First Trimester Pics :)

I think this is the ONLY time that women are proud of their big bellies! :) My creative sister made this cute collage for me - thanks Lauren!! I'm slightly apprehensive to share this as several have asked me if I'm having twins and continue to remark on how big my belly is....not completely appropriate comments for any pregnant woman!

Baby on board!

Move over Rookie....

We are so excited to announce that we are having a baby! We are looking forward to this new stage in our lives and this tiny blessing growing inside of me. I don't feel very tiny however! I am almost 13 weeks and our doctor says I'm very healthy and everything is going great. Drew was still in the academy for my first ultrasound, so my good friend Amy Busti went with me and we got to see the little one. It was so amazing! Drew and I went back this Monday to the doctor and heard the heart beating strong and clear. Only 6 more weeks until we find out what the sex is - it's going by so fast! I LOVE my doctor at Scott and White - Dr. Sulak. For those of you who have heard about it, she wrote the "worth the wait" abstinence curriculum for the Texas school districts. I am so glad that we were stationed close by and I was able to stay with her. My due date is Jan. 2nd which is great (deer season will almost be over for Drew :) and I don't have to endure this Texas heat with a big belly. We went kayaking today on the Colorado River and I thought I was going to die from the heat - I can't imagine being a lot further along in the summer.

With my first trimester almost behind me, I am starting to feel great. I was pretty tired which is aggravating when I'm used to being super productive! (my sister-in-law, Mandy, who helped me pack up and my mom who practically did all of my unpacking in our move 2 weeks ago know how unproductive and tired I was!) Thanks for your help - I couldn't have done it without you guys! Fortunately I didn't have any "morning sickness" - just some nausea...but that is starting to wane too. My growing appetite is not waning however! I am so surprised by how hungry I am!! I am trying to stay fit and exercise as well as eat healthy....

Thank you for celebrating in this good news with us! I am sure I was post more often now with news of the little one. We are thankful to the Lord for this incredible blessing and pray that we will be parents who are examples of Christ to our child.

Much Love,
Jessica & Drew

It's Official! He's a Game Warden

This post is 2 weeks late - but better late than never :) It's been a whirlwind moving, unpacking and getting settled in. Two weeks ago today Drew became an official Texas Game Warden! He has worked so hard and he is already such a wonderful warden. He comes home from work just grinning like a child in a toy store - he is absolutely loving his job!

The graduation was at the capitol and here is Governor Rick Perry pinning his badge on:


Drew had the honor of saying the invocation at graduation. It was such a great prayer that I wanted to share it with you all:

Father,

Thank you for seeing us safely through to this day. We are humbled by all that You have done for us in the past seven months and look forward to the time ahead as we prepare to begin our service. Thank you for the instruction and teaching that we have had during this period of our lives and for the time and effort given by all of those who have led us. We are also extremely grateful for our families. It is through their sacrifice and dedication that we are able to be here today. We also want to honor those who have served before us, especially those who have given their lives in this service. Help us to always remember them and honor them by the things we do, with the understanding that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.

Psalm 104 says, “How many are Your works oh Lord. In wisdom You made them all. The Earth is full of Your creatures.”. Lord, for seven months we have been training our minds and bodies for this day and stand before You now, willing and ready to serve in the protection of Your creation.

We pray for several things today, Lord.
That you would watch over us as we serve through long days.
That you would guide us through the dark nights.
That you would protect us in times of danger.
That you would give us strength against our enemies and
Give us wisdom in making the many decisions that we will face.

May our integrity be beyond reproach and our behavior always without question.

Help us to remember that You are our fortress and strength and that through You we can never be shaken.

May we always strive to be, both servants and warriors, in the protection of Your creation and for the people and the state of Texas.

In Jesus name we pray,
Amen

The 54th Game Warden Class and supervisors:


Celebrating!


Drew's parents, brother - John Michael and grandparents were able to come and celebrate his graduation with us! To view all the pictures of this big day, click here:

Our New Home!

The countdown is on! Well, it's been for 7 months now...but our time apart is finally coming to a close! Drew has 1 week left in the academy. We have gotten to our explore our new area, Coryell Co. and we are so excited about moving there and seeing what God has in store for us. Some of the Game Wardens referred a place for us to rent - an awesome log cabin on a wild game ranch! We are both so excited about living there and really enjoy the landowners. I think it's going to be a great place for us. For family and friends who have been asking for it, below are some videos of the cabin and place. We are hoping to move in 1 1/2 weeks...which means I really should be packing right now :) I am looking forward to settling in and making this cabin our home.

Here's a video of the outside of the cabin...the lawn really needs work, so just ignore that :)



Look at the little elk that came up to the backyard - so cute!!



Last video - this is of inside the house for all family and friends who have wanted to see it. I can't wait to get in and make it our home. You can see it here on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6eomIMkM7Q

We feel so very blessed and thank the Lord for providing such a wonderful place to live and work!