Our Star, Our Gift

This is a picture of our Star. Brandon and I found it while we were enjoying some time away in Forest Falls this past Saturday. We decided it would be representative our our first baby.

These past 12 weeks (technically 8 since we have known) have been a beautiful gift from the Lord. Brandon and I have already learned amazing things about having a child, and we are so thankful for this short time.

We experienced the greatest joy when the doctor confirmed we were pregnant. And then even more joy when we got to share the news with our family and friends.

We experienced quite a change of pace in our normal routine of things as I was sick. Though so difficult then, I am so thankful for now. As hard as it was, it was a reminder that the baby was growing and alive, and it comforted me.

We experienced excitement as we started planning and adjusting life to prepare for our little one to come. (I was planning on not finishing the school year and staying home next year with the baby.)

Then we experienced such sadness and sorrow as we found out that the baby was no longer with us. News so unexpected is never easy to handle, especially when it is the loss of a child. You don't know what to do but just cry.

Then we felt uplifted as our church, family, and friends interceded for us and lifted us up in prayer. Constant texts, calls, and cards were beautiful reminders of the amazing people the Lord has blessed us with.

We finally experienced Peace. After several days of grieving, time in the Word, prayer, and time with family, God brought us such an amazing peace that surpasses all understanding. Our God is so good and gracious. Knowing the truth that this baby was not a mistake. Our Father created him/her, and the little one is now with Him in His arms. He knew this would be a trial that would test our faith and streghten us as a couple. What a gift.

Now we experience Hope. Hope for the future in what the Lord's plan for our family is.

The following verse (among MANY others) has calmed our hearts and has focused our minds:

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again Rejoice . . . The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

This has always been one of my favorite verses, and it again has penetrated my heart.

Thank you so much for the many of you who have been praying for us! We ask that you continue to pray as we continue to learn to move forward.

We love you and we thank you.

More to come . . . we look forward to sharing more about what the Lord has taught us through this journey.

Party Weekend . . .

The first weekend of October we had such a great time with a trip up to Clovis for a party weekend--double birthday party for Grandpa and Liz, and then Diana's babies shower!

It started with the birthday party on Saturday night which was a great time!

The babies shower for Diana--twin boys coming soon!--was Sunday afternoon. We had a great time throwing this shower and props to Holly and Mom for their creativity and awesome planning!

Here are some fun details and pic from the shower.

Giants theme was an easy choice!!

We tried to go for a more "classy" baseball theme. Here are the centerpieces.

Holly made the adorable pennant banners as well as the pennants in the centerpieces.

My mom thought to get baseball bats as a way for guests to sign in.

The adorable cake was made by a girl that Kristi lives with. Not only was it super cute, but it tasted amazing as well!

Diana may be the cutest mommy we have ever seen!

Me at 10 weeks & Diana at 27 weeks with twins! lol

We are SO thankful and excited to have our children close together. I grew up very close to David (Diana's husband) and his brother Clint. Our family as a whole is very close, especially all us cousins, and we pray that we will enjoy may fun and sweet times with our own children!

Diana's family

Aunt Debbie and Beth (missing Megan)

Holly, Katie, Aunt Maxine, and Heather

Kristi and Katie enjoying a rootbeer!

Beautiful quilt made by Aunt Maxine!

Amazing bedding hand-made by Holly.

Grandma Boogaard!

Diana and her sweet nieces!

It was truly a great weekend, and we are SO thrilled for you David and Diana!!

The News . . .

Well the news is out and we couldn't be more thrilled!!

Yes, we were planning it! lol Didn't expect it to happen so fast, but we couldn't be more excited for this amazing blessing!


Here Baby Burns and I are at 11 weeks.
This means we are due April 27th!

Baby has already been blessed with many gifts. Here are some cute outfits from Nana and Papa, Auntie Kristin, and Uncle Kevin. :)

Grandma Boo and I went shopping for my birthday and bought some maternity clothes!!

Unfortunately, I've been pretty sick, but this last week was much better! Hopefully the end of this first trimester will continue to bring less sickness!

Brandon and I were able to get some good work done in the apartment this weekend. Fall is here, and we are excited for our new homey home!

We absolutely love our red kitchen!

We are very excited about our new bookshelf!We also a new curtain in our guest bathroom.

I am also taking these pictures with my new Nikon 3100 SLR camera that my amazing husband gave me for my birthday!! It is something we were wanting to have before we have kids, so the timing this year was perfect!!

This blog has taken us through engagement, our wedding and newly married life, 3 overseas trips, and 3 apartment and moves. Now, we will journey through pregnancy and the many experiences of having a child.

Our good Lord continues to teach and mold us through each step of this journey and we couldn't be more thrilled for this next chapter in our lives!

Thank you for journeying with us!!

For You created my innermost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." --Psalm 139:13-14