Blessings....

I am so thankful for this day!! My mom had an appointment with her doctor and we got great news. We are so blessed; I couldn't ask for more this Christmas. The past couple of months have been the hardest in my life....but, I truly believe God was with me every step of the way. Also, I have learned some valuable lessons.

1. Love those that mean everything to you....and do it everyday.....and don't live with regrets.

2. Make the most of the time you have with those you love.

3. Life is sweet BUT very short.....enjoy it.

4. Thank God everyday for your blessings.

5. Have faith!!!

On another note, I am getting very anxious about Vada's arrival. I'm scared and excited all at the same time. I am 31 weeks this week....and she is SO active. She kicks, stretches, rolls around all day and night. I can't wait till I get to watch her do all those things!! Please continue to pray for my mom and our little girl, Vada. May each of you continue to be blessed this holiday season.

Parenting 101.....

I think I am really in for it!!! If you know me, then you know that Stitch (our cat) is like our child. Lately, he has been BAD and I mean BAD!! He wakes me up all hours of the night, he wants to eat all the time (so he cries all the time), he has been climbing on things more, etc. ....the list goes on. So, I ask myself.....how in the world am I going to handle a screaming newborn and him??? And then I laugh.....because that is life and I can't wait to jump head first into it. I am getting so excited about our little girl. She is such an active little baby; keeping me up all night. We get our 3-D ultrasound tomorrow; can't wait!!! Also, mom just finished her 4th chemo treatment and may have surgery sooner than expected. It's a wait and see game, but that is okay....we will play it. She is doing so good!! I love spending time with her and got to spend the day with her last Saturday. She reminds me so much of my grandma; it's scary!! They are both so comfortable in their own skin; which I love. Continue to pray for my momma and baby Vada. Thanksgiving is next week and I am so thankful for what I have in my life. I couldn't ask for more.

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
-Hebrews 13:15

7 Months

I know....I really need to post more often. I have been SO busy with everything (the pregnancy, my mom, work, life). I am 7 months now and time seems to be flying by....I can't wait for Vada to arrive, but I am starting to get a little anxious. With the holidays, we will be so busy and I know that she will be here before I know it. So, I am starting to panic a little......

Mom is doing about the same. After her second treatment, she was REALLY sick....but, she did great after treatment number 3!! She is loving her new kitten and has really been handling things better than I expected.

Please continue to pray for her!! She is so tough and such a wonderful mom....I just hope that I can be a good mom to Vada...like she has been to me.

Heavy Heart

I have been avoiding a post for a long time. I have had the happiest and the most hurting heart, lately. We found out that my mom has cancer. I still can't talk about it much, but I am better now than I was at first. I have prayed and I believe in God. I have faith and her doctors seem so wonderful. The crazy thing is she isn't sick and doesn't have any symptoms. She has started chemo and will have surgery in several months. I have asked everyone I know to pray for her. Her amazing attitude has inspired me to handle this better. She is so upbeat and really believes that she is going to be okay. My mom is everything to me.....my best friend and the best mother anyone could ask for.....I don't know what I would ever do without her. She has given up so much for my brother and I...I hope that I am half the mother she is to us.

On that note, I have a happpy heart about this baby GIRL that I am carrying. She is already so loved and I can't wait to meet her. I have been so busy lately...spending as much time with my mom, working, etc. There was a period of time that I didn't "feel" pregnant. That time has ended...HA!! I am looking pregnant and I am starting to feel more tired. I can't believe that I am 23 weeks this week. How exciting is that...my little one will be here in no time. We cannot wait....

Please keep my mom and our little girl, Vada, in your prayers.

4 Months

WOW!! I cannot believe it, but we are 4 months pregnant. The time seems to fly by, but I can't wait to find out what this baby is.....boy....girl...???

We only pray that it's healthy; the gender doesn't matter to either one of us. I have been feeling a lot better. I have pains here and there that seem strange, but everybody tells me that my body is stretching. Here is some more information about me and this pregnancy:

Food Cravings: None really; other than Chili's salsa (I can't get enough of that stuff).

Weight Gain: Unsure? I am still in my regular clothes. I did buy some maternity jeans; just in case :) I finally have a little bump that is starting to show.

Hair/Skin/Nails: I don't know who thinks/says that you look good during pregnancy....I don't believe it. My hair is okay, but my skin is horrible.....it's the craziest thing ever!!

Symptoms: I do sometimes get a little sick, but nothing like I was....that was horrible! I am tired ALL the time.

Sleep: I don't sleep well......if I'm not up going to the bathroom then I toss and turn a lot. I bought a body pillow and that hasn't seem to help, yet. It probably will when I get bigger.

So, hopefully on my next post I have more news to report. Right now, I am just getting really anxious about getting the room ready and finding out what we're having. We do have some names picked out, so that makes it more exciting. I will keep you posted!!

Updates.....

Where do I begin.....

The last time I wrote...I started a new job, but now I am going back to my old one. It suits me better....and I'm happy to go back.

Also, on the pregnancy...I have had a really tough couple of weeks. I have been EXTREMELY sick!! Hopefully, I will start felling better soon. I will keep you posted.

I had a great holiday with family. I love to get together with my family and hang out. As you can see - we ate, swam and just enjoyed each other.

Big Surprise

I haven't posted anything for awhile. I have had SO much going on in my life that I didn't feel like I could get on here and NOT talk about it.

Two things....

1. We just found out that we are PREGNANT!!!
2. I started a new job!

So, as you can see.....I have been busy!! We are SO excited about #1-having a baby. However, we weren't expecting it and were completely shocked. I can tell you that I think it happened because I had so many other things on my mind (and having a baby wasn't one of them). Now, that is all that I can think about. From the minute that you find out.....you want to do everything right and be the BEST parent. However, I feel like I can't even supply nutrients to my little one because of how sick I have been. I have ALL DAY sickness.....not morning, noon, or night.....ALL of it. I have been really feeling bad. Hopefully, it will pass soon. We are due in February. I'm sure I will have more to post later. For right now, I think that is enough :)

P.S. We are still early; so keep us in your prayers!!

Holiday Weekend

I love long weekends. They are always needed and give us time to enjoy family and friends.

We had a great one.....we spent the night at the lake with some friends, hung out at home, visited with family and just relaxed.

Remember why we get this long holiday.....thanks to all those that have and continue to fight for our nation.

I hope everyone had a safe and fun weekend!!

WOW!!

I haven't updated in a little while....

So, here is why...

First, I had the BEST birthday ever. I am truly blessed.
Secondly, I have accepted a position at another company.....WAY EXCITED!!
So, I have been pretty busy keeping up. I have much to do in this transition time, so I probably won't be able to update much. Please pray for me and my new adventure. I have prayed and feel that God is putting me exactly where he wants me to be :) Have a great weekend!!

The little things....

I haven't updated in a little while due to our busy schedule. Last weekend we went out to eat with Nick's family for my birthday (May 3rd is the actual day). It was fun and good to see everybody. This week has been busy at work due to an audit, etc.

In all these crazy/busy days and as I grow older :).....I often stop to realze that what people have told me growing up was really true......like:

-enjoy your youth because time really does fly by (never believed that)
-30 IS NOT old.....(I believed it was for so long)
-surround yourself with people that you can trust (it really does matter)
-cherish the little things (a cup of coffee in the morning, the smell of spring, a kiss from your spouse when they leave for work, good/true friends, a good writing pen, a good neighbor, etc.)

I hope all of you have a blessed day/week. Remember, cherish these moments and enjoy!!

Stuff....

We have been really busy the past two weekends. Last weekend we "trotted" off to West Virginia for my great aunt's 80th birthday.....it was a lot of fun!! She is super cute and really with it for her age (she is in the picture above with her crown). I pray that I do that well at 80!! HA!
We stayed the night there on Saturday, I got to see lots of family, and the scenery was beautiful. I feel so connected to those people because of my mom being raised there. She has always told us stories from her childhood.

This weekend was a lot of fun, too. I went out with friends on Friday, Nick and I took a road trip Saturday, and today has been the usual Sunday routine (cleaning, laundry, groceries, etc.). It's odd...but I enjoy the routine stuff........

We have had THE BEST weekend (that is for you BB)!!

I hope everyone has a great week.

In my world....

Time seems to fly by.....Easter is over and I can't believe it. Since Nick and I have Stitch and no other children ;)....we usually buy eachother something for the holidays. I'm sure that will all change when we have kids. However, it's nice for now...

I was so happy that he bought me a new women's devotional bible. It's so pretty....pink and brown (two of my favorite colors) and my name is engraved on it. I am so lucky to have him in my life. He is such a blessing.

Just an update on the family that I blogged about last time...they had ANOTHER issue hit their family. They are very strong people and their faith is amazing.



God is Enduring

The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
Psalm 145:8

Prayers needed.......

A couple of months ago I blogged about a lady I work with....losing 3 members of her family in a car accident. I ask you to pray for the family, again (the Mattingly family). They are experiencing some additional sadness in their life; partly due to their loss. I cannot begin to imagine how the days must seem so empty for them. They have a lot of faith, but need some prayers.


You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you"
Hebrews 13:5

Spring!!

Making Kites

The winds of March begin to blow,
And it is time for kites, you know.
Here's the way I make my kite,
Watch and help me do it right.
I cross two sticks so thin and long,
Tied together good and strong.
A string I fasten to each end,
And across the middle to make it bend.
I measure and cut the paper straight,
And glue along the edge and wait.
A ball of string to hold my kite,
When it sails almost out of sight.
And here's my kite all ready to go,
Please March wind begin to blow!


Enjoy these beautiful days!!

P.S. I did not write this poem, but I can't find the authors name to give them credit :)

Hooked......

Many of you have heard about/read about (or have her new cookbook)....The Pioneer Woman (Ree Drummond). I am SO hooked on her website. I mean...
I really love her!!!
I think you will, too. Check it out!!!

www.thepioneerwoman.com


Show me your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
-Psalm 25:4

Friends and Fun...

I had a great time this past weekend with some friends/co-workers. We had lunch (that lasted for several hours), laughed, ate, and laughed some more.

All of them are very "mothering" to me. These ladies are so much fun and we all care about each other, a lot. There were only four of us that could make it, but it was a good time. We postponed our bowling fun until next time....we were so excited about going shopping that we decided to wait. The last time we got together we ate and then went bowling!! I wish I had pictures of that day.....it was a blast!

I love these ladies!!

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
he will beautify the humble with salvation.

-Psalm 149:4

Blessed.....

I am so blessed. We all have things going on in our lives, but I am trying to stay focused on my blessings. I have the best family in the world. My mom and brother are so supportive of Nick and I. I cannot tell you how thankful I am. I see so many people around me with drama and family that is selfish. I get small reminders each day of how wonderful my family is and how much I love them. It saddens me to see so many people with parents/family that lie/manipulate and don't want what is best for them. Thank God for this blessing!!!

When you say: "I am worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
I Peter 5:7

Flip Flop Fever.....

I have it....FLIP FLOP FEVER...in a really bad way! I cannot wait to wear flip flops. I actually bought a pair today. This time of year inspires me to clean my house, office, etc. I think I do it because of the anticipation of SPRING!!
Another thing that I love.....having the windows open. I am SO fortunate to have TWO windows in my office at work. I love opening them and smelling the fresh air all day......

Happy Snowy Valentine's Day

I cannot believe it!! This weather is crazy! I can't wait for spring and flip flops.....but, I don't like wishing my life away. Therefore, I will thank God for these days.....even though the weather is horrible. ;)

I went on a little weekend trip with some girlfriends....it was a much needed event. I got back yesterday (in time to spend time with the hubby) and feel SO refreshed.

For those of you that scrapbook....there is the coolest site that you can create an online scrapbook with your favorite pictures. It's so easy and fun. The site is www.smilebox.com. Check it out!! I hope everyone has a safe and happy week......and thank God for the days; regardless of the weather :)

Snow Again......

It snowed again!! I am so ready for Spring. We went to a wedding lastnight and I got the chance to talk to one of Nick's great aunts......that I love....because she is always doing the coolest things. She is into making jewelry right now and was showing it to me lastnight. It was such cute stuff that I would pay some money for.....so, I love talking to her. She also sews and has her whole life...so, I was asking her some questions since I am still in the market for a sewing machine. I am hoping for a relaxing weekend......

Relaxing and Fun Weekend!!

We had a fun weekend. The weather has been so yucky, but we were determined to make the best of it. We ended up visiting our friends at the lake....which is always a fun time. They are like family.....really nice, comfortable to be around, and a lot of fun.

This weather makes me wish I was on vacation. I have already started looking into "sites" to visit......we had so much fun last year and can't wait to go back to our little island of Siesta Key (this picture is on a June morning at the beach)!!

Good Book.......

I am reading a good book by Debbie Macomber called One Simple Act. Nick bought it for me for Christmas and I love it. It really makes you think about how you treat others and how to discover the power of generosity; which all of us could use!!!
Love it!!!

Things I have been up to......

-I just discovered Facebook. I know...I know...where have I been!!! I made fun of the girls at work for being on it....I guess I owe them an apology :)
I don't know if I will use it often....it's very different!

-I have been reading several books.....good ones. I will add a list later.....
My favorite right now is by Debbie Macomber (my friend Miriam got me hooked on her, thanks Miriam).

-taking down the Christmas tree makes me sad....because Christmas time is so special and I do like the way the tree looks with the decor :)

-cooking....my mother is the absolute best cook in the world and she loves cookbooks....she buys them for me all the time. I had to tell her to quit. Anyway, I have been looking through them and finding some new things to experiment with....if I come up with something good, I'll share it. I feel like we cook the same things over and over and over...and you get my point!

-soap...my sister-in-law gave me some lovely goat soap from a local company for Christmas(they actually make it out of their house and have a business)....it's wonderful. I love it and will have to get more. I will add the link next time....I have to find it, first.


-Some of my resolutions:

-be healthier
-treat people like God would want me to
-be a better wife, daughter, sister, friend, boss, co-worker, etc.
-spend more time praying and being thankful
-volunteering my time for something I believe in

I hope everyone has had a safe and happy New Year, so far......and I hope the rest of the year is full of love and happiness for all.