New Adventures

We've done a couple new things this week that the boys enjoyed. First, I took them to the Catholic church parking lot a couple times to ride their bikes. Josiah has been feverishly practicing riding his two-wheeler (plus training wheels) in a tight oval on our little patch of cement in our backyard, so I promised him I'd take him somewhere where he'd have more room. Both times we've gone, I had to tear weeping boys away from their fun.

Secondly, we tried a new railroad today, the WW&F. There was a fall festival, so the boys not only rode the train, but also got a pony ride and a Model T ride that was rigged with wheels for the train tracks! Plus, it was driven by "Mr. Jason" from the Railway Village, who the boys were very excited to see.

What's up, Doc?

Just a quick update after my doctor's visit today. I'm 38 weeks today, Abigail has dropped, and I am 2++ cm dialated. So things are happening, but not so much so that she thinks labor is on the immediate horizon. She gave me a 25% chance of going into labor this week, 50% chance of going my 39th week, and 25% chance of being overdue. The nesting is giving me an "irritable uterus," which is helping, so I have to keep cleaning furiously if I want the baby to come sooner than later! That's a never ending job around here, so no problemo.

I did ask again to be induced before the weekend because I'm supposed to play a difficult Bach piece with the church choir on Sunday, which I know will go very badly! The choir desperately needs a suitable accompanist after the incredibly talented Rachel moved on to college, and I was hoping they'd find one before I ever had to play anything publicly, but it's not looking good. My doctor just said she liked how persistent I was about being induced, like I was joking. I wish I was only joking!!! :)

Logan's new direction

Logan is starting his Masters in Accounting today, with two online courses. He should be able to complete the degree in a year and then after a year's work experience, he can go for his CPA. We're excited about this new career for Logan! Our heart is still for church ministry, but we're looking forward to the stability of a "tent-making" path. Especially as we want to be church planters.

So, blessings to Logan this week! New school year, new baby, working hard to provide for his family...should be a breeze! :)

Could it be...?

Today, I'm feeling optimistic that Abigail may be arriving soon! There are several reasons I am inclined to think so:

1.) Her brothers were 1 and 2 weeks early. I'm currently 37 1/2 weeks along.
2.) A hurricane is passing off shore tomorrow night. Bad weather tends to stimulate labor!
3.) Thursday at 4:17 a.m. is the full moon. Also good for getting things moving along!
4.) I'm extremely energetic today. Getting a lot done. Nesting hits a couple days before D Day!
5.) I had been having a lot of contractions around 7 mos., then they stopped, and now I'm having them again the past few days! They're getting stronger.

So, I need your prayers for a smooth delivery when the big day arrives. I'm really hoping that Abigail arrives early like her brothers so that she won't end up weighing 12 pounds. My doctor is not going to induce me early as I hoped, in fear of having another big baby. Maybe your prayers can induce me! :) I am also concerned about getting my epidural in time, so I don't want things to move along too quickly. We've got to drive 45 minutes away.

Her clothes are washed, her bassinet is ready, and her car seat is in the car. Now we just need little Abigail to join us! We're ready, dear!!! :)

Sunday Highlights

Last Sunday, we took the boys mini-golfing for finishing their chore chart! They had a blast and both say they want to have mini-golf birthday parties (not an option for our winter-born sons!). We'll have to take them again before the close of the season. I talked to Josiah today about taking him mini-golfing as a reward for not crying during his next haircut, but he said we could just comb his hair back, he doesn't ever need a cut. :)

This Sunday, we headed to Moosehead Coffee Beans for a big lobster bake hosted by Dad, who wanted to have his uncles up this summer. In typical McNutt fashion, there was way too much food, it was all delicious, and everyone had a great time! Here are just a few pictures:

Birthday Bash

One day a couple weeks ago, Logan had lunch at the coffee shop and came home to tell me he, Mom and Aunt Linda had planned Dad's 60th birthday party. They planned the menu, guest list, etc. I was happy to not have a role in the planning since I am great with child and lacking in energy, so it didn't occur to me this was a party for my 30th as well! It was a big bash in our backyard with over 40 friends and family attending. So much fun!

Friday morning, Logan started a fire at 7 a.m. Josiah and Benjamin were dressed and outside the moment their feet hit the floor. Josiah got his plastic toy hatchet out to chop wood with Logan! The meat was on the grill from 8-3, slow roasting over the smouldering coals. Logan covered the grill with a big piece of ply-wood to keep the heat inside. Later in the day, we had fun roasting marshmallows on the fire too. :)
Guests were told to arrive at 5:30, so just about everyone was there when Dad arrived at 6.

The menu: BBQ Pork, Cole Slaw, Stewed Potatoes, Pasta Salad, Meat Balls, Rolls
I realized the party was also for me when my friends were coming too! Logan worked so hard, I was very proud of him. :)

Spencer was the youngest attendee. So cute in his frog boots.

Wes, Laura and Emma come from NC, so it meant a lot when Wes complimented Logan's BBQ!

I tried to get a picture of everyone when they were seated, so I just missed a few kids and Danny, April and Mom who were sitting inside.

Jenn, Tony, Cole, Sharon, Scott, Bree, Sean, Shelly

Amanda, Ben, Josiah, Renee, Logan, Joe, Sally, Tom

Pam, Wes, Laura, Emma, Sue, Dave, Maynard, Sandra

Fay, Rusty, Larkin, Margo, Ron, Georgia, Dad

The family: Aunt Judy, Aunt Linda, Robert's wife Debbie, Dad's cousin Robert shares the same b-day, one year younger!, Dad, Nana, Uncle Jim, Aunt Robyn

Jenn was my 'oldest' friend there.

I was also taking pictures with my 35mm, so I missed a digital picture of Bree's amazing birthday cakes!!! She made a chocolate cake for Dad and vanilla with strawberries cake for me. SOOOOOO delicious. It was such a great party, and everyone was so generous in giving great gifts, including several more gifts for Abigail! She is going to be the best dressed girl around. :)

A big thank you to Logan, Aunt Linda and Mom for their hard work, and a big HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY TO DAD!!! We love you!!!

Labor Day Fun

Papa took the boys to MA Sunday night to drop off Jonathan's truck, spend the night at Auntie Robyn's, and then they came back on the Downeaster (or the "Maine Train", as the boys call it) from Boston to Portland. They were so excited about their adventure!

Then, Monday afternoon, we went to the Cottage in the Woods for a Labor Day cook out hosted by the wonderful Townsend family. We had a blast visiting with good friends, playing in the lake on a beautiful, fall-ish day, and enjoying a relaxing pontoon boat ride. When it was time to go, I made it a few miles down the road before the boys were conked out. We put them straight to bed in their clothes! It was a full day. :)

Beth Moore's "So Long, Insecurity"

I wanted to put a plug in for a great book, Beth Moore's So Long, Insecurity. Beth has ministered a great deal to me over the past year or more through DVD teachings I've watched with my mom, Aunt Linda, Nana and friend Leslyn. I credit her teaching with much healing in my life, reconciling a recently painful period of time. I'm a huge fan and highly recommend all things Beth Moore!

Here is an excerpt from pages 332-334:

When you feel that familiar panic begin to rise in your heart like a river coursing its banks and your soul begins to roll with aother round of "What will I do if...?" what would happen if you were willing to hear the voice of God whisper these inaudible words?

Child, you are asking the wrong question. Here's the one that would assuage your fears: What will God do if...?

Here's a smattering of answers to that mighty good question. I, the Maker of heaven and earth, will:

perfect everything that concerns you (Psalm 138:8, KJV).

work all thigs together for your good (Romans 8:28).

contend with those who contend with you (Isaiah 49:25).

fight this battle for you (2 Chronicles 20:15).

equip you with divine power (2 Corithians 10:4).

delight to show you mercy (Micah 7:18).

meet all your needs according to My glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

give you grace that is perfectly sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

be your power in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)

do immeasurably more than all you could ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within you (Ephesians 3:20)

There is so much I don't know. So much I'm uncertain of. So much that makes me wonder. But sister, I'm certain of this. I promise you, based on the authority of God Himself and centuries of witnesses to His faithfulness, if you will place your trust in Him, He will always--I said always--make sure that in the end you will look upon your foes in triumph. No illness, loss, rejection, or betrayal will ever get the last word. You will stand to your feet stronger than ever. And oh, may yo0ur unseen enemy regret the day he set the crosshairs of his weapon upon your forehead.