Karis will be here soon....

I am still "with child"...even at 4 cm...But I have a scheduled induction tomorrow for 8am. We will meet Karis tomorrow for sure! We will keep you posted!! Please be praying for us!

Unleavened....Holy

So my heart has been lifted by much these last few weeks...but another moment came from the message that was given from 1 Corinthians last night at church. "...just as you are in fact unleavened...." Unleavened-Holy which means "set apart FOR A PURPOSE".

At my salvation I was made made holy. Holiness isn't something I am attaining to, but rather what my identity is found in. I once was unholy, but b/c of Christ I was washed, sanctified and justified before the Lord.
We do not get that these days. If I lived out that everyday, i believe my days would look so different. If I would seek to put off sin to the degree that Christ washed me from sin, then my actions in every small detail would look so different. My heart is seeking this....seeking to teach my children this....pursue putting off sin and on Christ...b/c I am indeed set apart for a purpose.

1 Peter 1:13-16 says,
"Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesue Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "You shall be Holy, for I am Holy."

My holiness has been given in Christ...now b/c of the holiness shall I resolve greatly to put off sin in all my behavior...i am no longer purposed for that.

Karis' Shower

And this was the coolest party favor's ever!! 3 Musketeers (my 3 children) wrapped with a verse that we have claimed over Karis's life! so cool!! Rachel Keith- Another creative idea for you! Jackie, this was so great!!

There are lots of babies coming soon around Austin...this is Adrianne and Amber and I. Adrianne is due soon after Amber and I!

Sally with Micah's mommy....her future mother-in-law! I'll have to save this for the wedding for sure!!

So this is Sally with Micah Engstrom....Her future husband....

My friend, Amber, and I are due the same day! She is having a boy and I a girl...so we just think they are destined to be married! =) Sally and Elijah are around the same age as well!

Each woman made a bib for Karis...some where quite hilarious and others we hope quite prophetic!

So continuing...last Thursday evening, some ladies put a shower together for Karis and I. It couldn't have been sweeter. Fabs and Jackie, organized the whole thing and spoke in everything they did- love for me and Karis. I was given a journal with notes from so many women, even friends from college in regards to "grace" which Karis' name means. It will be something I treasure forever. We had so much fun and yet all left sensing our Lord. Thank you ladies! Words cannot express how I feel!

Karis' shower - part one

So tonight was a shower for Karis and it was an amazing blessing!! More pics and stories to come soon! But had to post sally.....she was the entertainment....it was like she knew there were lots of girls and fun going on! It was so fun to have her there! Notice the progression of her outfit....hilarious! By the end she was dancing in red high hills in her diaper! love that girl! Karis, you just wait! you will have so much fun with your sister sally!

Karis Elizabeth Stewart

So, the countdown is here...we are waiting and preparing for sweet Karis to arrive! Some sweet ladies are putting together a small celebration shower for her tomorrow night. The invitation touched my heart so much, as i read the meaning of Karis' name:

Kha-res : Greek- "Grace; of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, afferction, and kindles them to exercise of the Christian virtues"

We are so overwhelmed as we think of our children and the gift they have been so far...WesleyGrant is our little leader....Sally our prayer warrior and servant....and by God's grace...Karis will be our little evangelist.

Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement as we wait for her arrival...we will let you know when she arrives!

Extended Mother's day gift!

So after the birthday party, Michael surprised me with a night away for just the two of us! wow! It was something he was planning for mother's day, but the dates hadn't worked out to do it on mother's day. Some amazing ladies took our kids for the day and night and next morning and stew and I headed just outside of Austin where I seriously kept thinking we were back in Spain. We stayed at Vintage Villas and had an amazing date and dinner! It was the most refreshing thing for both of us!

Thank you, my dearest husband!! I love you so much!! You continue to amaze me with your creative and expressive gifts. You have taught me so much in the last 5 years and I could never ever find any friend as great as you!

Another Birthday Party!

Grantland Rice turned 3 this last week and we got to celebrate with water fun and back to his house for cupcakes and animal pics. It was a great morning with friends!