30 weeks and a house

Today is December 30th:
1. I am 30 weeks today.
2. We bought a house!

The first one I expected, the other one is still a bit of a shock. We put an offer on a house yesterday. Our relator didn't expect to hear anything back for about a week. The house is bigger and a great deal. The house is a short sale (I do not totally understand this part), so we are not able to move in for 60-90 days. If you do the math that is around the time I will be in labor or just home from the hospital. I must be crazy to agree to all of this. I told Brian upfront I will not be much help in this move. Like the last time we bought a house, this is a total God thing. We are trusting him to provide a buyer or renter before we move into our new house. I will miss the house we are in now. It was our first home together, and I really do like it. We are just outgrowing it:) I will post pictures of our house once we move in and decorate it to fit our personality.
Please continue to pray for a healthy pregnancy. Please also pray that God would provide the right couple/person for our house and that they would be blessed by the house as much as we have been.

Family Time

Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope your was filled with love and family like mine.

My famiy just left this morning. The house is quiet, empty, and I miss them already. Although it is sometimes choatic when you add 5 extra people to your house, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. It was so fun hanging out with them the last week. My dad is a genuine man who is fun to hang out with, my mom is such a generous loving lady, and Garrison and Katelyn are well all round too cute and funny. I wish I lived closer so I could go hang out more often. We didn't do a whole lot of super exciting things, but the things we did do were filled with lots of laughs and quality time together.

Family pic minus Kayla

Banana Split

Dad's 1st time playing video games

Garrison and Katelyn

Happy Birthday Jesus!

"So in Christ we who are many form one body and each member belongs to all the others" (Romans 12:5).

HANDS and FEET

We had our 3D ultrasound today and saw lots of hands and feet. The place we went was really nice and so was the lady doing the ultrasound. Jackson loves his hands and feet. The lady tried her hardest to get a good head shot. We were only suppossed to get 35 minutes and we were there for over an hour. Jackson is still a BOY! Good thing, I don't have to return the bedding or any clothes. We did get a few good pictures and had lots of fun watching him move all around.

Still a boy!


Face


Face with hand


Face with hand and foot


More hands and feet!


Making faces





We can't wait to meet you Jackson. You are a blessing already! Thanks Mom and Dad for a great Christmas present!!

Break Time

One of the best parts of being a teacher having a 2 week holiday break!
Things I am looking forward to... in no specific order:)
1. My dad and mom arriving on Sunday
2. Going to see White Christmas the Musical at Theater Under the Stars
3. Church service this Sunday and Christmas Eve
4. Our 3-D ultrasound of Jackson
5. Shopping with my mom, goofing around with my dad, playing with Garrison
6. Sleeping in every morning and staying up late
7. Giving everyone their Christmas presents, and getting new pj's on Christmas Eve
8. Getting my hair cut and colored
9. Spending my gift cards from my students (probably on Jackson)
10. Making more Christmas goodies with my mom
And we will miss going to the Hartzler's on Christmas Eve:(

28 weeks

My belly and boobs continue to pull me forward. By the end of the day my back is sore and needs a rub. Which, Brian so graciously does for me. Have I mentioned that my husband is the best!!
All went well at the doctor's today. I passed my glucose test with flying colors, Praise God. I did not want to drink more of that. I go back in 3 weeks for an ultrasound to measure how big he is and make sure everything else still looks good. We have a 3-D ultrasound scheduled for Christmas Eve morning. I am really excited to see the pictures, hopefully he will cooperate. Jackson continues to move like crazy, it is such a cool but weird feeling! It is fun to guess what body part we are feeling:)
Thanks for all your prayers. Please continue to pray for a healthly pregnancy Jackson and me. God is good!

Y-U-M-M-Y!

I love baking Christmas goodies! This weekend Brian helped me make and decorate Christmas cookies and toffee. We are not pros and our cookies do not look like the ones I see in magazines... but they do taste good. I ate way to many cookies and toffee already! I am planning on giving most of them away. I better do it soon or there will be none to give away. I will make more goodies once my mom arrives for Christmas:)

Working Hard


The finished products:)

To walk off the 5 pounds I think I gained this weekend from cookies and toffee, not Jackson, Brian and I took advantage of the beautiful weather and took a long walk. Yesterday it was 70 degrees and today it is 40 degrees. Crazy Houston weather, but I love taking walks in December!

Contnet

There is usually something I always want or feel I need, especially clothes:) However, since I have been pregnant God is really showing me what it means to be content with what He has already given me. I find real joy in everyday things. Not that I wasn't happy before or that I was not grateful, but this is somehow different. I pray for Jackson daily that he will be healthly, that he will grow up and have a personal relationship with Jesus, and that I will be a great witness for him. I pray that Brian's body will be healed, that he will stay strong in Jesus Christ, and be a father like both of ours. I pray that everyone will hear/experience the message of Jesus and for God to work in their hearts. I pray for our nation that God would be priority and for those that are in office.
I guess my "Christmas list" is a little different this year.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Phillippians 4:11-12

Baby Shower

While we were home my mom and mother-in-law threw a baby shower for Jackson and me. I got to spend time with many wonderful people. We are so blessed! Here are some pictures from the afternoon:)

Many THANKS...

We were able to go home for the Thanksgiving holiday and spend some wonderful time with our families. We are so thankful for them and their love!

Hartzler Family

My mom and dad

Kayla and me

Garrison

Katelyn
Just a few other things I am thankful for:

-My relationship with Jesus Christ and His love and grace

-Brian

-My health

-This miracle growing inside of me

-My house and job

I could go on and on. I try to be thankful each and everyday for all God has blessed me with.

Psalm 100:4 "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Shoulder Surgery- Try saying that 5 times fast:)

Brian had surgery on his shoulder on Friday. Everything went very smoothly and he has had relatively no pain. We spent yesterday out and about shopping, and he is actually playing his guitar as I type this:) God is good in so many ways! I was treated extremely nice on Friday as I waited for Brianhis x, -ray department friends kept checking on him and giving me some play by plays. We have a few more pictures of Brian in the hospital to add to his scrapbook. He gets off Monday and Tuesday to recover, and I will admit I am a little jeaslous I have to work.

Getting ready for surgery

Resting at home

24 Weeks

I have definitely grown! I had a doctor's appt yesterday and everything is still looking good. Please keep praying for a smooth and healthy pregnancy. My students continue to tell me everyday my belly is getting big! One of them came down with the chicken pox, my doctor says as long as I have had them before I am immune. Good thing I had them when I was like 6 or 7.

It has been a long day. I am going to eat some chocolate chip cookies, put my legs up on Brian, and hope he will rub them:)

Weekend Recap

Friday Night: Dinner at Firehouse Subs and then Christmas shopping. We can check off Mel, Garrison, and Katelyn from our list. I was in the Christmas spirit and bought some new stockings and some fun other Christmas decorations.

Saturday: Brian bought me some cute black boots. It was a little bit colder this weekend, but I just like to wear them because they look good! Then he began putting up the Christmas tree while I rested on the couch (bad sinus infection/cold that won't go away). I eventually got up and cleaned the rest of the house, made some very yummy pumpkin bread, and helped Brian finish decorating. I must say the house looks very festive. I love the holidays!! Less than 10 days till we see our families. (I was going to add some pictures, but it looks much better in person so come on over. Our tree is to the right.)

Sunday: I slept in and missed church because of my cold. Brian played his guitar and we sang some worship songs; Jackson loved it! The boy would not stop moving around while Brian was playing his guitar. The rest of the afternoon I laid around the house, managed a walk around the block, and will try to attempt making supper for my wonderful husband.

Marriage Retreat

1 Peter 1:22 "... love one another deeply, from the heart."

This weekend Brian and I went to a marriage retreat with our Sunday School in San Antonio. It was way better than I expected. We had time to spend with other couples, with each other, and listening to a great speaker. The speaker spoke on the 3 stages of Communication in marriage and the Building Blocks for Real Romance. God definitelty spoke through him to us. If you want to know more, I am willing to share.

The weather was gorgeous and was perfect for:

shopping (and posing),

walking, and

a romantic dinner along the riverwalk!

Phesant Hunting 2008

Brian got to go hunting this year for the first time in like 6 years. He was really excited to go to Kansas and hunt. He also got to spend some time with his dad, my dad, and some other relatives.

I spent the weekend pampering myself with a pedicure and some new maternity clothes and cleaning the house.

Here are a few pictures of the end results of hunting:

Drumroll please...

We have decided on a name for our baby boy.
His name will be (or already is) Jackson Oliver Hartzler.
No, we will not call him Jack!
He has been a very active boy this weekend. I think when daddy comes home from hunting he will be able to feel Jackson moving!

Things I love (right now)...

I love THE WEEKENDS! No schedules, a time to relax, and breakfast in bed. That's right, Brian brought me breakfast this morning. It was wonderful:)

I love SPENDING TIME WITH BRIAN! It is so fun to look at baby things together and plan this next chapter in our lives.

I love EATING OUT! Chick-fil-a is my new favorite:) I think I could eat there everynight. Although any time I don't have to cook is a good night!

I love FEELING THE BABY MOVE! It is a reminder of the miracle of God living inside of me and an incredible feeling.

I love APPLES! I eat atleast 2 a day. I really want a carmel apple from the Little Farmer! Please someone eat one with nuts for me.

I love SHOPPING! Now, I can shop for someone besides me. I also love all the different places to shop in Houston. There are so many fun outdoor villages with good stores which allow you to enjoy the cooler weather outside (70's and 80's).

I love WALKING! This is about the only kind of exercise I can do right now and I move slower each day.

I love WORSHIP MUSIC! There is nothing better than worshiping our God, it can make any day to a GREAT day and change my mood instantly! One of my favorites right now is Michael W. Smith's A New Hallelujah, which was recorded live in Houston and I was there:)

I love MATERNITY CLOTHES! OK maybe not 100%, but I gave in and wore my first pair of maternity pants yesterday. At least Gap has a lot of cute clothes for expecting moms and Brian bought me a new outfit yesterday:)

Half way there!

In 20 weeks, we will get to meet our baby boy! It is crazy that I am half way done. Besides being tired and gaining weight I have not felt any different. Thank God for a sick free and healthy pregnancy. I went to my 20 week appt today and my doctor said everything looks great. I am now able to feel the baby move, which is an incredible feeling but yet a really weird feeling.

My baby bump is continuing to grow and less and less of my "normal" clothes fit me. I am going to Brian's hospital Friday morning to see if we can get better pictures and a clearer shot of the boy part (just to make sure).

20 weeks

Also in 5 weeks, we get to go home to Wisconsin and see our family. We can't wait and are truly blessed and so thankful for our family. We miss and love you all!!

Proverbs 18:10 "The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe."

It's Official

The last 2 years have come to an end. Brian is finished with school and took his National Radiography Board test today and passed!! He is now a registered radiologic technologist and is excellent at taking x-rays!!

Praise God! I am so proud of him and all his hard work. He already has a job at a great hospital and they love him!

P.S. I am also really excited for our 2 person income:)

Carrying On the Hartzler Name

That's right... It's a BOY! Brian was wrong but already has our son playing every sport:) I am still due March 11th and the ultrasound tech said everything looked good. I have my 20 week appt. on Wednesday. I will post some of the ultrasound pictures even though they are not the best quality.



We started resgistering last night, but Brian got called into the hospital. Since we only had one car with us, I had to go with him. I got to see where he works and we made it home just in time because he got called back in on more time. So we spent today registering at Babies R Us and Target and are exhausted. I don't know if we even registered for things we need and probably missed some of the most important things. It was really fun looking at all the boy things. We are even more excited to meet him. I couldn't help myself and even bought a few outfits for our baby in 3 different sizes!

I love the knee patches on the middle one:)

6 Days

The countdown is on! In 6 days we find out the sex of our baby. I am ready to call our baby something beside "it" or "the baby". I am very anxious to find out. Brian says and is quite determined that it is a GIRL. I have no inkling one way or the other We shall see on Friday! What do you think? Vote at the top of my page. Please pray that everything with the baby is healthy and "it" is growing. I'll let you know real soon if it's a boy or girl!

Fall Style

I always say I am going to dye my hair darker, but I never do. Well, this time lets say I went for a bit of a change in the spirit of fall.

Ok not a big change, but I did have some low lights put in. I think I like it.

(Don't judge the picture I took it myself)

Oh, Brian!

Brian went to the orthopedic doctor on Tuesday for his shoulder. He did an MRI at work and knew he had fluid in his shoulder. The doctor told him he did have to have surgery and clean it out. Brian proceeded to do pre-appt testing and they discovered some PVC's(pre-ventricular contractions) and other abnormal things with his heartbeat. He would need to see a cardiologist before they could schedule surgery. Luckily he works with a bunch of doctors that like him and have friends that are doctors. Today, one of the radiologists at Texas Orthopedic Hospital (where he is working) called up a friend and without a problem Brian has an appoitment with a cardiologist at Baylor Heart Center 2 hours later. The cardiologist is a little concerned because he doesn't know what is causing the PVC's and the slightly enlarged heart. Brian went through lots of test today, 5 hours worth. And of course he forgot his phone today, so I had no idea what was going on. Just lots of praying! Now he is hooked up to a 24 hour monitor to watch his heart beat for the next 24 hours (and he can't shower). We know God is in control, but please pray that the doctors would find out what is causing the abnormalities and that God would heal Brian.

"The Apparatus"

October 17...

is the day we get to find out what we are having. I had a doctor's appt. on Tuesday and all went well. It is always assuring to hear the baby's heartbeat. I am going to post a picture of my belly, but I am almost too embarrassed to because I think I look more fat than pregant. I still have not worn any of my maternity clothes and hope I can go a few more weeks before needing to.

16 1/2 weeks

We went back to school Monday and the schools came back on Tuesday after Hurrican Ike. My kids actaully did a really good job getting back into routine and following directions. I am glad to be back, I get bored at home! The weather here has been absolutely gorgeous, and we are taking advantage of it by taking lots of walks and bike rides.

Please continue to pray for a healthy pregnacy for me and the baby!

Thankful

We got power back about 7:30 Monday night! We are very thankful for what we have but are praying for those whose still do not have power and may have lost everything. Please continue to pray for everyone affected by Ike and those helping with relief efforts.

"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

37 hours without power

We are fine! There is some damage to our fence in the backyard and tree branches in our front yard. The worst part is that we still do not have power. You forget how much you depend on electricity for almost everything! We are grateful for some friends who let us come over to their house yesterday to hang out and spend the night. Thanks Butch and Jenny and Beau and Deanna! We are at my aunt's church right now hanging out and playing games. Please pray that we will have our power back soon.

Hurricane Ike

Hurricane Ike is on its way to make landfall in Galveston at approx. 1:00am on Saturday. We have estimates of winds at 75-80 mph around our area and 4-8 inches of rain. We don't really know what to expect! We bought lots of water, filled our pitchers, and stocked our cupboards. Hopefully, we are ready. Please for pray for Ike to weaken, move quickly through our area, and safety for all the people in this area. Thank you so much!!

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

Psalm 20:7