a new compartment in my brain

it hasn't even been one week since we found out that stella is stella and my brain is already on overload...

I know that girl things are so much different than boy things, but for over 2 years I have been focused on all things boy. and now i must add all things girl to my mind too. please hear me - I am so excited - and yet a little overwhelmed. I have always loved looking at girl clothes, but I just have never needed to pick out something for "my little girl." and now, all this changes!

so on sunday, I headed up to Once Upon a Child to find a bow or 2 for miss stella - every girl needs at least one bow, right?? well holy moly, the bow selection there was out of control. I stood there for like 5 minutes not knowing where to start. so, I left with nothing. no sweet little bow for my stella. thank goodness for friends at school with girls...this morning I was greeted with 3 little perfect bows to start stella's bow collection.

thankfully stella has a few friends that are super excited for her arrival and have already helped me start her a collection of cute clothes for her...

and this isn't the best picture of me ... but here I am at 20 weeks

and SHE shall be called...

Stella Marie McCord

we are just 'tickled pink' to be welcoming this precious little girl into our family. we were surprised, excited, and in awe all at the same time today when we got to see her for the first time. i am so ready for january to be here so i can snuggle with my little girl and begin all the pink fun! in my opinion, she is the most beautiful thing ever!

her profile

the proof

sweet foot

waving hi

"I prayed for this child..."

1 Samuel 1:27

cousins...

"You have filled my heart with greater joy..."

Psalm 4:7

1st Day of School

How can it already be my 7th year teaching?? Where has the time gone?? My first group of kids are sophomores in high school and are getting their driving licenses this year - CRAZY!

I couldn't have been more ready for school to start this year. I (of course) loved my summer, but I was ready to meet my new sweet darlings. They have already in 3 days added much joy to my life and I am excited about learning with them this year.

Here are P and I before we headed out the door...

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

cutie in a baseball cap

"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."

Psalm 126:3

under the table

pierce loves to follow duncan under the dining room table...

"You are my hiding place..."

Psalm 32:7

leah's wedding

Five years ago, God really placed on my heart that I should work with the youth group at Prestonwood. God lead me to a sweet family, the Lindley's, and their sweet daughter's friends. I was a table group leader for this same group of girls from the time they were freshman until they graduated. These girls were and are still so precious to me. Leah Lindley and I formed a very strong friendship. This girl is amazing and loves the Lord more than anyone I know. When she started dating Michael when they were freshman, I knew there was something different about their relationship. Fast forward 5 years, past high school graduation, past their freshman year in Chicago to yesterday. I had the honor of standing next to Leah as one of her bridesmaids as she and Michael pledged their love to each other.

the bride and I

the cutest little boy I know

yes, this is my son under the table at the reception

enjoying a marshmallow from the chocolate fountain

sharing cake with daddy

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."

Genesis 2:24

mowing with daddy

usually pierce is content with just watching justin mow through the windows, but yesterday he really wanted to go out there with 'dada.' so i got p's little mower (his favorite toy by the way) and sent him out with justin. pierce had a great time and i am sure will be out there with justin all the time now.

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him."

Psalm 127:3

destin - year 5

justin and i just got back from a fabulous florida vacation with some of our very dear friends, the leaches. this was our fifth year to go and we changed it up a bit by leaving the kiddos at home - that's right - a 5 night vacay without schedules, nap times, or early dinners. we had a wonderful time relaxing by the ocean, reading some good books, eating at our pace, and just enjoying each other. i can honestly say that we took about 1/3 as many pictures as last year with pierce, but here a few of my favorites to document our trip.

"For everything God created is good..."

1Timothy 4:4

a friendly...

justin has been working all summer on the fc dallas vs. inter milan 'friendly' game that was played a couple of weeks ago. he even went and 'followed' the inter milan team around the east coast for a week. my parents, pierce, and i went to the game to support justin and to cheer on some good soccer playin'.

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

1 Corinthians 9:25

Did you know...

...that Wisconsin is nicknamed the Badger State?

...the nation's first kindergarten was established in Watertown, WI in 1856?

...that Wisconsin is the dairy capital of the United States?

...that Wisconsin produces more milk than any other state?

...that Two Rivers, WI is the home of the ice cream sundae?

...that the first Ringling Brothers Circus was staged in Baraboo,WI in 1884?

...that the The Republican Party was founded in Ripon,WI in 1854?

...that Green Bay,WI is the Toilet Paper Capital of the World?

To be honest, I didn't know much about Wisconsin, except the general location of this very cold state, until about 2 months ago. And to be honest, I still don't know that much. I do know, however, that the little town of Appleton,WI is about to get its greatest residents ever, Matt, Kendra, and Macie Hall. You see, some of our dearest friends are moving up to Wisconsin and closer to Canada than Mexico. Kendra and I have taught school together for last 6 years, got married the same summer, had our first babies within weeks of each other, and have spent many a hours up at our "home away from home" together, Bluebonnet Elementary School. Although I am super sad that the Hall's are moving, I have seen God work in and through this move like no other. He has proved His faithfulness time and time again as well as that this is part of HIS perfect plan for their lives.

Pierce and I went over to Lewisville today to say, "See you soon" to our sweet friends. I know this isn't good-bye and that this sweet friendship that God brought together will stay strong even thousands of miles apart.

sweet kisses

precious friends...

the biggest moving truck that i have ever seen...

with matt

kendra, macie, pierce, and i

sweet hugs...

me and my favorite "used-to-be-fourth-grade-teacher"

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28