Merry Christmas!!

Our year in a nutshell . . .

I won!

I am SO excited! I won something yesterday off of a Christmas giveaway! I wrote all about it on my other blog. You can read it here. I never win anything!

It's December! YIKES!

Where on earth did the time go?? I can't believe that it is almost time to be sending out a new Christmas letter. Maybe I should be working on that.

I know that I always explain why I never have time to blog anymore but it's really not an excuse. It's my job. Jack keeps me pretty busy. He doesn't nap as long anymore so I have to keep him pretty occupied these days. He is starting to notice when we're not around. If I leave the room, he gets a little anxious.

He is noticing more and more about things in our house. He is constantly looking all around him. He LOVES the Christmas lights and can't stop staring at them. He will be six months at Christmas and we can't wait to see how he reacts to all of the excitement.

Since it has been a while, we decided on posting a couple of pictures of Jack from his first Thanksgiving. He loved it. He didn't get to try any of the food (his doctor said no until at least six months). He was still happy though. And, when Jack is happy, we are happy. :o)

Food. . . . That reminds me. Why do I feel so guilty now when I am eating in front of Jack?? He knows that I have food and he wants it! I feel awful that he can't have a taste. I just want to make sure that he doesn't get any food allergies. I know that, if I don't listen to the doctor, and Jack ends up with a food allergy, then I will feel even more guilty. So, at least if I wait and he still ends up with some type of allergy, at least I listened.

I am still trying to adjust to Jack being around. It has been pretty difficult to put off house work. I just can't really seem to get as much done. I have had to learn (and am still learning) that it's okay and it can wait. I try to do what I can, when I can. I still wish that I could hire a maid though. Especially with the holidays coming and going so fast!

Making great strides!

I just had to share all of the things that our sweet boy is doing now. Yes, it's time to brag! First of all (thank goodness!), his teeth are almost through and his cries of pain are almost non-existent now. Whew. He is reaching for things that I try to hand over to him. The other day, I went to pick him up in the nursery at our church and he reached out to me. Melted my heart. The thing that shocked me the most was that, yesterday, he actually enjoyed eating his cereal for the first time and opened his mouth for the spoon. So, silly faces and noises no more! Finally!

Oh! I cannot forget this! Jackson celebrated his first Halloween this week. Instead of trick-or-treating, we help out at our church for the kids carnival that we call Candyland. We wanted to have more fun with it this year so we decided to dress our little guy up. We have been working on his costume for, well, since he was a month old. We were trying to think of cute and fun ideas that you haven't really seen before. So, we present to you, our lumberJACK:

No, the ax is not real.

Wanting some of that candy!

Started another blog!

I started another blog to welcome the new chaos is our lives. Don't worry! This is still going to be our family blog but I have started this blog about my life as a wife and mother. I will be posting a lot of things that have helped (or not helped) me. You may see some similar posts (like recipes and things) but that's okay.

I'm so excited about it because I will post any giveaways that I find. I am also going to post product reviews. These will just be things that I (Jack or Jeremy) have personally used that I love. Not necessarily for the company itself--although, if they want, I'd be happy to do so! The blog is mostly to be helpful or an encouragement to wives and mothers but those who aren't (wives or mothers) can certainly read it!!! Just go check it out by clicking on the title above. Welcome to my chaos!

T is for Two Teeth!

When Jackson started getting some teething symptoms a few weeks ago, I thought, "Boy, this is it!" It was crazy! I ended up doing a little research. It turns out that my husband and I both were early teethers. I also read somewhere that it's quite possible for your baby to have all the symptoms of teething and not actually get his teeth for a few months. That is certainly not what I wanted to hear . . . although, it did explain why Jack was being so "rotten."

Last night, Jeremy came home from work and spent a little time with Jack right away (which he always does after work). Jack reached out and grabbed his daddy's fingers and put them in his mouth (which he always does after work). That is when Jeremy realized that Jack's two bottom teeth were finally breaking through! Needless to say, I am one proud momma! I keep check the poor kids mouth every hour to see if those pearly whites are popping up yet. He probably thinks I'm crazy.

Fall is back in Florida!

We woke up yesterday and discovered that it was cooler outside! Cool weather is amazing in Florida. You can be outside longer and not have to worry about sweating to death. Although, sometimes you wonder how long this cool weather will last. Usually it comes for a day and then there are a few more weeks of hot weather before it actually stays cool. Today the cool weather came back! I was so excited. We'll see how long it stays around.

Okay, so I will leave you with one of my favorite pictures of our boy. This was taken on Saturday before we left on a trip for the park. It's so funny . . . he knows how to cheese it up for the camera now!

Trials, Triumphs and Teething

It has been a while since I've written a post. Things have been crazy around here. We have been super busy and not just with Jackson. One thing for sure, I have been embracing my new role as a mom. Sometimes it's a little bit difficult to keep up with the other things that I need to do.

As I have mentioned before, we are fortunate enough to have help in our responsibilities at church so we have managed to cut back with some of our teaching. With that is still some level of worry. Not to mention, I miss teaching the kids full time. It's just not the same. Now when I see them, I wonder how they grow so fast--even when I see them every week!

We have been going through many trials since our new little guy came into our lives. Trials with him and trials with life in general. Our families have gone through struggles and our friends have gone through struggles. One thing for sure, God has been there for me, to help me in my struggles. He continues to show me the areas that I need to work on. I try to live my life in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. So often I fail. It seems like that has been happening a lot in my life lately. I often wonder if the things that are crashing down around me are a result of something that I have done wrong in my life. If not, at least the Lord is using it to cause me to reevaluate my life or the people that I let in my life. Now that I have Jack, I need to keep my focus on God and what He wants for my life. I want my son to grow up knowing the God that I grew up knowing. I want him to learn to love the things that makes God happy and hate the things that God hates. It is my responsibility to teach Jack and raise him up in a way that would bring glory to God.

Alright, so (now that I am a mom) my posts will probably consist of writing about Jack. He is our life and I can't stop looking at him every single minute of every day. He is growing so fast. He just turned 4 months old yesterday. I wonder where the time went.

Along with Jack growing like a weed, he has also started the process of teething. It has been so crazy and I here that it could be a long time before any teeth even pop up. Oh, great. Jack is normally a pretty good baby. He only cries when he's hungry, sleepy or has a dirty diaper. Now that he's teething, I feel like I gave birth to a monster. I call him my teeny tiny teething monster. It really isn't all that bad now that we have figured out different ways to keep him occupied and different things for him to chew on at different times. I have discovered that he loves Finding Nemo and chewing on his burp cloths.

We just started Jack on rice cereal once a day. At times it seems like he enjoys it and then there are times where he looks like he might be sick. He's pretty comical at times. Every time we feed him it is a messy experience but I love it. The look on his face is always priceless.

A mom's work is never finished and the little guy needs me. He desperately wants to be moving but can't figure out the whole crawling thing yet. Until next time, if you're having trouble, find something to chew on!

Adam and Eve had many advantages, but the principal one was that they escaped teething.

-Mark Twain

Stationery card

Festive Family Fall Greeting

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Schedule

I am SO excited! It has been about a couple weeks that we have been working on a schedule here for the Jack-man. He is getting up pretty much around the same time every day: between 8 or 8:30. So he has his first bottle pretty early and then he takes a pretty long nap in the morning. I sit him in his swing and he naps pretty much up until his next feeding. That gives me plenty of time to get ready for my day. Then he eats between 12 or 12:30. Afterwards, he will play until around 2:15 or so when he goes down for his afternoon nap (in his crib). He sleeps about 45 minutes to an hour (sometimes more). Then we'll play a little longer before he eats again (between 4:30 or 5). Then daddy comes home and plays with him. Depending on the day (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays are bath around 8ish), he will take his last bottle around 9 and then it's off to bed! This has been so fantastic! He gets put in his crib wide awake. He will cry for about 10 minutes (less now) and then he is out until the next morning! I can't believe that it has been working out so well. I am so excited about it.

Anyway, I plan on homeschooling him when he's able. I was looking up some stuff to see if there is anything I can do now to prepare him for school when he's older. I found a website that has a (sort of) curriculum for infants starting at 3 months of age. He turns 3 months on Sunday so I think we are going to start that next week. I'm really excited about it!

I just went outside to get the mail a little while ago. It is so nice out! I can't believe that Fall is almost here in Florida! I LOVE this time of the year. It's just perfect out (minus the mosquitoes in the evening). I can't wait to take Jack out during the day for some fresh air. It's been too hot for us to be outside for too long. Jack hates to feel sweaty. :o) So, I am celebrating today by putting up our Fall decorations. I can't wait until the day that Jack can appreciate all of this with me!!! Until then, it looks like I'll be able to catch up on my reading! ;o)

Quotes from the events surrounding September 11, 2001

For a detailed account of the events of 9/11 please clink here.

“Terrorism against our nation will not stand.”
- George W. Bush – Remarks at Emma Booker Elementary School. Sarasota, Florida – delivered 11 September 2001, 9:30 A.M. EDT

We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. -George W. Bush, Speech after 9/11 attacks

"You can be sure that the American spirit will prevail over this tragedy." --Colin Powell

"The city is going to survive, we are going to get through it, It's going to be very, very difficult time. I don't think we yet know the pain that we're going to feel when we find out who we lost, but the thing we have to focus on now is getting this city through this, and surviving and being stronger for it." --Rudolph Giuliani

The full horror of what has happened in the United States earlier today is now becoming clearer. It is hard even to contemplate the utter carnage and terror which has engulfed so many innocent people. We've offered President Bush and the American people our solidarity, our profound sympathy, and our prayers. But it is plain that citizens of many countries round the world, including Britain, will have been caught up in this terror. --British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Interview, September 11, 2001

This morning we were notified about the horrible news of the series of terrorist attacks in the United States, that have left a great trail of destruction. Mexico expresses its condolences to the Government and the American people for the irreparable human losses. We also express our energetic condemnation to these attacks. I have informed President George Bush of our feelings of sorrow and our solidarity in such difficult moments. --Mexican President Vicente Fox, , September 11, 2001

"Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness and a quiet, unyielding anger." -George W. Bush

This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world. -George W. Bush 9/11 Address to the Nation

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children. “
- President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

“Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew. “
- President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001

America will never run...And we will always be grateful that liberty has found such brave defenders. -George W. Bush

Remembrance

I sit here watching my little guy swinging in his swing and fast asleep. I can't help but think back to the day that he was born. Tomorrow he will be 12 weeks old. I can't believe how fast time has gone. Every day that I celebrate this new life, I can't help but think back to the lives of those I've lost.

August was one year since we lost my Grandma Martin. Life without her has continued on but not without thoughts of what she might be thinking or saying if she were still here with us today. I thought of her the day that Jackson was born. I could just imagine her excitement as she received the phone call that her great-grandson was born.

This month will be five years since my brother, Phil, passed away. I know I post about this every year, but it is really laying heavy on my heart this year. For those of you who don't know, about a month after my niece was born, Phil found out that he had Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I was devastated. Why would this happen to my family . . . to his family? I didn't understand at the time. Now that I think back, I know it was all in God's sovereign plan. I wish so much that my brother could meet my little son. I can imagine him saying, "I can't believe my little sister has a kid of her own." I wish he were here so that he could see his nephew. At least I know that both he and my grandma are smiling down on little Jack.

The last week, I have also been reflecting on the lives lost on September 11, 2001. I remember that I was in college and had just gotten out of my 8 o'clock class when a friend told me that a plane had crashed into one of the towers of The World Trade Center. I remember going to the snack shop and watching the t.v. in there just as the second plane crashed in the the second tower. You could hear a pin drop, it was so quiet. We were all in shock. That is when we knew that this was more than just an accident. Our country was under attack. In chapel, the president of our school told us that classes would be cancelled for the rest of the day. I don't remember much else from the rest of that day, other than I was able to call my mom on the phone and talk to her. It took a while to get through with my calling card (I didn't have a cell phone back then). I just remember that I was a little scared and we talked about how something like this could happen to a country like the United States.

So, this month is a month of remembrance for me. Remembering the birth of my son, the lives of my grandmother and brother, and the lives of those lost on September 11 and the days following. We don't know why God chooses the paths for us that He does. But we do know that He does it to show His sovereign will. Here are some verses that I have found helpful in the past:

Philippians 4:6-Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Psalm 20:7-Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Jeremiah 17:7-Blessed in the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.

Nahum 1:7-The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.

Psalm 18:30a-As for God, his way is perfect.

Psalm 27:1-The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 37:3-8-Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret--it only causes harm.

Where'd the time go??

August 18

Wow! We have not made a post for over a month! Sorry about that. We have been a little busy. But I promise to try to post more often. I figure that I will be able to post a little more since I am getting more sleep now than I have for the last 11 months! Jack just turned 2 months last Thursday and he has been sleeping through the night for a whole week. We are thrilled . . . and much more rested! Not to mention, we are finally making it to Sunday School again!!

I guess I should fill everyone in on what has been going on in our lives since our last post. We have had family visitors. My parents were here for the birth of Jack and then my mom came back a week later to help out until I was fully recovered from the hemorrhaging. It was so nice to have them help and to see how they reacted to their 3rd grandchild. Every grandchild is as big of an excitement as the first! :o) At the end of July, Jeremy's mom and sister came to visit. It was Jeremy's sisters first time visiting us and we were glad to show off Jackson as well as where we live. Megan, you need to come back now that we have our schedule all figured out with Jack! :o)

Okay, now it's time to go back to bragging about our baby. Ever since he turned 2 months, he has been so much more fun! Not that he wasn't before--but he is smiling more and laughing. We can actually play with him now. It's a lot of fun. Last Saturday, he actually rolled over from front to back! We were so proud of him--he was terrified. It was kind of funny. Anyway, needless to say, we are having a blast with our little boy. We love him dearly.

We are gradually going into the time of year that I love the most: Fall. However, I wish so much that I could have the pretty Fall colors that are up North. I miss that most of all. I can't believe that we have already gone a whole year. It will be Christmas before we know it! (Another favorite time of year!)

It's also hard to believe that we have made it one year without my Grandma Martin. I still think of her often. Every time I look at Jack, I can hear her excited voice about her great-grandson. I know she would have loved him. She never knew about him because we found out we were pregnant a month after her passing. I still miss her very much.

Sorry it's taking me so long to post this. Jeremy came home for lunch and then I had to feed Jackson. I just wanted to ask you all to pray for Jeremy. While he was home, he received an email informing him that a friend, and former co-worker, passed away. Jeremy had the opportunity to witness to this man on many occasions. He was loved by our family greatly. We will certainly miss him. We covet your prayers during this time.

To finish what I started about Fall almost being here, reminds me that I need to let you know that our schedules at church are winding down! After much prayer, we have decided that we will be giving up being the Directors of our Wednesday evening kids club: The Winner's Circle. We have somewhat mixed emotions. We certainly have loved teaching the children in our church and we have done so every almost Sunday and Wednesday evening since we have been members. Finally, after 5 years, our church family is growing and we now have the help that we have prayed and waited for so long. We are truly blessed and grateful that there are others who are willing to step up and take over some of our responsibilities. We will, however, continue to be the Directors of Children's Church. We figured because of Jeremy's work schedule (and our new family member), this will be the best option for us.

Well, I suppose that is all for now. I will try to post more regularly. As mentioned before, please keep us in your prayers.

Welcome, Jack!

Well, it's taken me almost two weeks to be able to write about this. We have been a little sleep deprived here and trying to adjust to our new schedule. I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you all know exactly what went on in the days surrounding Jack's birth.

Thursday, June 16, we had our final prenatal appointment. It was a normal appointment and then our midwife talked to us about being induced. It turned out that our options were to either be induced or go back the following day or to the hospital on the weekend to get some testing done (including a stress test) to see why I wasn't progressing anymore. Jeremy and I discussed it with our midwife and really trusted her opinion. We decided to be induced.

Friday, June 17 (our 5-year anniversary) at 5:30 am, we went to the hospital to be induced. I was hooked up to the IV's (and Pitocin) by 6 am. Things were going really well and the contractions didn't seem to bother me as much as I had feared they would. Apparently I was supposed to be in much more pain than I thought I was feeling. Around 3 pm, my water broke. By 7 pm, I still wasn't progressing any more so I asked for an epidural. At 10:30 pm, my midwife came in and said I was 10cm and ready to push! I watched the clock start ticking down the hours with every push, wondering if he was going to make it for our anniversary.

Finally, on Saturday, June 18, at 1:07 am, Jackson had arrived! Thankfully, I had him as a distraction because I started hemorrhaging. I really had no clue what was going on around me. I am so thankful that I had gotten an epidural because they needed to give me shots in my leg to help stop the bleeding. (Of course, I am a wimp when it comes to needles, but I couldn't feel a thing.) The last shot that they could possibly give actually stopped the bleeding. I was that close to needing to have a blood transfusion. We thank God that it didn't come to that and I thank God that I had my little man to distract me and the epidural so I couldn't feel what was happening.

At our hospital, they move you to a different room after you have your baby. Because of all that went on, we didn't make it to the room until around 5 or 5:30 am. We were so tired but didn't get much sleep. The nurses had to keep coming in every hour to check my temperature, blood pressure, and stitches.

Our stay at the hospital seemed very long and we were glad that we finally had the okay to leave on Monday at 6 pm. It was so good to be home!

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day! We just wanted to take this time to thank those who have fought for our freedom. Thank you!!!

For a little history on Memorial Day, click on the blog post title.

Week 37!

It's been a while since we have had a blog post. Where does the time go these days? We have been busily preparing for baby Jack. Can you believe that we only have 2 weeks and 3 days until his due date?! We had our 37-week appointment on Monday and I have already dilated 1cm, 50% effaced, and at pelvic station-zero (which explains all of the low back pain I have)! All of these things are great! That means Jack is well on his way . . . but it still could be a little while yet.

So, what are we doing while we wait? Hmmmm . . . good question. A lot of reading, watching television, EATING . . . you know, that sort of thing. I throw in some cleaning every now and then. They say you get the "nesting" instinct when it gets closer to delivery but I haven't really felt the urge to do that yet. Maybe it's because I am constantly cleaning anyway.

It's getting a lot harder to move around these days. I can't really bend over to pick anything up. It is hard to sit for long periods of time or stand for long periods of time. There really isn't a happy medium.

Oh! I have to tell you this! We were sitting on the couch Monday night and I felt a jab in my stomach. I looked down and felt the bulge . . . it was a tiny, little foot!!! I felt the heel and everything. It was so amazing! I just HAD to share that.

So, we will try our best to keep you updated on any news of the arrival of our little boy. WE CAN'T WAIT!!!

Family Visits

As promised in our previous post, we are posting some pictures from when Sarah's aunts and mom visited a couple of weeks ago. It was so nice to be able to see and spend time with family.

Aunt Laura, Sarah, and Aunt Gina

Aunt Gina, Aunt Laura, mom, and Sarah

Mom's last night in Clearwater.

April Happenings

As you can tell from our blog posts, we have been pretty busy in April. Our minds have been preoccupied with preparing for the baby and less on blogging. We had to focus on registering at the hospital, taking some birthing classes, scheduled doctor appointments, and various other activities.

Sarah's mom came to visit for a couple weeks for a baby shower as well as to help prepare a little bit for Jack's arrival. She did a lot of work for us and we were very grateful for all the help. Also, two of Sarah's aunts came from up North to surprise her for the baby shower. They were able to spend a few days with her and her mom. (We'll post a few pictures from their visit later.)

Below we have posted a few pictures from Jackson's baby shower that our church friends organized. We are very blessed by the love and support that our church family has shown to us during this time of preparation for his arrival. Jack is already one lucky little guy.

Sarah and her mom

Sarah and her Aunt Kathy (who lives in Clearwater).

Sarah and her cousin, Melissa (who lives in Tampa).

Sarah with her friends who taught preschool with her!

The Lord works in mysterious ways . . .

This week has been quite the interesting week. And it's only Tuesday!! I have been struggling with the many burdens of pregnancy. Since I am in the 3rd trimester, my emotions are going crazy again. Along with that, I am very concerned with all of the things that we have yet to accomplish before Jack comes to live with us. Yesterday was a VERY self-focused day. Everything that could go wrong, seemed to go wrong. I felt so alone. I began to be very worried about the lack of "stuff" we had for Jack which, in turn, made me worry about labor and delivery. Not sure why, but it did. Now, this is not the focus of my blog post today, but I will share with you only a little bit about my concerns.

I have pretty much come to the conclusion (and have know for a long time) that labor and delivery is going to hurt and hurt BAD. I know that there is absolutely no turning back, nor do I want to. I do not regret the decision of ever knowing about Jack. He means the world to me, and I haven't even officially met him yet. However, my flesh gets the best of me and I tend to worry a lot at times. Such is the case here. I can't seem to get it out of my mind. Because of that, other things have fallen by the way side. Certain chores and responsibilities have become neglected despite my recent blog posts about life management.

Okay, so I told you that this post is about something totally different.

The Lord has already used several people in my life, just in the last two days, to turn my focus toward Him. For that, I am thankful! The first instance occurred around noon yesterday. I was reading a blog post from a friend. Now, remember, I had already been well into my self-pity party. She was talking about the chaos of life and how important it is to rely on the "Person who promises peace." It was just what I needed to get a slap back into reality! If you're interested in reading her blog, you may do so here. I trust that you will find it encouraging. It is so nice to have friends! I'm speaking to ALL of you!

A few hours later, I was back into my pity party. Then, my mother called. All she had to do was hear something in my voice and she asked if I was okay. I couldn't keep the tears from coming. To make a long story short, my parents (my dad is home on Spring Break this week) had some very encouraging words to say as well. I was told to read Psalm 139. If there is ever anything that you are struggling with, I encourage you to go to that passage in the Scriptures. O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways (vv. 1-3). Of course, don't miss out on the rest of the passage! It is just as vital.

Not too long ago we decided to switch cell phone companies and plans to save money for Jack's arrival. We do not have a land line, so cell phones are our only means of communication in the even of an emergency. Because of the switch, we have been fortunate to have unlimited texting! Now before, we never really saw a need for it, nor did we even care to join the texting phenomenon at all. But I must say, when you don't have time for a phone call (or think you might be bothering someone) texting is the way to go! Yesterday, I was able to text with several of my family members--almost all at once! It was such a blessing to me. Later in the evening, I was also able to Skype with one of my aunts (and a cousin!) who lives in Indiana!! Ahhhhhhhhh . . . Technology!! What did we ever do without it??

Also, let me say, I have the best husband in the world! I don't want to leave him out of yesterdays encouragement. While, he has been having his own issues to deal with this week, he still manages to encourage me. He is my very own personal cheerleader. He wouldn't like it that I used that term to describe him! Every day he tells me that I can go through with this. That I will be great. There is slight hesitation on my part, but I think I'm starting to believe him.

That brings me to today. I know this is getting long but I don't want to leave this part out at all. I decided that I was going to listen to a sermon. Some of you may know that my brother is a youth pastor. I went into my iTunes playlists and I managed to find a sermon that he preached a couple of summers ago at the church that we grew up in. He spoke on Ecclesiastes and how Solomon sought out the meaning of life on earth. He had all of this "stuff." Are you seeing where I'm going with this?? He had fortune and mansions galore. He even built them for other people!! So, what does Solomon conclude? Our fulfillment is ultimately found in God alone. Not in our academics. Not in our amusements. Not in our accomplishments. Not in our possessions. It's okay to be happy but our satisfaction should be in God. God gave him wisdom and he had the wisdom to figure out the True meaning of life. Solomon says, Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man (Ecc. 12:13).

So, my thoughts?? Well, in light of eternity, whatever happens in the delivery room happens. I can't really control it. Whatever I don't get done before Jack comes, it doesn't really matter. All that matters is that my focus is continually on God and God alone. He is where I get fulfillment.

My brother ended his sermon with this quote by missionary, Jim Elliot. May it also be our prayer each day. God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life that I may burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life but a full one like You, Lord Jesus.

More Trials??

"God never moves without purpose or plan...give thanks to the Lord though your testing seems long, in darkness He giveth a song... O Rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistake. He knoweth the end of each path that I take, for when I am tried, and purified, I shall come forth as gold." -Ron Hamilton

Today, the words of this song are flying around my head. There is so much going on in our lives that, sometimes, it makes it harder to trust. But I have to remember Who brings us in and out of each trial. I can't help but focus on the example of Job in the Bible. (I'm sure that I have made a reference to Job before in my blogs, but we can all use a little reminder once in a while, can't we?)

I really don't want to go into great detail about the specific trials that we are facing right now, that isn't really what is important. The important thing is how we are dealing with our trials. We all handle them differently. My main focus is to make sure that I am handling them exactly how God wants me to handle them. With an upward focus on Him and His Word. Trusting that He, and He alone, will get me through each day. Don't get me wrong, it's often difficult to remember this, but, through each trial we face, God purifies us. The more we want to be purified, the easier the next trial may seem.

Does it always seem that God is around when we face our trials? No, not always. Sometimes it feels as though He cannot be reached. But, I promise you, He IS within reach. We must open our eyes and focus upward. He will always be there to guide us. I encourage you to read through the book of Job. Study the trials that he faced. He had a lot taken away from him but he still chose to trust and love God. Why can't we do the same for the little that we have that is taken away from us? Job 23:10- But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.

Still Learning

I can't believe that I actually get a chance to write twice in one month! :o) This seems to be a rarity these days. I just thought I would update you on our baby situation. To date, we are at 29 weeks and 3 days! We have officially hit the 3rd trimester and we can tell already that Jackson will be a VERY active little boy. Even as I write this post, he is kicking up a storm.

We still have quite a bit to accomplish before our little guy is here. Not just in preparation for his arrival but for our jobs and church as well. I am still continuing with one of the things that I love and that is creating jewelry. I have had to put it on hold this year due to pregnancy sickness and such. I am starting to pick back up slowly. However, I have decided that I can't continue with my Mary Kay business at this time. With Jack coming, I need to be totally focused on him and the other responsibilities that my family and church bring. To me, those are top priorities. While I am disappointed, I know that this is the right decision and that brings me great relief.

There are other things going on that I cannot share at this time. But I ask that you pray with and for us as we continue to seek God's guidance in these specific areas. It seems to be a lot to handle at this time but we know that God is in control and will work it out according to HIS will, not ours.

On a brighter note, we have started our 2011 garden!!! We are trying a few new things this year. Jeremy planted corn, squash, okra, and strawberries. We're not sure how well they will grow but we're anxious to see what happens. We also have planted the normal tomatoes and beans. So far everything seems to be growing as planned. We had a lot of rain yesterday and looks like there will be more on the way later this evening.

I can't believe that Spring is already here! The flowers are blooming, the garden is growing, the birds are singing, and the sun stays out longer! It's so wonderful living in Florida this time of the year.

I am still continuing with the book that I mentioned in my last blog post (Life Management for Busy Women). I am learning (or maybe I should say, re-learning) so much. I am reading about managing the home. I am so glad that I decided to cut out some of my other responsibilities in life so that I can focus better on my family and home. I know that life is going to be quite a bit busier when you add kids to the mix. Anyway, one thing I have been focusing on is that my day should start with prayer. You can't have good home management without giving it over to the Lord in prayer first. A second thing is that you always have to be reading! Rather it be from the Scriptures or from books. Learning is the key . . . even when you're out of school! You're never finished with your studies. God has given us many resources to use, we need to take advantage of them.

Well, I have so many more things that I could share with you from this book, but I will have to save it for another post. Jeremy is on his way home for lunch and I need to put into practice what I have learned and re-learned these last two weeks. My family is important to me! Until then, keep God first and family second!!

Casting All Your Care

I suppose I haven't written in a while. Has it really been 2 months?? Time sure is flying by these days. There are times that I lay in bed wondering where all of the hours in my day went. I guess that's why I'm writing this post at one o'clock in the morning. I have just been thinking about what life is going to be like with a third person living with us.

Oh! This reminds me to update you all on a few things first. At the end of January, we found out that we are going to have a BOY!!!! We are very excited and have been preparing for him ever since. That is one of the many reasons why our posts have been non-existent. Anyway, we cannot wait for Jackson Carter to arrive in June!

So, it has been a few days since I even started this post and I think I am finally ready to finish it. This brings me to why I started writing this post. So much has been going on these last few months. It seems like every time I think that I am finally content where God has me, He shows me another area in my life where I need to be more content. "And be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" Hebrews 13:5.

In a few months, our lives are about to change forever. We will be adding another member to our family. No longer will I only be focused on making my husband happy but my child as well. I have been reading a book by Elizabeth George called Life Management for Busy Women. In one of the chapters, she discusses managing your children. She shares the "guidelines" that she used when raising her own children. It has been very encouraging these last few weeks as well as a nice reminder of what God requires of parents. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" Matthew 6:21.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. I Peter 5:7

Christmas Happenings!

Here are some photos from Christmas for you to enjoy! We had a great time with Sarah's parents while they were visiting.

Church Christmas Banquet with friends!

Sand Key Park Beach

Sarah's 29th birthday!

Honeymoon Island State Park