Marriage Getaway

We had an absolute blast this past weekend in KC at the Marriage Retreat.  It was a lot of work but so so much fun and was such a fun time for Matt and I to give away our gifts together and be with 32 other amazing couples from Hope.  Matt did an awesome job bringing humor and laughter to everyone (with Brian Truskett's help) as Hanz and Franz coming in from the Olympics to help all the flabby men work on their "love muscles".  Although I was just a touch concerned about how many times Matt used that phrase over the weekend - thankfully everyone thought he was funny and not inappropriate.  I think a lot of people may have been shocked on Sunday morning when Matt did the message because all they had seen of him was his crazy goofy side, but he is also a very gifted teacher and can be serious when given the opportunity!  Ross and Leslie did an amazing job not just teaching us how to really take our marriages to the next level but more so setting us at Jesus' feet and let Him speak to us through His Word.  I told a couple of people as they were thanking us for the work we did on the weekend that WE were the ones who had the real treat because we were able to spend all this fun incredible time with the Straders by ourselves!  Also we were able to stay in some other friends' condo right off the plaza which was a blast and a fun treat too.  Overall there is not one thing I can think of that could have gone better!  Seems like it would be a good idea to let someone else do it all next time and let them figure out how to top this!
As a side note: part of what helped make the weekend great was that the girls all started feeling better and had a wonderful weekend with our friends the Ralstons.  What a gift to be able to leave our kids and not worry about them!!

Second side note: baby girl is getting quite strong and has developed the very *endearing* quality of kicking the crud out of me every night at bedtime.  29 weeks today - A very small part of me can't believe I will probably only be prego 11 more weeks in my whole life, but mostly I can't get past thinking about "how in the world am I going to be able to sleep in any kind of restful way for 11 more weeks?"  I feel huge and cannot seem to get comfortable to sleep already!  Thanks for all the sweet wishes for the placenta move by the way... nice to know there are at least a couple of you still checking in on us on here!

Third side note: I am getting some pics taken for my business website next week and need to make up some outfits - so if anyone would want to purchase anything that I need for pic samples, I will make you a deal on it - otherwise my children are going to have an entirely handmade spring and summer wardrobe.

Final side note: yes I will admit my guilty pleasure on here tonight because I must vent: Jake (aka the bachelor) seemed happy enough on the after the final rose show, but it was just one more example of how our culture has misconstrued what love is and how it should "feel".  I will stop now or this post could easily be doubled in length.

And for your random catch up pictures of the day: November - Lucy on leaf raking day and Macy & Kate on Christmas Decorating day