This is not on my to do list

I have a to do list.

Posting on my blog has not been on the list for a while.

I got done with my "to do" for tonight so I decided to share some pictures with you, so you can see what has kept me so busy. There have been fun things, and many fun things coming up, so stay tuned.

Enjoy the pictures, and be in prayer. I will share some prayer requests with you along the way today...

Charity and Paul (Luke's sister) had their first baby on Super Bowl Sunday. They named him Nathan Wesley Peterson. He's so cute. We're having a shower for Charity this weekend. I'm excited to see Nathan again--it's been too long. I wonder if he'll be quiet or noisy? Pray for his health, for mom and dad's rest, and for Charity...she has a few weeks left with Nathan at home and then will have to return to work. I'm sure she would rather not, so pray for her.

P.S. Props to Charity for not punching me in the nose when I was insisting on pictures just one hour after delivery.

I was a small group leader for our church's annual at-home retreat. I got to spend the weekend with 6th/7th/8th grade girls. I had a great group. I have some regrets about not being "present" the whole weekend. I feel like I could have done better. But I thanked God Saturday night that He's not waiting for me to come around before He will move in their hearts. So, pray for them...some made signigicant decisions. I know my prayers are with them as they go back to their homes and schools. I think it is atrocious to think about all the nasty things kids are confronted with on a daily basis. I'll pray that the light of Christ will find its way into their lives daily.

This last weekend, Valentine's Day weekend, I went to stay with my twin sister in Marshalltown. She is 29 weeks pregnant and on bedrest. After a few weeks in the hospital, she was sent home to continue strict bedrest. She is able to sit up for meals, use the restroom, and take chair showers, but that's it. I got to "Liz-sit" while her husband was at a church meeting Saturday-Sunday. I was glad Andy didn't have to leave until Saturday because that meant I got to see him too. It was a quick visit; I got to see everyone; much too short; and Luke wasn't there, but what fun it was to play Mad Gab, Buzz Word (yes, we bought it after we played it with Miles, Holli, and Deb--secretly we're hoping for a repeat of the "balance" round--remember that? "Balance!!"), watch Project Runway, make dinner, get drive-thru, see the neices and nephews, get Liz her meds, and let Andy clean out my car--what a labor of love! That thing was hideous. I honestly don't know where that huge Chick-fil-A cup came from, Andy. Even more, I don't know why neither Luke or me have picked it up off the floor for the last three months. I had so much fun singing until my voice was hoarse all the way home. I came home and was instantly stressed out because I started to think about EVERYTHING that needs to be done before we leave for our trip to Europe. Also, Luke has been sick and complaining. I don't blame him...it's no fun to have an upset tummy. Mine has been icky for the last two weeks. It's a lingering bug, but me-thinks Luke may not be as patient as some. So, please pray for our health--it definitely needs to perk up before March 1. Also, pray for us concerning this trip. We are mega-excited, but there is A LOT to be done. I want to look forward to it, and not get stressed, so pray for wisdom in time management, finances, handling a group of 13, interacting with somewhat strangers. Also, safety in flights, in the streets of Paris and London. Responsibility on the part of the students and parents. Wisdom for Luke. Much of the responsibility falls on his shoulders. Also, on a personal note. Pray for Luke and my time together while we are over there...just pray that we would have time to relax and just be together. I know that since Luke, and me, will feel so responsible it might be tough for him, or me, to take it easy and carve out time to enjoy Europe as a couple. We'll have to do some chaperoning, but I'm praying that there will be time when we won't have to. Praise God for the chance to go, for the people who will be coming with us, for the things the Lord will teach us along the way. What an adventure! My prayer is that the students and adults will meet the Lord in a new way. Even though this is not a third world country with poverty and hardship, my prayer is that the Lord will still reveal Himself to us all by the way He can protect and provide, guide and instruct.

Isn't this a cute crib?? I can't wait to meet you little baby Smith! But, let's not get to know each other for another month, ok?