Made for Worship

Fitting

2011-04-12T21:28:00.003-04:00

We planted a magnolia tree in remembrance of Emily on her due date in 2006. I chose a magnolia tree because their flowers are just so incredibly beautiful! Bob and I were discussing the flowering trees the other day, and he mentioned how other flowering trees hold up so much better in colder weather, and flower longer. I thought about that....but you know....it's so fitting....Emily's tree blossomed just a little over a week ago. Yesterday, the wind blew so strong most of the petals are now gone. It always loses its petals so quickly. But it's sort of a metaphor for Emily's life. Those flowers blossom and for a moment we get to enjoy their beauty...and in a flash they are gone. And so comes our Emily....she was with us such a brief moment, but in that moment held all the beauty we could ever imagine. I don't think there could be a more fitting tree to remember her :)

Facebook & Things...

2011-03-08T21:14:00.003-05:00

Facebook has robbed me of my blogging. I love blogging and writing out my thoughts because many times I feel about a million times better when I do. Now....I just go on FB and make a comment here or there....I don't get to articulate anything! I need to stay away from it and do more of this!

I miss my husband. I miss my kids being happy and healthy. This winter has worn on all of us. We are 4 people 200% ready for spring! We have no idea what this spring will hold for us....lots of changes I know. The Lord has provided us peace though that whatever happens...it's going to work out.

Whatever decisions we have to make....I want to make sure that we are doing everything that the Lord wants us to do.....I was reading last night in Luke about getting so involved in living in this world....that you miss your heavenly focus. I am fearful of doing that as our days are filled with work, kids, chores, etc. I don't want to forget through it all that I am here for one purpose and that is for God.

Bob's snoozing on the couch...so I'd better get off here....

P.S. I can't stand Brutus (our neighbor's dumb dog with a loud mouth that stands outside half the night and barks). OY!

Confession #81

2010-07-01T07:16:00.003-04:00

Swearing....

So I don't swear...and I really never have (save trying to be "bad" in high school - very short-lived). It always felt awkward and unnatural.

Well, I began reading Stephen King books when I was about 12 or 13 years old....and if you've never read them...they have ALOT of swearing in them!

Well, as I read them I would feel bad because to me reading the words was just as bad as saying the words....so I developed an internal conversion chart....where each word had a "substitute" word that I would use in its place (ex: the "S" word would automatically be converted to "shoot" and so on and so forth). Well, apparently I was very good at it...because I STILL do it to this day. I told Bob I can be reading a Christian book that mentions Hell and my mind still reads "heck" first...(Of course in the Stephen King books it wasn't used as the Christian books use it).

Same goes with reading things people put online with language I don't care for....My mind still converts all the words (which is actually very beneficial!) :)

Now....if only I could find a way to convert audible words....then I'd be all set! :P

Robbed of my Freedom...Found Clarity!

2009-11-20T16:18:00.003-05:00

I used to use this as a place to vent when something was really bothering me. It felt good to write it out. I enjoy writing, always have, and it was a good hiding place. But it's not a place to hide anymore. I feel like my freedom to express myself was taken away. I miss it. I've barely blogged in the past year and I miss it terribly. But now I am always wondering about what I'm saying, who will read it? will it be used against me? and it is more difficult to just let the words out...

It's no fun to live in the past...but what do you do when you feel bound there by others? Just let it go? Accept it? Move on?

I'm not a bad person. People who know me know that. I like to keep to myself, have my small circle of fantastic friends, my family, my wonderful children. I don't want to be ruled by something I can't control. I think that's my answer.

God knows my sins. He knows my sorrow and regrets. He knows my hurt and my pain. What I really need to do is just give it over to Him and be ME. If I am me, and people don't like me, atleast I am being true to who I am and not fake and unhappy. Or if I AM unhappy, atleast I'm still happy being ME! :)

I refuse to be ruled by the past! I refuse to be bound there, by myself or others. The Lord doesn't want me there, and if I give Him control....then I WON'T be there!

Ok.... Thanks for listening. What do you know!? It's still therapeutic after all!

Too Much For Words...

2009-10-12T15:37:00.001-04:00

Our kids are awesome. Totally awesome. I have missed blogging and telling you all about them and what they are up to. I'm going to try to do that now...

Sometimes Alex "talks" with his mouth shut...so it's more like a big groan.

Maleah asks "Why?" but doesn't know why she's asking it half the time.

Alex is all boy but squeals like a little girl sometimes. It's soooo funny!

Maleah loves to play pretend, with her dollhouses, or even just her hands :)

Alex has had to hold a lovey since he was a month old!

Maleah still doesn't eat much...but I think we're up to about 6 total foods!

****I recorded the above on August 18th and never got to finish my post...How sad :( These two are amazing and I miss blogging but they are so much more fun :) ****

Maleah is talking so big....full sentences and all. She remembers everything...even showed me where she hid when she drew on her pants this morning. :) She knows to hide but doesn't know not to tell ;) That's a good thing :) She's eating better and sleep is on and off good....but she is amazing. We've watched her turn from this baby to this big kid. She doesn't like to play alot with kids her own age....but babies she adores, older kids she tries to be like, and adults she does ok with once the shyness is gone. She's polite most of the time and only throws fits when she's tired or hungry. She has quite the personality. She still asks why and doesn't understand why she's even asking....so when she does that I just ignore her :) She loves to take pictures of everything and does a wonderful job at it too :) She loves to paint and color and draws very good faces for a 2 year old :) She can operate the computer with ease, playing games on NickJr.com, typing messages and sending faces to her daddy on Yahoo Messenger and pulling up and watching her iTunes shows and DVDs. She loves Miss Amy at church and calls it "Miss Amy's House". She has begun praying over her meals, the "God is great" prayer....and is so proud of herself for it. She loves her mommy and daddy. She is a totally mommy's girl at the moment...hardly allowing anyone else to do anything for her...it's all mommy. She adores her baby brother. She takes care of him, being the first to go in his room when he wakes from a nap, turning off his fan and telling him "Hi buddy, Hi, Nice Boy". She asks for her Gramma every day and called her Papa yesterday to tell him "Who-Dey!!!" after the Bengals won :) She is an amazing little girl and I am so blessed that the Lord would allow me to spend even a moment of my day with her.

Alex is so big! You have no idea! He has this mop on top of his head...he's had 3 trims so far and I think we'll have to go full-blown cut. It's so thick it looks like a (phonetically) two-pay :) (have NO idea how to spell that!). It's a beautiful reddish brownish orange and just gorgeous. He's as silly as I've ever seen for a 6 month old. He loves playing "Peeky-boo" with Maleah and cracks up at her. He talks to her all the time. Baby Jacey at our friend's house was crying (2 weeks old) and he was mimicking her because he thought she was talking to him. He loves to squeal and has started to growl too. He's just in the last week or two started to say "Mamamamama" which I am thrilled with :) He eats up to 3 jars per meal on his baby food stage 1's and as soon as these are all eaten, he's ready for stage 2 :) He's been opening his mouth for food since he was about 2 months old so I'm not surprised at his eating :) He's been wearing 6-9 month clothes for about a month...he's SOOO long. Currently over the 95% on height....Bob says wide receiver for the Buckeyes :) He's just begun sitting up, he rolls from one side of the living room to the other with ease...and oh so fast. :) He gets to excited to get a bottle...he'll cry like there's no tomorrow and as soon as that bottle is in sight, his body starts shaking and he exhales these little breaths until he gets it...perfectly calm in half a second. He loves attention and will do whatever he has to do to get it. He loves to turn upside down....which I think he's too young for, but he doesn't care :) There are no boundaries for him :) He gets so excited to see his Papa, flailing and jumping in your arms until he takes him. He cries almost every day when I get home until I pick him up....a mama's boy I guess :) He's such a good boy and just so pleasant to be around :) He's observant always watching everything and wants to be big so bad! I thought having Maleah was a blessing, but you add a second...Alex is so different and so amazing in his own ways. He has made our family complete.

When people ask me about my kids, most of the time I can just smile and say "They are awesome" because my heart explodes with love and pride over them and if I get started talking about them I can hardly stop. They are amazing. God is so good. How someone can look at these miracles and not know that there is a Creator out there....whom we should be bowing down and thanking every day that He would allow us to be in the presence of something so precious.

If you haven't gotten to be around them....you should :) These are two of the most amazing individuals God has ever created :) Golly, we just love love love them :)

(Sorry for the long paragraphs...like I said, once I start, it's hard to stop!)

Just a few....

2009-10-12T15:03:00.001-04:00

Our Little Man Eating Oatmeal!

2009-08-17T19:35:00.000-04:00

My Man's First Haircut...

2009-08-17T07:03:00.004-04:00

Well, on July 16, 2009 my little man got his first haircut! It's more of a "trim" but here it is!

He ROCKS! :)

Things to Ponder

2009-08-17T07:03:00.002-04:00

Ok...I was talking to Bob Friday...and I wonder...

Why is it "prove" and not "proove"
but it's "groove" and not "grove" ???

My Apologies...

2009-07-27T14:12:00.002-04:00

With little time during the day I've been facebooking more than blogging...not that I don't want to blog...there's just not enough time! Hopefully I'll get there soon. :) Sorry! :(

My Man...

2009-07-15T15:23:00.001-04:00

My little man was a big man last night...he slept unswaddled for the first time and didn't wake up any more than usual :) He did fantastic! Loves to lay on his side with his bug (pacifier) and lovey (burp cloth). He did just wonderfully! He gets his first haircut (trim) this evening...hair's down below his eyes already! He's just so awesome!!!

Updates....

2009-07-07T15:19:00.003-04:00

Well, I started back to work...then my back got worse...and I was off Thurs. last week (closed Friday). I'm back this week and nice and busy, which makes those 4 hours go fast. I miss my babies...and love coming home to Maleah's loving hugs and excited "Mommy's home!" Alex sees me and grins and gets so excited, and he talks so big now! I can't wait to show more pictures...there's one my dad took that is SOOOO Alex!!!

I am so thankful to be home with the kids. I couldn't ask for anything more. Alex is snoozing and Maleah's getting her babies ready for us to give them bubble baths :) We are gonna have a great time! It'll be fun to get her outside when Alex wakes up too! :)

I am so incredibly blessed. God is so good. That's such an inadequate statement to describe how thankful I am. But the extent of my thankfulness bursts from my heart, and I know He knows!

It was awesome seeing all of my family last week. Maleah likes to lay on our table and point out who everyone is in the picture. She hasn't forgotten hardly anyone. Even the two Cole's don't confuse her :)

It's a beautiful day today! I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am :)

Remember....SMILE! :) If you don't feel like it, do it anyway! And if you keep doing it, eventually you won't even realize you are! :)

Back to Work...

2009-06-29T07:07:00.002-04:00

Well, it's off to work today (shortened hours yes, but still leaving my babies). :(

I tell ya what though...it's like Alex knows! First, he slept ALL night...didn't wake up until about 6:15! That's the longest he's ever slept! Second, he didn't just fall back to sleep after his bottle! He stayed up and played and laughed with me :)He wanted alone time with Mommy! :) I'm going to miss him so much! :( Maleah too!

Please pray for me if you can....just that I'll be able to focus there while missing them like CRAZY!!!!

My Own Random Passing Thoughts...

2009-06-24T11:28:00.003-04:00

Who knew the weapons of mass destruction that Bush was looking for would be found in the persons making up the new administration? Between them, the dems in the senate and house...it seems like the hopes of this country are fading. Don't get me wrong though...Biden makes it entertaining atleast...

Speaking of entertaining, saw on the news that Perez Hilton called another person a gay slur...Talk about LOL. Tell me, Perez, when you say something's gay do you think about what you say???...

Speaking of gay...how about the government spending over $400G to research why men in Argentina are meeting for "special time" in public restrooms...what an EXCELLENT use of our taxpayer dollars!...

Speaking of taxpayer dollars, how about the $450G our government spent to find out why men don't want to wear the "glove" during the "fun times"...

Speaking of fun times, lots of family is coming up this weekend to spend the week of the 4th with all of us...I am SOOOO looking forward to that!...

Speaking of family, I'm going to have to start leaving mine next week to go back to work :( Sad, but thanks to an awesome employer I get to cut my hours way back to spend time with the kids!...

Speaking of spending time...this is not a great use of mine while the kids are sleeping!

I don't know how Bob keeps up on the random passing thoughts...I can't do it! It's exhausting!

Off to do my Bible study...but the kids are fantastic, Alex is sooo big! Maleah's been sleeping in her big girl bed and hasn't exited her room without permission for a week and a half! Bob is Bob :) I am gearing up to go back to work Monday. Gotta do it, so why dread it??? Atleast not until Sunday night, when I look at those two beautiful faces and know that I'll miss them for 4 hours the next morning. :( My boss is so great working with me though. I feel led to be home more, so it's great that he's working with me. No manipulation, no back & forth, I knew what God wanted of me and I asked. Praise the Lord it was answered! They are truly amazing kids and I am so proud of them. :)

I got to go to a Paints game last night with my dad for Father's Day, just the two of us, and we had alot of fun :) :) The hot dogs still rock! Next Tuesday is dime-a-dog night...sad I'll miss it!

There are prayer requests I have...remember Rodney Lens, Beth and her family and all they are going through, and those hurting for losses recently suffered. Every new bad thing that pops up is just a reminder that this world is NOT our home and I praise the Lord for that!

Times a wastin'! Gotta go!

No apologies here! :)

Alex Smiling!!!

2009-06-15T14:43:00.000-04:00

I LOVE to see babies smile!!!

Maleah dressing herself....

2009-06-15T14:34:00.002-04:00

There's a phrase we hear all day long...

"Baby do it"

When she knows she's getting it, she says "Baby doinin' it"

So most of the time...we let her do it. How else will she learn???

By the way, the "skirt" is a pair of capri pants...and, NO, I didn't let her leave it that way!

More of Maleah and Alex

2009-06-15T14:28:00.002-04:00

He just loves his sister!!!

"Baby hold it, please."

Oh, the hair....she yanked it out of piggy tails...It's DEFINATELY my hair!!!

Those two can ham it up, can't they!?

Two Months Old!

2009-06-09T10:37:00.002-04:00

Alex had his 2 month appointment today. He did excellent! He was in the best mood the entire time we were in there (until the shots at the end). He loves to play so he was happy as could be just laying there and playing on the table. He weighs in at 12 lbs. 4 oz...2 lbs since last month. That's about 75%. His length was 25.5"...so he gained another 1.5" since last month and tops over the 100% mark on height. He's gonna be a tall fella. :) The doctor LOVED his head control and mobility, his ability to push himself up on his arms, as well as his legs. One wrong (or right) push and that guy's rolling over! He had to take an immunization by mouth (which he took the entire thing without hesitation) and he had 3 shots. He took them like a little man. I was so proud of him! Pray that he doesn't get the nasty feverishness that can come with the shots...right now he's sleeping soundly. :) He was just so incredibly good! He's my boy...I love him so much!

Pics of Alex

2009-06-04T08:24:00.001-04:00

Just look at that red hair!

Maleah LOVES her baby brother!

He was a good boy at the zoo. Not much for him to do! See him holding his lovey??? Already needs one to relax and sleep!

Some Pics of Maleah....

2009-06-04T08:18:00.002-04:00

These first 3 pics are Maleah at the zoo. We got her one of the backback baby harness things so we could let her walk without her taking off. It was adorable. I only made her fall down once too!

These next 2 pics are just showing off her pony tail...We've been able to pull it back now and she loves it! :)

Thank You's

2009-05-30T16:21:00.003-04:00

Ok...so no matter how great the intentions...I never got thank you card's sent out to everyone who got us gifts and gift cards for Alex...It's officially a lost cause. So I just want to thank everyone that did from the bottom of my heart. Please don't take the lack of card as a lack of caring...Each and every gift has been a blessing to us. The gift cards have saved us too...because we are still using them to buy all of Alex's food, diapers, etc. and they have been fantastic.

Thank you all so much!!!

It Has Begun....

2009-05-28T15:17:00.002-04:00

Take a look at this story to see what I'm talking about...

Maleah & Alex...

2009-05-28T08:20:00.002-04:00

They are so sweet!

Alex has to hold a lovey when he's tired. I've never seen a 7 week old who needs a lovey...but as soon as you put one in his hands he begins to relax. So sweet :)

He gets so incredibly worked up when he's hungry. And when you take the bottle away to burp him too soon...he wines this adorable little whine...like he can't believe you would dare do that to him. And the pucker face he makes when he does it...it breaks your heart.

He loves his sister. If she's around and talking...he's watching (unless he's sleeping, of course). ;)

He loves to sleep on his belly. When we swaddle him at night, he's like a beast getting out of that thing! He's so tough for such a little guy....

He looks so wise. Always watching and observing. He doesn't seem like a little baby...he seems like a little man.

Maleah just loves him. She'll get right up in his face when he's laying down and talk to him and kiss him and call him a "nice boy". Yesterday she got her book "Meet Blue's Baby Brother" and held it up right next to his face and was "reading" to him...pointing out to him who all the characters were on the pages. It was adorable. She loves to hold him too. She'll climb up next to me on the couch and say "Hold Alex please" over and over until I let her "hold" him. She always, always, always wants a bottle to feed him when she holds him too.

We went outside last night and she took her baby for a walk. She tucked her in, would stop to put the sun shade over her head, made sure she was fed....she's so sweet...pays attention to everything.

I did my first set of taebo yesterday while Alex was sleeping. Maleah was doing it too. Cracking up the whole time. She even ripped the side of her diaper and it popped off. She had the best time though.

They both love to be outside. Alex will sleep for hours under the shade of the tree in his pack 'n play. Maleah will do everything...the fence my dad put up is amazing! She loves the outside...but it makes it so much easier to have her play when you don't have to chase her around front!

That's all for now! ;)

Cry Out to Jesus

2009-05-18T08:01:00.003-04:00

I've been thinking about people in my life who are hurting....I wanted to share this song...

Cry Out To Jesus by Third Day

To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
When you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They've lost all of their faith in love
And they've done all they can to make it right again
Still, it's not enough

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up, but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame and your suffering

When you're lonely, and it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus, cry out to Jesus

To the widow who suffers from being alone, wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight

Count Your Blessings....

2009-05-13T07:28:00.003-04:00

Each and every day I find that I need to look around and see just how good I have it. When the worst things going on around me personally are not having enough money for home projects, losing sleep from being up with my healthy baby boy, or arguing with Bob over what to have for dinner ( :) ) then I'd say I have it pretty good.

There are so many people around me, or that I hear of, that are going through situations that I fear for the day it comes knocking at my door. So many people that I love that are hurting right now. I am a fixer. I want to fix it for them. I want to take their pain away. Whether emotional, physical or both....oh how I wish I could fix it. But there's someone that can. Accepting Christ doesn't mean the pain will go away, that the situation will radically change. But Jesus takes that burden away. Does it mean you won't hurt? That the worst will not happen? Not at all. But the radical difference in your outlook on the situation, the hope in something greater than what rests on this earth....that makes it more bearable.

To those going through situations right now that seem so unbearable...call on Jesus. It'll be the greatest move you ever make. And remember...we're praying for you.

To those not facing the toughest of the tough....pray for those that are...

And look around at just how good you have it right now.

Just a few more pics...

2009-05-12T08:46:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd add a few pics of Alex too... :)

What Maleah's Doing....

2009-05-12T08:39:00.004-04:00

She is currently sitting in the middle of our living room floor....on a towel with a changing pad underneath....giving her babies bubble baths. You would not believe how happy she gets to fill a bowl with bubbles and use her baby bathtub and wash them all. She makes a mess all over herself and washes herself more than her babies....but she absolutely loves getting to do it!

She's an absolute doll :)

I thought I'd add a few pictures....I don't think I've done that in awhile...

P.S.

2009-05-09T14:13:00.004-04:00

The bicyclists get on my nerves!

I was so frustrated. We were coming up Paint Street and there were many in front of me and about 3 behind me. I was going to turn down 2nd St...but the 3 stupid people (and I mean that) behind me decided to pass me on my right-hand side at that moment. I thought they were supposed to obey regular traffic laws?! Anyway, I decided to go down to Main St. instead....and there were more coming up behind me. I got in the right hand lane but the light was red. They all start passing me, totally surrounding my car. I am a polite driver, but I wanted to lay on my horn. That's a good way to get run over, for crying out loud!

A good note....I did get to see one of them fall down off their bike. That felt sort of sweet :)

Evil Miranda must be coming out thru this!

Alex Update...

2009-05-09T14:01:00.002-04:00

I took Alex to the doctor on Thursday and here's the updates:

1. He weighed in at 10 lbs 4 oz....so he's gained 2 lbs since birth. :)

2. He measured in at a whopping 24" long! (Keep in mind he was born at 21.5") He's above the doc's 100% mark for height.

3. He got a treatment for thrush...a one time treatment inside his mouth. It looked like he chewed on an ink pen. It was purple dye stuff....and it got 6 spots on top of his head that look funny. They still haven't gone away....that stuff is STRONG!

4. He still had his umbilical cord stump when I went in that morning. One month and one day old...and that thing STILL hadn't fallen off! Bob changed him that evening...and it FINALLY did! Gotta be close to a record! Geesh!

He's excellent. Growing so fast and getting so big! I'm so proud of him :)

Wish someone would have told me....

2009-05-06T16:35:00.004-04:00

I wish someone would have told me how quickly Maleah would grow up. Not just in life in general...though I still can't believe that she's 2...but with having Alex.

Sunday night, April 5th, I went to bed and she was my baby. April 7th, I came home, and she wasn't a baby anymore.

If I'd have known just how fast she would seem so incredibly big, I would have held her longer that Sunday night....I would have let her stay up a little later....made sure I got down (no matter how uncomfortable I would be) and played with her all day long. I would have made that day last.

She'll always be my baby girl....but she is definately NOT a baby anymore.

I am so incredibly proud of her (even in her fit-throwing, I'm not listening to you and I'm rolling my eyes moments). She's an amazing little girl and getting bigger by the day. She moved up out of her nursery class and she was so excited to be playing with the big kids. She amazes me day by day and moment by moment. She's totally awesome.

But if I'd have known she'd grow up that fast.....I'd have held on just a little longer....

One Month Already!!!

2009-05-06T16:31:00.004-04:00

Alex is one month old today. I cannot believe it! This month seems to have flown! He's getting a little chunky and I'm going to have to start putting cereal in his bottle because he's eating sooo frequently! He has his appointment tomorrow...I cannot wait to see how much he weighs and how long he is! For those of you who haven't seen him since he's been born....you must see him before he starts walking around! I'll update on his appointment tomorrow. The dumb umbilical cord stump is STILL there....from what I've read we shouldn't be worried...but come on! It's been there for a MONTH!

On a side note...Maleah is enjoying Alex alot more :) She was giving him tea to drink yesterday from her tea party :) She loves to help with him too!

A side note to my side note....she now knows how to use a computer mouse. She'll play her own videos on the computer from her DVD and from iTunes. Cracks me up :)

You should see her too. She's getting so big and talking so so so big. :)

Maleah in Alex's Shorts!

2009-04-19T15:37:00.003-04:00

I had posted about Maleah wearing Alex's 3-6 month shorts. Here's a really cute picture of her in them... while sitting in his car seat.

My Girl...

2009-04-17T16:10:00.002-04:00

I just had to blog about this. I'm inside cleaning...Alex is sleeping...Maleah is outside playing with her daddy...in the shorts we just bought for Alex. They're 3-6 months...and yes, they fit. She is adorable in them. :) Blue plaid. Wearing a boy's blue Adidas shirt too. With her pink sandals. Cute :)

Update on Us :)

2009-04-16T15:40:00.003-04:00

Well, I assume everyone knows....Alex is here! He came on Monday, April 6th. :) He's awesome and adorable as can be :) Pray for him, as we had a weight check today and he's still not back to his birth weight...and as much and as frequently as he eats...I don't see how that's possible. He's totally fantastic though. :) I'm going to be so sad when Bob goes back to work Monday :( I've enjoyed this last week and a half having all 4 of us together. That's rigth! There's 4 of us now :) So awesome!

There's probably lots to update on but I just don't have the time! I wanted to post a few pictures though!

Due in 4 Days....And NOTHIN'!

2009-04-04T15:29:00.002-04:00

So here we are...the Saturday before our due date...totally having expected that Mr. Alex would have greeted us by now....and NOTHIN'! He's still snug as a bug in a rug! I am beginning to wonder if we'll ever get blessed with his wonderful presence! Maleah probably doesn't even believe he's real anymore...we tell her "No, that's for Alex" and "Look, this is for Alex" and she's probably wondering "Who in the world is Alex!?"....So keep praying for us...he's got to come out sooner or later!!! ;)

Maleah...

2009-04-01T06:46:00.004-04:00

There is too much to share about my girl and just not enough time! If you haven't been able to be around her lately....you are totally missing out! She's so awesome! She is talking like a big girl :) She says so many things. One of my favorite sayings of hers is "Oh, yes". Not "yeah" but "yes". She's so exact in certain things she does...things have to be done a certain way, put in a certain place, etc. She's so much like me in ways you can't even teach! She's got busy hands and loves to give these hugs that just wrap around your entire body :) She loves to do things all by herself, but will let you help after trying and not succeeding. She loves to be outside. She knows which direction is "Mama's house" and "Papa's house". She sees the phone and assumes I've got to call Mama. :) She's a picky eater who loves pringles cheez'ums. She eats the filling out of the oreos, but doesn't always want the cookie. She loves big kids but also loves to play by herself. She loves to read and I LOVE the way she suggests something and then makes it sound like it's YOUR idea!

I'd share more....but I've got to finish getting ready!

250!

2009-04-01T06:46:00.001-04:00

That last post was my 250th post! :)

Update on Baby "I'm Never Coming Out of Here" Alex! :)

2009-04-01T06:43:00.001-04:00

I'm 39 weeks today....and had my appointment yesterday. Nothing has changed! Maleah made my little guy a condo and he's perfectly happy living there! We go for another appointment next Monday (assuming he won't have come out by then) and if nothing happens....more than likely I'm going to be induced at some point. But he's doing great! We've all been sick with this or that....but hopefully it's to the end of it for all of us. We certainly don't want little Alex born into lots of sickness where no one can come see him! He's awesome though...I'm just SOOOO ready to meet him!!!

Sumburger Drive-In

2009-03-22T17:15:00.003-04:00

Thought I'd share a little something about our weekend....

We had lots of errands to run yesterday, and it was just after noon and we still wanted to run to Kmart to check out their baby stuff...Maleah was getting hungry and wanted french fries so we decided to go to Sumburger because we rarely ever get it and it was right across the street...

So we decided to pull up to one of the drive-in spots. It was good, the food was excellent. Maleah wouldn't eat her fries, and Bob spilled mine on the floor and console...but it was still a good meal. We were just finishing up and I told Bob that I wished that we'd gone there more back when we dated. He agreed, because you can sit in your car and eat and not worry about everyone staring at you. Then a car pulls in just diagnal from us. Probably atleast 20 empty spaces, and they had to pull in right there. So we started discussing needing one of those windshield blockers to put up so that no one could watch us eat...

The next thing I know, as Bob's trying to polish off the fries...the man and woman in the car across from us are making out! And I mean REALLY going at it! So here we are, at a FAMILY restaurant, sitting in our car with a 2 year old...and THAT is what we have to see! Well, me. Bob didn't see. I told him to look because if they were going to do it where everyone can see then we might as well ;) He wouldn't. Don't blame him. Here it is NOON on a SATURDAY and they're making out like they're at a drive-in movie theater!

Needless to say Bob was done with his fries. We pulled away and trashed the left-overs.

So now I must clarify....when I mentioned we should have gone there more when we dated, THAT was NOT what I had in mind!

NOT Feeling the Love....

2009-03-11T08:13:00.003-04:00

So I got Maleah ready this morning, fit-throwing and all, avoiding kicks to the stomach. She didn't want to leave. We HAD to go. We were already running too late. We got to Stacy's and I still had to go get gas, and my girl....who was all abusive this morning....would not even tell me goodbye. Wouldn't give me hugs...kisses...nothing. I wish I could say I just shrugged it off...but I didn't. I cried. I still feel like crying. I feel like crap. I hope it's not a crappy day. Right now it sure FEELS like a crappy day.

Sorry for being such a downer. :(

Feeling the Love...

2009-03-11T06:40:00.002-04:00

It's been so long :( I'm so sorry about that!

In the last few months I've been busy with working, etc....and I haven't been able to find the time to get on here much! Trying to get caught up for a 3 month leave is difficult!

In the last month, I was thrown 2 baby showers. My family threw me one and my work threw me the other. I feel so loved when I see how many people really care enough to make the time to go, as well as supporting us in helping Alex's supply grow. We went from having no baby boy clothes to hopefully enough to get us through these first few months! We've got our "big" items we needed, and are stocking up now on diapers, wipes, etc....but people are so amazing. :) Sometimes you can go around feeling like no one cares about you....but that's certainly not a complaint I can muster :) Not after the love people have shown us! We are so very appreciative of everyone in our lives....and sooon I will be sending out the Thank You cards! Promise!

There's been alot going on....but for now....I just feel so blessed and wanted to share that.

P.S. We're 36 weeks today....so be praying for us because it's getting close! You'd think after having Maleah it would feel more real...but it doesn't. I STILL can't imagine having a newborn in the house! Can't imagine having a baby boy....getting to lose sleep all over again...getting time off with them....I'm so excited and scared! :) I can't even IMAGINE how many times he's going to pee on me! :)

Bob's Confessions #4

2009-03-02T11:02:00.001-05:00

I haven't done one of these in awhile so I thought I would. I was going through all of the dumb things I've said and done over the course of the last 28+ years to come up with a confession...

What I found is that spilling your guts on a blog sucks. Anyhow, here's something for you:

I bawled my eyes out watching The Notebook.

That is the single greatest love story movie of all time. It was some amazing writing and acting... and I will never watch it again.

I have no problem admitting that I cry from time to time. Mostly over very sad things. That movie... had some seriously sad parts.

I sobbed over "It Won't Be Like This For Long" by Darius Rucker (formerly of Hootie & the Blowfish). If you haven't heard this song and you have a child.. don't listen to it.

Why did I cry over the movie? Because it was about loving someone so much that you'd give everything just for a few seconds with them.

Why did I cry over the song? Because it was about your little girl growing up and not being little anymore.

I love Miranda and Maleah with all of my heart... That's why I cried.

Some Quick Updates!

2009-02-23T06:42:00.003-05:00

Sorry it's been SOOOO long since I got on here. I know people are wondering about how things are going...

We had a huge virus hit us at work...so our computers were down and now we're on a "lockdown" type mode. I don't feel comfortable getting on my blog at lunch or anything...so if it's not the Gazette's website...I'm not on it! Sorry for that because my time at home has been pretty limited too!

Bob's job is fine as far as we know. He said some people are still finding out here and there that they've lost theirs. He's heard nothing so far so we assume he's safe. Thank you all for your prayers! :)

Maleah is fantastic! She's 2 now of course. We had her birthday, and then little Corbin arrived on Kaitlyn's party day :) It was a hectic January, but things have calmed down since :) I'm done working Saturdays and am currently still working 5 days, hoping to get it down to 4 for a few weeks before our little Alex arrives. Maleah needs some "Me & Mommmy" days :) I miss those Fridays off with her :( Hopefully they come again soon.

She peed in the potty Friday night :) She's not potty trained, but I'm so proud of her for recognizing that she needed to go, and then going, even though some ran down her leg and she said she had to "poop". :) She's getting to be such a big girl!!!

Alex is doing well too. He moves around so strong in there! Sometimes it takes me off guard. It's such a blessing. This has been a much easier pregnancy than with Maleah. I'm sure Bob's thankful...I can still put on my own socks and shoes :) He was doing it for me long before this point with Maleah because of all the swelling. I'm almost 34 weeks...Maleah came at 38....it's SO CLOSE!!!! Keep us in your prayers that everything falls together in the next month. I've requested 12 weeks at work for maternity leave...and I'm not 100% sure if I was granted that or not...so pray that I get my time to spend with my babies :)

We taught 4-5 year olds for the month of February during worship....have to say though I love those kids...I'm glad that is over for a few months! Talk about EXHAUSTING!

I'm pretty sure that's a small taste of everything. Oh, and my dad helped paint and do Alex's room....He painted the George's for us to put on the walls...he is so awesome!!!!! :)

Do Not Worry....

2009-02-04T10:49:00.002-05:00

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
-Matthew 6:34

It seems such a simple verse...and really is true to our lives...but how do we stop worrying? In this time in our country, I think we all find ourselves doing just that. So how do we stop? I wish I could answer that question. I could say "just believe God's word" but the truth is, I read it, I know what it says, and I'm still scared out of my mind. Bob got an email this morning...regional jobs will be lost...We won't know until Monday who...but it's terrifying. I don't want to worry. I don't want the fear of what hasn't even happened yet control my now. I don't want to anticipate the bad to the point that I make myself sick, only to later find out that everything is ok...

I have to believe that whether he loses his job or not...everything will STILL be ok. I can look and say "I don't know how". Insurance costs would kill us to go with my company...as well as many other small issues we could list all day long...but the truth is, there really is no point in worrying about it right now. We may as well just wait and deal with it when we find out for sure.

Believing that God will take care of us, and that His plan is greater than anything we could ever have in mind for ourselves....those are things I can trust in when I can trust in nothing else.

Bottom line....GOD IS IN CONTROL.

:) Amen to that! :)

Happy Birthday!

2009-01-26T15:22:00.003-05:00

I saw Bob's post and had to make a quick one myself!

Wish all our babies (and big kids) a very happy birthday! Maleah turned 2 on January 19th, Corbin was born January 24th, and Kaitlyn is 3 today :) It's a busy week for the grandparents...and will be for years and years to come. :)

There's so much I want to share about Maleah. She can drink from a big kid cup, likes to play dress-up and plays with her dollhouse...she's talking so incredibly big and has started to sing her ABC's as well as the theme songs to various shows including Wow Wow Wubbzy. I just love her! She steals my heart everytime I see her, hear her, think about her, look at her....She's unbelievably ours. Such an awesome gift the Lord blessed us with!

So Happy Birthday Babies! :)

Don't Give Up on Me!

2009-01-24T11:09:00.003-05:00

I've been working 6 days a week for the month of January....and had Maleah's birthday! Bobby & Nicole's baby should be born sometime today and we have Kaitlyn's birthday too! So I've been so busy. And TIRED. All these hours while pregnant can get a little difficult!

Things are going well though. :)

I'll start posting again soon. Promise! :)

Alex Update...

2009-01-15T10:02:00.002-05:00

I went Monday for my 28 week appointment. Enter the third trimester! It has gone so unbelievably FAST! It was my sugar test. Bob couldn't go with me, so I was all my by lonesome...save for the little guy who LOVED LOVED LOVED the sugar drink! He's doing fantastic! His heart rate is 144. He's growing just where he should be (thankfully not too big yet!) and when Dr. Parks went to rub the heart scanner on my belly, he kept kicking it! He is such a funny little guy! :) I'm good too, though my statistics don't need to be shared! :) We (Alex and I) were able to sit in the waiting room and read for an hour while I was supposed to be working. That was great! Another Brandilynn Collins book....and soooooo good!

FYI....for anyone who worries about the drink for the sugar test...don't listen to the overdramatic people...it's actually really good. Just go in there thirsty and you are SET. I love the drink. I ended up crashing around lunch time once the sugar wore off....so I had to, just HAD to, eat a 3Musketeer. No choice really! :)

So we're doing good. I'll be going back more frequently as the time nears. :) So exciting and scary at the same time!

Keep praying for us.
Pray for Bobby and Nicole....there time is approaching very quickly.
Pray for Stacy and Kevin....we have 2 babies coming...and we're hoping soon for news of a third!

In My Daughter's Eyes

2009-01-10T14:37:00.002-05:00

I was listening to Ross 106.5 at work (which I usually don't do) and this song came on by Martina McBride. It's a beautiful song which I've heard before but never really listened to the words....

In My Daughter's Eyes

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the
world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me
strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand
around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart
has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daugter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy
she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes

I will never get used to.....

2009-01-05T15:34:00.002-05:00

....being called "big" in reference to how much space I take up just because I'm pregnant. People feel it's ok to constantly comment on your size just because you're pregnant...and I find that rather rude. If you want to comment on my "cute belly" you go right ahead! :) Just don't tell me how fat I am!

....people I don't know really well touching my belly. I am not a lamp with a genie inside! Close friends and family, touch it! I don't mind. Hopefully you'll feel Alex kick! :) Everyone else....maybe think twice before inviting yourself in for a belly rub. I have serious space issues...and you are violating my space!

You could call this the rantings of a pregnant woman....because I'm ranting and I'm pregnant...but I have spoken to many women who feel the same way. So....respect the pregnancy hormones! :)

Today SUCKS.

2008-12-31T10:56:00.002-05:00

Here's to hoping that somehow, someway it all gets better....before I have a nervous breakdown.

Thanks for listening.

Bob Rocks!

2008-12-30T15:57:00.002-05:00

I have to give Bob kudos for some totally awesome Christmas presents this year! With the pregnancy...it seemed it would be a bit of a challenge. However, he came through maybe the best he's ever done!

After a few presents were opened....I had a stack of books and CD's. He was bummed. I wasn't! I LOVE books! He bought me 4 of Robert Whitlow's books. I've never read his before. I'm sure they will be great! :)

He also bought me another Brandilynn Collins book. :) I LOVE LOVE LOVE her books! If you haven't gotten a chance to read them, come borrow some! I've read 6 now I believe. I am starting another series...and we have to finish buying it. I only have 2 of the 4 books needed. She writes fantastic...and none of her books parallel each other. They are all unique and different. And awesome! He was able to email her and get me autographs for each book. And bookmarks! It was a fantastic gift!

He also bought me 3 seasons of the Gilmore Girls...ON SALE. He's a great shopper!

AND he got me a digital photo frame for my desk. My girl scrolls picture after picture all day long! :) She's beautiful and I find myself smiling or giggling over certain pictures (I did that when I pulled up the blog and there she is in the sink with her hair sticking up...and looking oh so happy!).

AND he got me aloe socks. :) They are so soft and comfortable!

He put so much thought into my gifts...wanting to get me good stuff. :) He did a great job. Everything he bought I will be able to use and enjoy. :)

Thanks, sweetie :)

Merry 5 days after Christmas! :) OR should I say Happy New Year's Eve Eve. :) hehe

Heartbroken...

2008-12-29T12:41:00.004-05:00

I am absolutely heartbroken today. After 10 wonderfully fantastic days off with my girl, I had to go back to work. It was an awesome vacation and an awesome awesome Christmas with her. She amazes me more and more every day. I miss spending our days playing, hugging, laughing, and just soaking up as much of her as I can. I'll fill everyone in on our Christmas in more detail when the thought of doing it doesn't make me want to cry.

She's my girl. My awesome girl.

Here's a few pics of her....They'll definately make you smile :)

She loved playing with Santa Claus...though he would occassionally get decapitated...

Just IMAGINE the scheming in those eyes!...

Christmas morning at home....(Post haircut...you can see in the prior pics she needed it!)...

Christmas Eve at Grandma Parsons....she LOVED the rocking horse and cowgirl hat...The pointing her hand like a gun is all her!

Scroll down to the next post for a few more pictures!

A Few More Pics....

2008-12-29T12:12:00.000-05:00

I couldn't help but post more!

She LOVES her George...and crackers... :)

Loves to have her picture taken!...

WE had fun with her bath....though I don't think SHE did!...

Cute picture...that hair!...

Kids....

2008-12-19T08:13:00.002-05:00

Oh my lands, they are hilarious! We help with 4-5 year olds in Awana on Wed. nights. There are two boys in that class that were particularly interested in my rapidly growing belly. Some of their comments and questions cracked me up! They wanted to know:

Is he really in there??? "Yes, he's in there."
Does he have a name??? "Yes, his name is Alex." You already named him!? they said.
What does it feel like? Does it hurt??? "Nope, it sort of....tickles...."
There's not a real baby in there! It's a fake baby! (Then one of them wanted to punch my belly). "No, no. There's a REAL baby in there."

They were so funny! Back in October one of them asked me where babies come from....You get alot of detailed questions when you're pregnant around such young children! It was a very enjoyable night with all of those kids. When I stop helping, I'm going to miss them!

We Remember...

2008-12-16T06:48:00.004-05:00

Three years ago at 1:10 a.m. this morning, Emily was delivered - 5 inches long...1 1/2 oz. So small. Too small. We said goodbye before we got to say hello. It was such a horrible night. Then we we were faced with a decision we never expected...whether or not to see her. No one could prepare me for making that decision. It was a struggle of my heart like no other. I had in my head all these visions of Emily that had formed...what should I do??? We prayed about it and prayed about it. We decided against it. Part of me feels like it was the right thing to do. She wouldn't have looked as I would have expected. No one could prepare me for what I was going to see. Bob says it was the right decision too. But there's that part in me....the mommy part, I guess....that feels like I SHOULD have seen her. No matter how different she would have looked...I should have done it. That's a regret that I have to live with. Wondering if I made the right decision.

What would she have looked like growing up? Would she have had my brown hair? I think so. I always thought so. She would have been one beautiful girl. What would her laugh have been like? Her cry? What would her mannerisms have been? What would be her favorite things to do? There are so many special things about Maleah....and I know Emily would have had her own set of special things....and it kills me that I'll never know what they would have been. I can only imagine what could have been with her.

I don't remember much beyond that morning. I remember getting enough pain killers to sleep. I remember my mom on one side and Bob on the other....all night....never leaving me. I remember the chaplain coming in and referring to my lost child as a "fetus". That made me so mad. I remember my doctor coming in. I remember getting my box with my tiny memories of her. Ultrasound pictures. A blanket someone crocheted just her size. Her footprints....her tiny, tiny footprints. I remember being wheeled down to leave that hospital....nothing to hold but a tiny box of memories on my lap. While mothers get to leave with their babies that was all I got to take with me. I remember Bec calling on the ride home....then nothing. I remember absolutely NOTHING about the remainder of that day. Too much pain too remember, I guess.

We had her creamated. They did it for free. Her ashes were scattered at the base of a beautiful magnolia that we planted in our backyard on her due date, May 26th. That same day we planted her tree we announced to all our friends and family that we were expecting again. It was a bittersweet day. We also took all the memories we have of our angel and made a shadowbox. I've posted it below. There are ultrasound pictures, the blanket made for her, her tiny footprints in the top left, and the ornament that Nicole & KJ got us that year for our tree....parents to be....

My heart shattered that year, but somehow God in His magnificent glory found a way to mend it. Thank you, Lord.

Another Sad Day...

2008-12-15T06:34:00.006-05:00

Three years ago today we made the dreaded trip up to Riverside Hospital so I could deliver Emily. It was a DREADED trip. I knew it had to be done, but hated that I had to do it. My mom and Bob took me up. It was a quiet ride. I won't mention alot about that day. It was long. Painful...both emotionally and physically. Silly me, in all of my optimism, had to have the nurses do one more ultrasound....just to make sure that they were right...that my baby was really gone...There was that part of me that just thought they'll do that ultrasound and she'll be fine and I'll be able to go home...No mother should ever have to go through that. Going through labor pain after labor pain knowing that there's no joy once it stops.

I'm thankful that Bob was by my side. I'm thankful that my mom was by my side. That my dad came when he got off work and stayed all evening. That Nicole and K.J. came up to see us with the kids. That Bob's parents came and stayed until Emily was delivered. You never know how you're going to react to a situation until it happens. I needed the distractions. I needed PEOPLE. And they were there for me. Seeing everyone there made an unbearable day more bearable (if that makes any sense).

One of the things that stands out the most about that day is Pam. Pam was one of my many wonderful nurses. I had been put on painkillers...and was a little fuzzy. I remember her big, beautiful smile as I introduced her to Bob. Turns out it was the THIRD time I had done that. That's something I can remember about that day that doesn't hurt so badly. But for the most part, I try not to think about that day. The hurt, the pain, the remembering....it's too much.

This experience in my life showed me just how powerful God is. He got me through it. He gave me the strength to wait as long as I had to to deliver her. He gave me the strength to suffer through that day. He gave me the strength to deliver her. I could never have done it without Him carrying me...and that He placed two loving people on my right and on my left to never leave my side...

Thank you, Lord, for getting me through that day and the painful days to come. I never could have done it on my own. I know You carried me. I never could have walked that path. Thank you, Lord. I love You.

A Sad Day...

2008-12-14T16:39:00.003-05:00

Today has been a sad day. It's been 3 years since the checkup appointment when I found out my precious angel was gone. Three years seems like so long ago and not so much all at the same time. It hurts. Today it really hurts. Memories can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Today, they're my enemy. Today Christmas is sad to me. Today so many little things remind me of that day. It hurts deep inside. I know it'll get better...it always does. This morning, I didn't want to get out of bed. I can't help but remember that day. Being at home...Maleah napping...a quiet afternoon...too much time to think.

That's why humor is my defense mechanism. I don't like to hurt. She'll be up soon...we'll have a fun rest of our day...and in a few days the "remembering" days will be passed for another year. For now, I just have to pray that God will take that pain away, make these next 2.5 days easier. Make the memories fade...

That day three years ago, I don't remember if it was sunny or cloudy. I remember it was cold. I remember leaving that doctor's office all by myself and having to call Bob at work to tell him the bad news...I remember going to my mom's work and having to tell her...I remember calling Kathy at work, knowing she was the only boss who would ever understand the hurt I was going through. I remember telling Becky, Jaclyn, Stacy, Nicole, so many others... and feeling like a failure. I couldn't protect my daughter. I couldn't give her life. She was gone. I remember it was one of the longest days of my life. I remember Bob, my wonderful, wonderful husband, knowing me so well....knowing that going home that evening, her still being IN me but not WITH me...that I needed a distraction. We stopped at Walmart when we left my mom's that night...terrified to go home...and bought Season 1 of The Office. Anything to not allow me to sit there. And think. I love him so much for that small thing he did for me. He got me through that night.

I remember laying on the couch, crying, so sad....and the revelation that I had from God that He had blessed me with her...and she had been mine for 17 weeks because He allowed it to be so...and for reasons unknown to me He had deemed her too perfect for this world. I don't ask why. I never have. I never will. I am thankful to Him that I had her as long as I did. I was able to feel her move, if only just once, it was one more time than I should have been able to.

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings You have given me. For my beautiful angel, for my Maleah, and for the new life inside me. Protect Alex, keep him safe until he is born to us. Help him to grown to be healthy and strong. Shield me from the hurt and pain as the memories flow through my mind. Help me be strong, Lord. I love You so much. I pray that through these events, through the strength only You can provide, someone will see what a Rock You are...and come to know you, Lord. In Jesus Name.

Blogging

2008-12-12T15:47:00.003-05:00

There's something awesome and cathartic about blogging. It's a healing sense to your soul. It's sort of like a diary, journal and life stories all rolled into one. It's nice. Here lately, you would think I am the only person who blogs...mine seems to be so intriguing to so many people. Shockingly, I didn't create it, nor was I the Christopher Columbus of discovering the blogosphere. It's a blogosphere because so many people do it. I do it. Bob does it. Bec does it. My Aunt Mary does it. In fact, so many people do it, that even with all my hits I've had recently, my blog is still ranked almost 4,000. Bob has one that's just over 4,000 and another that is over 12,000 that he gave up on a long time ago. I'm not sure what Bec's is, but if the people at work find hers as well, then I assume she'll really start increasing in rank too :)

I love blogging. I really do. My family and friends can read it. They can catch up on Alex updates, Maleah updates, or just US updates.

I hope all my friendly readers keep coming back too. I like having you around! :)

Irked...

2008-12-12T13:03:00.005-05:00

You know something that really irks me? I love ABC Family during Christmas. They do the 25 Days of Christmas, and every evening are supposed to show Christmas movies, cartoons, etc...for those 25 days in December.

This year they did a countdown TO the 25 Days of Christmas and added an extra week or two of movies. I was so excited! I love Christmas and all the Christmas movies! What irks me is that during their 25 Days....and remember, it's ONLY 25 days....they are showing Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia....Now, come on! I'm sure there are many like me, who during this time, would love to see Home Alone, The Santa Clause, and many many more CHRISTMAS movies...

Like Bob says, snow in a movie does NOT make it a Christmas movie!

So that's my irk for the day. :)

Christmas....

2008-12-10T12:57:00.003-05:00

My boss and I were talking a few days ago about all the nostalgia associated with Christmas. It seems like everyone has things that they do or watch or listen to that take them back to their fondest memories of Christmas.

My biggest one is The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas albums. My mom and dad would always play their songs on Christmas morning while we were opening our gifts. Every year, right before Christmas, it is a MUST to listen to those songs! Happy Christmas Eve, Christmas Carol, It's Christmas....these are some of the songs that I hear and it immediately takes me back to home as a child. I remember sitting in the living room at night with all the lights off and the tree lit, just enjoying the moment. Christmas is by far the most wonderful time of the year....it's definately the most magical.

I also have to watch a Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman and even Garfield Christmas (It was on ABC Family last night actually). These were some of the most watched shows in our house. We also would sit in the living room and listen to the Scooby Doo Christmas on the stereo as well as the songs about Mixie-Pixie, I'm Gettin' Nothin' for Christmas, Alvin & the Chipmunks, etc. These were routine things we did almost every year.

I think of these every year, and still try to watch and listen to all I can that takes me back to those days. Not that I can complain about these days...we'll create memories for Maleah and Alex that I hope they will carry with them throughout their lives as well.

:) Merry Christmas! :)

Confession #80

2008-12-08T15:39:00.004-05:00

O Holy Night....

Ok. This is embarrassing. I'm 27, and I just figured this out LAST YEAR. And the ONLY reason I figured it out is because during the Singing Christmas Tree we were lucky enough to have the words on the back screen....otherwise I would STILL be in the dark!

The line that says..."And in His name, all oppression shall cease."
I always thought it said..."And in His name, all the presents shall cease."

I had NO idea WHY those were the words....but that's what I thought it was! SO SAD!

Man, I am an IDIOT!

I should kneel down and kiss Bob's feet every night that he still loves me after all of this stuff! :)
(Don't get your hopes up, Hon, SOOOO NOT going to happen!)

Live Like You Were Dying

2008-12-05T08:21:00.002-05:00

The month of November at church we did a series "Live Like You Were Dying". We had devotionals, it was the focus of Sunday School and Pastor did his sermons on the topic as well. It's a fantastic series, and I would recommend it to anyone.

It really makes you reflect...if I had only 30 days to live...what would I do?

I realized I wouldn't care to go sight-seeing, I wouldn't want to go around the world (or just the country) and see beautiful sights, I wouldn't try daring things such as jumping out of an airplane, I wouldn't even care to go to the ocean one last time. Though I don't fault those who would WANT to do those things, I can't take those experiences with me anyways, so to me....what would be the point???

So what WOULD I want to do? What I should be doing now. Spending time with those I love. Telling everyone I can about Jesus. About His Saving Grace. About how very easy it is to receive salvation. About the truth in Him. It's hard to do. Suprisingly harder when it's people that are close to you. I have dear friends and family whom I have not actually TALKED to about Jesus. What do I have to be afraid of? They aren't rejecting ME...they're rejecting HIM. I have to have faith in knowing that I cannot save them, but I MUST make sure they KNOW.

Funny how the world gets in the way of these things.
This has been a weird week for me. I haven't let it get me down. I WON'T let it get me down. I can't please everyone, and as much as I would LOVE to get along with everyone...this week has shown that that will probably never happen. No matter what my intentions are...other's intentions may be different. So all I can do is live my life with no regrets, express apologies and ask forgiveness where necessary, and forgive others who have wronged me so badly and hurt me so deeply that they will never understand. That's hard to do. That's what I am working on now. Please pray for me for this. I want to be all the Lord would have me to be...and I don't want to get in His way.

Thanks for listening. :)

Alexander James

2008-11-18T09:13:00.003-05:00

We got to see Alex in a new ultrasound yesterday! It was our 20 week ultrasound. He was so awesome! He moved all over! It looked like he was dancing, and in one it looked like he was singing! Towards the end of the LONG session, he must have gotten exhausted because he put his arm up by his head, and started sucking his thumb (SO CUTE!).

Here he is!

He's a HE!:

He looks like he has a lovey...:

He was jamming to his own tune...and singing along: :)

One exhausted baby putting himself to bed!:

SNOW!

2008-11-17T09:27:00.002-05:00

It SNOWED this morning! Not like flurry snow, but like big, fat, beautiful flakes of snow! It stuck to the grass and the cars and everything! It's gone for now. SNOW!!!!

THAT is why we decorate for Christmas early!

Also, have you ever noticed how when it's snowing outside, it just seems to make the cold air a bit more tolerable? I walked into work with a smile on my face this morning (not to mention alot of snow flakes). :)

CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!

2008-11-13T08:43:00.002-05:00

I am SOOOO excited for it! We have our tree up (not shaped or decorated but it's UP!). We have our decorations out, we're hopefully going to decorate the outside soon (and by we I mean BOB). ;) Maleah will get her own tree this year, to share with her baby brother in future years too. They will be able to decorate it with their own ornaments and have fun with it. I am so excited about that! We are going to watch a Christmas DVD this evening while we finish decorating. I AM SOOOOO READY FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!

You should be too!

Forget about the COST. It's the MOST wonderful time of the year! Everyone is in a better mood, happy, cheery. It's a celebration of Christ's birth. It's fun with friends and family. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas in the best time of the year! I think we should move Thanksgiving UP so that the Christmas "season" lasts longer!

Bob said the people in Columbus are being scrooges about Christmas. Well, BAH-HUMBUG!

Here in Chillicothe.........IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!

Cialis

2008-11-11T13:35:00.002-05:00

Yes, this post is about Cialis. No, it's not a mistake!

We've seen these Cialis commercials for months, I mean MONTHS. I have to tell you what bothers me about them. They're about taking pills for "intimate moments" with your spouse, right??? So why in the WORLD do they show a man and woman sitting in two separate bath tubs at the end??? Just curious. That's really been bothering me. I just don't get it. Of course, when they show them in the tubs, the tubs are also outdoors....so that should bother me too. I just don't get it!

If you care to shed light on why...leave a comment and tell me!

Sweet Little Jesus Boy

2008-11-10T11:01:00.002-05:00

Sweet Little Jesus Boy is another of the songs on the Casting Crowns Christmas cd. Though other artists have sung the song, this may be the first time I have heard it. Atleast the first time I have LISTENED to it. It got me thinking. The chorus of the song goes:

Didn't know You'd come to save us all
To take our sins away
Our eyes were blind we did not see
We didn't know who You were

It's funny how much the world has changed, isn't it? When Jesus was born, they didn't know who He was, they didn't realize He was our SAVIOR. And then you look at today. Today people don't WANT to know who Jesus is. They don't WANT to call Him SAVIOR. It's not that we ARE blind so much as we WANT to be blind. People don't WANT to know Jesus. Don't want to own up to their sins. Don't want to admit that they cannot save themselves. Don't want to admit that they need HIM. Well, I NEED HIM. I can't do it without HIM. If you don't know Him, I wish you would. People seem to think that salvation is so difficult. It's not. It's so SIMPLE. We MAKE it so difficult. I'm not perfect and I certainly don't have all the answers. But there is one answer I DO have. It's JESUS. Say His name aloud. JESUS. It's the most beautiful name to ever grace your lips. Saying it aloud makes it all the more real that He is SO CLOSE YOU CAN FEEL HIM!

If you haven't heard the song...here are the lyrics. Read them. Then listen to it. It's a beautiful, beautiful song.

Sweet Little Jesus Boy:

Sweet little Jesus boy, born in a manger
Sweet little Holy child, we didn't know who You were
Long time ago it seems You were born
Born in a manager Lord, sweet little Jesus boy

Didn't know you'd come to save us all
To take our sins away
Our eyes were blind we did not see
We didn't know who You were

You have shown us how
And we are trying
Master You have shown us how
Even as You were dying
This world treats You mean Lord
Treats me mean too
But that's how things are done down here
We didn't know it was You

Didn't know You'd come to save us all
To take our sins away
Our eyes were blind we did not see
We didn't know who You were

Prayer Request

2008-11-06T09:50:00.000-05:00

Please remember this young man's friend and roommate in your prayers...

From Clay Stamper

My roommate Will (Bruening) has pancreatic cancer--which is one of the worst to have. Please pray for him. He's taking chemo and radiation and seems to go back and forth between optimism and accepting eventual death... It's a ridiculous situation that he doesn't deserve. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pass this on to every prayer chain you know of. I've sort of been on a "prayer regimine," and I try to pray once every hour (which usually amounts to whenever I think about it) that God will remove his cancer or at least give him a decent amount of time...

A Mixed Bag...

2008-11-05T11:33:00.003-05:00

Today I am filled with many emotions. I am sad that John McCain lost. I am frustrated that the democrats will have complete control in Washington. I am truly sad that in just two months, President Bush will no longer be our president. I am irritated that on the news this morning, they were already calling Obama "President Obama", not even "President-Elect" just "President" and it's irritating because people can't even muster up enough decency and respect to call our current president PRESIDENT Bush. Regardless of the feelings you may have towards our president, he has worked very hard these last 8 years. I hear people complain all the time about how much they can't stand him, and there is so much hatred there....You know what? One - he is our president. Any president we have deserves respect. When Obama takes office, I don't have to agree with him, but I can respect him as our president if nothing else. Two - how many times have we been attacked in the last 7 years???? People neglect the fact that President Bush has kept us safe on our own soil since the Sept. 11th attacks. For that we should ALL be grateful.

I am also very excited because Issue 6 was voted down and GEORGE LAVENDER IS SHERIFF!!!! WOO-HOO!!!!

I've had a hard time since last night. I stopped watching the election coverage when Obama won Ohio. We watched Gilmore Girls instead. I needed something light. Something to take my mind off of my disappointment. As I look ahead, I have two months to get to the point of accepting that whether I like it or not, things are going to change. I don't like change, especially not change that I don't even desire. But it's going to come. So we need to pray for Barack Obama and everyone in Washington.

We need to pray that:
...he is kept safe from harm.
...he will make more moderate decisions as president.
...he will work with the republicans and not just dominate with far left decisions.
...he will NOT put into effect the Freedom of Choice Act.
...he will NOT pull the troops out of Iraq & Afghanistan.
...he will make Godly decisions, constantly communicating with God to be sure that he is following God's will.
...he will be humbled with this position.

There's alot more we'll need to pray for. Make your prayer list and pray. Dedicate yourself to it. Sometimes I feel like God doesn't hear us...but then I stop and wonder, are we really crying out to Him? Or do we just accept whatever is before us? There's alot I'm afraif of. I have to rely on God to take that fear away, knowing regardless of who is president, He is still in control. I think it's important we all remember that.

You don't have to get on the Obama-wagon....but when he steps into office on Jan. 20th, accept him as your president. (Wow. That was SOOO hard to say!) :)

Thanks for listening. Sorry if it was a mess....that's sort of how I am today.

I Voted Today....

2008-11-04T10:41:00.002-05:00

...and LOVED it! Regardless of what the outcome is, I feel so good that I cast my vote for McCain/Palin today! It's a beautiful day. The leaves are gorgeous, the sun is shining, the air is warm. It's just a FANTASTIC day!!!

Moving, Moving, Moving!

2008-11-04T09:23:00.003-05:00

This little guy moved around SOOOO much yesterday, and last night his kicks were really fierce. He may be as fiesty as Maleah after all :) Bob got to feel him kick (or POP is a better word). :) It was AWESOME! :)

All Smiles :)

2008-11-03T15:25:00.005-05:00

I could just sit and feel him move all day! It's the greatest feeling in the world! :) His kicks, for being so tiny, can also be sort of fierce! :) I'm so thankful I've been able to feel him move so much today. Bob can vouch for me...there are times I get sort of spazzy about worrying if I don't feel him kick. God has certainly blessed my Monday! :)

Will We Be Sleeping???

2008-11-03T13:38:00.002-05:00

I heard this song today. It's actually on Casting Crowns Christmas album. I've heard it alot before. I thought of the election when I heard it this morning. I thought of where we already are as a nation. I thought of where we're headed. I truly think that we WILL be sleeping. I think we're going to miss it. Our country is literally going to Hell before our very eyes. Sins are no longer seen as sins. Christ is no longer present, for we have squeezed Him out of our lives. People are no longer turning to Him. Soon, there'll be nothing left. We'll become another nation that God sees as not worth saving. And I have to say....after looking around....I don't blame Him if He does. But you know what? I don't WANT to miss it. I don't want our country to miss it. If we'd all just open our eyes...

"While You Were Sleeping" - Casting Crowns

Oh little town of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky
And while you're lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne
And is sleeping in a manger tonight

Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man
And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

Oh little town of Jerusalem
Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son
The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we're sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we're lying in the dark
There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping
Will we be sleeping

United States of America
Looks like another silent night

Baby (Boy) Update!

2008-10-30T11:37:00.003-04:00

We had our 17 week checkup yesterday for our little one. He is doing well. Heart rate was 147. :) In three weeks we get to find out "for sure" what he is. Like we don't already know! :) I'd be SHOCKED, SHOCKED if he were anything different, than, well, a HE! It'll be awesome to get another 4D ultrasound though. I just ask that you be praying for him that his development is strong.

Also, please pray for me. I have seen some slight swelling in my legs already. It started later than this with Maleah and got terrible, and I really don't want to go through that sort of swelling again!

Pray for Stacy too. She's needing alot of prayers so that she can get pregnant again quickly. They're ready for their next, and we all want them to get it NOW! :)

Also, for Nicole and Bobby...they're in the home stretch...and soon their world will turn upside down....in a wonderfully fantastic way!

I guess we'd better pray for my parents too. :) With all these little grandchildren, they'll need it! ;)

Thankful

2008-10-20T14:47:00.004-04:00

I posted a post venting all of my frustration. I also have alot to be thankful for. I think it would also be therapeutic to name some of those as well...

I am thankful...

...that God didn't give up on me.
...that He never does.
...that Jesus provides saving Grace.
...that we can't save ourselves.
...that we don't have to.
...that God blessed me with my angel Emily.
...that I got to have her with me for 17 weeks.
...that God blessed me with Maleah.
...that God blessed me with little baby A.J.
...that He has kept us all healthy...including me and the baby.
...for Bob.
...because I don't know what I'd ever do without him.
...because he never stops loving me.
...that he never leaves my side.
...that he tries so hard to do what's right.
...that our children will never have go grow up in a broken home.
...that I can be certain of that.
...that I have a family that loves me and is there for me.
...that I have a church family to turn to in prayer and praise.
...that I have a mom and dad that are ALWAYS there for me.
...that I have a mom and dad that have shown hard work and never giving up my entire life.
...that I have a mom and dad that always put us first.
...that I have a best friend I can turn to with any prayer request, and know she'll be praying hard, no matter how long it's been since I talked to her.
...that I have a best friend at work that I couldn't get through my days without.
...that I have a house to keep me warm and safe.
...that I have a job that provides me with all of my needs and some of my wants.
...that I get to see Maleah's smiling face every single day (even if she won't call me Mommy).
...that one minute with Maleah erases all the bad moments in my day.
...that I get to hear her beautiful voice.
...that God would even bless me with such an opportunity in this life as to keep that child in my presence and raise her for Him.
...that I have been able to feel the baby move alot today :)
...that God blessed me with so much good in a world so bad.
...that no matter what happens with the election, God is still in control. Whether it's to give us over to our sin, or attempt to save our country....HE IS IN CONTROL. (I have to remember that!)
...for the sunny days.
...even moreso for many of the cloudy days.
...for the smell of fall.
...for the sound of rain falling.
...for the flowers in the spring.
...to witness Maleah appreciate the flowers she sees.
...that she likes to stop and smell them...every time she sees them....and I mean EVERY TIME :)
...for Sudoku.
...for The Office.
...for football.
...for pizza and other "junk" food.
...for music. I can't sing, but I can sure enjoy it :)
...for a sense of humor. I didn't know I had one until I met Bob. He unleashed a beast ;)
...for the opportunity to write this.
...that you listened.

Frustrated

2008-10-20T10:17:00.001-04:00

I am to the point that I am SOOOOO frustrated with the election, with politics, with people, with our country in general.

I am frustrated...

...that this presidential campaign has become an issue of race.
...that the American people no longer seem to care about experience.
...that the youth in America see the presidential race as more of a popularity contest, many knowing nothing or very little about the issues.
...that no one values life anymore...atleast not HUMAN life. Threaten a boy's life for killing a pig, sure. But don't you dare threaten the pig!
...that no one values each other.
...that Colin Powell endorsed Obama.
...that the media is so one-sided.
...that many people base their decisions on whatever the media reports.
...that stars think they know it all.
...that they spread their hatred of our country and our President all over the world, and think it's ok.
...that our country is so filled with hate.
...that I have seen racism in this election and it is more black to white than the other way around.
...that I feel like I will be busted out just for typing that.
...that we can't always say what we feel.
...that the media tore apart Joe the Plumber...HE ONLY ASKED A QUESTION!!!
...that there are still 15 days left in this stupid election.
...that the democrats will control the White House, House and Senate if Obama wins.
...that there will be NO accountability...no checks and balances.
...that our country has become a pit of filth.
...that we have buried ourselves so deep in our sin as a country that God will soon turn us over to all of that sin, and there will be NO light.
...that the moral values in our country are dissipating.
...that abortion is allowed.
...that women can kill their babies at 17 weeks gestation.
...that I went thru so much pain losing Emily at 17 weeks and women take those lives away VOLUNTARILY.
...that no one wants to give a baby rights.
...that includes Obama.
...that everyone refers to a baby as a "fetus". It's a BABY. A BABY!!!
...that women get off on killing their husbands after 1-3 years but men get life.
...that about 90% of the black vote is going to Obama.
...that people will say that that's ok.
...that the economy is so bad.
...that everyone blames Bush...there's ALOT of blame to go around. He is one of MANY.
...that we, as Christians, don't stand up for Christ anymore.
...that we, as Christians, don't WITNESS like we should.
...that we are letting our country go to Hell right before our very eyes.
...that I have become so jaded by the world that I feel there is no hope left for our country. Morality is leaving, people want to do whatever they want and that's all that matters to them. That everyone is all about what can YOU do for ME, not the other way around. That we are all selfish. That there's no fear of God, no call to Christ. That no one turns to Him. Everyone turns FROM Him. That no one sees that HE is the answer. And that we, as Christians, are failing to SHOW them that HE is the answer.

The last thing I am frustrated about...

...that I almost didn't submit this post because it may be a controversial one.

Vote NO on Issue 6

2008-10-06T10:51:00.002-04:00

Don't believe everything you hear on TV. Don't just listen to the ads. Read the detail for yourself. If you go to the website below, you can read some of the major problems involved with Issue 6. I have copied and pasted a portion from the website below. Our state could sell out in greed, and end up getting NOTHING.

http://www.votenocasinos.com/index.html

Lyle Berman has also connected the dots on this casino scam. His language in Issue 6 specifically creates a trap door in the tax formula so that the "up to 30%" tax on his casino monopoly is instantly re-adjusted downward if state or federal law permits another casino in the state. He specifically included the words "federal law" in the Ohio ballot language, anticipating a federal ruling to sanction tribal casinos. Here is how the trap door works:

1) Ohio Issue 6 passes in November making Ohio a Class III gambling state and giving Berman his Ohio casino in Wilmington.
2) The Secretary of the Interior then authorizes the Eastern Shawnee to open a casino in Ohio
3) Federal law specifically prohibits the taxation of a tribal casino or tribal lands by the State or localities.
4) Therefore Berman's Ohio casino tax rate is immediately dropped to the same level as the competing tribal casino which just happens to be zero.
5) Once a competing casino springs the trap door the automatic tax reduction leaves every Ohio county left holding an empty bag of promised casino revenues.

This last point is critical for every Ohio County Commissioner to understand. The promises of shared casino revenues being made to Ohio's 88 counties will be wiped out by this tax trap door contained in Ohio Issue 6. Any additional form of casino gambling permitted by the state or federal government in Ohio will immediately diminish revenues promised to Ohio counties by backers of Issue 6.

This scam was exposed by the Vote NO Casinos Committee at a Statehouse news conference on Friday, August 22, 2008. By the end of that day, the official backers of Ohio ballot Issue 6 conceded their language did in fact contain such a trap door. The Columbus Dispatch stated "The group's leaders admitted today that they erred by including wording that could lower the tax rate to zero and said they were working on wording to fix that."

There is just one problem with that statement: Once a flawed constitutional measure is on the ballot, it cannot be changed. If Ohio Issue 6 passes it will take a second constitutional amendment to change it. By that time, casino gambling will be legal in Ohio, the Shawnee will press to open their casinos, and in the pursuing "casino chaos" Lyle Berman and his friends will be buried by big-time casino developers who have better lawyers.

Fact Check

2008-10-02T16:21:00.004-04:00

If you're anything like me you are tired of the run-around between the candidates. I'm tired of the "He said-He said" and the "He said-She said" and the "She said-He said". I'm frustrated with "You said this..." "No, I didn't. I said this..." "No, you didn't...." I'm tired of the negative ads from both sides. I'm tired of the candidates not being able to just voice where they stand.

So do you want to just know the facts? Like me, you can't get away from all the ads and back and forth, but you CAN get some answers out of them.

Go to www.factcheck.org. When you wonder who is telling the truth, this website will let you know every bit of truth and falsehood that you run across.

Just remember...One month to go!

Go McCain! :)

The Weight has been Lifted!

2008-09-25T09:18:00.004-04:00

Pastor's message on Sunday took a weight of my shoulders that I'm not even sure I knew was there. He spoke on witnessing, and on what is expected of us as Christians to witness. You know what??? We don't have to save people. We don't have to have all the answers. We don't have to debate theology. We don't have to tell them our church doctrine. ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS TELL THEM ABOUT JESUS!

WHAT A RELIEF!

I didn't realize how much I am afraid to talk to people about Christ. I didn't realize the fear I had in someone asking a question I can't answer. I didn't realize the fear I had in not knowing all the answers. I don't have to.

Romans Road
The ABCs

These are important. If someone wants to debate theology, I'm most definately not the one to do it! But I can tell them about Christ and what he did for all of us. It's really simple. It's amazingly simple.

I hope that I will become stronger about talking to people in my life who are unsaved, knowing I don't have to save them. It's not our job to save people. It IS our job to tell them about Christ. God will work on their heart from there.

AMEN to that!

She Is Her Mommy's Baby...

2008-09-22T08:48:00.004-04:00

This is Maleah, taken within the last month:

This is me, taken years ago:

It completely amazes me just how much she looks like me! I am so proud (and feel so bad for her for what's to come)! :)

She is her mommy's baby! :)

Love Song

2008-09-17T11:59:00.008-04:00

I've heard this song so many times I couldn't even begin to count, but today I heard it, and I just had to sit still and listen intently. It's such a beautiful song. We will NEVER understand the price Christ paid for us, but He loves us so much He WOULD do it again...and again...and again...I wish people could see how much He loves them...even those that think they're unloveable...even those that don't believe...It's SOOOO easy!

For jut a few seconds, read these words...truly thinking about what they mean.

Third Day "Love Song"

I've heard it said that a man would climb a mountain
Just to be with the one he loves
How many times has he broken that promise
It has never been done.
I've never climbed the highest mountain
But I walked the hill of calvary

Chorus:
Just to be with you, I'd do anything
There's no price I would not pay
Just to be with you, I'd give anything
I would give my life away.

I've heard it said that a man would swim the ocean
Just to be with the one he loves
How may times has he broken that promise
It can never be done
I've never swam the deepest ocean
But I walked upon the raging sea

Chorus:
Just to be with you, I'd do anything
There's no price I would not pay
Just to be with you, I'd give anything
I would give my life away.

(Bridge)
I know that you don't understand
the fullness of My love
How I died upon the cross for your sins
And I know that you don't realize
how much that I gave you
But I promise, I would do it all again.

Just to be with you, I've done everything
There's no price I did not pay
Just to be with you, I gave everything
Yes, I gave my life away.

One for the Baby Books!

2008-09-16T15:38:00.005-04:00

So, when I was pregnant with Maleah (we found out May 24). That summer, my Cavalier started dying on me...We took it to the auto shop. It was the alternator. Nearly $300 to fix it. THEN in the fall of that same year, while still pregnant with Maleah, Bob's Altima started dying...We took it to the auto shop. It was the alternator. Another $300 to fix it.

Two alternators. One pregnancy.

Enter August 1st (the day we find out we're pregnant with our baby). A few short weeks later Bob's Altima starts dying on us...We tow it to the auto shop. It was the alternator. AGAIN. Another $300. Saturday, Sept. 13th, we're all driving down Bridge Street, my Escape starts dying on us...We tow it to the auto shop. It was the alternator. Another $400!!!

Two alternators. One pregnancy.

I can't even be upset for the huge loss we have to take this month in paying for the cars...the situation itself is hilarious!

Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor???

Nothing Shocks Me Anymore....

2008-09-11T15:50:00.004-04:00

People never cease to amaze me with what they will say! That saying that God gave you two ears and one mouth so you can listen twice as much as you speak rings true here:

Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen riled Republicans Wednesday after he compared Barack Obama to Jesus Christ and suggested Sarah Palin is akin to Pontius Pilate. The Tennessee congressman and Obama supporter was on the House floor giving a one-minute speech when he offered the simile. “If you want change, you want the Democratic Party,” Cohen said. “Barack Obama was a community organizer like Jesus, who our minister prayed about. Pontius Pilate was a governor.”

There Will Be a Day

2008-09-11T13:45:00.002-04:00

I heard this song on air1 this week and I LOVE IT! Absolutely LOVE IT. I wanted to share (sorry about the way the lyrics are on the page, I copied and pasted. :)

There Will Be A Day - Jeremy Camp:

Try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that trys to grab
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth,
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

(Chorus)
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more,
we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long
You feel you’re walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you’ve walked out all alone

(Chorus)

Troubled soul don’t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace He brings
And the beauty that’s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting

I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing

Appointment

2008-09-10T15:19:00.003-04:00

We had our first appointment yesterday, complete with a 4D ultrasound. :) Our baby, who will more than likely be called a she until we know for sure, was so beautiful! The heart rate was 175 (I think). I know it was in the 170s. I was so excited to see that baby IN there! I told Bob...doesn't matter that I took 10 pregnancy tests, until I see that baby I can hardly BELIEVE it! "She" was there. And just the one! Not multiple, as some may have hoped!

There are a couple of things we would like to ask you to pray for. One is a small cyst on one of my ovaries. The doctor isn't concerned, but still...and the second is that I have the same bleeding on my uterus just like what happened with Maleah. A fairly common event, but still something to be watched. No heavy lifting, and we have to have another ultrasound at our next appt., which is 4 weeks from today. I praise God for this though. With Emily, laying on that table at 17 weeks, waiting for him to find the heartbeat and not being able to, was the most heartbreaking thing in my life. With Maleah, we never had to do that. The ultrasound always came first. God was gracious in that. By the time we had to lay on the table, she was moving around to where I could feel her and know she was ok. Such a blessing that again, I don't have to lay on that table and wait to see if there's a heartbeat. I'm so thankful for that. Just pray that in the next month or two that spot will be gone, just as with Maleah, and that our baby will be healthy and strong.

I have experienced some awful nausea over the last few weeks. The doc prescribed me meds for that...and boy am I appreciative! I've been trying to follow the pregnancy diet, to eat more variety of small things that are healthy...and less milk shakes and french fries :) Pray for me in that as well! I don't want to gain 60 lbs. this time around! (Even if most of it WAS water weight!)

I'll keep updated!

The Weather

2008-09-09T11:17:00.002-04:00

The weather this morning has been cool and cloudy with early morning thunderstorms. It has been a beautiful morning. I so treasure mornings like this. Soon, the clouds will give way to a sunny afternoon. It's a good thing, I know, but there's just something about the beautiful dark gray clouds that makes me happy. Weird, sure. But that's me, I guess :)

Enjoyable....

2008-09-08T15:29:00.002-04:00

Here are a few lines I stumbled across today. I just wanted to share...:

"Don't just hope for change. VOTE FOR IT!" McCain-Palin

"McCain-Palin '08 - Keep the change."

"I'd rather have Sarah Palin a heartbeat away from the presidency, than have Barack Obama BE the heartbeat of the presidency."

They're on bumper stickers and t-shirts. Pretty funny stuff. :)

Sarah Palin

2008-09-04T13:26:00.002-04:00

She rocked last night. She gave a phenomenal speech...I hope you got to see it. Her youngest daughter is sweet as can be ... standing on the stage with her mom, waving so proudly to the crowd, not a care in the world. Bob and I got a big kick out of her for that. She was adorable. The speech was powerful and she delivered it better than anyone else could. It was an amazing night for her. If you didn't see it, I hope you get the chance.

The one bad thing I've discovered about the Republican Party? Their love for country music! Ugh! I'll get over it though! ;)

Save-A-Lot

2008-08-25T09:54:00.001-04:00

If you are on the west end of town and want to save alot...go to Save-A-Lot the gas station. If you don't frequent the Kroger gas station to get the cents off...go down Western Ave. to the new Save-A-Lot gas station. I was going down Western this morning...Kroger $3.75, Marathon $3.72...Save-A-Lot...$3.53. You can't beat that!

I'm a Delong!

2008-08-25T09:51:00.003-04:00

It's showing! I'm a Delong! I sit here, 27 years old, and this weekend I found a total of 8...yes EIGHT...gray hairs! I pulled them all. Don't tell me more will grow either! I debunked that. If that were true...older people wouldn't go bald! They'd be yanking those babies out to grow more hair! :)

All 8 hairs were on the right side of my head, too. I thought that was interesting. We'll call that "the Bob side" of my head ;)

Since Maleah won't call me Mommy, we'll just have to get her to start calling me Grandma instead :) hehe

I atleast crack myself up!

Maleah's Big News!

2008-08-18T16:39:00.002-04:00

Air1.com

2008-08-14T11:21:00.003-04:00

I just want to share my radio station, www.air1.com. It's an awesome Christian alternative rock station and I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to it today (as I do every day). People are calling in with prayer requests, praying for one another, the station and listeners are praying for all these people in need...and isn't that what it's all about? There's no judgment on this station....just the Word and the news of Christ and His Salvation! It's AWESOME!

Give it a listen if you can. :)

Feeling Irritated....and also Thankful.

2008-08-12T13:45:00.003-04:00

I appreciate all the people in my life...and in OUR lives...who love us because of who we are, and not because of what we can do for them. Some people will love you if you do what they want you to do, and hate you if you don't.

Thank you for all of you who read this that are not that type of person.

I hope you are all having a great day.

I miss being on here! I'll get back to it. :) Promise. :)

Don't Give Up on Us!

2008-08-05T08:06:00.001-04:00

We'll be posting again real soon! We've just been so busy!
Keep checking!

Trip Pics - KI

2008-07-11T15:50:00.001-04:00

Here are a few pictures from Kings Island...

Maleah with Bob on LazyTown (her first ride EVER)...

Maleah with me on Azul (look closely)...

Maleah with best bud, Pablo (you can see she's holding his fin)...

Maleah with Bob on the Merry-Go-Round (I took better pics than he did) :)...

Maleah on her way home (loving Ming-Ming)...

Trip Pics - Cincy Zoo

2008-07-11T15:30:00.000-04:00

Here are a few zoo pics:

The polar bears were awesome...

You can see how excited Maleah was to be there... :)

Bob playing in the mist machine water (I would NEVER do that...)... ;)

The garden...

Maleah once she finally succombed to sleep...

Bugless

2008-07-08T14:30:00.004-04:00

Maleah is bugless. She gave up her "Bug" (pacifier) Friday, 6/27. I took it from her when she woke up and she hasn't had it since. I am so proud of her. She has become such a big girl. :) (She throws big girl fits too) :)

I'll put alot more on about her and the house when we get some pictures available :)

A Sunday of Awesomeness (6/22)

2008-07-08T14:15:00.002-04:00

This is long overdue....

Our Cincinnati trip continued....

We woke up to a baby that slept through the night. :) Bob went to get breakfast (a homemade waffle for me...and by homemade I mean the hotel provided the batter and Bob fixed the waffle). It was SOOOO good, and much better than FROZEN waffles! He had a danish and a muffin (I think). Maleah shared my food. After a good beating from the shower head, we were ready to head out to Kings Island.

Ah...Kings Island. The cicada's were out in full force. We took quite a beating from them throughout the day as well. We had to stand in line for the awesome free tickets. Then we had to go through the metal detectors...weird because I have never done that with a baby stroller before. Bob made fun of me because I made that comment to the dude checking us through, and he (the dude) sort of made fun of me. For crying out loud!

Once we were inside, we headed straight over to the kid's area...

Ah, the kid's area. It's huge and there were actually things for Maleah to do! She first rode the LazyTown ride with Bob. Then I took her on the merry-go-round. Then all 3 of us went on the Scooby Doo haunted ride. By the time we were done with those 3, she totally understood the waiting in line, and stopped trying to get down, understanding something great awaited her. From there, we stood and watched some of the Dora show (she looked like a cabbage patch kid). Then we went to lunch...

Ah....LUNCH. FREE LUNCH at that. We went to the picnic area, where we were greeted with BBQ pulled pork, chicken strips, chips, veggies, rolls, beans, pop (again, all free) and we even got to top off eating with a dessert of ice cream. It was all soooo good, and, FREE! When we were done eating, we headed back out. Maleah and I then rode Azul (train from Dora). From there we went to the store...

Ah...the store. Everything seemed reasonably priced. We got her a new Dora hat, and she picked out Ming-Ming from the Wonder Pets. Once she had Ming-Ming, she crashed, HARD. We walked around the park, getting hammered by the stupid cicada's and relishing the free pop (all day long free pop) :) When she woke up, we got on the park train and took a ride, then went back to the Merry-Go-Round again. It rained, so we hung out under an umbrella while Maleah had her cookies. When it stopped, the line was free for LazyTown, so we all rode it this time around. After walking around the rest of the park, it looked like another storm was headed our way, so we decided to go to McD's for dinner before heading home....

Ah...McD's...so good. Their sweet tea is just awesome and the food was good too. I was so proud of Maleah. She did so well all day :) Then we headed home, she slept the whole way... (we'll get pictures on, they're adorable). Then we got home...

Ah...Home. :)

Out of Commission

2008-06-29T14:02:00.000-04:00

FROM BOB - Miranda and I will be out of commission on our blogs all week. I'll be unhooking the computer in about 5 minutes due to some home improvements we have going on. We're needing to clear out the rooms to make way for new carpet, paint, etc. We'll put pics up and new blogs once we're back "online". Thanks!

A Saturday of Awesomeness!

2008-06-23T11:12:00.003-04:00

We had a fantastic weekend! A weekend to get away on our "vacation" for the year...to forget about the house, or work, or anything else going on and just relax, enjoying our weekend together.

We went down to Cincinnati on Saturday to the Zoo, then booked a hotel to stay all night because Time Warner (the totally awesome company that it is!) sponsored for it's employees a day at Kings Island on Sunday.

We left early Saturday morning, around 8:15 and had a safe trip to the zoo. The Cincinnati Zoo is by far the most awesome place! It was hot, but it was fun! I think our favorites were the polar bears and the jungle area (which was made to look more like a jungle than a zoo). There were mist machines, which helped keep us cool (aside from Maleah wigging out around one of them). We really just had a great time. When we left there, we went to the hotel.

The Hotel...Maleah is definately a Speakman. Bob has always loved hotels, so much so that he wanted to work in one when he was younger (hehe). Maleah was having a blast running from one end of the room to the other, kissing the baby in the mirror, and trying her hardest to hurt herself by running off the end of the bed (that was exhausting). :) She got a bath and then it was off to dinner...

Ahhh....Cracker Barrel (and cheaper than food at the zoo!). You get hefty portions of delicious food with excellent service. Serve that up with a good baby and a fantastic thunderstorm to watch from the giant window and it's all the fixings for a perfect dinner! The gift shop presented us with Maleah falling in love with a Ty Diego doll (miniature), so of course we HAD to get it for her! It WAS a vacation, after all! From there we were going to go to Target...but Barnes & Noble got in the way!

The beauty of Barnes & Noble. We'd never been to one before...but the children's area was enough to make us want to go back. We saw book upon book that we wanted to buy for Maleah...but she only walked away with 3. Can't call it spoiled when it encourages reading! She had a blast in there too! From there we decided to go back to the hotel, where Maleah was in bed by 9 and slept until 7. I cannot express how proud we were of her. We kept the routine that we have at home (and she's ALWAYS been excellent about going right to bed). So when it was time, she knew it and she gave in.

Sunday to come...