all in a picture

This is a special, special picture.

It may look ordinary to you.

It's "just" a quick photo my cousin Miranda snapped at a family dinner.

But, for me and Chris it brings a myriad of emotions.

This picture is framed on our nightstand.
We look at it frequently.  And we talk about it often.

This was taken on Saturday afternoon, September 22nd.

Two days earlier on Thursday, I had taken a pregnancy test with negative results

That morning, I had retested at 6:00 AM before Chris went to work.
Didn't see two lines, threw test in the garbage, and we cried together holding each other.
Chris went to work.  I met two friends for a meeting over breakfast.
After breakfast, I received a text that close friends had a baby "land in their lap" for a foster option.
I lost it.  I called Chris.  He broke down.  We cried again together over the phone.
I went into the office.  Worked through tears.
And that afternoon, we pushed on, smiling to attend Chris' grandmother's 80th birthday party.
And that's were this picture was taken.
What a tough day it was for us ... extended family and friends all around.
Fear of the question, "When are y'all going to have kids?"
Seeing mamas and babies; grandparents with grandchildren.
Yet, we managed to smile even though our hearts were crushed and breaking.

BUT, this is actually the first picture of the "3 of us."
You see, baby girl was there all along.
Obviously, I tested too early on Thursday.
And on Monday when I saw two lines on another test ... I dug through the garbage and found the one from Saturday actually did have two lines - one was just very, very faint.

Sure all those tears and heartaches of that Saturday were for nothing,
but it definitely makes for a story all in one a picture.
And there was a reason to smile that day - we just didn't know it yet.

My prayer for all walking through infertility ... I hope you have a special picture for yourself. ... and soon!
What a great reminder of God's faithfulness in each step of the journey.

twenty-two weeks

22 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of baby:  Papaya - During month five, the average fetus measures about 10.5 to 11.8 inches and weighs about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces.  Now that she's got more developed eyes and lips, she's looking even more like a newborn.  She's sleeping in cycles -- about 12 to 14 hours per day {info found on The Bump}

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  12 lb loss

Cravings: Still no crazy or consistent cravings.

Symptoms: Nothing really except a little stiffness in lower back when bending over or going from sitting to standing position. Also, possibly having some round ligament pain from muscles stretching.

Sleep: Sleep is okay - still making one trip to the bathroom each night and changing positions often.

Movement:  She is a wiggle worm.  I love feeling her move.  It is so amazing!  Chris is feeling her move more and more; although it's hard to catch her moving since it is really unpredictable.

Gender:  Girl

Maternity Clothes:   Wearing maternity clothes more and more.

What I miss: Nothing really at this point - maybe sleeping on my stomach.  Overall, I feel great ... few symptoms and my energy is returning

What I'm looking forward to:   24-week viability mark.
 

Best Moment this week:  My "nieces," L and A, expressing so much excitement.  L is counting down the weeks, by counting each Sunday that passes.

  

And this past Wednesday night she wanted to know exactly how many days ... so we did a little multiplication (7x19).  Also, she wrote a song about baby girl to the tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb."

A is so inquisitive about "the baby in my tummy."  When I coughed she asked, "Does your baby in your tummy make you cough?"  And she asked the same thing when I sneezed.  She also asks when the baby is coming out of my tummy.  I love all the excitement over my sweet babe - it overflows my heart with love and makes me that much more excited! 

new recipes

I thought I'd share a few recipes that I have made over the past few months.

I found all of these on Pinterest ... they are tried, tested, and APPROVED!

Crock Pot Italian Chicken

(via Pinterest via homeiswheretheholmansare.blogspot.com via Olivia)

 THIS IS DELICIOUS AND SO EASY! - especially for pasta and crock pot lovers.  Four chicken breasts, one packet Zesty Italian dressing seasoning, one 8 oz. cream cheese (softened), two cans cream of chicken soup.   Cook on low for 4 hours. If sauce is too thick, add a little milk. Serve over pasta.   Great for Sunday lunch!

Calzones

Roll pizza dough (refrigerated kind, packet kind, or homemade) into a rectangle the length of your baking sheet. It can be wider than the sheet because you will be folding the sides in. Place the dough on the baking sheet and let the sides hang off.  Put sauce on the center half of the dough.

(via Pinterest via http://www.squidoo.com/homemade-calzone via Olivia)

Just like pizza, add your toppings (our favorites are pepperoni, beef, onions, bell peppers). Calzones can be a good way to use up leftovers. Any small amounts of meat, cheese and vegetables can be put into the calzone.  Then add cheese.

Cut the dough on the sides at about 3/4 inch intervals. Don't cut all the way to the filling.

Then wrap.

 Start at the bottom and alternating sides, overlap the strips of dough onto the filling in a lattice pattern. You can stretch the pieces to fit all the way over the filling.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

(via Pinterest via www.chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com via Olivia)

4 1/2 cups chicken broth

2 cups water

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 package of Rice-a-Roni long grain and wild rice 

1/2 tsp salt 

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup butter

2 cups half and half 

1 cup grated carrots 

1 cup diced celery

Directions:  Combine broth, water, carrots, celery, chicken and rice (along with seasoning packet) in a large slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours. Take out chicken and shred with two forks and then add back into slow cooker. In a small bowl combine salt, pepper, and flour. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour mixture by tablespoon to form a roux. Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Stir cream mixture into slow cooker and then let cook on low for 15 more minutes. 

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

(via Pinterest via www.sweetandsavoryfood.com via Olivia)

 

pork butt (whatever size needed for your family)

1 can Diet Pepsi

1/2 bottle Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce

Lawry's Seasoning Salt

 

Generally coat pork butt with Lawry's seasoning salt.  Place in crock pot and pour in soda and barbecue sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. If you have a larger piece of meat, it will probably take longer. After 4 hours or so, take two forks and shred the meat into bite size chunks. Let it sit in the juice to soak up all that flavor. It can stay on warm in crock pot while serving, and can easily be reheated the next day. Serve on a bun or roll and add more barbecue sauce if needed.

ENJOY!

twenty-one weeks

(forgive the frazzled look - rough day)

21 weeks
I feel like I've popped out in the last two weeks. 
At least now I sort of "look" pregnant and not just "thick." :)

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of baby:  Pomegranate (average size 10.5 inches and 12.7 ounces ... growing, growing)  As her digestive system preps for the outside world, she's manufacturing meconium -- the tarry black substance we'll find in her first dirty diaper (ew)!  And she's already got a lifetime's supply of eggs in her womb -- about six million of them!  {info found on The Bump}

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  12 lbs. (loss)

Cravings: Still no crazy or consistent cravings.  I do like ice cream often, but that happened before I was pregnant.

Symptoms: Nothing really except a little stiffness in lower back when bending over or going from sitting to standing position.

Sleep: Sleep is okay - still making one trip to the bathroom each night and changing positions often. 

Movement:  She's a wiggle worm.  She moves a lot during the day ... which I hope is a good thing; maybe she will sleep through the night when she gets here.  (haha! - I'm only kidding and wishfully thinking - I know this will not happen)

Gender:  Girl

Maternity Clothes:   Wearing maternity clothes more and more.

What I miss: Nothing really.

What I'm looking forward to:   24-week viability mark.  Hopefully finishing up the nursery in the next month or so.  I feel anxious to get it complete in case she comes early, early.  Just a little paranoid, I guess.  (What I'm not looking forward to? ... the glucose test)

Best Moment this week:  

(I apologize for the quality - it is a cell phone picture of the picture)

The 20-week appointment and seeing baby girl!  We had another ultrasound - she IS for sure a girl.  Heard the sweet heartbeat of 150.   All appendages there.  Organs, diaphragm, spine, and everything looks great!   Weighs approximately 14 ounces (which according to average above, is little big.  Uh-oh!).  Chris met my OB doctor for the first time and loved him as much as I do.  He joked about the weird pregnancy dreams I've been having.  He calmed my fears about delivery and answered my crazy questions about stuff I had read on the Internet.  Doctor also said everything looked picture-perfect including my body, her body, umbilical cord, heartbeat, etc.  We are so blessed!  Chris and I joked that now she needs to work on being pretty and sweet, cause we don't want a mean, ugly baby.  (LOL)  We also completed our pre-admission paperwork and delivered it to the labor/delivery floor of the hospital ... which makes it more and more real!

For the memory's sake:  When I made my 20-week appointment for January 15th, I immediately thought of it being my Uncle Jason's birthday who passed away in 1991 at age 16.  Throughout the morning, I thought of him and of course, my dad, his brother.  After the doctor appointment and a few errands, while I was in the drive-thru line at Wendy's getting lunch, I saw TWO hawks sitting high in a tree.  When I see a hawk it always reminds of me of Dad and makes him feel close.  That day, I felt both him and Jason close as if they were looking on my day.   It's been a long time since we said goodbye to both of them, yet, there I sat in a mess of tears and the sadness still ached. Missing my Daddy makes this pregnancy somewhat bittersweet, but our little girl will know all about him and how much he would have loved her. As soon as she is old enough, I plan to teach her to "spot a hawk" ... it's "Daddy to me" and I want it to be "Grand-daddy to her." I am also thankful for pictures, family videos, recordings of his preaching and singing, and notes with his handwriting to share with her.

worship

The church where I work had this on the sign recently:

and I've been thinking of this quote:

"Worship is simply giving God His breath back." ~Louie Giglio

Our life should worship God.
Worship is not a "return favor" to God for something He has done for us.

(that would be praise and thanksgiving)

God's awesomeness and majesty demands worship.

He is God.

We owe Him worship simply because of who He is.

I want my daily deeds, actions, and words to worship Him.

I desire my life to bring Him glory and honor.

twenty weeks

 Post is late (again).  And this is the only picture that I have. 
I took in a mirror in my office waiting room.

Half-way through pregnancy!! And half-way through 2nd trimester!!

Woo-hoo!! Grow, baby, grow!!

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of baby: Banana (average size 6.5 inches and 10.2 ounces ... growing, growing) She's got working taste buds. Now, she's gulping down several ounces of amniotic fluid each day -- that's significantly more than before.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 13 lbs loss

 

Cravings: Still no crazy, regular cravings. Although, I did eat a few weird things (to me) ...  I was sick with a sinus infection, so Chris let me sleep in and cooked himself breakfast - a fried bologna sandwich. When I got out of bed at 8:30 AM, I could still smell his breakfast in the kitchen and decided to cook myself a fried bologna sandwich. That's not weird to some, but it's only the second time I have ever eaten bologna in my life! Then last weekend, Chris fried himself Spam for breakfast and when we sat down to eat at the table, I looked over at his plate and said "I think I want to try that...." First time to ever eat Spam.  I typically do not like processed meats - I do not even eat hot dogs that often.

 

Symptoms: I am feeling much better in the second trimester than I did in the first. I had another sinus infection/cold. I guess it is true; pregnancy weakens the immune system. I have been more sick this winter than normal.

 

Sleep: Sleep is okay - still making one trip to the bathroom each night and changing positions often. 

 

Movement:  Feeling her move a good bit now. Guess, she's adding on the ounces so I feel her more and more. I love it! Chris felt her move for the first time Monday, January 15th - it was such a special moment. 

 

Gender: Girl

 

Maternity Clothes: Still wearing some regular clothes that are forgiving, but I've added a good bit of maternity in for comfort. 

 

What I miss: Nothing really.

 

What I'm looking forward to:  Reaching the 24-week mark.  This is viability age - where baby can survive outside the womb with much medical attention.

 

Best Moment this week: We completed our baby registry - which was a bit difficult with so many choices and decisions. And yes, I probably registered for unnecessary items.  I did get a lot of advice from moms.  And, hey, it's my first time around.  I know I have a lot to learn.  All you experienced moms can go check it out here and laugh.  :)

racking up

Soon after we found out baby was a girl, I couldn't resist visiting a few consignment shops and getting started on her wardrobe.  A girl's gotta have clothes!  And if she is anything like her mom, she will love to shop and want a closet full!

This picture was taken a few weeks ago of several things we had gotten.

I just hung them on the side of the crib until her closet is cleaned out.

(Operation Nursery is scheduled for February.  We are replacing the closet door and painting)

After Christmas, Chris and I walked through Belk one evening.

I spotted the clearance rack with lots of goodies 70% off.

We bought a few deals that we couldn't pass up.

Funny story:  I sent the picture below of the things we bought to my mom.

She replied "Wow - I just bought some of the same things!"

Grandma likes to shop too!  :)

And last week, we received a huge blessing.

A Facebook friend in North Carolina contacted me about getting rid of all her daughter's baby things.

She said she would send the items if I would pay the shipping cost.

Oh my goodness!  I had no idea what it would be ... but it was 62lbs of a little bit of everything.  I had soooo much fun going through those boxes  - gowns, sleepers, clothes of all sizes, hats, hairbows, bloomers, socks, tights, shoes, swaddle blankets, and toys!  I nearly cried.  Chris was impressed as well ... he said "do we need anything else?" 

Now, I can't wait for her to be here so we can play dress up!  

... 131 days!!

she was the baby first

Everyone is not a dog person.

Actually, some folks aren't even people persons. :)

But, while growing up, our families always had a dog (outside).

Cats aren't my favorite ... I'm not keen on the leg-rubbing and licking.

But, I like dogs.

I know I've told the story before on here, but after my dad passed away, my brother begged for an inside dog (actually first he pleaded for a ferret), but my mom gave into a little Chihuahua.  After living with a dog in the house, I told Chris that I didn't want a dog in the house when we were married.  It is extra work and then there is always the question of what to do with the dog when traveling.

Anyway ... yes, I ate my words ...  and this girl worked her way right into our heart AND home!

Thumpy is the absolute BEST!  She is calm, obedient, great with kids, lazy, loves people, travels well, and rarely barks.  Seriously, everyone talks about what an awesome dog she is.  If we could afford to clone her, we would.  LOL.  We hate to think of a day without her.

Here she is doing devotions with Chris. 

She is very much loved.  

And yes, a lot like a child ... she requires our attention, needs us to feed and care for her, and in return, she gives us so much love.  She follows us around like a little shadow and gets so excited when we walk through the door.  She even seems to know when we are upset or sick.  (Dogs are smart animals!)

And while our hearts longed and ached for a child, undoubtly, she helped to fill that void to a degree.

And now, we can't wait to see how she reacts to our baby girl.

here comes the sun

After five days of overcast skies and many, many rain drops,

the sun is a beautiful sight to behold this morning!

I know rain is essential and oh, so important.  However, rain does tend to dampen my mood and hinder productivity as my motivation lacks somewhat.  On rainy days, I prefer to curl up with a book or the computer and go to bed early too!  Maybe the house will get cleaned today or tomorrow ... it sure needs it!  :)  Our area has gotten 5-6 inches of rain in the past few days.  There has been flash flooding and a prediction of snow for last night (but none to stay).  The temperatures have dropped and winter chill has returned.  

Happy sunshine-y, wintry weekend!

gender reveal party photos

My cousin, Miranda, snapped the photos and there are many to share .... 

Left to right/top to bottom:  entrance door, party decor, sweet little baby clothes, name suggestion pot, drinking glasses, old wives tale prediction, casting votes, thank you note, and take home favors.

After the long wait to have a baby, we wanted to make every milestone extra-special and memorable, therefore, we planned to celebrate and reveal our sweet baby's gender with our closest friends and family.

Some of our friends and family were unable to make it - and were missed!

These friends and family have cheered us on and encouraged us during the toughest times.

And since announcing our pregnancy, this same bunch have shown special care and concern for our precious babe.

When planning the gender reveal party, I wanted Chris and I to be surprised at the party with everyone else, but Chris firmly objected.  (he doesn't like surprises)  Then, I planned to be surprised myself, but gave in and found out early as well.  We had an elective, ultrasound early at 17 weeks (not at a doctor's office).  So, this was a special time together.  The tech took a lot of time with us and it lasted over 15 minutes.  I am now thankful I didn't "mess it up" by not wanting to know.  

So, since Chris and I both knew the gender we wore both pink and blue.  All our friends dressed in pink or blue symbolic of their guess.

Here are those voting for a boy: 

 And those voting for a girl:

This was the cake with the reveal information inside!  I wish the bakery at Wal-Mart had decorated a little better, but oh well, the inside is all that mattered.  Oh, and it did taste yummy - whipped icing!

I made the first slice.

Chris meticulously, precisely, and ever so slowly carved the 2nd slice.  (notice his tongue sticking out)  He pretended that it was an arduous task that took much concentration; taking his sweet, sweet time.  Needless to say, everyone was getting antsy and rushing him along.

...... And it's a girl!

Our "family of four"

Me and Kevin -- #1 Uncle

Us with Chris' parents and grand-daughter #3

 Us with my mom and #1 grand-baby, a sweet little girl - sugar and spice and everything nice ... ribbons and bows, ruffles and curls.

We had a wonderful time.  We enjoyed celebrating.  And obviously our friends did as well ... the last of our friends didn't leave until 2:00 AM ... it was a great time!

nineteen weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

Size of baby:  Mango (average size 6.0 inches and 8.5 ounces ... growing, growing)  She is developing a protective coating over her skin, called vernix caseosa. It's greasy and white and we may see some of it at her birth.  She is also working on her five senses. Nerve cells for her sense of taste, hearing, sight and smell are developing in her brain. {info found on The Bump}

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Not 100% sure. According to home scales, still at a loss. Will find out definite number at doctor appointment next week.  When I became pregnant, I was so nervous about too much weight gain; but hopefully that will not be too big of a concern. (fingers crossed)

Cravings: Honestly, I do not have cravings and I still haven't noticed an increase in my appetite ... which I'm not complaining; it's just been different than what I hear from other's experiences. 

Symptoms: I am feeling much better in the second trimester than I did in the first.  This week I did overdo it a little by being up on my feet for a long period and had some pressure in my lower abdomen.  Also, I've had a few leg cramps ... need to drink more water, I guess.

Sleep: Sleep is okay - still making one trip to the bathroom each night and changing positions often.  Sleeping on my side causes my arm or my leg to become numb and "asleep" and some slight pain in my hip, so I change sides often.  And usually once I am awake, it takes a while to go back to sleep.
 

Movement: Feeling movement more and more.  :)  This is such an amazing, wonderful, consoling feeling.  This weekend I felt her more throughout the day than I have been.  I still feel her move the most at night.  Once it felt as if she rolled over or flipped.

Gender: It's a girl!  Bring on the pink, hairbows, and ruffles.  :)

Maternity Clothes: Still wearing mostly stretch-fabric or unbuttoning the top button. Not really ready for maternity clothes. Or maybe I am ... I just feel goofy in them.  :)  Either way, my clothing selection is getting smaller and smaller. 

What I miss: Nothing really. 

What I'm looking forward to:  Reaching 20 weeks ...the half-way mark! And having another ultrasound then.   I love seeing our baby girl!

Best Moment this week:   Feeling more movement.  It's a sense of security for me.

foundations

Rains, wind, and floods come and beat upon us all.
Troubles of life are inevitable.
The outcome is determined by what our foundation is built upon. 
The successful, unmovable foundation is the Rock, Christ Jesus -- all other ground is sinking sand!!

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. ...... And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." Matthew 7:25 and 27

I once shared an object lesson at a church ladies gathering.
I used a Barbie doll, pieces of carpet, and a piece of concrete.
We can put ourselves together and be beautiful as Barbie .... "having it all together."
We can stand tall in our positions, trust in our good health, and have confidence in those around us.
But, all it takes is one financial downswing, one phone call from the doctor, or disappointing actions from friends and family, and we will find ourselves on the crumbled on the floor as the rug is "snatched" out from under us.

In this ever-changing world, it is more important than ever to have a firm foundation.  
Confidence in man, family, friends, jobs, health, government often leads to disappointment.
The only way to be sure of our future is to put all hope, faith, and trust in Jesus.
He never fails.  He is faithful in all things and every circumstance.

And He will never let us fall.

Christmas in our home 2012

I just took these pictures recently.  Our trees are still out and our home still feels like Christmas.  The past couple of years, for one reason or another, I've been slack in decorating ... so I'm in no rush to take it all down.  I didn't put out as much as I have in the past - just a few things here and there.  And we only put up two trees.  (I have had three at times.)

I told Chris, that next year I've got to have a plan together and get started in advance, since we'll have a six-month old baby at Christmastime. :)  Not quite sure how I'm going to get a head start, though.  Honestly, I do not like decorating before Thanksgiving, because I don't want to rush that holiday (I usual do fall/Thanksgiving decor too).  But, seriously, I do hope to work on gifts earlier in the year, start Christmas cards in the fall, and do some baking that can be frozen in the early weeks of November.  I want us to be able to enjoy the holidays and not feel so rushed; especially since our baby will be here.

Here are our two trees this year.  We did some remodeling and rearranging of furniture during the year; so it was a little difficult to decide where to put our trees.  Next year, I hope to give it a little more thought.  I do not care for them in the corners.

I displayed all of our photo Christmas cards in the kitchen.  I have hung them on our cabinet doors at the secretary area the past couple of years and I really enjoy looking at them throughout the season.

 This is the mantel in our living room.  I couldn't find Chris' stocking - so the short plain beige one had to do.

 And lastly, most importantly, and my favorite decoration - the nativity.  I displayed this on the coffee table in the living room this year and loved looking at it more often; especially in the evening by the light of the Christmas tree.  

Christmas 2013 will be here before we know it,

but may we keep the true meaning of Christmas alive in our hearts January through November.

"Don't Save It All For Christmas Day .... give a little love EVERY day!"

sweet baby love

It thrills us to have others so excited over our baby.

From snail mail cards, Facebook messages and comments, phone calls, emails, text messages, etc.

 It makes our hearts so glad!!

Just three days after our announcement, family and friends started showering us with gifts.

We have received diapers, blankets, toys, clothes and shoes, gift cards, hair bows, shampoo/lotion, grooming kit, and monthly stickers to place on her shirt for pictures. 

Chris' parents sent me a dozen beautiful roses in our wedding colors, lavender and yellow.

My mom gave us this Willow tree figurine - Home.

 And a sweet friend that is also walking through infertility, gave me this Willow tree figurine - Cherish.

And it all means so much.
Of course, we have been over-the-moon crazy happy, but to have our friends and family join in the excitement has made it even more joyful.  God has truly blessed us with a wonderful family and true, genuine friends.  

eighteen weeks

 

Pregnancy Highlights
 

Size of baby: Sweet potato (average size 5.6 inches and 6.7 ounces ... and SHE's growing rapidly!) A lot is going on inside right now! SHE’s working her muscles and practicing all kinds of moves -- twisting, rolling, punching and kicking, too. And I can feel some of them now. SHE's yawning, hiccuping, sucking and swallowing. {info found on The Bump}

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Not sure. According to home scales, still at a loss. Will find out definite number at next doctor appointment.
 

Cravings: Nothing really. Haven't felt an increase of appetite yet.
 

Symptoms: Nothing really - feeling great these days.  I did have a little anxiety moment this week ... slightly nervous about all the changes ahead and then some of my anxiety was just unusual, crazy thoughts.
 

Sleep: Sleep is okay - except for trips to the bathroom and changing positions often ... AND crazy dreams and awake time after being awoken by dreams or going to bathroom.
 

Movement: Feeling movement almost every night when I'm lying in bed at some point ... mostly when I'm flat on my back or when I change positions from side to side.
 

Gender: It's a girl!
 

Maternity Clothes: Still wearing mostly stretch-fabric or unbuttoning the top button. Not really ready for maternity clothes. Finding something to wear is beginning to be frustrating!
 

What I miss: Nothing really. I'm feeling good, starting to get super-excited and a little nervous. Now, that we know it's a girl ... it just all seems more real.
 

What I'm looking forward to: Reaching 20 weeks ...the half-way mark! And having another ultrasound then. I love seeing baby girl!
 

Best Moment this week: Finding out the gender and celebrating at our gender reveal party. (pictures to come soon) 

looking forward to 2013

I have a lot of thoughts swirling around in this head of mine when I think of 2013. 

Excitement mixed with a little anxiety.  Anticipation mingled with worry.  I mean, I have never birthed a baby before, so I'm slightly nervous about labor and delivery.  But, of course, the excitement of having my baby placed in my arms makes my heart do flip flops.  Then there are worries and stresses of taking care of a newborn and wanting to shield our baby from all harm and wrong.  Yet, this will undoubtly be the best year our life, therefore, I want to enjoy this time and not fret over happenings beyond my control.

 

I am not really making outlandish, unreasonable resolutions this year.  I realize we are in for a lot of changes --- good changes; but I really do not know what to expect ... and I can only prepare so much.  However, I do desire to be a better person ... wife, Christian, family, friend.  Better than I was in 2012.  I know what changes I need to insure that 2013 is different, so I will be working on those areas.  I do pray our baby girl arrives healthy and I pray I will be a good mom.  In 2013, I'd like to slow down some, focus on what matters most, and let the little things slide ... this is determined in the things I answer to ... either "yes" or "no."  Of course, ultimately,  my soul longs to be more like Him and do His will with my life.  Most importantly, I realize that for me to be more like Him and following His will entails allowing Him complete control and full surrender of the reins.  Whatever His plan - that it is what I want.  For He knows what is best for me.  Even when His path may result in rainy, cloudy days, trials, and struggles ... if it is part of His plan to draw me closer to Him and mold me in His image; that's what I truly desire deep down inside.

 

"For whatever it takes to draw closer to You, Lord. That's what I'll be willing to do.
For whatever it takes to be more like You.  That's what I'll be willing to do.

I'll trade sunshine for rain, comfort for pain.  That's what I'll be willing to do.
For whatever it takes, for my will to break. That's what I'll be willing to do."

Into 2013 we march ... excitedly anticipating all God has in store for us

a little birthday love

Although, my brother probably doesn't read here. 

It's January 2nd - his day!

And isn't he so good-looking??  :) 
 

On this day, 29 years ago, I received the best gift of 1984 ... a little baby brother! 

He is the best and I love him so! ♥

 

Happy Birthday, Kevin - enjoy the last year of your 20's. 

(And take it from your big sister ... 30's are not so bad) :) 

LOVE YOU!!!

looking back on 2012

2012.

Another year behind us.

As I think back over the year, most definitely it was full of blessings!

I am most thankful for God, health, family/friends, and of course,

the answer to our long-awaited prayers.

Sure we experienced a few troubles and disappointments of life; but the good definitely outweighed the bad.

 Pictured above:  Trip to Virginia to see friends.  Took L&A to the Cabbage Patch hospital for their birthdays.  Easter with family.  I became a notary.  2012 garden.  Thumpy took her first ride in Chris' truck. 
Mountain day-trip with my mom, 2 cousins, and my cousin's kiddos.  A hot date with my man.

TRYC 2012.  My brother visited for my birthday.  Many splashes in the pool.  Pregnancy announcement - definitely the highlight of the year!!!  Ultrasound at 8 weeks.  2nd row seats at Gaither concert.  Renovations to our home. 
First Christmas as a mom and dad.  Gender Reveal - It's a girl.

 

Not pictured:  Blessings of sweet friends.  Chris assisted in another house build.  Having our first Bible/book study with friends.  Sadness in a friendship.  Learning I am allergic to bee stings and I should use EPI pen.  Discovering Pinterest and trying out new ideas and recipes.  Chris diagnosed with kidney stones.  Chris' job change.  Serving lunch once every six weeks with our bible study group at local Salvation Army.  My brother survived Hurricane Sandy.  Losing my Aunt Judy. 

 

What a difference a year makes!
God truly has been good to me this year ... far better to me than I have been to Him.
God was GIVER to me in 2012 ... for He blessed us with our heart's desire.
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."  2 Corinthians 9:15

I look into 2013 with great anticipation.