A Day at the Zoo

I probably shouldn't say this (because knowing Texas, it will be back to 100 next week...) but the weather is finally starting to cool down, and yesterday was absolutely gorgeous!  It was a great day to spend at the zoo.  We haven't been since my daughter was a baby, so it was so fun to watch her reactions and see her get excited and have so much fun!  She has started learning some of her animals, so it was really neat for her to see some of them in real life.  We still have a lot to learn, however, because when we went to look at the rhino she said "cow."  Haha!

All ready to get started!! 

You can't see it, but there is a giant crocodile in there!

Don't worry...that's not real! ;)

Admiring the giraffes as a newborn...

Almost two years later!

All wiped out :)

 Are they cute or what!?

All grins after his nap! What a fun day!!

I am MOM

I am a negotiator.

I am a home economist.

I am a multi-tasker.

I am MOM.

I am not perfect.

I am not superwoman.

I do not always have a clean house.

I am MOM.

I wipe messy faces and runny noses.

I change stinky diapers and clean up messes.

I can recite and sing every word of Dora the Explorer.

I am MOM.

I eat mac 'n cheese and chicken nuggets for lunch.

I have carrots and formula stains on my pants.

I rarely get a good night's sleep.

I am MOM.

I give big hugs and sweet kisses.

I give of my time and my life, and

I receive more love and blessings than any one person could ever dream of or hope for.

I am MOM.

28 weeks, 4 days

Today I am 28 weeks and 4 days pregnant.

This is the day that I so very suddenly and unexpectedly went into labor, and consequently gave birth to my son.

I don't think I have to explain what an unbelievable roller coaster of emotion I am right now.   

At this point in my last pregnancy I was sitting in a daze in the children's hospital, listening to countless explanations of what was happening from various doctors and nurses, and trying desperately to comprehend. 

I haven't really let myself think about it much, but back in the far reaches of my mind there has always been that nagging fear that I would not make it to this point this go round.  That this sweet girl inside me would join us even earlier, and that we would once again face what no parent ever wants to see: their tiny baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Obviously, I am still pretty far from a full term, healthy baby.  But today, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted, because I have made it over the biggest hurdle for me personally and emotionally.  And with all the emotions I've experienced in the past 24 hours, the biggest is thanksgiving!  In the past, being pregnant and staying pregnant were things that I completely took for granted, but now I am able to remain thankful every single day that I wake up and am still carrying this sweet girl in my belly. 

AND, everything is right on track and still going great, and so I feel even MORE confident now that I will carry her to the end.  This past Friday I saw the specialist for the LAST TIME (assuming nothing major happens between now and delivery), and everything still looked good.  I also had another fetal fibronectin test and it was negative, meaning I will not be going into labor for the next two weeks!  So at 30 weeks I will do the test again, and we'll go from there.  :)

So for now, I am resting and trying to stay healthy.  And because I promised some belly shots to my friend, I have a couple pictures to share with you.  If I seem tiny to be heading into my third trimester, trust me, it's just the camera.  And if I seem inordinately large to be a mere 28 weeks, trust me, it's just the camera!! ;)

Gentle Reminder

No matter how hard I try, the one discipline that I seem to struggle with the most is prayer.  No matter what I do to try and help myself remember to pray without ceasing, as I mentioned here, for some reason, this is difficult for me to do. 

Obviously, God knows my shortcomings, and ALWAYS knows what I need to hear, be it by faint whisper or tug of my heartstrings, or blaring louder than a neon sign two feet in front of my face.  Some things I hear loud and clear, while other things He has to repeat over and over and over and...well, you know.  I'm sure He gets rather tired of telling me the same things repeatedly, but I am thankful for the gentle (and sometimes not so gentle) reminders, because it means He has not given up on me. ;)

Anyway, this morning I had one of those Hello!-I'm-talking-to-YOU moments during worship.  As I mentioned, sometimes it can be a challenge for me to remember to bring all things before the Lord in prayer.  The big things and the small things.  And this morning, God reminded me, yet again, that He is all I need. 

And so, because adequate words fail me right now, I will simply leave you with these powerful lyrics, that, although written in 1855, struck me as so very poignant.  I hope it will be a blessing to you as it was to me.

What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit, 

Oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged,

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful 

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness,

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer;

In His arms He'll take and shield thee.

Thou wilt find a solace there.

My Beloved Alma Mater

In case you didn't know, I love my Alma mater, James Madison University.  I mean, it is a GREAT school!

And although I am glad to be done with school, there are some things that I just miss terribly.  Especially being SO far away out here in Texas, without any opportunity to visit or participate in alumni activities, etc.  I miss the beautiful campus, I miss gallivanting around town with my lovely sorority sisters, I miss D-Hall, I miss reading on the quad,  I miss UREC, I miss late nights cramming for ridiculous math tests (wait, maybe not...).  Well, you get the idea.

But one thing I miss maybe more than anything else is JMU football.  Yes, you read that right.  I love football!!  (This probably has something to do with the fact that I was also a member of the Marching Royal Dukes.  Yes, self proclaimed band geek.  Go ahead and laugh).  But I especially love that JMU has a team worth watching and rooting for!  In 2004, they were the National Champions!!  And yes, I was at the game, screaming 'til I had no voice left! :)

More recently, however, they have had a slightly different victory.  If you do not follow college football, you may not be aware of this, but two weeks ago my beloved Dukes played nationally ranked FBS team, Virginia Tech.  Being an FCS school, (and considering Tech was ranked #13), we were not exactly expecting to pull out a win.  It was more like, let's hope it's not too bad of a blowout!

HOWEVER, in possibly the most AMAZING upset in college football history, the James Madison Dukes BEAT the Virginia Tech Hokies, 21-16!!!!!!



It was probably the best football game I have ever watched in my entire life.  No lie.

Needless to say, I am even more bummed than usual that I live so incredibly FAR away, and can never participate in history-making moments like this! But this year, the FCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME will be played in none other than the great state of Texas!!  Practically in my backyard!!!  I know I am getting a little ahead of myself considering they have not even started conference play yet, but oh my goodness, if they make it to the championship, I AM THERE!  Wearing my precious little newborn girl proudly, and sporting the purple and gold!! :)

GOOOOOO DUKES!

Wordless Wednesday

A Theme

Plans do not always go according to, well, "plan."  I feel like if my life had a theme, like in a novel or a play, that's what it would be.  And being a type-A, like to be organized, like to have a "plan", like to know what lies ahead type of person, I am fully aware of the irony. 

I know I've written about this many times over.  About all the things that we've experienced in our three years of marriage so far that weren't "according to plan", all ups and downs, and all the times I had my own perfectly great and wonderful plan of my own.  The problem is, it was just that.  MY plan.  And radically different from God's plan.  And I have had to learn to remind myself that I don't want it any other way.

So apparently, this is a lesson that I am still learning, and probably will be learning for the rest of my life.

Because I do trust in God's plan.  And as I continue to see God work out, in the most tremendously amazing ways that only He can, our life circumstances and challenges, I learn and marvel all over again that God's plans are SO much better than anything I could ever map out.  "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.  And while a few years ago, I may not have been able to see and recognize this truth in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty, the more God gently and lovingly reminds me of His promises, the more peace I am able to enjoy.  Because now I know for a fact that God will work out the details and always bring us out of the trenches.  And no matter what comes our way, I know we will be better for it.

Now, when I look back at difficult circumstances, or happenings that didn't fit into my "plan," I am able to see how incredibly amazing the Lord was to orchestrate things the way He did.  Plans that I never would have planned for myself, but have proven time and time again to work to the glory of God.  And ultimately, that's all that I want my life to be about anyway.  His Glory.

And so when things look uncertain, I can simply continue in the work that God has called me to in this season of life, because I know God already has everything figured out.  Yes, sometimes it's hard to be patient, and it's hard to not question the timing, or try and work everything out on my own, but if I stay focused on the only things that matter, God will work things out in His wonderful and perfect timing.  And so I am able to rest in the peace and assurance of that truth!

And of course, I have to remember that even once things finally work themselves out, another time will come when life doesn't go according to "plan."  Because that is apparently the theme of my life.  Now I guess all I need is a theme song!  Any suggestions? :) 

Monkey See, Monkey Do

You would think it would be the other way around (and one day, I suspect it will be), but whenever my little girl sees her brother doing something, anything at all, she wants to do it too.  If he's laying on the floor, she'll go lay on the floor next to him.  If he's violently hitting and grabbing sweetly petting the cat, she wants to play too.  If he's standing at the table banging with his hand or a spoon (or whatever is handy), she immediately runs over to participate.  I guess it's that {rare} moment of jealousy kicking in, and not wanting to be left out of something that is obviously tons of fun. :)

So of course, when her brother is practicing standing by holding onto his infant seat, she wants to do it too.

I mean, he is obviously having fun, so it's no wonder she wants to join in!

And if you're wondering what they're looking at, it's the t.v.  I can't be sure, but I think it's a pretty safe bet that they're watching Dora.  It's pretty much the only thing on in our house these days.  :)

My Big Girl

She is getting SO big.  Well, actually, she's pretty small for her age.  She still can't wear some of her 18 month clothes and she's 21 months old.  But you know what I mean!

Because she is such a big girl, she much prefers to sit at the island on a stool

rather than sitting in her highchair.  I mean, that is for babies!

But she asks with such a sweet, "Wanna sit here?  Please?"  How can I turn down that precious face??  Ya know?  :)

Back to Blogging-Day 5!

Just a reminder, today is the last day of the SITS Girls Back-to-Blogging Event.  A special thank you to the wonderful sponsors: Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances.  

Ok, so this week was a little crazy, and I missed day 4.  Oops!  But I want to finish the week strong, so here's my post for day 5.  Today's topic: Why do you blog?

Great question.  And really, one that I haven't addressed since I first started blogging.  So I guess now is as good a time as ever to think about why it is that I do this, especially considering I am not (I repeat am NOT) a writer.  I have never considered myself to be a writer, or even a particularly articulate person.  But I AM the mother of many small children (Soon to be three under two.  Yes, you read that right.  Three babies under two).  And as the mother of small children, I don't get out much.  Shocking, I know. 

Being very much a type-A personality, going from staying busy and going non-stop, to not being able to get out and do anything and everything that I want can sometimes make me feel hindered. This is particularly true when it comes to serving the Lord.  I like to be involved at church.  I like to help with the kids, and sing in the choir, and go to bible studies and teach bible studies, and work with the youth.  But now that my priority is at home and is to take care of my kids, my participation and involvement is much more limited. 

I have found, however, that through blogging, I can still have an outlet to share the things that God is teaching me.  I can still reach out to others, even if I can't actually get out of the house.  I can share our hurts and struggles,  joys and praises, and give all the glory to God for others to see.

First and foremost, this is why I blog.  To share the joy and peace that I have in Jesus Christ.

And yes, I realize that I do not have thousands and thousands of readers, but even if only one person can be encouraged by reading what God has taught me through our trials and tribulations, then it was worth saying and writing on this blog.

And as an added bonus, I can show off my adorably precious babies, and chronicle our life so our friends and family can share in it and keep up with us.  Because now that we're in Texas, we don't live near a single family member.  And although reading about the kids and looking at cute pictures is not the same as being with them in person, it's something.  :)  

(Disclaimer: this blog is in NO WAY a substitute for real, personal relationships! I do still hang out and talk to and pray with people in real life!) 

So that's a little about me!  There are practically as many reasons for blogging as there are blogs, so tell me, why do YOU blog?

A Silly Farewell

So one of my husband's dearest friends also happens to be an incredibly talented musician and songwriter, and hilarious and witty to boot.  We had some friends over recently, and he was finally given the opportunity to share a little goodbye diddy that he wrote for my husband when he resigned.

A few things to note about my husband and I before reading (and singing aloud!) the following lyrics: we are from the east coast and grew up eating fresh (as in just caught from the ocean, cooked and put on our plate) seafood, and we grew up with Carolina barbecue (as in pulled pork and vinegar sandwiches).  Just two of what I'm sure are many MANY things he likes to pick on my hubby for. :)

Anyway, onto his song, sung loud and proud to the tune of Victory In Jesus:

I heard about a guy boast

About coming here from the east coast

How our cuisine did not compare

To the food he had back home

Our seafood ain't good enough

Cuz it comes from the oily gulf

Well sit down in that chair right there

And I tell you how it goes

Oh Bar-B-Q in Texas

Smoked brisket forever

Beef ribs, I got dibs

Now who's got a plate for me

No vinegar sauce on pulled pork

Just Texas beef on my fork

We know real Bar-B-Q

Comes from a beast that moos

Oh Texas, dear Texas

Y'all came here, now you're stuck here

Not to be rude, but you got...

The short end of the stick

You may love us or hate us

But nothing can separate us

Cuz Texas may not be your home

But you made some Texans of your own!

We have sure made some wonderful, sweet friends here in this great state of Texas, and truly enjoy living here, in spite of the barbecue! ;)

Back to Blogging-Day 3!

Today is Day 3: A Post with a title you were proud of.  Again, special thanks to the sponsors of this event:  Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances.

I'll just be honest.  I'm not a creative person, and don't think I could find a cute, catchy title in the whole existence of my blog.  But anyway, here's my post for today! :)

Originally posted October 2009:  Chasing Balls

My daughter has this wonderfully fun toy called a Busy Ball Popper.  You simply hit the button and silly (loud) songs play while the plastic balls fly out of the top, roll down the shoot, come back around and fly out of the top again.  My daughter absolutely loves it.  She watches the balls go around and come back out again, dances to the music, and loves it when she is able to start it herself.

The problem is, sometimes the balls pop out of the top a little too hard and go flying across the room.  I try to sit with her and catch them, or keep them contained with my hand, but it always seems that no matter what I do, I inevitably end up chasing balls.  They pop out and fly all over the living room, and I have to go pick them up, put them back in the toy, only to begin the process all over as soon as that little red button gets pressed...again.

Do you ever feel like life is like that?  Like no matter how hard you try to keep a handle on things, stuff just goes flying?  Like life is never quite calm and under control?  Like all your efforts to serve, obey and rely on God are fruitless, and despite your best efforts, you just end up in a vicious cycle of chasing balls?

I know I do.  I get frustrated when life doesn't go my way.  Or when God doesn't answer a prayer on my terms, in my time.  Or when I feel like I'm trying so hard to follow Christ and live the life that God wants for me, yet continue to get knocked down.  Discouraged.  Mocked.

But I continue to press on.  Because I know who I serve and to whom I belong.  And I know that in the end, that is all that matters.  That when I stand before God one day, He will be proud of the work that I did for His glory and His kingdom, and while it was certainly not perfect, He will know that I served, loved, and lived for Him with all my heart. 

Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."  There are many things in this life that can cause us to lose heart: tough circumstances, losses in this world, the ungratefulness of some.  But Paul tells us we must never lose heart or grow weary, but at all times, in all seasons, continue to do good.  We have to carry on, never ceasing to do the work that God calls us to do.   "For in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."  The important thing to remember is that in due time means in God's time, not mine.  God promises that we will see the fruits of our labor, but it may not necessarily be on this side of heaven.  So all we can do is persevere, be patient, and continue to do good.  Press on in what God has for us and never stop thanking Him for each and every blessing.

Back to Blogging-Day 2!

The SITS Girls Blog is hosting a Back to Blogging event this week!  Today is Day 2: A Post you Wish More People Had Read.  For participating, one person will win a Thelma and Louise washer/dryer set!  Sweet!

The amazing sponsors of this event are Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances.

So onto my post for today. As I was sifting through some of my early posts, I found something I wrote well over a year ago.  And in reading it, I realized just HOW MUCH I needed to hear it again.  So maybe I am re-posting it more for my benefit than for anything else.  Life is pretty stressful for me right now, and I need to remember to be anxious for nothing.  But in the busyness of life, I'm sure there are many of you out there who could use this reminder as well.  :)  Hope you enjoy!

Original post from June 2009 (altered slightly):

We have been through some trying circumstances in recent weeks. I'm not going to get into the details, but I'm sure you can guess.  Leaving our church, a new job, my pregnancy, our finances, it all adds up.  And while I absolutely believe in a loving, sovereign God, I am human. So let's face it, I worry! And how do I typically handle said worry? By bottling it up inside, sifting through all the what-if's, listing every stress and trouble to my friends, and wallowing. But what does God intend for me to do with such worries?

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ." Philippians 4:6-7

First of all, notice that Paul clearly states that we are to be anxious for, what now? Work? Family? Illness? Finances? No. "Be anxious for NOTHING." There are no exceptions. No loopholes. This is not a friendly suggestion to help you live your best life now; this is a command of God. As His child, He expects me to be anxious for nothing. Period. He's the one in charge, not me, so what do I have to be worried about anyway?

Right now you may be thinking, ok, easier said than done! True. That is why Paul explains how exactly to go about this. "In everything," every single burden, stress, and concern, big or small, "by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Tell God what you're worried about! Tell Him your frustrations, your desires, your hurts, your struggles. Get some things off your chest-don't worry, He can handle it! Also notice that yes, he says by prayer and supplication, but then also says "with thanksgiving." You may have a lot of concerns that need to be made known to God, and you may have a lot of needs that need to be met, but you are to come before God with a humble spirit. Come before God thanking Him for what He has already accomplished in your life. Thanking Him for your current circumstances, that you might learn and grow. Thanking Him for Jesus Christ and His work on the cross! Trust me, we have much more to be thankful for than we EVER realize or acknowledge! (Or is that just me??) So then, after we have spent this time in prayer before the Lord, then what?

And then, friends, all worry and anxiety are replaced with peace. The peace of God that will guard our hearts and minds from the burdens and stresses of this world. A peace so marvelous that we can't even comprehend it. Isn't that an amazing promise? Who wouldn't love to discard their worry in exchange for peace? So spend some time in prayer today, thanking God, and setting all your worries aside.

Playground Fun!

This morning, the kids and I met some friends at the park.  I couldn't believe how much fun my daughter had, and how brave she is!  There are several slides, and her friend was going down the fun, little one, and kept telling my baby girl to come too.  Well, next thing I know, she has climbed up all the stairs to the very top, and is ready to go down the biggest, tallest slide there!  So we cheered her on, and without hesitation, she sat on her bottom and slid.  All the way to the bottom.  Her response?  "Yay!" 

Then it was time for the swings.  Today was the very first time she has ever been in a swing and boy, was she excited!

Unfortunately, still a little too small to participate in the fun, her brother stayed in the stroller watching all the kids play.

But he didn't mind.  He played with the strap on the stroller and his feet (of course), and just enjoyed some time out of his car seat and in the fresh air. 

Although it is still ridiculously hot, it was SO great to get out of the house.  And of course it's always fun to watch the kids have fun, and to see my daughter interact with others.  :)  Now I'm really looking forward to cooler weather so we can do this more often!!

Welcome to Toddlerhood!

Making the transition from baby to toddler can be very gradual, or it can happen all at once and hit you in the face like a ton of bricks.  But what exactly is it that marks the beginning of the toddler years?  Walking independently?  Saying those first, adorable words?  Turning two?  Wearing toddler size clothes?  Getting into trouble by pulling everything out of your purse (cabinets, pantry...) and kindly arranging it all around the kitchen?

It's hard to say.  And I guess it varies from kid to kid.  But let's just say this weekend, after much denying (or ignoring) of facts, I finally had to face the truth head on that we have arrived.  We are officially parents to an active, opinionated, non-stop...TODDLER.

How do I know this?  Well, let's just say that in addition to my daughter's new found adoration for Dora the Explorer, she has finally learned the purpose and joy found in a box of crayons.  Yup, after months of just staring at them in wonderment, or putting them in her mouth, she finally began to actually color with them.

As excited as I was to discover this new stage of development (I have been pining for the day that we could color and do "art" projects together), it did not end there.  No, it did not end there.  Any idea where this story is going?

After discovering that she had gone into her daddy's bag and pulled out the first piece of paper she could find, as well as a pencil (that did not work) and was on the floor "coloring," I swapped out her pencil for a crayon so she could create something beautiful for daddy while he was at work.   

I came back a minute later to admire her work and praise her creativity, to find this:

Yup, she created her beautiful work on art, on our wall.  If that doesn't say, "Welcome to toddlerhood," loud and clear, I don't know what does.  Thankfully, it is on a pretty inconspicuous place, and she was so proud, so it didn't really bother me that much.  BUT, that does not mean that I want to admire her handy work all over my house.  :)  Needless to say, we went out that afternoon for some Crayola color wonder paper and markers. Now she can color wherever she pleases, to her heart's content. 

So it's official.  We are the proud parents of a Dora loving, (occasional) temper tantrum throwing, furniture climbing, wall coloring...toddler.