I had a dream

I've been debating whether or not to share this experience on the blog for some time. Up until now I've only shared it with a few individuals when the time seemed right. But I've decided to go ahead and write it here, if only so that I will always remember it. :)

Shortly after Rob and I were married we were expecting our first child. We had dated for one month, been engaged for three months, and then married for three months at the time... and I was feeling a little anxious. Okay, I was feeling a LOT anxious. I had no doubts about Rob and I's current love for and dedication to each other, but I couldn't stop worrying about what the future might hold and how our marriage would hold up when faced with life's challenges over the years. I was really concerned about this baby's (who turned out to be Charlotte) future. And I was losing sleep over it.

Then one night I had a dream where I saw Rob and I, many years down the road, with a grown daughter and three sons. It was an extremely vivid and calming thought. It was exactly what I needed at the time to chase away my unfounded fears and move on with hope for the future. And I never forgot it.

So fast forward to 3-4 months ago when the doctor in Germany told us that this baby was a girl. I was perplexed. But who am I to argue with the doctor? And also, as Rob pointed out, sometimes a dream is just a dream. And so I thought, well, I guess it just served it's purpose at that time in providing the comfort that I needed to have confidence for the future. End of story, right?

Nope. On Tuesday we had an ultrasound here in Augusta. Before leaving I said to Rob, "I halfway expect to hear that we are having a boy. " And so it was! Our German doctor was definitely mistaken. The ultrasound tech couldn't believe that we thought we were having a girl and made sure to show us the proof that we are having a BOY!

So I guess I will just say to take from this what you will. I'm sure everyone will have their own opinion about what my dream "meant." But to me, it means that Heavenly Father knows me. He offered me support and comfort when I needed it most and continues to remind me of His love and presence in small ways every day. And I am so thankful for his tender care.

PS. He knows and loves you too. ;)

Play us a song...

...you're the piano man. ;)

I've had that going through my head ever since we bought this used piano last week. Rob is the only one in the house who really plays the piano (I took 2 semesters at BYU, but that is barely anything.) So anyway, he has been entertaining all of our requests to the best of his ability-- which will be about a thousand times easier when we get him some sheet music. Maybe in January Charlotte will begin to take lessons? We'll see... maybe we'll wait a year. For now, we are all loving listening to Rob play for us.

Today I borrowed a copy of the Children's Songbook from our church so Rob has some music to practice with until we buy some of our own. (Also, any re-upholstering tips for the gold colored seat cushion? I'm not sure we can handle its awesomeness long term.)

Another project while we waited for our furniture this past week was this tether ball pole in the backyard. The kids are a little clueless yet, but had tons of fun out there with Rob- who was only missing his "Vote for Pedro" t-shirt.

And finally this is me at 36 weeks-- with all my babies.

This was just after nap, and Toby is choosing to be clothing-free for the photo. I also considered taking the photo of me barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen for maximum effect, but wanted to show you the fireplace instead and the vase Rob picked out and filled with eucalyptus clippings from our yard. He's so cute. :)

catch up collage

June was a BIG month for us. Here are just a few snapshots of what our lives have been like.

The day we moved out of our house in Germany, Charlotte's school had their Sommerfest. Among the activities was this crazy kiddo version of walking on hot coals. Charlotte and Toby both jumped at the chance to walk barefoot across tires filled with gravel, corks, rocks, sticks, and pine cones. So weird.

Charlotte's class had a little farewell party for her on her last school day. She loved the sparklers and being the center of attention sitting with her best "Erde Gruppe" buddies Paula and Martyna. She especially loves the scrapbook they gave her with photos and memories from her year in German Kindergarten. She also enjoyed giving her teachers a book about Charlotte the sheep (in German) as a gift for the classroom.

Toby fit in too well with Charlotte's classmates. He loves doing anything that is for "big kids."

A week or so after that we flew to Augusta, GA. I took this picture of Charlotte in the rental car after 17 hours or so of traveling. A picture is worth a thousand words, no?

This is my mellow man in the rental car too. He's awesome.

We spent a week or so looking at houses and cars, filling out many, many forms and trying to find our way around our new city. THEN we ran away to the Outer Banks and spent a week visiting with some of our family members. This photo is Rob and the kiddos heading down to the water with Grandma Anderson. At dusk all of these little "ghost crabs" come out and run all over the sand. The kids had a great time chasing them and splashing in the waves.

Toby relaxing with Pop-pop at the beach house.

I think the trip worked out great... we got to spend a lot more time with the people who were able to make the trip than we would have if we tried to travel to everyone. And we all got to have a beach vacation to boot! (We did go through a shocking amount of steak, bacon, and brownies with 25 people in the house though!)

Charlotte and cousin Savannah hit it off fabulously and shared their love of stuffed animals, books, dress-up, and drawing.

They can't wait to get together again soon.

And finally, we have found a house to move into as soon as our furniture arrives from Germany. I look forward to seeing a lot more of this view out my kitchen window.

Or from my seat on this shady swing with a glass of lemonade in hand.

Soon. :)