heart! I decided to humble myself and ask for some help so I don't have to breath so many nasty fumes being pregnant and all. Today and Thursday, Emma has playdates with her best friend Kylie, which will help a ton. Then friday, Emma and I are off in a plane heading for Colorado. Travis and his dad will drive the moving truck on Saturday, so please be praying for safe, smooth travel for all of us and a good move with no major hic-ups. Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment.
This is Emma running circles around the island in the kitchen of our townhome. We spent so much time trying to get her used to the fact that we were going to be moving there that she would go around and saying, "Emma's house, Emma's room, Chloe's room, etc..." I guess we'll just have to hope she forgets about it and happily moves on to our rental in Fort Collins.
This is Emma and Daddy having a moment in, what would have been, our master bedroom looking at the sunset over, what would have been, our great view of the valley. I still can't get over how much Emma looks like her daddy at times! But her smile is all mommy I think, you be the judge.
This next one is me and my peanut all ready for church on our last sunday here in Utah. My love for this little girl is just indescribable. I'm going to have one overflowing heart when Chloe arrives, I'll probably just be a barrel of emotions as I learn to share myself with two little princesses that I love so much! It was kind of an eventful last Sunday, we didn't even make it through half of Sunday school due to a fire on a powerline just outside the church. We had to evacuate due to no power and second service was cancelled. Luckily, we had lunch plans with our Sunday school class for a last social outing before we move. Blogger isn't letting me load any more pictures to this post, so I'll do another post with some more pictures below this one.

More pictures

Our Utah family, ah..., what a great family you've all been. We're going to miss you more than you know. This picture was taken yesterday at Chili's for lunch. We were missing a few family members, but you can see how much love and support we've had here. God is so good and we will look back on our three years in Utah as some of the best years of our lives. We love you guys! Stay in touch!
Here's me and the girl once again, relaxing at home one evening. She's quite affectionate these days and innitiates cuddles and kisses all day long. I must say, for someone who loves affection, this is pure heaven for me, and certainly helps offset the tantrums and misbehaving. Plus, I'm sure there will come a day when she's "too cool" for cuddling, so I'll relish in it while I can.
Here's Emma with one of her favorite Utah aunties, Jen, at Jen's pool one morning. She had a short dip in the hot tub before the clouds parted, and then we had a glorious day of swimming with Daddy and Jen. Our little fish didn't want much to do with her dolphin pool toy, she wanted to have more freedom with just her wings and loved it when we let go and let her bob and kick. I think she'll thoroughly enjoy swimming lessons this fall with her friend Devyn in Fort Collins.
Well, this will be the last post I make from dear, sweet Utah. So I guess some gathered thoughts and a formal farewell are in order. When we first arrived here three years ago, knowing no one, and a little depressed about our little basement, cinderblock apartment with the small kitchen and tacky light on the wall, who would have known what rich blessing lay ahead. In those first few months, we were on our knees daily asking for God's provision for a job for me so I could support Travis in school. He provided as he promised and the blessings just kept on coming. Travis was hired as a paid intern with full benefits and tuition reembursement at L-3, which allowed us to consider starting our family. Here we sit, three years later, with a beautiful little girl and another one on the way, a church family that has become our life blood, and now, instead of being depressed about this little apartment, we are sad to leave it and all of the moments and memories it holds. What have I learned in a nut shell? God is working in our lives and through our lives even when we can't see it or what the big picture looks like. He is growing us through times of doubt and hardship, strengthening us through times of blessing and understanding, and moving us forward on this journey of life towards our eternal home with Him in a beautiful and loving way. I know the road ahead will not always be easy, in fact, it's the one thing I know for sure. But seeing how we are refined by fire, I look forward to experiencing how the Lord will carry me through all the peaks and valley's that lie ahead. So good bye sweet Utah, good bye precious friends. If our pathes don't cross again in this life time, we look forward to meeting those of you who have been saved by God's amazing grace in our eternal home, and rejoicing with you as we praise our Savior all day long, for the rest of eternity together!
Love, Sarah

I've been tagged!

I've been tagged with this little questionnaire by Jennifer

What is your favorite word?
Hmmm, I'm such a verbal person that finding just one word that is my favorite is really hard. I guess I'll pick "vulnerability". This word means a willingness to share your heart, your struggles, your true self with others. You are opening yourself up to challenge, inspiration, and yes, even hurt. But, you are allowing the Lord to shape you because you have security in who you are in Him.

What is your least favorite word?
I would have to say curse words, especially when they come from my own mouth. They are so ugly and there are so many other words that can be used to express emotion. I'm reminded of the verse (I can't remember exactly where it is) that says, "out of the same mouth comes praises and cursing, this should not be..." Something to to that effect.

What turns you on spiritually, emotionally, creatively?
Spiritually Three things really. 1. Authentic worship through singing. I know that worship is not just singing, it's living a lifestyle that honors God, but being that music speaks to my soul, I love to pour my heart and praise out to the Lord in song. 2. Reading the Word. I am amazed that every time I open my Bible and open my heart to what I am reading, the Spirit never fails to speak to me and challenge and encourage me. 3. Prayer. When I am talking to my Savior, He always answers me by pouring His peace and perspective on me. Also, when I pray for others, He gives me a new love and compassion for them, which kills any bad attitudes or bitterness I may be harboring.
Emotionally A deep conversation with a friend or family member. To me, there's nothing more emotionally satisfying that growing my relationships, and the best and only way to do that goes back to my favorite word, vulnerability.
Creatively I am a writter by nature. I have always been able to convey my heart and mind with words easily. Writting helps me to see myself more clearly as well, it's theraputic, I'm a journaler, what can I say. I also LOVE artistic crafts, like scrapbooking and home decorating. I glean great satisfaction in seeing my creative juices come to fruition on a scrapbook page with my babie's pictures and I feel that my home is an expression of myself. I can't wait to have a home of my own in a year so that I will truely be able to create that expression of self in my decorating.

What turns you off Spiritually, Emotionally, Creatively?
Spiritually My own lack of discipline in doing those three things I mentioned above that nurture my spirit.
Emotionally Insensitive, shallow, or arrogant people. And of course, those who don't value vulnerability or being real.
Creatively Lack of opportunity to write or do my crafts.

What is your favorite curse word?
In keeping with being vulnerable, I hate them all and really hate it when I find myself slipping and using one in the heat of frustration. I'm really working on eliminating them from my vocabulary completely, they're so ugly and unnessessary.

What sounds or noises do you love to hear?
I'm with Jennifer, I love the sounds of summer, whether it be crickets in the evening or rain and thunder, or lawn mowers and weed wackers. Those sounds just make me feel alive. And sorry to copy you again Jenn, but my daughters laugh is one of the best sounds I've ever heard.

What noise do you hate?
tantrums from my daughter. I also don't care for heavy metal music or speedy talking commercials on the radio.

What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
I'd love to try being a marriage and family therapist, or maybe an OB/GYN or midwife.

What profession would you not like?
Computer programming, sorry Babe! I guess that's why we're married, our differences compliment each other.

Fort Collins, here we come!

Well, for those of you who haven't heard or figured it out by now, Travis officially accepted the offer at HP in Fort Collins! We will be moving in to our rental house in Fort Collins on July 1st. Emma and I will fly out on the 30th of June and Travis and his dad will drive the moving truck out on July 1st. Between now and then, I need to finish up packing and organizing and then once we're moved in, it will be a whirlwind of unpacking, settling in and getting ready for Chloe's arrival. We plan to have a little homecoming open house to reconnect with old friends in the Fort Collins area, so I'll keep you posted on that. We're very excited for this move and what God has in store for us in this next chapter of our lives. Please pray for a smooth move and transition, especially for Emma as she's very sensitive to changes. I will send out a private email with our new contact information soon.
Love, Sarah

Three years!

We can hardly believe it! Yes, today is our 3 year wedding anniversary and WOW, so much has happened in our lives in those three years. This morning when we woke up, after a not so restful night's sleep due to a bad dream of Emma's, my snoring (a lovely pregnancy symptom I get, sorry Travis!), and tossing and turning all night with sore hips, Travis and I looked at each other with sleepy eyes and tossled hair and gave a boisterous (yea right!) "Happy Anniversaray!" As I sit here with a active, ornery, full of life toddler and a miraculous little creation growing, and kicking inside me, I can hardly believe all of this has happened in just three years!
I look at these wedding photos, our rested, blissful faces and trim bodies and think, if this young couple only knew the richness of growth and blessing, trial and triumph ahead of them. The romance has ebbed and flowed, but the love has only grown and grown. We learn that love is more than candle lit dinners and nights of passion, it's about teamwork and friendship in this game of life. It's about putting the other's needs above your own, even when selfishness is tugging at you full force. It's Travis looking at me intently, and with all sincerity, saying, "you are so beautiful" after a long stressful day when I'm feeling anything but. It's me cooking dinner for him because I know how much he loves a good meal, even when I'm so tired I fall asleep face down in the frying pan.
It's honoring one another and appologizing quickly in humility when we need to. It's seeing the best in each other even when the best isn't all we see. And parenthood puts a whole new ball of wax into the picture. It's knowing when the other is at the end of their rope and needs a break. It's giving each other encouragement that we're doing a good job with these little ones even when all we can focus on is our shortcomings. Travis, I love you so much that my heart just aches to think about it. We've come a long way from kissing behind the school haven't we! You are my hero in more ways than you'll ever know. I'm so proud of the man you are and so blessed to call you my husband and friend. Lord, thank you for my marriage, for the beautiful union only you can make it, and for molding us more into the people you want us to be through it. Amen
OUR VOWS
"Travis- Sarah, I vow to cherish, respect, and love you as my best friend and life companion. I need you and I will honor you. In commitment to Christ, I promise to lead you with integrity, grace, and gentle love, and to take the responsibility of leadership in our marriage. I promise to place you above all things as a precious jewel, always seeking your highest good above my own. I promise to encourage and help you to become all that God has called you to be, for all the days of my life. From this day forth, with love defined by Christ, I commit myself to you, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live.

Sarah- I Sarah, as a testimony of Christ’s love, vow to love, honor and respect you, and to submit to you in all things, as an act of obedience to and worship of the Lord, all the days of my life. As your best friend, sister in Christ, and companion for life, I promise to always encourage you to become all that God has called you to be. I vow to live my life in such a way that I am a blessing to you. From this day forward, fueled by God’s love for me, I commit myself to you, for better or for worse, for richer or for poor, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live."

28 weeks and counting!

Can you believe this belly! I look at it sometimes and still can't believe how out front I carry and how BIG I carry. But I'll take it if it means a healthy little girl is growing inside me. I have a feeling these next few months of this last trimester are going to fly. I have so much to do for our move, I'm not going to have much time to think. Emma and I just bought our plane tickets last night to fly to Denver on June 30th. My mom will pick us up at the airport and take us up to Fort Collins. On July 1st, Travis will be driving the moving truck with his dad and we'll meet him at our house. Between now and then, I have more packing and organizing to do, plus all the steps for closing on our townhome on June 20th. I'd appreciate prayer for a smooth transition and smooth travel for Emma and I on the 30th.
These are some random, but priceless pictures of Emma getting her feet washed in the sink by daddy after a long evening of playing outside. It's so funny, as much as we have bemoaned this small apartment, we have some of the most wonderful memories here. I've often heard people say their best memories are when they had the least money. I never quite understood that concept until now. When family time is your primary source of entertainment, you have the richest kind of entertainment on earth!

It really is a bittersweet feeling as we think about leaving Utah. We have absoluted loved our time here and we absolutely love this state. God's glory and beauty is all around us in nature, and the body of Christ we found at Southeast Baptist has been the most close knit, exemplary definition of the body of Christ we have ever found. We are changed and we are grown as a result of living here for the past three years and Utah will always hold a large peice of our hearts. I can't possibly thing of saying good-bye right now, I'll save that for another post.
Love, Sarah

Grammy and Papa's visit

We had such a nice visit with Grammy and Papa L. this past Memorial Day weekend. We definitely had a more secure and peaceful feeling when they left, knowing we will most likely be living back in Fort Collins in just a month. These first pictures were taken up at a french restaurant here in Salt Lake with some beautiful gardens and vinyards. The restaurant is much to expensive for us, but the garden provided an afternoon of entertainment and good pictures.
Emma zonked out on Papa's shoulder on the way home, so we decided to take a detour to get some sonic shakes, yum! I blammed it on a pregnacy craving. She really took to Papa this visit, they had lots of fun together playing outside and jumping around on Papa's mattress on the floor. She LOVES to give kisses to those she loves, so she had plenty to plant on Grammy and Papa.

Their last day here, we went to the zoo, Emma was just facinated with all the animals. She especially loved the monkeys and the giraffs. We also took a fun little train ride with Papa when we first arrived, Emma was on cloud nine! It was a wonderful time, and it's just so fun to watch Emma developing stronger relationships with her grandparents as she gets older. On a different note, we finally got an offer from HP, and as it stands, we are pretty sure we will take it. After looking at a salary wizard online, the offer is competitive for the area and what Travis does.
They will also give us a relocation package, meaning they will pay for our moving expenses. He signs the papers tomorrow and then sends them back. We've been talking about it all evening and will be praying about it some more tonight, but we just can't see not taking it at this point, it seems like such an answer to prayer. Thank you all for your encouragement and prayer along the way. We will continue to need it as we prepare to move the first of July. We will need to find a home to rent in Fort Collins, decide whether to rent out or sell the townhome we just bought here, and get all set up with insurance and a doctor before Chloe is born. It will be a busy summer for us, that's for sure, but we're relying on the Lord to carry and direct us through it, just as He has always done. This will be a bittersweet move for us. Our three years here in Salt Lake have been some of the best years of our lives. We have grown and been challenged in ways we never would have been had we not come here. It is so evident to us that God had a plan for us here and we are very sad to be saying good-bye to this chapter in our lives. The friends we have made here have become our family and we will miss you all more than you can ever know. But as you always reminded us when we were missing our families, CO is only six hours away, and we plan to return to this place that has taken up permanent residence in our hearts often! Our home will also ALWAYS be open to you as well, so please come and see us! I'll keep you posted as this next month unfolds.
All our love,
Sarah and Travis