What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in heaven for our Lord God. We should accustom ourselves to think of our position and work as sacred and well-pleasing to God, not on account of the position and work, but on account of the word and faith from which the obedience and the work flow. ~ Martin Luther

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

A Fun Day


Yesterday was a wonderful-good day.

It started with an extra long snuggle and a deep-throated "Happy Anniversary" in my ear.

A day simply cannot go wrong when started this way.

The day had been planned for over a month, ever since I found out about this cool deal and saw that, yesterdays' free family film showing just happened to be the very movie based on the very same chapter book we just finished reading recently. Charlotte's Web! My children have never seen the movie. Nor have they ever been in a movie theater before. Actually, I don't quite think they even knew what a movie theater WAS. So for over a month I have secretly hoped that Smooch would either be long-since born or not-yet born, so that I could treat the children in one of the very best surprises ever.

And it was.

They ate POPTARTS for breakfast so they KNEW something was going on. (This is HUGE, people. Poptarts don't usually make it into the Newman house.)

While I wouldn't say having a squirming 20 month old on your lap for an hour and a half is the ideal situation for a due-in-three-days pregnant woman, I know for sure Corynn and Andrew had a grand time. Andrew, the boy who loves pigs, was entranced. Which of course, made it all worthwhile.

Afterward we had FRIENDLY's for lunch~with a sundae (with four spoons) on top for good measure! And since we were there, we walked the mall a bit. These things, too, are quite the treats for us Newmans.

Since we were close by, we headed to Nanny and Poppy's for a visit (my parents), always nice, and stayed as long as we could until I had to get back home for a date with my now eight-year husband. His parents made and brought supper so that they could watch the children (and I didn't have to make supper) and Matt and I feasted on a gift certificate to one of our favorite (but expensive) restaurants.

A day spent with always the thought of these eight wonderful years of being married to a most precious man tucked in the back of your mind, making everything that happens throughout the day shine in that memory, is a most wonderful day.

And it was over as it began~with warm bodies being molded into one another and husky "Happy Anniversary"s being whispered.

I adore that man. Utterly and completely.

~~~~~~~~~~~

In other news~Smooch still hasn't made his/her arrival (insufferable child) though I can claim for the first time in the HISTORY of my childbearing~that I have a bag PREpacked. (Just did it last night~while having contractions. Again.)

True, my due date is technically on Friday, but when all previous children come early, it is hard not to expect to follow suite (and by implication, get your hopes up.) I have changed sheets, scrubbed toilets and caught up on laundry in preparation for Smoochs' arrival more times than I wish to count~and sadly, as time goes on~I just have to do it all over again.

I have been spending my time trying to soak in the feeling of a life within you....it is unwise to presume this gift will keep being given to me. The ability to create and bear a child within you ought not to be considered lightly and, while I pray to open this gift many more times, I know in my heart that these moments must be treasured now~there is no promise of tomorrow. I try and remember that as I find it impossible to cross my legs like a lady, or wash between my toes, or walk in a non-waddling way. These too, shall pass, and may never return. So find the beauty in the waddles and enjoy the freedom to sit how you like, even if it isn't particularly becoming. :-)

Each day I try and create one or two more goals to accomplish that "will be easier without the new baby". This, my friends, is a way to distract me from the fact that I might actually REACH my due date this time (argh) or go past it. ugh. Todays goal is to make a simple coming home outfit for a boy and to cut Matt's hair. Each time I accomplish a goal, it gives me a reason to be thankful I haven't had the baby yet.

Canned up the peaches. Check. Thank you Lord for helping me be a good steward of our finances
Canned up the tomatoes into salsa. Check. Thank you Lord for enabling me not to be wasteful.

Changed armoire over. Bought diapers. Made a few "special" things. Got laundry caught up. Got an anniversary date with hubs. Took children to movies. Found the "girl" bin and reorganized the attic. Cleaned craft room. Reorganized pantry. check check check check check. Thank you Lord for the chance to accomplish it all while it is far easier to accomplish.

Now please Lord, may I meet this little one soon? :-)

10 comments:

Tracy said...

One of my favorite memories is going out to a "last hurrah" supper before Autumn was born. I dressed carefully, but felt as big as a house. On the way to use the restroom, a couple stopped me as I passed by their table, and told me how beautiful I was. I'll never, ever forget that.

Sounds like you had a wonderful anniversary, not only celebrating your marriage, but the family that comes along with it. OH! the joys!

I've thought of you, heavy with child, many, many times as I've been canning, and all of the work that you must be trying to accomplish before Smooch arrives. I know that feeling well. Perhaps you'll have a good sleeper, and you'll be able to accomplish much after he/she is here, too.

Praying for you throughout my busy days, Rebecca. Can't wait to hear the news, and see the new little Newman face!

Marlene Bibby said...

Patience, patience. Friday is the day! I want to be exactly 55 years older than your precious child.

Michelle G said...

SLEEP!!!! NOW!!!!! WHILE YOU STILL CAN!!!!!! :)

Nap - and then eat and then nap again seriously - you will need all the "sleep reserves" you can get!!!

Nanci said...

Happy Anniversary to you both. Indeed God's blessings of marriage, family, and births are God's greatest blessings -- only to be far surpassed by the blessing our our Lord Jesus Christ and the salvation He has purchased for us.

"Every good and every perfect gift cometh down from the Father above..."


All our love and prayers (and HUGS),

Jerelene said...

Happy Anniversary!! Glad you were able to enjoy such a wonderful day with your family.
Can't wait to see the new baby... I kind of hope it's a little boy :)
That way Andrew with have a little brother to play with :)
Keeping you in my prayers...
Hugs..Jerelene

Full of Grace said...

I SO Wish I could have been hanging out and having fun with you over what I was doing that day! I just KNOW my kiddos would have enjoyed it too..Hopefully they will do it again next yr and we will plan a family trip ;)

Oh, and so happy you had a wonderful anniversary!

MameyJane said...

Happy Anniversary to my favorite blogger (well, you tie with Jewels over @ Eyes of Wonder). I'm hoping and praying with you that your waiting will soon be over, and the reward will be the sweetest ever! Hang in there!

Unknown said...

Happiest Anniversary, Rebecca!! My 8 year is September 7th! :D Hubby says he has a surprise outing???!! :D I can't wait to find out what he has planned...however, it might not be right on our ACTUAL anniversary.

Can't wait to meet that Smootch! :) Good point about enjoying pregnancy NOW in this season of babies!!

Love to you all!
Amy

Regina said...

Happy Anniversary!

...and I agree with you about enjoying every bit of time you have life growing within you. If I'd have known that JL would be our last, I might have stopped and enjoyed it a little more. But, 20/20 is hindsite, as they say.

Keeping you in prayer as you prepare yourself for the work set before you in giving birth.

((((hugs))))
Regina

Marlene Bibby said...

Waiting to hear from your mom today that Smooch has arrived. Hope he/she doesn't let Hannah and I down.