An updated belly shot and a little Bama flavor...

I'm just not destined to be one of those women who has this cute, basketball-shaped belly that sticks out when she is pregnant. I carried Noah like a life-preserver-I was wide all the way around and looked more chunky than pregnant. When I went to get a pedicure less than 2 weeks before I delivered, the gal at the spa said, "I hate to ask you this, but are you pregnant?"

This time around, Josh and I both think the baby is sticking out more than Noah did... but I still don't feel like it is that cute profile that I hoped for. But, nonetheless, here is an updated belly shot from the Bama vs North Texas football game.

My parents came in town for the weekend... we treated them to 3 Alabama athletic events in 2.5 days! I picked them up at the airport and drove them straight to the CAVE for the volleyball match vs. Georgia on Friday night. Saturday morning was the Alabama football game... a little rainy, so they didn't get to experience the festivities on the quad, but we had a good time anyway. Alabama VB took on Auburn on Sunday afternoon... immediately after which I took my parents back to airport. They were troopers and witnessed three Alabama wins on the weekend... not bad!

Wordless Wednesday... okay, not really

So, I have been an uninspired blogger of late.

Not much new to share... the volleyball season is underway and has had it share of ups and downs in the first 10 matches. The life of a coach's wife is interesting to say the least. There was a nice interview with Josh published on the Alabama athletics website, focusing on the recruiting side of his work. (Gotta love the picture they chose to go with the article, too.)

I continue to increase in size and in my capacity for worry over this little life growing inside of me... nothing concrete for me to be worrying about, of course, just the anxiety of a mom who is desperate to have a healthy baby boy.

So, lacking my own bright ideas to write about, I thought I would share a few links about people who are much more inspired than me!

#1 - Some convicting thoughts about the Kanye West/Taylor Swift debacle

I don't watch the VMAs (in fact, I was somewhat surprised to learn that music videos are still being made) but found myself drawn in by the story after seeing an excerpt from the show and watching Kanye's painful conversation with Jay Leno Monday night:

"Yeah, you know, obviously, you know, I deal with hurt and, you know, so many, you know, celebrities, they never take the time off, and I've never taken the time off to really, you know, I just, music after music and tour after tour on tour, and I'm just ashamed that my hurt caused someone else's hurt."

Maybe if Kanye had rapped his responses to the questions they would have been more articulate?

Regardless, my first reaction to his antics was to think "What a jerk!" However, when I read Prodigal Jon's thoughts on the matter, I found myself nodding in agreement (and laughing a little along the way. I am quite thankful that my worst mistakes have not been televised... and am equally thankful that God loves me like He loves Kanye West.

#2 - Friends from the past who are making a difference in the world

Back in the day, before marriage and volleyball, I spent many years volunteering with the youth ministry at Central Presbyterian Church in St. Louis. Some of the best years of my life... minus the miles of saran wrap that I seemed to be constantly peeling off of my car. Rich friendships, rich ministry, and deep belly laughs on most occasions. (Allison, Sarah, Erin... I continue to be SO thankful for our friendships!)

Two brothers, Chris and Will, were in high school back then but are all grown up now. Funny how that happens and how it makes me feel really old. But I digress.

These guys have decided to open a toy company. In Hondouras. Amazing. I can't even begin to do it justice here... so I encourage you to first read this article about what they are doing and then visit Tegu Toys and buy some blocks. And maybe donate a few trees or days of school while you are at it. Truly inspiring.