And the moment you have all been waiting for...

Well... a couple of weeks ago... SuperBowl Sunday, I went to get dressed to get ready to go my parent's house. I put on my jeans and good Lord, they didn't button. The odd thing was, they buttoned three days prior. I started yelling at Jerry to help. He came into the room and began laughing at me. Of course, in a loving way. He began to explain to me that this is what happens when women get pregnant. Eventually, they grow out of their clothes and must begin buying maternity clothes. Then, he proceeded to tell me not to be shocked and its not like I am gaining a bunch of weight (actually have lost 10 pounds now) and just to go buy some clothes the following day. I agreed hestitantly and finished getting dressed.

So, many of you who live away from us have been asking if I am wearing maternity clothes and what I look like...here I am. The interesting thing is that people are asking me when I am due. That does make a girl feel pretty good. I mean, that it's not just looking overly plump - it's looking pregnant. This is the best picture I could get as of now. I am sure we will update you with more to come.

SuperBowl and Cupcakes

Just wanted to let you share in the happy times of the Tipton Family. During the SuperBowl we went to my parent's house and hosted a few couples from church with them. It was loads of fun - especially the 3D portion of halftime. And, of course, we had to get Buc in on the action. Here we are enjoying the evening. And just for my mom and dad - Go Steelers!
Last week, my mom, Ashley (a secretary at the church), Cara (a friend), and I had the task of making 125 cupcakes for the Valentine's Dinner on February 7. And, of course, mom wanted them to be absolutely homemade - no boxes here. So, we proceeded to make red velvet cupcakes 25 at a time with cream cheese frosting. It literally took two days. But man were they yummy! And, people loved them at the dinner. Here they are...all 125. Wait - I mean 124. It seems as though Buc found them on the table, pulled one on to the floor and licked (in perfect form) all of the frosting off of one. I will say he enjoyed himself. But he also got in big trouble by Jerry and made his way to the bedroom with his head under the bed for pretty much the rest of day. And he really was caught "red-handed". He had red velvet cake all in his beard. Poor Buc - the guy can never get a break. He only wanted a cupcake. He was forgiven later and soon back to his old happy self again... soon to be found sniffing the cupcakes again...

I Just Can't Believe It

I mean it. I just can't believe it! I am already past my half way mark in this pregnancy! Jerry and I went to the doctor on Friday and everything is wonderful! We calculated it and I believe I have lost about 9 pounds since getting pregnant! THANK GOD! I am seriously trying hard (with the exception of some ice cream here and there and of course, my favorite, Sour Patch Kids) to keep it healthy. I have never drank so much water in my life. And, the great thing about it...Jerry is losing weight too! Thank you baby! I am beginning my 21 week today...
God is so amazing. We continually talk about this. How a woman's body can change over months to hold a precious life and keep it so safe inside her. And, how it knows exactly what to do. We cannot wait to see our sweet baby... I still cannot believe it! After two years of trying, where did the time go? God's timing is always the best timing - We conceived in September and moved home in January.
If you have any doubt in your life that God is not there or not listening, just wait.
Isaiah 40:31 says, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Delay is not denial - "not right now" does not mean NO - Patience is Perseverance
God is not finished with you yet - He knows your needs and dreams - He gave them to you. Now, trust in Him to bring it to pass.

IT'S A...

BOY!!!!!

His name is Finley Leo Tipton

Due: June 20, 2009

He is very healthy and moving TONS.

Here he is at 18 weeks...

Christmas 2008

During Christmas this year, we came home and got to spend time with our family. I just wanted to show you all a few pictures... enjoy!


Dad & Jerry


Mom and her new Christmas gift - Wii!

(Good job dad - finally a gift she didn't return!)

The family with our gift from Aunt Judy - Chocolate turtles.(left to right: Britt, Maw-maw, Paw-paw, Mom, Buc, Jaime, Jerry, Uncle Mike, & Dad)
Our sweet boy Buc - DESTROYING his Christmas gift (We had to tell the family that we are sorry but he destroys all toys and so the best gift for Buc is food or love.)

Jerry and I pray that you all had a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year!

And so it goes...

Well, I know that it seems like I only blog once a month and well... I guess that is true. We have been so VERY busy the last few months. Here is the story:
In October, the youth pastor at my dad's church, Grace Church in Fairview Heights, IL, resigned to move back home to Texas with his wife and two little children. When this happened, Jerry and I received a phone call informing us of this and letting us know to send in Jerry's resume. After praying about it for two weeks, we decided to do it. Through an interview during Thanksgiving and the job offer before Christmas, we are now in Illinois. We moved on January 7th. It was an amazing learning time to be apart of New Life Community Church in Nashville, IN. We made many friends and had great experiences. It is also nice to be home in Illinois. It has been such a joy to be around family and friends. While interviewing for the position here Jerry made a comment, "we have spent 4 1/2 years ministering and growing away from our family - now it is time to minister and grow with our family."

If you have time, the church website is http://www.graceweb.tv/ - take a look.
I will be doing better at keeping up with the blog since we have gotten ourselves settled (at least I think we are...)