February 28th, 2014

It has been a long week at our house!
Basketball season is winding down but unfortunately you have to hit the peak of busyness before it comes to an end.

Adam has worked every night except for Wednesday.
And Ella learned how to rollover!!

She will never lay on her back again I don't think.
Seriously every time I lay her on her back there she goes straight to her belly.
Gone are the days of leaving her on the couch next to me while I fold laundry.
I can't believe she is so big already.


I leave this coming Thursday for my first trip.

I'm sure when I get home she'll be a whole pound heavier and have an awesome new trick to show me.

As Adam and I spend this last weekend together before I leave we could really use some prayers.
This is my first time leaving Ella for more than two nights.
I know she'll be in great hands but I'll miss my little partner in crime.
Adam will have Zeke to keep him company but he's not a fan of me leaving much less his little baby girl.

Here are some pictures from last weekend and this week!

Ella is teething incase you can't tell from all the pictures of her drilling everywhere or her fingers in her mouth. :)

Happy Weekend Y'all! 

February 24th, 2014

It's Monday... back to work!

I used to not be thrilled when monday rolled around and I had to work but now I love waking up on Mondays with my new job!

As I mentioned in my last post my job has three categories. Before I head off to lead trips in another two weeks I really need to get cracking on fundraising!

I've been reading this book... "Funding Your Ministry"

Who knew that I would still be getting assigned readings with my job? 

Not me!

As I stated earlier fundraising ins't really going to be my thing.

 It's great that they gave me this book to help me out!

So here is what I learned in Chapter 1...

On the first page the book caught me off guard and peaked my interest with this...

"No, I've quit my job. I'm in God's work now. I've got to support my family. These ladies are glad I've come. Go ahead, turn to the money page."

This was embedded in a story about a man going to speak to some woman who appeared to not have much. He was sharing with them what he was doing in the field and as he came upon the need for support he got tripped up with his thinking. He realized though that people understand that Missionaries need support. 

I know you all aren't ladies but I'm sure you gentleman out there understand what I'm about to say too.  

As must of you know I quit my job this summer and didn't go back because this opportunity with Praying Pelican Missions is something we've been praying about since October 2012. 

Well it came about. I'm getting to help further the kingdom of God for a JOB. 

How cool is that!!!

I think it's super cool. I do need your help though. 

Just because I have a super cool job doing God's work doesn't mean Adam and I's bills magically disappear. 

Wouldn't that be cool if it did though?

So we would love your help!

You can go here http://www.prayingpelicanmissions.org/donate find my name and choose a one time donation or monthly!

My goal is to raise a $1000 a month! I know with prayer and diligence that I can achieve this..

Thank you all for taking sometime to read this! 

It was REALLY hard to write. 

I hope everyone's Monday was fantastic!!

February 18th, 2014

Our constantly changing life has changed once again. 

I started my new job with Praying Pelican Missions last week. 

The job is kind of confusing even to me so I thought I would help explain it a little better!

The job consists of 3 main areas in which I will be spending my time. 

1. Mission Sales & Consulting

I will spend a majority of my time in the fall, winter, and early spring contacting churches who may be interested in joining us on a trip this year. I'll get to share with them about the heart of PPM. Who we are. What we do. I'll also be consulting with teams already scheduled for a trip. Finding what interests and strengths they as a team have for their trips. I'll also be reminding them of packing lists and any other questions they may have. 

2. Trip Leader

Now this is my favorite part of the job!! I'll be leading team on hand crafted mission trips for them. So I won't be doing the same thing every week. Some weeks we might be working on construction projects and sports ministry and the next I could be doing medical missions. Also as trip leader I'll be making sure that everything is taken care of for the group from lunch to when the right time to have a devotional is. 

3. Fundraising

This part will be the part I struggle with the most. It absolutely terrifies me to ask for support but I know that it must be done. So I will be keeping up with blogging in order to share with everyone what all our family is up to, where I'm leading trips, what Ella and Adam do while I'm gone and so forth. This is going to take a lot of faith in order for me to pursue but I know with prayer that Jesus can accomplish great things. 

So that about sums up what as of right now I think my job means. To be completely honest this could be all wrong. I mean I've only been working a week and so far just talked to a bunch of answering machines. If you ever have any questions feel free to let me know! 

Happy Tuesday!

February 16th, 2014

Ella,

February 10th marked four months for you!  You have definitely found your voice.  You like to talk to me and Mom all the time, but especially in the morning and late at night.  You've also learned to grunt!  You think it's kind of funny.

The Olympics are on and you really seem to like them!  Although, basketball is still your favorite to watch.  Mom started her new job at Praying Pelicans and that means Nana Hildebrandt came to play with you!  Mom is going to Chicago and Tucson this summer, so Nana will get lots of time with you.  

You also like for me to help you stand up and you sort of dance.  Really, it's just bending your legs, but its still very cute. 

We pray every day for you to continue to grow and learn.  We know God is watching over you every day.

Love, Dad

February 14th,2014

It's Valentine's Day!!

When I woke up this morning extremely early while the house was still quiet I thought to myself huh it's Valentine's Day. I started thinking about the question everyone asks you know... who's your Valentine? While I have a pretty easy answer of my wonderful husband not everyone does. I was thinking about it though everyone should have an easy answer! Jesus! 

Jesus, should be everyone's Valentine. 

 People have faults. Jesus is perfect. Jesus always has our backs. He wakes up with us every morning and says goodnight to us every night. He can be found in the darkness and in the light.  He knows our thoughts before we think them. He loves us unconditionally and forever. 

Husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, special someones for the day they're great but if you want a forever Valentine I think Jesus is the key. 

So today I have three Valentine's:: 

Jesus

Adam (my most incredible husband)

Ella (my sweet baby girl)

And because I haven't put any pictures up in a week or so here is what our fam has been up to!

We taught Ella how to drive. 

We spent time with my wonderful family in Topeka. 

Oh and I got to take pictures for my super gorgeous sisters!! 

Seriously they're SO beautiful inside and out!!

February 2nd, 2014

Ella and I head home to tomorrow!! 

I can hardly wait to hug Adam! 

This trip has been fabulous but I'm ready to be snuggle with Adam at night and see Ella's eyes light up at the sight of her dad coming home for lunch. 

Here's to a safe flight tomorrow and a sleepy baby for the two and a half hour drive that follows. 

February 1st, 2014

Now that Adam's birthday is over and while Ella and I are off on our little holiday, I thought I would share what's on Ella and I's Valentines Day list. 

Adam take note. :)

Here is what sweet Ella told me she was dreaming about for this Valentines Day.

1.Cupid Sweatshirt  2.Arrow Leggings  3. Diaper Cover

4.Gold Headband  5.Highchair

Now me I'll just take a pair of those leggings and that headband in a bigger size. If you can't find those well I guess these things would do....

1. Half Marathon Registration  2. REI Back Pack  3.Cold Gear Tights

4. Leaf Ring  5. Ipad Case

Really all I want for Valentine's Day is to be cuddled up with my hubby and baby on the couch. 

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend as much as Ella and I are!