Halloween is something that my family never celebrated when I was growing up. Andy and I haven't participated in it either - this mostly due to it's origin. (We do realize that most people don't celebrate Halloween as it was originally intended.) Every year when Halloween has landed we have generally been away from home working or involved in some other activity. Our church though canceled services for the evening and said do some kind of outreach. I'm really not sure how many people attempted to "reach out" to their community, but we decided we might try.

We made treat bags that included: water, giant gummy life saver, twizzlers, crunch bar, and play doh. Tied them up and attached Pass It On cards with some Biblical meaning to them.

This was done in hopes of not participating in something we don't really want to be a part of, yet having something nice to give the people that stop by and not seeming like aloof, segregated Christians.

Nora was very helpful. She actually helped us put the items in the bag, and at first she was excited to help hand them out.

But then, nobody came. Our street was empty. And, Nora became tired. And, she got a little unhappy.

So, we took our treats and drove to the pastor's house. Earlier he had claimed how they have hundreds of kids come by each year. He wasn't wrong - there were lots of people all over the streets. They had hot dogs, hot chocolate, and a candy bar for everyone. He also had tracts he was handing the adults. It was like a mini-harvest party in their driveway. Our treats apparently came just in time - they were almost out of the candy and hot chocolate. We were a little disappointed at first that no one came to our house, but grateful that our bags were handed out. And, we're really very hopeful that God uses our little Bible cards to plant a seed in someone's heart. Who knows, it could happen.

Keeping Busy

For the past couple of weeks (maybe more like three now) Andy had been throwing around the idea of mission work again. He applied to a mission board in the middle of the night while he was unable to sleep...and they accepted his preliminary application. He has since applied to Moody Bible Institute and is awaiting their decision for online distance learning. Last Saturday we talked and decided (and finally called our parents) to inform them of our decision to commit to full-time mission work, and most likely in a foreign field. It's been exciting so far and I just keep praying that God protects us from becoming discouraged at whatever obstacles Satan happens to throw in our path. Please pray for us. It's a big step to move off with 2 kids and leave the country, but we are so excited about it and having our lives impact more people for the cause of Christ.

Meanwhile, the pregnancy is going well. 27 weeks pregnant today - only 13 more weeks. Since the holidays are coming up I'm sure the time will seem to fly by even more quickly between now and the arrival of the new baby.

Nora is getting big - and I don't mean her little legs or tummy. She sometimes does things and I don't know when she got old enough or big enough to actually do these things. She picks up her own drink with a straw (at a restaurant), drinks it, and then gently replaces it. She's picked up several words and talks endlessly. She walks (and sometimes runs) everywhere. She loves to read and play in the tub. She likes to line up her toys in a very exact manner. She always wants to help - and, actually does a good job with putting away groceries, picking up her toys, or bringing things to you that she know you'll need. She even started doing some sign language that we had tried to teach her months ago but then finally gave up on. She pees in the toilet (and claps when she does)...there is just so much that makes her seem so much older than I thought she was. But, she is so fun and so lovable. The best part is her big hugs where she squeezes you really tight.

I have no idea what adding the new baby into our home will be like, but it should be exciting. And, Nora will love the baby...and want to "help" with the baby. And, I can't imagine how wonderfully full of love and life our little home will be.

Much love,

amanda

New Harmony

Sunday afternoon our little family took a drive to New Harmony, IN where we walked, played with flowers, and took pictures of ourselves doing all of that. I was fun, but I got hot after a while. Here are a few pictures from the day. (I'm 18 weeks pregnant with baby #2 in these photos)

Back Pack

Found a free pattern for a toddler backpack and thought I'd try it out. Not too bad. Nora picked out her own fabric. If I could keep her still long enough I'd try to take a picture of her with it on.

backpack pattern

Dirty

I came home from work in the middle of a rain storm. Andy and Nora were sitting on the porch swing watching the rain, and Nora was clapping along with the thunder. She was super happy to be outside with all the excitement. The rain calmed down and we let Nora down...to play in the rain and dirt, and she loved every minute of it. (She was carried immediately to the bathroom to get cleaned up upon entering the house, though.)

145, 178

Tuesday I had blood drawn and my second OB appointment. Two numbers were eventually related to these visits. Baby's heart rate is nice and strong at 145 beats/minute. My blood sugar on the other hand was a little elevated at 178 (they wanted it to be 135). It was the first thing in the morning, which doesn't help. The doctor has decided that I can just monitor my sugars for now, report them, and then be referred to a specialist if needed later on. Although, it's not exactly what I was hoping for I'm really quite pleased with this current plan. Hopefully things will go as well with my blood sugars this go around as they were with Nora.

July 4

We went to Northwoods Baptist Church on Sunday evening at the request of our friends (the Hambys). They had a large meal and then a huge fireworks display...it seemed to be as big as a city-wide display. I wasn't sure exactly how Nora would handle all the booming noises, but she did okay. She started out slightly intrigued and then as the fireworks became louder she became more sad/scared. About 15 minutes into the whole thing she FELL ASLEEP...the fireworks were so loud you could feel them vibrating your body and yet she slept through it all. Crazy baby. I suppose she was exhausted though because she slept the whole way home and then all night, too.