life's random moments

Don't you just love life interruptions/unplanned happenings?

Yep, this flat tire was waiting on me after work one day.

This is the picture I sent Chris asking him "what to do?"  LOL
(I've never changed a tire in my life and honestly do not know where to start)

I ended up calling a tire shop down the street, who sent a guy up to change it for me.

It ended up raining cats and dogs.  (poor guy)

I tipped him well for his troubles and went on my merry way as planned.

My cousin, Logan, and his head-less girlfriend.  =)

I love the smirk on his face.

This picture is from a fun day out with the girls (and two little guys).

Shopping AND Olive Garden!

I needed this shirt a few months ago.  LOL

Laurel and Aubrey came over and spent the night for a little "hoorah" before Josie arrives.

They wanted to sleep in her room and play with her toys and hang out with Chris & Livy. 

They went along with us to a family Mother's Day cookout at my Granny's.

Aubrey wanted her picture taken on this little old tractor.

On the way home from the cookout the sunset was beautiful.

Laurel said "Livy, take a picture of that!"

The picture doesn't do it justice, 

but I was delighted that this 9-year old found simple beauty in God's creation.

Also, Laurel asked how she was related to my Granny (maternal).

It was hard to explain and she didn't really get that she wasn't related to her as well.

She also wanted to know how to spell my Granny's name, Exie.

Here Aubrey was "spelling" a word on my fridge.

When we asked her what in the world she was spelling,

she insisted "It says, "Exie," ... see there's an "X" in it."

(see yellow "x")

I love the fun, little moments of life.

They make life good.

poison ivy/oak/sumac

(Warning:  pictures in this post are quite scary.)

As I mentioned in the Mother's Day post, I came in contact with poison ivy/sumac/oak that weekend and by Mother's Day morning was broke out in a horrible rash all over my body and face. 

By Monday morning, my face was swollen.
Chris took the day off from work and drove me directly to my OBGYN office. 

The nurses would not work me in; they recommended I see my family doctor or dermatologist.
We drove straight from my OBGYN office to Chris' dermatologist office.  They were so kind to see me immediately, conferred with my OB doctor, and gave me a cortisone shot and steroid cream. 
And Monday evening, my sweet OB doctor called from his personal phone to check on me.

The rash proceeded to get worse Monday afternoon, Tuesday, and Wednesday, especially on my face.  I did not look like myself at all and my eyes were swollen shut and I had to be led around as if I were blind.  Wednesday, my mom took the day off to drive and take to my weekly OBGYN appointment, where my doctor recommended we email this picture of my face to the dermatologist.

  (told you I was unrecognizable and quite scary-looking)
I was quite embarrassed by how I looked and didn't go out in public for a week (except for appointments)

However, both doctors still believed that we would have to wait patiently while the rash ran it's course.  Quite possibly the reaction was more severe due to a suppressed immune system during pregnancy.  Also, not only was this a skin reaction; but quite possibly an immune system reaction as well.  And with my being pregnant, we were doing all we could medically and safely (Prednisone, cortisone shot, and cream).  Both doctors assured me time and time again, that the rash nor the medications were harmful to Josie in anyway. 

I should add here that we also tried every safe home-remedy treatment we received: 
vinegar, skim milk, potato juice, etc.  =)

By Thursday, there were slight signs of improvement ... the rash began drying up on my body and the swelling around my eyes reduced - I could actually see out of my eyes.  Friday, I had a follow up with the dermatologist and received another cortisone shot.  Also, there were more signs of improvement and the swelling in my face had reduced enough for me to wear my glasses. 

 
However, I had a reaction to the steroids and my face is still slightly red, puffy, and peeling.

Now, why did this happen to me so close to delivery, I do not know?

Chris says it was probably the only way for me to get some R&R.

Thankfully, Josie has "stayed put" and there seems to be no real progress in labor.

We have joked that the rash would definitely make for some scary "first" pictures.

I'm so thankful to be on the mend and ready for Josie to arrive!
And boy do we have a story to tell her.

lately

Just several fun pictures from life lately.

 

This is our dog who stays outside in the back fence.

He loves to lay on his dog bed in the warm sun.

And notice the orange speck under his ear - that is his ball.

He LOVES, LOVES his ball. 

The minute he hears Chris come home he gets his ball and is ready to play.

 

 Friday night, Chris' sister gifted us tickets (birthday gift) to a local bluegrass concert.

Blue Highway is among Chris' absolute favorite groups.

It was definitely one of the first groups he became acquainted with
and Rob Ickes is his favorite dobro player. 
We enjoyed the evening together; including Japanese for dinner.
 

This is a maternity photo that has gone "viral" on the web.

The mom-to-be had no idea that dad-to-be was posing like this.

I teased Chris about it.
We have another maternity photo shoot this weekend.

We'll see if this pose appears.  LOL

 



 These are a few of the burp cloths my mom is accessorizing for Josie.

I got the burp cloths and thought they could use some color.

I had these scrap pieces of fabric and my mom went to work.
 



Um. Do you see the platinum highlights????

I thought children caused these???  And Josie isn't here yet.

Maybe husbands cause them???

Either way, no matter how they came ... they are gone now ... promptly plucked!!

 



And aren't my mom's tulips gorgeous?

I thought they were beautiful this year.
I heart springtime!



keep calm

Can I get an "amen?"

We serve an awesome, big, powerful, all-knowing, caring God!



throwback Thursday

Randomly, I decided to "throwback" and find the very first pictures/captions I posted to Facebook after I caved and joined in 2009. 

Also, I'm posting the first pictures I took with my "smart" phone in 2011.

Not throwing it too far back, but just interesting to look back ... especially in technology.

 

Facebook, May 4, 2009: 

"it's spring time! YAY!"

 

This picture makes me ready for Spring, planting flowers, green grass, etc.

And the "teaser" of warm temperatures has made me even more ready.

The irises in our yard are blooming this week.

Hopefully it will be here soon (to stay)!

 

Facebook, May 4, 2009: 

"on vacation - family of 3 - for now. (hope to have some little people some day)"

And in 2013, we are finally adding a little person. :)

 

Droid smart phone, January 21, 2011

This is a previous pastor's daughter (of the church where I work).

While the pastor was on a mission trip;

she stayed with us one afternoon while her mom was working.

She absolutely loved Chris!  She called him her "boyfriend."

 

Droid smart phone, January 21, 2011

I love this picture!  

Chris is such a big kid at heart; playing on the playground

What joy it will be to see him playing with Josie soon.

confession: this is me

Some of these comics are so funny.  And so true.

 

This one is so me!

Grocery shopping flows more smoothly if my list is in order of the store.

Otherwise, it takes twice as long, because I go in circles back-tracking.
Guess, I do have a Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  :)

throwback Thursday

This week marks 17 years ago,

that a dark and handsome teenage boy walked into my church and stole my heart.

He immediately had my attention.

The feeling was mutual ... because it wasn't too long after that he told his grandpa that he would "marry that girl" and we started "going together."

Go ahead ... laugh!
This is our first picture together.
Easter Sunday 1996
15 years old and 14 years old
I have no idea what Chris is doing with his mouth.
(before digital cameras -- so of course, we didn't know a re-do was necessary)
Check out our hair and glasses ... both BIG!

 and here we are today ...
Married (soon to be 13 years).
Still "going together."
Actually, "together" is our favorite place to be - we do very little apart.
Happy, happy with a few extra pounds, smaller glasses, smaller hair, and a baby on the way!
More in love than ever.
And absolutely crazy about each other.

Every day, I'm so thankful that our paths crossed again in 1996.

babies don't keep

I'm learning to let go a little now.

Chris constantly reminds me to not "over do it."

And I'm sure after Josie arrives ... I will remind myself often to let it go.

I've heard "the days are long and the years are short."

I want to cherish my girl's baby moments.

The cleaning, laundry, dishes, and housework can wait.

throwback Thursday

I love digging up the oldies, yet goodies!  

That is a sign I'm getting old, I guess ... cause I have "oldies."

Church Youth Group Trip to Gatlinburg, TN

Year 199__

Chris looks so mean.

I look like I'm 12 years old.

Sisters @ annual beach weekend

Maybe 2002 or 2003

And sweet little me.  :-)

Tuesday tidbits

• Friday I came home from work to find a dozen roses from my sweetheart ... for "no reason" except love.  :-)  Goodness, I love him so!

• This past weekend wiped me out.  Friday night, Chris and I went shopping and had dinner with my mom afterwards.  Chris needed new boots; which was a difficult task.  He looked at every pair and tried on several before making his final choice ... it's a good thing he doesn't need shoes often.  We also picked up the last few items needed for decorating and sewing the bedding and such for the nursery.  Saturday, our Bible study group served lunch to the needy at our local Salvation Army building; which took up most of our day with preparation and cleaning afterwards.  We took a 2-hour nap Saturday afternoon.  I worked a few hours Saturday evening.  And we enjoyed dinner from our favorite Mexican restaurant and waffle cones from our favorite ice cream spot.  In the crazy weekend rush, our house started to look like a tornado came through.  Sunday, between church services we found a few minutes to tidy up a bit.  We enjoyed Sunday lunch with my mom and Sunday supper with Chris' parents.  We were in bed by 9:20 PM Sunday night.

• Sunday was my niece, L's, 9th birthday.  I got a little nostalgic and sappy while looking at her baby photos.  It's hard to believe that next year, she'll be two-digits ... and only 4 years until she's a teenager.  Time flies so fast.  She was the first to call me "aunt."  I babysat her as a baby.  As a little toddler, she begged to come to my house and even wanted to "live with me."  She would cry when we parted ways; sometimes hysterically.  Broke my heart (and her mama's, I think).  And the sweet thing ... she still calls me aunt, she still begs to come over, and she still gives me a "goodbye kiss and hug" EVERY TIME she sees me.  I love her to pieces.

• I'm so over this weather. I'm not trying to rush the days or be ungrateful; I know we need winter and rain. But, I'm longing for warmer, brighter days.

• Monday night, we had our first of four childbirth classes  ... sort-of fun, definitely interesting, and quite "real."  Chris and I had both agreed this was something we want to do to educate ourselves more.  Don't misunderstand me, I knew what I was signing up for when I wanted a baby, but seeing delivery on video of a mama without pain medications was enlightening and slightly gross for my weak stomach.  After the class, Chris said he "enjoyed it" and he is glad we are taking the class.  We even learned stuff the first night.  (ie average contractions last 90 seconds each ... that's good to know.  LOL) 

• I locked myself out of my office today.  Took my car keys with me to the restroom instead of my office keys.  On the bright side, at least, I was able to drive my car and get a spare set from someone.  Of course, I had to watch my speed carefully since I didn't have my purse and/or license.  (While I can, I'll blame it on the pregnancy brain ... I guess, in a few months, it'll be the sleep-deprived brain)  :-)

• This week I've been wearing maternity clothes loaned to me from a sweet friend -- what a blessing!

lately

Not much is happening, except day-to-day life and preparing for Josie.
My mood has been sort of "blah" with a mixture of anxiousness.
I am worried about checking off the to do list before Josie arrives.
(yes, my OCD wants everything "just so" before our little girl's debut)

We only have 13 weekends left until her due date.
We plan to go out of town two of those weekends.
And Chris often works on the weekends.

Monday-Thursday, Chris leaves home at 6:15 AM and returns at 6:00 PM.  This doesn't leave much time to accomplish tasks through the week.

Our spring calendar is also starting to fill up ... more frequent doctor appointments, revival at church, childbirth classes, hospital tour, baby shower(s), birthdays to celebrate, etc.

Here's our to do list before baby arrives:
1.  Complete nursery
2.  Make all final purchases of things necessary for baby
3.  Finish home remodeling; namely painting
4.  Few random projects around the house
5.  Spring yard work; pressure wash house
6.  Open pool for summer
7.  Prepare garden

Oh, and then ... "what if" Josie decides to come early. 
That will sure throw a kink in the plans.
So, I really don't want to wait until the last minute to do these projects.

And delivery ... that word alone makes me uneasy.  How does one make a birth plan?  I'm not sure how you plan for that.  Not much can be predicted.  There are a lot of variables and unknowns.  I assure myself daily when that time comes I will do what I have to do.  I find slight consolation that my mom had quick labor and deliver; and also my dad's side of the family tends to have quick labors.  I know by the end of May, I will be ready for her to come no matter how she comes.  Oh, and I'm relieved to know that I'll not be in labor for more than 24 hours.  So, come how she may, and when she may ... Josie will come.

And after baby comes?  ...  I'm reading books and trying to be prepared for taking care of a baby, but I don't think I'll ever be fully prepared for what awaits.   Feeding, sleeping, crying, and going back to work are a few of my concerns.

But, in spite of the anxiousness .... every day I'm grateful for the life growing inside me.
Every.  Single.  Day. 
Not a day goes by that I don't feel blessed beyond measure.
Words can not express my thankfulness for this little miracle that kicks and punches me.
When I "talk" to Josie and tell her how much she is loved; tears can't help but fill my eyes.

I know we are on the verge of a life-changing event.
We will forever be her parents.  There's no going back or changing our minds.
It has reminded me of when Chris and I were planning to be married.
So many wedding preparations, excitement, getting our house ready, and some worries too.
It was my dream come true, yet, some days I thought "what am I getting myself into?"

I do not know exactly what the future holds.
I can only be prepared so much for what lies ahead - most learning will come from experience.
And that to do list ... well, Josie will not care if we have a garden or the pool ready this summer.
And I'm confident when we hold her in our arms, it will not matter to us (me) if things aren't "just so."

So, bring on summer.

reading stack

These are the books currently stacked on my nightstand.

I am caught up in reading What To Expect When You're Expecting ... learning about the changes in my body and discovering what is going on with the baby girl inside.  This book is very informative.  And has often been "right on the money" with symptoms I've experienced.

BabyWise is teaching me how to be baby wise.  =)  And wow! -- it is definitely teaching me a lot.  This book offers great tips on feeding, sleeping schedules, and baby personalities.  It all makes "sense" and I can see examples in the children I know.  I hope and pray I can put the plan into action.  

I haven't started Shepherding a Child's Heart yet.  But, I definitely plan to read before Jocelyn's arrival.  I don't think we can ever start to young in leading her to Jesus.

Lastly and self-explanatory, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding - instructions, tips, and encouragement.  

My, how my reading stack has changed.  

Although, I am technically already a "mama" ... real, live motherhood is just around the corner!

I am trying my best to be prepared as much as possible.

words

Recently, a high school class mate commended me on Facebook for being positive. 

On Facebook, I do attempt to be positive.  I don't like other's illusive comments that seem to scream "I need attention."  And I really dislike "slinging mud" ... leave personal matters, just that - personal.

So, I try not be one of "those" that I disapprove of. 

Personally, I feel that a person must "try hard" to use negativity and profanity on Facebook. 

First you must think it, prepare your thoughts, and type it out on the keyboard. 

This leaves plenty of time to back space, correct, and/or delete.

Definitely not as easy as falling prey to "speaking before you think."

 

I admit, I'm not always positive in person and one-on-one.

On occasion, I speak before I think.

Sometimes, when my feathers are ruffled, I'll vent (profusely) to Chris or a friend.

Or if I get started on a "issue" that gets under my skin, it's hard for me to control my tongue.

And I tend to complain a lot ... and sometimes even be pessimistic.

But this Facebook comment and a couple of blog posts really have me thinking on the matter.

 

Erin of the Blue-Eyed Bride blog wrote, "At some point on Friday, I completely lost my voice and it didn’t return until about mid-way through the day on Sunday.  Not having a voice can be so frustrating.  But it also made me think a lot about using my words carefully. ..., but when you don’t have a voice, you know you need to save your voice for when you really need it.  So I did my best not to talk most of the weekend except when I absolutely had to.  And so I’m going to try to carry that with me this week, with a perfectly fine voice.  I don’t want to speak too much “noise” into my family’s day, and don’t want to do it with my online relationships either."

by Ann Voskamp

 

And here is an awesome post by Holly Gerth about what to do when you find yourself in a conversation that drags you down:  http://holleygerth.com/what-to-do-when-a-conversation-drags-you-down/

And there was one other post that I can't seem to find right now ... oh well.

Bottom line -

Words are powerful.

Words can help or hurt.

Words can heal or destroy.

Words can encourage or discourage.

Words can "fill the air with noise" or inspire and fill a heart with hope.

Words reveal our heart, therefore, words show who we truly are.

So, I'm praying hard about this matter.

I don't want to be a complainer, a gossiper, or just a mindless talker.

I want to be optimistic, up-lifting, and speak words that have lasting, positive effects.

 

 

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.  Psalm 19:14

 

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  Philippians 4:8

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!

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.

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.

thankful, thankful, thankful

Thanksgiving 2012 wasn't the usual, rush-rush, dinner here-dinner there.  With the unknown of the situation with my aunt, we didn't make many plans and my mother's side of the family cancelled Thanksgiving plans.  I also didn't take too many pictures, but here is an attempt to document this year's Thanksgiving.

 

Thursday morning, Chris and I slept in a little.  Since I had no cooking obligations, we got up and got busy tackling projects, taking advantage of the time off.  Chris worked on his list and I worked on mine - cleaning the stove top, stove hood filter, oven, oven door glass, and under the refrigerator.  At lunch time, we headed to my grandparents, two miles away, for Thanksgiving lunch.  What a  delicious spread of turkey, dressing, cranberry salad, turnip greens, butterbeans, macaroni & cheese, sweet potato pies, banana pudding, and apple crisp.  We thoroughly enjoyed time with family - laughing together, talking about our baby, and telling stories on each other, etc.  Chris and I headed home just in time for a late afternoon nap.  After the refreshing nap, we tackled a few more projects on the to do lists, including making multiple trips in the attic - storing summer stuff and bringing down Christmas decor and a few baby items we had saved away.  Then we called it a day and ate junk food for dinner.

 

Friday, while Chris worked, I finished cleaning out the guest room to begin preparing baby's nursery and did the usual house cleaning.  That afternoon, our friends' little boys came to stay the night with us, so mom and dad could get-away for the weekend.  It was fun and definitely interesting to have little, energetic boys in the house ... they played and played with toys, we went out for Mexican for dinner, played some more, ate ice cream & cookies, and headed to bed.  I didn't sleep well ... restless, listening and checking on the boys, up and down, and wide away from 2-3am.

Saturday, I cooked a breakfast and we devoured eggs, grits, bacon, sausage, biscuits/toast, gravy, and pancakes.  After breakfast, after only being out of bed two hours, I asked Chris if he could watch the boys while I took a nap ... he obliged, only later to wish he hadn't when both boys had to use the restroom and needless to say, Chris got in some practice.  ;)  After my nap, we went to the park and McDonald's, then the boys went to stay with other friends.  Saturday afternoon, we grocery-shopped and then the Meadows family came over for the evening.

 

Sunday, after church, we had  another Thanksgiving lunch with Chris' immediate family - complete with turkey, dressing, green beans, rolls, sweet potato souffle, fruit salad, cheesecake, lemon pies, and butter pecan cake.   Needless to say, after a meal like that, we crashed for a long Sunday afternoon nap.  And after our Sunday evening church service, we enjoyed supper with the Meadows family again.

 

Although it wasn't a typical Thanksgiving holiday, we were thankful to spend time with our nearest and dearest, enjoy wonderful home-cooking, relax together, catch-up on much-needed projects, and reflect on all the blessings of our life, both big and small ... and being most grateful for the precious God-given blessing of our baby that we will be holding in our arms next Thanksgiving.

randoms & confessions

I have a lot of random thoughts.  And these days, I'm doing some crazy things that are worth a laugh.

-Monday morning, on my way to work, I stopped for a drink and a pack of crackers.  As I was leaving the store, I realized all I had in hand was my phone, cash, drink, and pack of crackers -- yep, I had locked my keys in my car.  After a long ordeal of getting Chris' keys, I stepped out to get into my car and dropped my drink and it spilled all over the sidewalk.  Needless to say, my Monday didn't get off to a good start.

-My mom made me think when she said, "What if your baby had been in the car?"  (can you tell - this is not the first time I've had this happen?)  And I'm not an advocate of leaving babies in the car, but I had pulled right to the door of the store and was only grabbing a drink and crackers.  So, I made a note reminding myself to lock the door with the remote so that I know my keys are always in my hand when exiting the vehicle.

-Monday night we were in bed and most likely asleep by 9:00 PM.  What can I say, rough Mondays call for early bedtimes.

-This week I sold my first item on one of the Facebook used item sale group pages.

-I got these Dr. Brown bottles at a steal from several friends (all 25 bottles for less than $30).  I've already put them in the kitchen cabinet.  It's beginning to look like a baby is coming to live at our house.  :)

-Prior to becoming pregnant, I thought a lot of people too often used pregnancy as an excuse just to have an excuse.  Boy, was I wrong.  I am finding that a lot of those excuses are in fact legitimate.  "Pregnancy brain" is a real problem and your body does indeed feel totally different and energy is a thing of the past.

-I think Thumpy is catching on that big changes are ahead.  Over the past two weeks, we have transitioned her out of our bed.  Since I've dubbed Chris the "mean guy" and he is enforcing the new rule, her dog bed and blanket is placed on his side of the bed.  Tuesday morning, I woke up, and she had pulled her blanket to my side of the bed and was sleeping on my side.  She is quite the spoiled fur-baby.  This picture is the typical evening routine when Chris gets home from work.

-Every few weeks our ice maker "floods" and the water runs out of the fridge.  Anyone ever have this problem?

-I was going through a stack of paperwork and mail - found a bank envelope with $40 inside. What a nice surprise!

-I am already over cold weather.  I needed to go to Wal-Mart Tuesday night, but opted to wait simply because I didn't want to get out in the cold ... I'm ready for June for more reasons than just warm weather.  ;)

return to the blog

I can't believe it has been almost an entire year since I last blogged.  I never really meant to stay away so long.  It just happened.  We've had a lot going on in life, so I don't really regret the break.  I always want to be true about our journey (never fake) and I was fearful of being "too real" on the world-wide-web for all to see and read.  In order to keep those things private that aren't meant for all to know, I retreated and skipped out completely.  I kept a hand-written journal instead.

In the last year, infertility has taken us on a wild, crazy ride ... making our marriage tough, wreaking havoc on our emotions, causing difficulty in our friends/family relationships, straining our wallet, and deepening, yet questioning, our Faith.  But thanks be unto God, we have survived and survived well.  All praise belongs to Him.  God is so good.  And He never, ever fails. 

I want to continue blogging to chronicle our journey and to keep family/friends both far and near informed.  It is sometimes needful and enjoyable to look back and remember the path life has taken us on.  Thankfully, now many of those tough, rough miles are just a memory.

November 2011

**Although, I wasn't blogging this month, I do want to include pictures from this month just for memory's sake.  Here are pictures and a few thoughts from that month.

 

Taking a nap with my two. 

I took the picture (pretending to be asleep)

 L with Ava at mom's one Sunday at lunch.

 This silly little girl can make me smile anytime. 

She used this "scary face" to scare her doctor upon entering the exam room.  :)

 New t-shirt - I love the looks and comments that I get from others when I wear this!

 We took advantage of the vacation days at Thanksgiving and retreated to the mountains for a few days of much needed rest and relaxation.

Me with my sweetie at one of the mountain overlooks.

 Celebrating Chris' 30th birthday at Los Amigos - complete with sombrero, fried ice cream, and whip cream on the nose.

 Chris' birthday card from Thumpy - pawprint signature and all

   This was a quote that I repeated often and clung too during the rough days.