oof.

When my husband (who is utterly convinced that I spend far, far too much time browsing the world-wide interwebs and claims my fondness for frequently checking email surpasses my love and committment to him) points out that I haven't posted in quite some time, it's time to post. And so, as it says in scripture, "Wives, submit to your husbands in all matters of blog posting...", here I am.

It's been a very, very busy week and a half. Last week the youth renovated the upstairs rec-room in the church completely - new carpet tiles, 3 colors of paint, and an awesome new purple leather sectional ($800! What a steal!) have transformed this area from gross torn up gray carpet and white paint into something really cool. Here it is after we cleaned it out (the boxes in the middle are the carpet tiles):


And here is an example of the fantastic teamwork the youth showed off almost every moment of the week:


I'm so glad that I had this week with them - it has restored my faith in teenagers that had been so shaken during the lock-in from Hades. Here's two views of the (almost) finished space:



In Henry news, he's continually killing us with his comedic timing and turn of phrase. One recent example is when he so innocently asked his father, "Daddy, what is those things that suck your brain out?" Timon replied, "Umm, you mean aliens or something?" Obviously satisfied, Henry answered back with an assured, "Yeah, aliens, that's right. Watch out for those." Of course. He's also become quite the artist. Here's a recent sample of a family portrait (signed by the artist):


And because nobody asked, here I am at 27-ish weeks:


I feel like a giant. My pelvic pain is much more manageable between the brace and the occasional Vicodin. What's happening now is the baby's growing so much that my ribs are starting to feel the pressure. Sea Monkey moves all the time and has even made him/herself seen and felt by several other people. Two more days until we'll get another look at the little bugger and hopefully get a good view of the parts. I still have no concrete feelings either way, but I am excited to discover whether we'll have to start unpacking the blue or gathering up the pink. Any guesses?