Little Luda's going to be a world traveller!!

Little Luda and I are headed out on our first big adventure! We'll be catching a flight this evening with one of my best friends from high school, Ashley, to go and visit another best friend from high school, Michelle, in GERMANY!! Michelle's Husband serves in the Army and they have been stationed there for the last year. Ashley and I have loved looking at Michelle's photos documenting the amazing adventure that she is having there with her Husband. Earlier this summer Chris, Michelle's husband, was sent on deployment, so what perfect time it is to visit her! Plus I miss her like crazy and when the three of us get together it is always an adventure. Michelle and Chris are an amazing couple and the courage they display, Chris serving for our country and Michelle waiting patiently for his return is amazing.

Here's a picture of the three of us summer after senior year of high school:

Michelle, Me and Ashley

So although this isn't the typical baby update post, I thought I would include some weekend highlights and low lights as well as a Little Luda love. Have I mentioned how much I love this Nugget already?!? I'm starting to feel more frequent movement, which excites me because it means we are closer to the day that Shawn will feel the baby move. I've been sleeping pretty well so far this week even though no amount of sleep seems to be enough and I'm still rocking most of my pre-pregnancy clothes! As for cravings, the most recent addiction...lemonade! Maybe it's because I went to Chik-fil-a two days in a row this past weekend and since I am trying to have zero caffeine, this in itself has been a challenge for this coffee lover, I opted for the lemonade and now I'm hooked!

We had a busy weekend. Daddy (just typing that makes me smile) went camping with some friends from work, so I went home for the weekend to see my family and go to a bridal shower. However, before all the fun could start my car decided to breakdown in the middle of the road. I just love when this happens, at least that's what everyone honking at me and throwing their arms in the air as they drove by must have thought. Make note, no one wants to break down in the middle of the road! The good thing is that God has a sense of humor and I broke down right in front of a car repair shop. After a jump from a friendly by-stander and a push from him and a few cops, my car ended up at the repair shop where I got a new battery and was on my way. Of course the fixing didn't last long and lights starting popping on again, but I made it to my parents and the little blue car and going to get some tender loving care this week, while I'm away. I read the following scripture the day after my car decided to throw a fit. I thought it was perfect timing!

"Moreover let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and hardship produce patience and unswerving endurance." -Romans 5:3

Once I got home, the weekend went by way too fast. My Dad had Vanilla Bean ice cream waiting for me when I got home, which is the only vanilla worth eating and I spent the evening with him and my brother. On Saturday, I made my first official yard sale purchase for the Nugget and then the real fun started when my Mom and I went to finish up registering for baby gear! Shawn and I had already knocked out Target, so we spent the afternoon at BuyBuyBaby. The amount of baby stuff they have to offer is overwhelming and pricey, but I think we had a successful registering experience. Now I'm ready to have our shower, so I can get everything ready for Little Luda's arrival. I can't believe we are almost half way there!

Saturday evening, I went to a Bridal shower for my dear friend, Brittany, soon-to-be Mrs. Garrett! I am so excited for the two of them to join together in marriage! Shawn is actually a groomsman in the wedding and even though I can't be there, the wedding is this Saturday and Little Luda and I will still be in Germany, I know that it is going to be a beautiful day celebrating two wonderful people! I can't wait to see what God has in store for them as they begin this exciting journey as Husband and Wife! Here are a few shots I was able to take while at the Bridal Shower:

On Sunday I had the pleasure of seeing my cousin, Skylar, baptized. Watching her make her proclamation of faith in Christ was such an awesome experience. She was baptized in the same church that I was baptized in 15 years ago and it brought back all the memories of the day I prayed to accept Christ with my Daddy.

Needless to to say it was a busy weekend filled with highs and lows, but despite it all I am reminded of God's goodness and His greatness. He is bigger than any bump in the road, like a sick car, and most importantly He loves us, despite of us, He loves us.

Happy Tuesday!
See you when Little Luda and I get back from our European travels!
Germany here we come!