Cheer & Dance Team

For the past 5 years, I have coached the Middle School Cheer & Dance team at WCA. I love coaching because it gives me a chance to work with fun young girls and help them develop their cheer and dance abillities. Many of these girls have gone on to cheer or dance in high school and I enjoy watching their talents grow. This picture is from our end of the season party this past weekend. I had so much fun connecting with the girls and catching up with them on events from the past few weeks since our season ended. I am looking forward to next years season.

I love Tulips

As far as I can remember, I have always loved Tulips. They are my favorite flower and I love the variety of tulip colors I see sprinkled around St. Louis this time of year. I wish tulips bloomed all year long! Our neighbors have some beautiful tulips in their front yard and here is a photo for your enjoyment. If anyone has a unique name for this picture - please share.

Spring

Please answer the following question:

In the Dalbey house, Spring has arrived when...

a. You can safely plant flowers outside without the fear of frost

b. Wearing flip flops occures on a daily basis

c. The dogs start eating the green grass

d. All of the above

If you know Steven and I well, your answer would be d. We love planting flowers on our front porch each spring. Steven's job is keeping them alive because I do not have the gift with plants. You can also see us wearing our Chaco flip flops everyday. I think I need to get another pair... The dogs also like to play in the back yard and eat the grass. There isn't much grass growing in the back yard, but they eat whatever they can. Here is a picture of our house this spring!

Earthquake

This morning at about 4:30am, I woke up because things were shaking! I even woke up Steven to find out what was going on but he told me he thought it was just the wind. When I turned on the morning news about 7am I was confirmed that yes, there was a minor earthquake about 130 miles east of St. Louis that measured at 5.2. Now, no major damage has occured and life is thankfully going on as 'normal' but it was quite interesting to experience. I also felt another small earthquake about 10 minutes ago while I was sitting at my office desk. I guess these are some of those aftershock effects, but it is still a little unsettling. I hope these aftershocks settle down and that no one is hurt. In times like these I am reminded of how fragile life is.

The Pregnant Look

Here is a picture of Katrina at 24 weeks or 5 1/2 months pregnant. I think she looks beautiful! The doctor said last week that Preston weighs around 1 1/2 lbs and he is about 12 inches long. As he grows, we notice more of his movements inside Katrina's tummy. We can see her skin jump a little bit and Katrina said that she feels him move more each day! We will keep you updated on the belly growth!

Tongue Slapped

I took this picture last night while Steven and I were watching TV. Our dogs, Bailey & Hershey, like to cuddle with us and this moment had to be captured! I would say this is one of the best pictures I've ever taken of the dogs and I couldn't stop laughing for about 5 minutes. Enjoy!

Dalbey Women

The lovely Dalbey women had a baby shower for Preston and I this past weekend. It was so much fun hanging out with these women and sharing stories of Steven when he was younger :) The food was also very yummy! I received some wonderful clothes, shoes and a hand made blanket made by Aunt Barb. I am so thankful for their love and support as we bring baby Dalbey into the world.

Global Youth & Family Ministry

This past Saturday, Steven and I had the opportunity to participate in a weekend mini - retreat to think through ways to work alongside the Global Youth and Family Ministry that is headed by Eric and Rebecca Larsen and Mission to the World. This ministry works with American youth who are growing up in another country becuase their parents serve on the mission field. It also seeks to implement youth ministry programs abroad and equip and train national leaders and churches. Steven and I not only have a heart for Youth Ministry, but a desire to reach the nations for Christ. This is why we find this ministry to be extremely valuable. So, we met with other Youth Ministry minded folk and discussed ways to come alongside these students around the world and how to best meet their needs. Steven and I hope to discern in the next few years how the Lord may desire for us to serve with this ministry. Here is a picture from the retreat!

New Furniture

Last week, Steven and I bought new furniture for Preston's room. We really like the Amber stain on the wood and believe it makes the room feel warm and inviting! We intend for this furniture to last a LONG time! BTW - this furniture got an A is the 'Baby Bargain's' Book and the crib will convert to a full size bed. I'm trying to be practical here! Now, we just need some pictures on the walls and decorations in the room. I need to keep reminding myself that this process is one step at a time! Enjoy the pictures!