Tales From The Little White House

Update on Johnny

2012-02-28T14:57:00.002-08:00

Thank you all so much for praying for Johnny! We found out today he got back home at 3am last night. His sister texted me an update later and I thought I would share it with all of you:

"Update oh Johnny: The doctors took two more echo tests and ruled out the possibility of him having a ruptured tendon (which is a very good thing I guess).
Now they believe he has a small hold in his heart, but that is much less dangerous and urgent. He may possibly still need surgery, but for now things are more stable. Thank you for praying!"

Please continue to keep him in your prayers in the upcoming weeks as they decide what to do now.

Thank you all so much!

Please pray!

2012-02-27T19:35:00.000-08:00

(Source)

Tonight I would ask you to pray for one of our youth boys. He is 15 years old and has been having trouble with his heart since around Christmas time.

Over the past few weeks it has been getting worse just the limitations physically but he has been so patient and really grown spiritually and in maturity. It has been amazing to watch!

Today the doctor called with the results from a test they had done on his heart and they learned that he has a ruptured tendon/valve in his heart. They went immediately to the hospital where the doctor was waiting for them.

Please pray for peace for Johnny and wisdom for the doctors to know what to do.

Please pray that it will be easy to fix and that it would end up not being as dangerous as it could be.

Please pray for his parents and family.

Thank you all so much!

I will keep you updated when we find out more.

And the winner is....

2012-02-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

And the winner to the first give away ever on Tales From the Little White House is:

NICHOLETTE FILI with her entry #95! :)

Congratulations Nicholette!

I will be contacting you soon with details how to claim your prize! I am sure you will love it :)

Thank you to everyone else who joined as well!

I really had a lot of fun getting to know my readers better.

So, here is another opportunity.

I like to do guest posts from time to time

and would LOVE to do some more in these upcoming weeks.

The topic can be anything at all and I think

it would be a really fun way to continue to get to know each other better.

Just let me know if you are interested! :)

Ok, so in this picture doesn't Jason just look so proud of himself? Lol :) I love my husband!

Please pray for me with some things I am dealing with in the next few days. Jesus needs to be first in my life and that means some serious cleansing. Thank you all so much!

May the Lord richly bless you all :) And congrats again Nicholette!! :)

In Memory of Azlynn

2012-02-23T07:09:00.001-08:00

Please pray for this precious family. My friend Rebecca over at Butterfly days did a post on them and I figured I would do one as well just so we can get more people praying for this precious family.

The Cretzman's had been traveling around the US doing deputation in preparation to go to Cuba as foreign missionaries. There was a car accident on Monday, February 20, 2012 and their little three year old girl Azlynn did not survive.

Right now their needs are:

1. PRAYER
2. Medical Expenses
3. Bereavement Costs
4. Vehicle needed

Please visit their website http://cretzmanstocuba.com/.

Please also remember them in prayer. I can not imagine what they are going through right now. Also, if you have a blog please consider reposting this, and spread the word and the support and the prayer needs for this family.

I used to....

2012-02-21T21:36:00.001-08:00

I used to look like this:

And I thought I had a baby bump...HAH! Excuse the messy hair please! :)

And then I looked like this:

And now I look like this (actually I swear I have grown since these pics were taken a few days ago not even kidding)-

(taken by my amazing friend Darla)

And you want to know something? I would not change it for the world.

I was going through all my pre-pregnancy clothes sifting through and as I went through

small/mediums and size alotsmallerthanthesizeIamwearingnow jeans-

I realized I wouldn't trade it for the world.

(taken by my amazing friend Darla)

So what that my body has definitely changed.

So what that I have stretched more then I ever thought possible

and, oh yeah, am going to stretch even more in the

weeks to come (insert a small "EEP" here).

There is a reason for all these changes.

That reason is the miracle of life that is growing inside my belly!

My little man.

Elijah Boy.

That is enough to make me never want to go back to

that girl I was before all this.

Now, I feel like I am a woman.

And not only that-but a woman with a baby growing inside.

My belly is his first home.

The place God created for him to be until he could survive in

the world with us.

That is such a miracle!

One I have longed for my entire life.

To be a wife first-

than a Mama.

I am glad that I am moving on from used to-

because the future has some amazing things in store I think! :)

Disclaimer: Does this mean I am not going to eat healthy/excercise when Elijah is here and take care of my body in a healthy way? No. Obviously I will work to get my body back even though-I am pretty sure it will never be exactly the way it used to be BUT that is ok :) Elijah is worth it!

Stay tuned I will be announcing the winner of our give away soon!

"Eleven Post" :)

2012-02-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged! :) Thanks to Anna over at Operation: Micah 6:8 :)

First the rules:
1.) You must post these rules
2.) Each person must post eleven things about them on their blog.
3.) Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

11 things about me:

1. I love thrift store shopping and am starting to really love garage sales! Here in Florida we have garage sales all year which is awesome! I am absolutely amazed at the deals that you can get. It is totally amazing :)

2. I have realized that I have a ~~huge addiction to~~ love for hummus and tortilla chips. Yumminess! I have also realized that I need to start making my own hummus because it is an expensive ~~addiction~~ love.

3. I love watching Food Network shows on the internet (because we do not have a tv).

4. I am have been convicted about the way we eat (because of my diet a few years ago I was sick for over a year you can read some of that journey by clicking HERE) and am attempting to switch over to a more healthy/natural life style. I have found some amazing blogs about more natural living and have them listed to your left on my side bar. They are pretty inspiring! :)

5. My amazing husband and I got married EXACTLY one year and two months to the day that we met. I absolutely adore him. He truly is the greatest gift God ever gave me! The funny thing is that we have not even known each other two years yet (it will be two years March 28,2012 a day before his 22nd birthday)! It is amazing to me how so much can change in so short a time and I am SO THANKFUL it did!

6. I was inspired by Callie over at Through Clouded Glass to not just think about cloth diapering but actually do it and I am so excited to try it out!!! :) You can read her series on cloth diapering by clicking HERE.

7. I am trying to make more things that are food related as well as things around the house by myself. I already make my own laundry soap and LOVE it (hopefully a tutorial will be coming sooner rather than later lol) because it saves SO much money with each load literally costing me $0.01 or less!

8. I want to get back into sewing. I am currently working on a nursing cover and am excited/slightly nervous to see how it comes out lol.

9. I am so excited for my Elijah boy to be here! Six weeks till full term and eight weeks till due date! Wondering if he will be early or late. Probably late considering I was three weeks late (so sorry Mom I can not imagine)!!

10. I love my Jesus and am so annoyed at myself at how often I put Him off and make other things that have no meaning or lasting significance priority in my life instead of Him. Still working on learning to balance that with being a wife and soon Mama. I want Jesus first! It definitely takes disclipline.

11. I really desire a cloths line. I know so weird but seriously I have always thought they were so romantic and love how the clothes smell and look hanging out there in a straight line. Yes, there is a reason why many people think I am like Anne from Anne of Green Gables. Did I just prove it to you? ;)

Questions for me:

When did you become a believer? I became a believer when I was very young at six years old. I didn't understand what it meant to build my life around Jesus until a few years later. To read my salvation story in more detail click HERE.
What has been a very influential book in your spiritual walk? How? I would have to say a book called "Sacred Singleness" by Leslie Ludy. It really challenged me to be content and complete in Jesus Christ instead of constantly looking to fill that void with other things or people.
What is your favourite store to shop at? Grocery store is definitely Aldi's. Any other regular store is definitely thrift stores!
Do you wear your hair up or down in general? Mostly down because my love likes it like that :) His favorite is when I pull back the top part of my hair in somewhat of a poof. Example:

5. What city would you like to live in? Honestly, I would never want to live in a city. I am a country girl at heart and LOVE having space!! :)
6. Who is one of your spiritual mentors? I would have to say here in Florida a lady from our church named Darla. She has just taken me under her wing and has shared so much wisdom with me. It is such a blessing to have someone like her here!
7. If someone gave you a large sum of money, what would you do with it? Give some of it away then go shopping for bargains and do some landscape work around our little white house :)
8. Are you a night person or a morning person? Well, I would tend to be more of a night person but then it depends on why I would have to wake up early cause if it is worth it then I am a morning person.
9. Starbucks or Caribou Coffee? Why? I do not like coffee. There, I said it. Please don't shoot me. I love tea instead :)
10. Do you enjoy long trips or dread them, whether in a car or a plane? Well, long trips are a whole lot easier to enjoy in a plane time-wise but driving in a car is a lot of fun too because you can stop and see places and people a long the way :)
11. What's your favourite genre of music? I absolutely LOVE sound tracks and instrumental scores. Maybe it is because I have played piano since I was six but yeah so inspiring! :)

Now, my questions:

Do you like salty or sweet better?
What are three words you would use to descibe yourself?
What is the neatest things that ever happened to you in your life?
What is your favorite Bible verse? Why.
Would you rather read a good book or watch a movie to relax?
What is your favorite color?
Who is the person who inspires you the most?
What is one thing about you that people don't usually know?
Would you rather be hot or cold?
What is your favorite type of food?
What is your favorite classic old movie?

Okay and here are the people I tag:

Julia at- Julia's Journal
Rebecca at- Butterfly Days
Christiana at- My Life For Christ
Lauren at- Lauren Rae Photography

My sister Abby at- Mexico Bound

Stephanie at- Thirsty Soul

Missing Mayberry

Callie at- Through Clouded Glass

Miss Raquel at-God's Daughter
Edessa at- A Flower For Moms

I had so much fun with this and hopefully you all got to know me a little better thought it :)

Still wanting to do a Q&A post so if you have a question for me now is the time to ask :)

Hope you all have a blessed day!! :)

Soon to be announced :)

2012-02-17T19:35:00.003-08:00

Hey all!

Thank you so much for your awesome participation in my give away! It was a lot of fun and I got to know some of you a little bit better :)

I will be announcing the winner with in the next few days-so stay tuned for that! :)

Meanwhile, things are going to start getting a little bit busier around here (Lord willing)! I was tagged by Anna over at Operation: Micah 6:8 and will be working on that post soon :) I think it will be fun plus it will let you get to know me a little bit better :)

Speaking of getting to know me better-I am thinking about doing a questions post at some point-if, I get enough questions! :) So that leaves it to you! Do you have any questions for me? Please let me know I would LOVE to do a post about them. We will see how this works :)

Fact: I have an amazing husband. Tonight I ruined what was going to be warmed up mashed potatoes mixed with veggies by adding too much water (ahem) and he TRANSFORMED IT into the best soup I have ever had! Yumminess! He is so amazing :)

I will have a picture coming up soon with baby boy and I (obviously lol). I am 32 weeks and so ready for this little man to come!!!! :)

OK that was randomness BUT it proves I am still here lol :)

And just for fun-this was taken on a girls day when we were visiting in NY. My sister Abby and I were trying on crazy head things and she thought Elijah should have one too :) I love my sister! Can hardly wait till she is here in April!!! :)

Well that is all for now folks! Have a blessed night :)

My First Give-Away! :)

2012-02-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

I am so excited for my first give away ever! Notice I said my first give away ever! A few months ago I was contacted by a lady from My Memories digital scrapbooking software about doing a review on my blog. I downloaded the software and started to play around with it.

There are so many things that you can do with it that honestly it was a little bit overwhelming to me at first! I did get a chance to make a new blog banner and I was really happy with how it turned out!
My friend Callie over at Through Clouded Glass did a giveaway last month and she used it to re-do her blog design! I am excited to play around with that and remaking my banner was the first step towards that goal!

The neat thing about my memories is that that really are ENDLESS options for designs! And the neat thing is that their store carries a lot of free packages as well as other packages that, while they are not free, are at a reasonable price.

I am really excited to continue to experiment with blog design as well as things like cards and photo arrangements especially after Elijah is born! :)

And one of you will be able to experiment with the same things because I get to give away a my memories suite to one of you!

To enter, please use the rafflecopter form below. It is super easy! Just make sure to push the green enter button when you have finished each requirement :)

This giveaway will end next Friday, Febuary 17th, and I’ll announce the winner the next day Febuary 18th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Is it possible to waste your life-at home?

2012-02-09T07:17:00.000-08:00

(Source)

I posted this as my facebook status this morning but thought that I would delve deeper into it and get some of your thoughts.

Pondering this: How can I make much of my Savior in every part of my life today?

It is easy to think "I am not making a difference anyway I am just at home while Jason is at work." But that is not right. But it is how the subtle mindset I have had these last few weeks which in turn has resulted in wasting time and energy on things that do not matter.

"God created us to live with a single passion...: to joyfully display HIS supreme excellence in all the spheres of life. The wasted life is the life without this passion. God calls us to pray and think and dream and plan and work not to be made much of, but to make much of HIM in every part of our life." -John Piper

It is so so easy for me to waste time at home. When I do not have someone behind me pushing me or motivating me I tend to have a hard time actually doing what I need to do and not wasting time doing things that have no lasting value.

The last few days I have really been convicted on how easy it is for me to not accomplish what I know I need to at home and the Lord has been helping me. To-do lists are absolutely amazing and
have really helped me prioritize my day and yet-I still stumble. And then I think "Wow, If I can not get a handle on this now what about when Elijah gets here?"

I so desire to live for my Savior and to be the wife and Mama that God calls me to be in His Word. Sometimes it just is easy to wonder does it matter? I am not a nurse or a missionary or a lawyer. I am just a stay at home wife and mama-to-be. But can I bring glory to my Savior in that? Yes! I can! A friend told me about this song by Steven Curtis Chapman and wow did it speak to me! I included it below but I wanted to focus on the first verse and chorus (granted I am not quite there yet but I will be soon with the baby):

"you’re picking up toys on the living room floor
for the 15th time today
Matching up socks and sweeping up lost
Cheerios that got away
You put a baby on your hip and color on your lips
and head out the door
And while I may not know you I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes does it matter at all
We’ll let me remind you it all matters just as long as you
Do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every little thing you do"

Wow! I hope that encouraged you the way it encouraged me! What a reminder that WHATEVER we do it does matter as long as we are doing it for the right reason-bringing honor and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ!
Any thoughts on this stay at home wives and Mama's or anyone else for that matter? :)

Letters to Elijah

2012-01-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Little Man,

Yesterday Mama went to see Karen (your midwife). I drove about two hours. You may be thinking that is pretty far but Karen is a christian and your Daddy and I absolutely love her! She loves you already :)

Before I went to see Karen I had to stop at a Denny's and eat a specific breakfast so that once I got to the office I would be able have my blood tested for gestational diabetes. Because I had to go by myself this time (your Daddy has been working at a job so hard the past few days he is such a good provider) I decided to go on a much needed date with Jesus. Why you ask? Well, Mama has been struggling lately in her walk with Jesus and two nights I had some repenting to do and after that today was like a fresh start. It was wonderful! I want so badly to be a godly example to you baby boy. I pray that when you look at me you will see Jesus shining through me and you will become a mighty man of God Elijah boy!

So, got to the office and while I was waiting this super nice lady came with her 14 month old daughter. She is a pastor's wife and so her baby is around people all the time. All the sudden her little one came right over to me and lifted her arms wanting up. I picked her up and sat her in my lap and just got so excited thinking that soon SO VERY SOON I will have my own little baby boy to cuddle and love on. I can hardly wait Elijah! I am so excited to meet you!

Speaking of meeting you. Last night I dreamed that I got to see you! Then when Karen gave me a quick peek at you yesterday I GOT TO SEE YOUR FACE! You are so adorable! You have the cutest little button nose that slightly turns up and your cheeks are already starting to get pudgy! You were opening and closing your little mouth and even sucking on your umbilical cord. The last two times I have seen you had your little arm up next to your face. That is exactly how your Daddy sleeps so pretty sure you got that from him :)

Speaking of your Daddy:

This is my new most favorite picture of him :) He hates having his picture taken but this one was candid and it turned out so good! I keep telling him that he will have to get used to having his picture taken once you get here because Mama will be taking pictures all the time! He is the best man in the whole world Elijah. He loves Mama and you so very much! He is getting so excited for you to come too.

I wonder a lot of things baby boy. Like willing you be a ham in front of the camera like Mama? Who are you going to look like more? What is your personality going to be like? Are you going to like certain kinds of foods. How will I know when you first smile at me? Hopefully you will like cloth diapers! :) Hopefully I will figure out how to use them!

I am so thankful for you baby boy :)

Yesterday I was 29 weeks! I found out that I could give birth in NINE WEEKS and that you would be considered full term! Also, now I have to go and visit Karen every TWO weeks! Wow! That makes it seem more real :)

Here I am at 29 weeks and Karen told me today that I am exactly on target for how much weight I have gained! Whew! :) You are getting SO BIG! You are moving too but you are definitely laid back baby boy. Which I do not mind at all! I am still able to sleep through the night although you were kicking pretty hard this morning :)

Well baby boy Daddy will be home from work soon so I am going to wrap this up.

I love you little one,

Mama

Prayers and Praises from Florida :)

2012-01-22T19:52:00.000-08:00

We decided to start a prayer letter to share what the Lord has been doing here in Florida with our friends and family. Here is our first letter :)

Sunday, January 22, 2012
Dear Friends and Family,
I didn't think that I would be writing this first prayer email so soon but this past weekend I have been absolutely amazed at what the Lord has been doing and so I really felt as though I needed to share it with all of you so we could have others praying for us and the work that is going on down here in Florida. This past week Jason refocused on the actual goal that we have for being here. Which is to share the Gospel and to teach and equip others to be able to share the Gospel with others. So, after that re-commitment things just exploded in a way.
Saturday was a really amazing day! First thing in the morning some Jehovah's Witnesses showed up at our door for the second week in a row. One of the ladies from the previous week had returned bringing along a man this time. Jason and Jen were able to really share and witness with them for over half an hour. They will be coming back this week. Please pray-that the Lord will continue to soften their hearts especially the younger women's and that the Lord will give Jason and Jen and I wisdom as we interact with them.
After witnessing to the Jehovah's Witnesses it was time to play soccer. About 14 boys showed up and almost half of them were new! So, before the game Jason got out his stuff and gave a Gospel message as well as juggled. One boy in particular was very receptive and thanked Jason afterwards then showed up for church today! Please pray-for this boy and also his friends that they will continue to come and also continue to search and find the answer-Jesus!
So Jason played soccer and football for hours. Then he went to a friends house and stacked wood. By this time he was EXTREMELY hungry because he hadn't really had a chance to eat all day. So we went home and I was going to get dinner. Well, instead he was invited to play basketball with two guys that he doesn't really get to hang out with a lot. So I gave him water and a snack and off he went. He was so exhausted but after playing he got to really witness to the one guy who listened and then invited him back sometime to talk more! Please pray-for both of these guys that the Lord will soften their hearts and for wisdom for Jason as he shares Jesus with them.
So finally Jason got home and ate dinner then went and cleaned the church! It was a very full day for him :) But so neat to see all that the Lord is doing! Today we had Bible study and we talked about the Gospel. In fact, Jason went through it all along with some role playing. It was really amazing to see how some people responded. One boy especially realized that he is not good enough to measure up to God's perfect standard. They definitely have some things to think about after tonight. Also, now every single person in our study has heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please pray-for one of these boys especially who knows that he is not good enough but thinks that he would not be able to change anyway even if he did get saved. Also for the others who heard the Gospel tonight.
God is doing so much here and we are so excited to see what the Lord is going to do! Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Please continue to remember us here. Truly it is a mission field here and the harvest is ready but the laborers are few.
Praises:

My sister Jen is here and what a blessing she has been!
Our little one is due in less than 12 weeks! We are getting so excited. Please pray for continued safety and a safe delivery.
The people that the Lord continues to put in our path in amazing ways!

We would love to stay in contact with you! May the Lord richly bless you.

For HIS glory,

Jason, Katy and Elijah

Elijah's Room :)

2012-01-17T21:08:00.000-08:00

So here are the nursery pictures I told you would be coming :) I love it honestly and I don't think that pictures do it justice but at least there is an idea! It is simple but perfect for us and I am so ready for my little man to get here so we can put this room to use (besides me walking into it every day and dreamily smiling as I look around lol).

We decided to go with the Noah's Ark theme which has sort of morphed into jungle animals (which still fits lol). Elijah's bed is ready and waiting for him to be here!!

This picture the lighting was kind of weird but it is what you see when you walk into Elijah's room. I don't know if you can tell but the walls are clouds which is something my amazingly artistic and inovative husband came up with :) Another reason we decided to do the Noah's Ark/Jungle Animals theme.

Elijah's dresser stuffed to the brim with clothes. Truly he is one blessed little boy! I can HARDLY WAIT to bless people the way they have blessed me during this pregnancy! It is so fun it is like this club you join when you become a Mama :) So fun to swap clothes and baby stuff! Such a blessing too! :)

Love, love, love these stickers! They were from Walmart and only about $11 dollars! So worth it! They just added so much to his room :)

My little man's clothes (well a very small portion of them lol). People have been SO generous! Truly Elijah is set for the first year of his life! See that row of overal's? They range from 3-12 months! I LOVE IT! :)

My little man's clothes next to his Daddy's clothes :) Makes me smile when I see it! And yes, they are sharing a closet but that is ok! I think it is just adorable :)

A beautiful handmade quilt my Aunt Val made for Elijah. She also made us a quilt when we got married so now he has one in his room and we have one in our room :)

And it would not have been possible without the help of my amazing Mom who stayed with us for a week :) She helped us organize and put things in places I didn't even know we had! It was so much fun! :) And a very special memory as well :)

And that is it folks! :)

My family left today (except my sister Jen who is staying which I am SUPER excited about) and so now things will get on more of a scedule Lord willing :)

Things have been going really well! As you can see below Elijah is growing and so am I...alot. It scares me sometimes how fast the pounds seem to add up! Lol :)

And no-I did not know that my sister was taking my picture!! But there I am at 27 weeks :) I also got a baby shower thrown for me by a lady who is so sweet and wow I was so incredibly blessed! It is so neat how I have a family in NY and yet, I also have family in FL :)

An amazing cake my amazing friend Darla made :) So adorable!!

This is the young adults sunday school teacher and such an amazing blessing to us here in Florida :)

Me and an AMAZING friend that I have met here in Florida :) She is such a sweetie!!!

My beautiful Mom and I :) It was so neat that she was able to be there for her first grandbabies shower!

So yes, life has been wonderful the last three weeks with visits to NY and then my family visiting Florida but now it will be returning to more normalacy. 12 weeks until my little man's due date! Hard to believe how fast the time is going by!

Until next time :) God bless!

Counting down the weeks!

2012-01-13T14:18:00.000-08:00

I have only 13 weeks to go until my little man is here! I am so excited :) Things are starting to feel more real (besides the fact that he is growing which means I am growing...alot. Ahem.)!

Tonight we are headed off to a Bradley class. Have any of you ever taken them? They are geared toward the husband as well and helps him learn to be a coach and also deals with natural pain relieving techniques (we are going all natural for this birth) as well as many other things. I am so excited!

Did I mention that my parents are here visiting us in Florida? My sister Jen is going to be living here for the next few months and so they came and dropped us off. This is my family when we were up in NY for Christmas :)

My amazing Mom has been helping out so much and we got Elijah's room completely done! It is absolutely adorable! I love it :) Here is my favorite new picture of both of us:

Tomorrow an amazing friend is throwing me a baby shower! I can hardly wait for that!

Also, I just finished ordering some cloth diapers (after HOURS AND HOURS of research) I CAN HARDLY WAIT TILL THEY GET HERE :)

And I am off to play a game of EURCHE!

Short but sweet :) Just wanted to let you know that I am still alive :) Lord willing once my family leaves I will be able to post more regularly :)
Blessings!

Do you ever just feel torn?

2012-01-03T23:41:00.000-08:00

You know those times in life when you are torn between two things. When it feels like your heart is in two places at once? When you love certain things about one place and yet you love certain other things about another?

Did I mention is is after 2am?

We have had a wonderful two weeks visiting family and friends here in NY. It has been so nice to be with people who know me completely inside and out. It is so much fun to laugh at things that we have been laughing about for years. It has been so neat making memories.

Things like:

playing euchre and realizing that I am totally random at it, yet amazing people that somehow I still win alot of the time! I think the best times is when I am super tired and somewhat not there! Because seriously...I love that game :)
dinner with my Grandma and Grandpa Kelley. Familier food, smells, and house. They don't change and I LOVE IT.
Going to the church that people have known me my entire life on Christmas day. Nothing has changed there either. I played hymns with my sister Abby. Sang a song with both my sisters. Laughed while feeling my face completely flush when my Dad used me as an illustration from the pulpit. It was the same. It didn't change and I loved it.
I was on the computor waiting for Jason and some friends to get done playing hearts and I started playing hearts on the computor. I was doing great! Getting all the hands and had the most points. I was telling Jason this as we were falling asleep later that night and he gently informed me the point of the game is to have the LEAST points. Ahem. Well, you know!
Our amazing 2011 New Years Eve Party. What a neat thing it was to start off the New Year in the Word and in prayer as a group of young adults.
Getting Matt and Sarah hooked on "Sue Thomas FBeye".
My baby shower that my family (on Jason's side) put on.
Having a girl day.
A maternity photo shoot with another friend :)
Playing with my nephews.
Getting blessed with so many baby clothes from a friend.
SNOW!
Wood stoves.
Christmas with my family...

Things just really have not changed here. They are familier and that, to me, is such a comfort. And yet...I am surprised at something.

I have changed.

Here are things I have to look forward to in my other home...Florida:

Being with people that I have really grown to love over the past sixish months.
Cooking for the boys that make up most of the Bible study.
Having my own home and really striving (in the new year under conviction from the Lord) to make that my priority and to create a haven for my husband, family and then friends.
Sewing on my sewing machine.
Setting up my little man's room :)
My sister Jen being there for a few months. I can hardly wait to have a girl around! Cooking, baking, learning things with her :)
My parents coming for two weeks. I get to see them Saturday. Somehow that makes it easier to say good bye.
My sister's Abby and Sarah coming in 13 short weeks for Elijah's arrival.
Bradley classes :)
Seeing my midwife again.
Striving to be more natural and less processed in the way I cook. Learning new recipes and creating yummy meals for my husband to enjoy.
Using my new bread machine (that I got at a yard sale with the booklet for $3).
Working on getting a newsletter going so that people can know what we do here for a ministry.
Changing the priorities in my life (kicking computor out of the number one spot).
Growing closer to my Lord and Savior.
Watching God provide in miraculous ways.
This year is the year my Elijah will be born! I can hardly wait to meet him (he just kicked me hard I think he was agreeing).
Watching the kids in our Bible study grow and mature in the Lord
Doing projects as a group and reaching out beyond ourselves to show Christ to our neighborhood.

I am torn. Because Florida is becoming my home. And yet NY will always be home. I truly am amazed how blessed I am. To have two homes. To have people that love us so very much in two states.
We feel as though the Lord has truly called us to be missionaries to...Florida. I feel bad because I just have not really blogged a lot about what we are actually doing there! I am hoping to change that and to let you all in on what we do through pictures and stories of everyday life.

Please pray for us! Ministry is definitely hard and there is definitely spiritual warfare in Florida. Please pray for the kids/young adults we are ministering to. Please pray that Jesus will be glorified and lifted up through us as a little family. Please pray that we will continue to reach our community and that there will be revival right there! Please pray for wisdom in running the snack shop, leading two Bible studies a week, game day on Saturdays as well as the people that we run into on a daily basis. Please pray for us as a family that we would keep our priorities straight and that when people would look at us they would see Jesus Christ in and through all that we do.

So we start out this year...some times feeling torn and yet so very blessed at the same time. Later today we are leaving my first home and traveling to our second. And although it is hard to leave...I am excited to go and do the work that we truly believe God has called us to. He is so faithful! God truly is good!

You know those Toll House cookie things?

2012-01-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

So you know those Toll House cookie icecream sandwich things? When I was little one of my favorite memories with Dad was going on our "date". He would let me pick a treat and then we would talk and it was amazing father/daughter time. One of those treats I remember sharing with him (he always got one too) was a chocolate chip cookie icecream sandwich.

In the years since while, I enjoy these cookiewich concoctions, I have never really had a burning desire to have one. Until tonight.

It started when we were talking with our group of friends where we wanted to go to get food. "A gas station so I can get one of those ice cream sandwich things" was all my heart desired. So we decided to go to Wegmans eventually but that ice cream sandwhich just would not leave my head.

(Source)

So, we went to Wegmans. I ate some really nasty egg rolls and then decided I was ready for my ice cream fix. They did not have them.

So, we went to Walmart. I went straight to that amazing ice cream isle and there was side tracked by some Ben and Jerry's ice cream. I looked for the chocolate fudge brownie kind (surely that would suffice) but, they only had small containers and I wanted a BIG one. So, I went down to get my ice cream sandwich instead-it was not there.

So then we went to Byrne Dairy. They had some cookwiche things but my friend pointed out that they were harder and I knew they just would not taste the same as the amazing Toll house goodness.

We proceeded to get in the car and my amazing friend drove me to ANOTHER gas station. Fourth try had to work! All I could think of the whole was there was opening that yellow wrapper, eating around the soft edges first then moving in on the rest. I could see it. I could taste it. I have never wanted something more in my life it seemed!!!

Pregnancy craving you think? I didn't believe they existed! But after tonight-I am not so sure!!!

Fourth time was the charm!!! I walked in. Marveled at the price and how it was smaller than when I was a little girl on a date with my Daddy then opened the case and picked it up. It was so close. I paid. Walked out to the car. Opened it.

It was the most amazing thing I have ever eaten in my entire life! I savored every bite (feeling somewhat like Ratatoulle with music playing in my head as I was amazed at the flavor).

When it was done I heaved a contented sigh and closed my eyes. What satisfaction!

Kinda ridiculous huh? But I am serious! This really happened! And I jumped out of the car and came to tell you all about it :)

Have any of you ever had food cravings like that?

This is not my official 2012 post :) This past few weeks in NY have been amazing and God has been doing a lot! I can hardly wait to share it with you all :)

Also, we are thinking about doing a newsletter about our ministry in Florida and I will be updating more about that on here as well :)

In the meantime-Elijah is growing and so am I (yeah-the ice cream cookwhiche I am sure did not help that lol)!:

My amazing friend Taylor took this picture :) She is an up and coming photographer and had written on her facebook page asking for people who would let her take pictures of them so she could add to her portfolio. Who can pass up a free maternity session? Not me! :) It was a lot of fun and so far I am impressed! If you are interested (and live in NY lol) check out her facebook page TJC Photography.

I am blessed.

God is amazing.

I am going to go spend time with my family :)

Blessings!

The Rescue

2011-12-28T18:42:00.000-08:00

This is a guest post that I am very excited to share! A few years ago I can across a blog called A Rather Unusual Maiden for God and met a girl named Rebecca :)

We quickly became very good friends and over the years she became a sister of my heart :) Jason and I were so excited to actually get to meet her in real life along with her now husband Justin! You can read about that visit here: "Meeting Katy and Jason".

God has been doing some really neat things in her life including her marrying her prince and to chronicle this new chapter of her life she has started a new blog entitled Butterfly Days. Please feel free to stop by and meet her :) She is an amazing person and truly a blessing from God in my life :) And now without further ado-here is her guest post:

One beautiful spring day last year my brother was outside when he heard strange noises coming from a bush. Being the ever curious one, he set out to investigate. He found a Robin trapped. Some string was tied around her leg and had snagged onto a branch. Try as she might, the Robin could not get free.

My brother managed to catch the robin, and gently untangle the string and remove it from her leg. Then he let her go. She was free!!

I sometimes feel trapped by problems, and end up making a fine mess of it on my own. Thinking of the Robin makes me realize- I too can't get out of trouble alone!! Just like when the robin couldn't free herself. She needed a rescuer. My brother rescued that little bird and she was free!
So when troubles come I turn to my Redeemer, and He "frees" me.

I have trouble with.... Worrying. I worry and worry and worry….. lol. Many young ladies tell me they suffer the same affliction. I often become tangled in this web called "worry" till I am so consumed in my worrying that I forget to call upon my Savior.

I know the Lord is in Control of every situation- but I need to make this "head knowledge" into "heart knowledge".

Psalm 27 is one of my favorite passages to read when I am worrying, it is a beautiful comfort to me.
It is also a blessing to go to my husband when worries come. Justin will always stop what he is doing and hold me close and remind me that I don't need to worry. I am blessed!!

If you ever find yourself worrying, the best way to stop is…

-pray!
-read a few psalms
-talk to someone who you can count on for encouragement.

And He shall be called...

2011-12-24T19:15:00.000-08:00

(Source)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle lets take time to remember. Remember the reason for the season. The reason we are celebrating. Jesus Christ. He came. He lived. He died. He saved us! And it all started in stable. Where the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was laid in a manger.

Jesus. Oh sweet Jesus.

Merry, Merry Christmas all :)

Today it was 78 degrees in Florida...

2011-12-23T16:05:00.000-08:00

But we are not in Florida right now :) We are in NY. And today God answered my prayer. For snow :) Which is what we woke up today and got to see...

And then of course we are with our family :) And that is the absolutely best part! God is so good :)

Merry Christmas all! :)

IT IS COLD!!!!!!

And it has been only a day and a half :) Merry Christmas all :)

23 weeks and a reminder...

2011-12-19T20:06:00.000-08:00

Tonight we went over to a friends house and watched this movie:

And all the sudden-I was in the Christmas spirit. I sat there and pondered what my Savior went through to come to this world as a little one. What his parents went through as they followed God and chose to trust Him.

It was made even more special as my own little man kicked me the entire time we were watching the movie! What a miracle life is and even more so a life in Christ!

So tonight-I am pondering-my Savior. And I am thankful, so very thankful, that He CHOSE to come to this would to save a wretch like me!

Christmas.

A time to ponder our Savior :)

Blessings!

Ps: I do not have time to do my weekly update but I did do the picture. I have been compared to Pooh bear, a teletubby and Santa Claus. Lol :) I am so thankful my son is growing! I can hardly wait to meet my little man!!! :)

Gearing up for...

2011-12-16T06:56:00.000-08:00

My first give away ever!!!! :) I am so excited about this but could use YOUR help!! :)

Do you have any suggestions for how to get my post written, ways people can enter and how to ultimately choose the winner?

I would love to hear your suggestions! :)

What will I be giving away? Well, I am going to give you a little hint:

22 weeks and counting down!

2011-12-12T17:08:00.000-08:00

I got this idea from Anna at Hope Road and Anna (different one) at Young and Married :) I am on my last day of my 22nd week so here we go:

Size of baby:

My baby is the size of a spaghetti squash this week! It is about 11 inches long. I love how Baby Center has weekly updates it is so much fun to see how much a week makes a difference in the baby! :)

(Source)

Total weight gain:

I have probably gained about 15ish pounds at this point. EEP! It is definitely all baby though at this point still (thankfully lol). Honestly, I have really started looking pregnant without a shadow of a doubt and it seems to have happened overnight!!! Today my sweet husband looked at me and said: "I love you...even if you do look like Pooh Bear." LOL :) I love him so much! Can hardly wait to see what my family has to say when they see this belly when we are back in NY in TEN DAYS!

Maternity clothes:
I was so so blessed my a friend named Katie who owns Katie's Merchantile. She unexpectedly sent me a BOX FULL or baby clothes AND of maternity skirts (which I wanted desperately) as well as other maternity outfits. It was such a blessing! Then yesterday another friend gave me a pair of JEANS that, while they are not maternity, fit me PERFECTLY and were something I had been needing since NY is a frigid state and we will be going there for two weeks and I have no winter clothes anymore. Why you ask? Well, I live in Fl. Enough said. Lol :)
Movement:
Elijah is kicking up a storm! A few nights ago Jason put his hand on my belly and out of the blue Elijah kicked him and hard! It was the first one Jason had really felt. So special :) Last night I was talking to him and he was moving all over! I am so excited to see what happens in the next few weeks! He sure is active like his Daddy! :)

Sleep:
Still sleeping really well so far! I am thankful for that :)

What I miss:
I miss...what do I miss? Honestly, I really have gotten to the point where my pregnancy is becoming the norm! I do miss not having acid reflux (any tips for that ladies) and also being able to bend over without feeling like there is a rubber tire around my stomach! Lol :) Other than that I am loving being pregnant!

Cravings:
I am not really like craving sugar if anything I am more salty stuff (ok so, tortilla chips with melted cheese oh wow amazing!).

Symptoms:
Other then acid reflux...things are going great!!!

What I am looking forward to:
When Elijah kicks and I will be able to SEE my belly move! I can hardly wait for that!!!! :)

Milestone(s):
Honestly I am feeling great! Which is awesome! And we set up Elijah's crib as well as figured out how we are going to set up the house :) That is always fun! :)

Best moment this week:
Probably last night when I was talking to Elijah and it really did seem like he was kicking in response :) And when I put on that pair of jeans and they FIT! What an answer to prayer that was! :)

Ok, so that is my latest update! Just a few tidbits :)

I am going to be hosting a give away soon! Stay tuned for details!! :)

My brother has started a blog:
Changing One Week At A Time
please take some time to visit him and give him some encouragement :)

A little perspective...

2011-12-09T21:41:00.001-08:00

Saw this on facebook tonight and just had to share.

Convicting.

It made me stop and think.

I am wondering if it made anyone else stop and think.

If so, what are your thoughts?

When you just need some...

2011-12-08T20:48:00.001-08:00

Encouragement.

Have you ever been through a time in your life where you are just weary? Weary of trying and yet still being judged. Weary of ministering. Weary of not living up to the standard you feel you need to live up to? Weary of giving in to things that you know the Lord wants you to give up in order to spend more time with Him?

Weary.

I think that we all get weary.

But what do we do with that weariness? I find myself so often go to anything but the place that I KNOW I will find rest. People. Things. Activities.

Anything but Jesus.

I was reminded of that tonight as I was having a time of sweet fellowship with another women and she took my problem and discouragement-straight to Jesus in prayer.

I was reminded how I have not been going to Him for comfort but rather the internet (where I stay in contact with so many people that are so encouraging) which ,in and of itself, is not a bad thing but when it is priority of Jesus and my husband...not the right place to go.

So I am meditating on this verse tonight and tomorrow as I re-prioritize some things in my life:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

He is right there! Saying "Come to ME!" I want to start running to Him.

Who are you running to for encouragement? Is it something that will just give temporary satisfaction or the One who will give you TRUE rest?

So pretty much...

2011-12-04T19:21:00.001-08:00

I love my husband!

And am listening to him play the piano and sing Christmas carols.

I love him!

Oh yeah and watching him lead Bible study tonight just makes me so thankful that the Lord saw fit to put him into my life. He is such a godly man!

I really do love him!

And now-I am going to make some nachos and eat them

with the man I love :)

Our Engagement Story

2011-12-03T15:01:00.001-08:00

So, I have been working on this series of our story for like-well, forever. Ahem. But tonight I feel as though I need to go a little out of order. See, in 19 days we will be heading back to NY to celebrate Christmas with our families. The fact that I can hardly wait is an understatement!

Christmas. I have been thinking about it lately. Somewhat hard to here in Florida. Seriously, I turned on the radio the other day and "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" began to play. I looked around at the blue skies, sunshine and thought about the fact it was in the 70's and smiled. Yeah right! I love the weather in Florida BUT there is something about snow to put one in the mood for Christmas! :)

So then I have been thinking about last Christmas. What a difference this year! Last year I wasn't even engaged-yet! And this year? Married almost seven months with our little man on the way!

So how did it all happen? Well, I will tell you. So settle back for a story:

As December of 2010 approached we were still waiting for that first kiss. See, I had decided long ago that I wanted to save my first kiss for my husband and so I told Jason to not even dare to kiss me till he KNEW without a shadow of a doubt that I was to be his wife. So up until December we had not kissed or told each other "I love you" (although there was a lot of "I like you so much my love"going on lol).

This is how I told Jason in the journal I had started for my husband WAY before I knew Jason was the one:

Christmas Eve we celebrated with my family. Mom was so excited to give you your gifts. We had to share my stocking. I didn't mind at all though (even though you consumed large amounts of my candy!).

Our whole Family including our dogs :)

My sister Jen and I

Stocking Candy is a SERIOUS business ;)

Jason and I with my actually OUR candy that he ate so much of! :)

A few days before Christmas Eve you had given me a few "half-kisses" as you called them. I had told you not to kiss me till you were absolutely 100% certain that I was the one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with. So after those half kisses I knew you were going to propose pretty soon that that is what you kept telling me too! :) I told you that I would be content with a rubber band for a ring and a tent for a house and I meant it! :)

So on Christmas day (ok, it was like 12:05 am) in my kitchen at my house we had just read the Bible and I went to get up off the floor and you gave me my first real kiss. See, you were the only man who ever kissed me and the last! :) I saved my lips for you alone Jason Samuel. And oh-was it worth it...

So, you kissed me Christmas day 2010 and I knew for sure then that you were going to ask me to marry you very soon. You even said that night that maybe you should propose on Christmas Day instead of in Key West (where we were going to be heading on a missions trip in January) because you would be able to remember it better.

I was definitely expecting a proposal Christmas day especially when you kept saying you were going to just buy a silly band ring off Connor and Emma (or niece and nephew).

So the day stretched on. We were at your families and it was getting later and later but I hadn't gotten proposed to yet so I was trying to not be as excited. I figured you would do it some other day. Well, 6pm rolled around and I was in the living room with Meghan, Lydia and Liz and you were not there. In fact, I had not seen you in quite awhile which was kind of weird because normally we are always together.

I was sitting there wondering where you were and finally you came in and asked it I minded if we went to your brothers to watch a movie because "Emma wants us to". I was tired but said yes anyway :) So we watched a bit of a comedy DVD then-we left.

The whole way over to their house you talked about the house and the steps we needed to take to build it and the time line. You would think I would have gotten a little bit suspicious but I was (thankfully) totally and completely oblivious!

We get to their house and we walk in only to find it was totally quiet which actually I did not think anything of. I just figured they were down in the basement. Then I noticed the lighting was dim (candlelight and Christmas tree lights) but I still did not even really think about that! Well then I walked in and there you were in the dining room. "Look what someone left us," you said quite smugly and there was candles and tea and cookies. I was in shock!

So we sit down and by this time I just KNEW and so I am on the edge of my seat and you-start eating calmly! Lol :) Then you go, "Are you waiting for something"? I don't remember if I said anything or just stared at you! Either way you started clearing dishes away. Honestly the next part is kind of a blur but this is what I remember-

"I have a question to ask you," you said, and you pulled out a ring box and opened it. Nestled inside was a green (both of our favorite colors) silly band giraffe rind. "Now I am not going to be traditional and get down on one knee because I only bow my knee to our King (Jesus) but I am truly asking-will you marry me"? The words I had wanted to hear all my life.

"Well, you will have to put the ring on," I said. So you put that green silly band on my finger (which I was completely content with) when all the sudden you went: "Hmmmm, that looks like it doesn't fit very well." And you handed me the most beautiful diamond ring that looked like it was tailor made just for me.

I gasped and as you slid it on my finger you asked it that was a yes and I said "YES!!!". Then you gave me a hug, sweetly kissed me and then we prayed right there just surrendering our future to God. Then we read the Bible and just wow! It was perfect!

We went home later on to show my family and they were so excited for us! We were so excited and even though we had no idea what the Lord had in store for us-we were ready to take whatever came next together.

Truly it has been a journey and an adventure! I am so thankful though that I saved myself for Jason and that God saw fit to bring him into my life! I am truly blessed among women! So, the Christmas season is now very special to me for many reasons :) One of them being the sweet memories of 2010 :)

The Bathroom

2011-12-02T19:08:00.001-08:00

Ok. So as you all know we have been in the midst of remodeling our home-well for the last five-ish months! My man worked so hard yesterday and today to trasform our bathroom from this:

To this:

And then just because the mirror was there here is Elijah just saying hi to all of you lovely blog readers ;) 21 weeks and counting! :)

I am so proud of my hard working husband! He is such a blessing to me and he has just really made this house into our home :) So there it is-one more room that we have worked on and finished! :) Dining room is next (because our house is on an angle in a corner of it not even kidding)!

Have any of you been doing any home projects?

What really is the reason for the season?

2011-11-30T20:23:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I went to a ladies house and was watching some tv while she napped and was shocked. All over there were ads for great buys and specials that were going to come on but...not once was Christmas mentioned. It was all about the "holiday season". Now, do I think that it is wrong to say holiday? No. But I do think that it is sad that we are forgetting the true reason for the season.

What is that reason?

(Source)

I love this picture. Maybe it is because I can feel my son moving inside me. Maybe because now I understand just a little bit more what an amazing thing Mary went through during her pregnancy with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Christ is the only thing that makes CHRISTMAS. Lets not forget the TRUE reason for the season! Jesus is the only thing that can make our holidays happy! Lets not forget that! :)

So what are your plans for this Christmas? In a few short weeks we are heading back up to NY and I can hardly wait! We are going to be spending time with both of our families and I just am so excited! One of the most exciting things to me is being able to play piano in church on Sunday, Christmas Day 2011 (a year to the day when we got engaged which-I need to write that story soon) with my sister Abby. What a special gift that will be. My Dad is a pastor and for years Abby and I were the pianists and church and I miss that! Super excited :)

What blessings are you looking forward to in these upcoming months?

A very special day :)

2011-11-28T17:32:00.001-08:00

Today is my last day of being 20 weeks! :) Things have been insanely busy lately but that is ok because I still got some pictures! :)

It has been exciting lately! We found out for absolute sure that Elijah is indeed a boy! I am so happy about that :) I love finding out just because now it just seems so much more personal to me :) And yes-I look crazy sometimes just walking around talking to my belly! ;)

I had some fun editing this one. I am so excited to meet this little man in four months Lord willing! I got this idea from a friend's pregnancy pictures and thought I would play around with it :)

And then of course my amazing husband Jason who was so patient while I played around with the self timer on our camera! I am so excited for him to be a Daddy. He is going to be the best! :)

Speaking of the best-guess what my husband did for me today? Well, here is a hint in pictures:

So my husband is the sweetest man in the entire world! I came home and this is what I found: GORGEOUS roses, the sweetest card and then because we are trying to stay away from sugary stuff raspberries (instead of chocolate) and TORTILLA CHIPS COMPLETE WITH FIXINGS FOR NACHOS! Yes, I did a happy dance when he told me about the nachos ;) I love him so much :)<3 What an amazing six month anniversary!

Wait a second! Did I say six months? Why yes I did! Six months ago on this day we got married and began our journey as man and wife and while that is not long for some people for us it has felt like six years just all the stuff we have packed into these last six months! What an amazing journey it has been so far! I am truly blessed among women! It is so worth waiting for the man that GOD has for us! He is my rock, my lover, my best friend. He is my husband.

And I absolutely adore him :) Can you tell? Happy six month anniversary love :)

Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T07:38:00.001-08:00

Is tomorrow really Thanksgiving? Here in Florida things are a little bit different. Like the fact that it is super warm and sunny still. What is the problem with that you might ask? Well, because we are absolutely lacking in frigidness and snow here my body thinks that it is still summer. It is not possible that Christmas is a mere fourish weeks away!! Is it!?

New seasons in life. New chapters. Well, this is a first in my chapter. Thanksgiving without my family back in NY. And while I do not regret looking like/feeling like this:

(Source)

But I do miss that cozy feeling as you look at the snow from inside your warm, light filled house. I will miss family. I will miss helping Uncle Doug carve the turkey. I will miss Grandpa Vincent's devotions (this will be our first Thanksgiving with him in heaven). I will miss Grandma's pumkin pie. I will miss our super clean house and the way it looks for the holidays. I will miss looking around the table and being warmed with how loved I am.

I know I am loved but I will miss being there. Instead I am 1,200 miles away. And yet, I know I am loved here as well. We have a wonderful church family as well as amazing friends. God is so good to us!

So I am thankful. I am thankful for my family in NY and I am thankful for my family here in FL. I am thankful for the years that I had full of amazing memories. I am also thankful for the years ahead that will be full of new memories.

I am so thankful for so many things:

Jason
Elijah :)
God's Word
Billionth Chances
A little house to make into a haven of our own
Fun times with my husband just laughing and enjoying eachothers company
Pictures
Christmas Presents
Knowing I will be with family in a few short weeks
Amazing friends!
Sunny, warm weather!!! :)
Laughter
Love
Hugs
Elijah's Kicks
A list to get accomplished today
Joy that is found in the Lord
Being able to seek God's face whenever and wherever I want/need to
Home made bread
Sour Dough!
An amazing midwife :)
Freedom to Worship my Savior
Old Jimmy Stewart Movies
Thrift Stores
Cooking
Board Games
Hot tea on a chilly day

There are so many things to give thanks for! So many opportunities to praise our God! So now it is your turn-what are some things that you are thankful for today? It is really neat to think about our blessings especially since tomorrow is Thanksgiving :)

And the baby is a.......

2011-11-22T16:13:00.001-08:00

A BOY!!!!!!

We are so excited! I knew from the beginning that is was and was so excited when I found out I was actually right! Lol :)

He is so active and looks perfectly healthy! We are half way! :) April 2012 I will be holding my son! What a thrill that sends through me!

Elijah means "Lord is my God" which is what my deepest desire is for my son. That he love the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart, mind, soul and strength.

Samuel is Jason's middle name as well as my Mom's Dad's name. It means "Asked of God" and how true that is! :)

I feel amazed as I am transitioning into this new season of my life. Wife and now Mama. This blog is going to be a chronicle of that journey. I am excited to see what the Lord Jesus has in store and my prayer is that God will use this blog to touch many with His love.

This will definitely be a place where I share my recipes and mishaps in the kitchen, baby news, things the Lord has been teaching me, tons of pictures as well as what I shared on my old blog :)

So excited for this journey to begin! Blessings :)