Oh, Baby!

I haven't blogged in so long... I have thought about it many times, but just couldn't do it. For the past 5 months (well, ok really 4) I have been very sick. As most of you are aware- I have been sick for good reason! I am expecting a little one on February 17, 2011. Nathan and I weren't even trying to have a baby, but through God's graciousness, He saw it fit to bless us with a wonderful surprise! We weren't even sure of our chances of conceiving. I have had "issues" since puberty- but more so- Nathan was diganosed with and treated for testicular cancer 3 years ago. GOD IS SO GOOD! And even though this came as a complete shock- and even though it took a minute to get used to the fact that I am pregnant... I couldn't be happier! I will be 20 weeks this Thursday, and we find out the sex of the baby TOMORROW (Tuesday)!!!!! I probably won't even be able to sleep tonight, I am so excited! And even though I am just ready to know what we are having, I am more anxious to hear that the baby is wonderfully perfect!

As I mentioned before, I have been very sick. This has been the hardest 4 months of my life! I started throwing up the day I turned 6 weeks, and I am still getting sick! In the beginning, I lost 8 lbs. due to how sick I was. I have made that weight up though- haha! I am not nearly as sick as I was just a few short weeks ago, and I am so very thankful for that! I have hyperemesis gravidarum, and unless you have been there and have been that sick (which many of you have), you just have no idea of the level of suffering. I know there are a lot of people in this world that have truly debilitating diseases that cause a lot of suffering, and I am not at all trying to say what I have is worse. Completely separate from that- I'm just saying- it has been rough! But at least I have a wondeful bright light at the end of the tunnel! Now, I am not bringing all of this up to have a pity party.. and I am quite sick of complaining about it (haha), but I am just wanting to bring you up to date.

On a brighter note, I have been feeling a little bit of movement for about two weeks now. It is not all of the time- but occasionally it will happen. Every time it does, I am amazed that there is something alive inside of me! It makes me feel like I am the only perosn on earth that has ever experienced something that special!

Don't worry fellow blog readers, this blog is not about to become a pregnancy/baby/family blog- we plan to write as usual (except hopefully a little more often!), but I will share any funny/special stories that this experience may bring to my life!

I will ask now for a special prayer tonight for my little one. First and foremost, please pray for a healthy baby to be shown on the ultrasound tomorrow. Secondly, pray that this baby will cooperate, and we will be able to catch a glimpse between those sweet little baby legs!

Disney!!

I need help, advice, tips...whatever you call it. Patrick and I are going to Disney World in two and a half weeks. We have been SO excited about this trip! We are actually going without our kids...I know, I know. Who goes to Disney World without their kids? Isn't it made for kids?? Well, we are basically twelve years old at heart, so it's actually quite fitting. We've been wanting to get away (just the two of us) and take a little mini-vacation. Everything we came up with just paled in comparison to the glorious fun that is Disney. So...we booked it and haven't regretted our decision on the place at all. I would like to add that we are planning on taking the kids in a year for a big, huge vacation with my whole family. Can't wait!! We are telling ourselves that we're just going to "check it out" for everyone. haha:)


Anyway, back to needing advice. You see, the closer we get to leaving, the more anxious I am getting about leaving the girls. I have been ridiculously looking forward to this, and now all I can think about is how much I am going to miss them. We will be gone four nights, and I've never ever been away from them for more than a night. (Well, Lily went to Alabama with my mom for two nights, and that was tough!) So...I need some words of wisdom from my friends who have been on a mini-vacation without their kids. Will I have fun?? Or will I miss them terribly and be miserable?? Is there anything I can do to help me NOT sob the whole time? Does it get easier each time? I know this probably all sounds silly. I mean, it is only four nights. But...it's our first time. And I really love my girls:) So, please...give this nervous mother some encouragement!! If you read this and do not have kids, any tips on Disney World would be appreciated too. Favorite restaurants? Best rides? Skip this? Don't miss that? I'm desperate for some sort of feedback.


Thanks for reading, and thank you for the words of wisdom that I just KNOW you will leave me:) And now I leave you with these two adorable little faces: Can you see why I'm not looking forward to leaving these babies?? Oh, I love them so!!

I love my first friend!!

Due to how very sick I have been, I am late on a very important blog! I will be blogging about all that goodness in a later post (no promises to when because it is REALLY hard for me to even look at a computer these days).

I missed Corrie's birthday blog.. a while ago. It was not forgotten about. In fact, I had been excited all year to write her birthday blog. But I missed it :( Not on purpose, but I still missed it. Before I can write another single blog about anything, and although it is not her birthday anymore, I still want to say a word about my first friend. I knew it would kind of be a hard one for me to write because it is hard to say how much I love her- and the reasons why.

She is my best friend. All of my life (even when we were fighting like crazy as teens) I have looked up to Corrie. To me, she, almost always, knows best. She has, almost always, done what is right. She truly was my first friend. We have always been very close, but there were a few years (those preteen and teenage years) that I highly doubted we would ever be best friends. But as the years went by and as we both matured, we became super close. I can't even remember the last time we argued. And now, there is not a day that goes by that I don't talk to her at least 3 times. Most days, I even get to see her! I have so much fun with her every time we are together- even if we are just sitting on her couch talking. It never gets old or boring. And it is our dream to live next to each other... hopefully that dream will come true sooner rather than later :)

She is so wise. I know that I can go to her for the best, most God-centered advice- always with my best interest at heart. She isn't scared to tell me things she knows I will not want to hear. She is the best mediator when I am upset in situations involving others.

She is the best mom. I adore watching her with her girls. Luckily, we had a wonderful mom growing up that taught us well. But now that Nathan and I are so close to parenthood, I pay close attention to the details of parenting. Corrie (and Patrick) are such awesome role models in that area. I ask Corrie all the time if she cares if I copy an idea. I am literally writing them down. I am constantly impressed with her.

She is a godly woman. Again, in every aspect of her life: marriage, motherhood, friendships, etc.. she shows God's love in an awesome way. There is no doubt who comes first in their household! I love that we can talk about all that stuff together! -- it is so encouraging and it keeps me held accountable! I love it!

She is so fun. She is crazy and so funny and a little nerdy. haha. She always makes me laugh. Sometimes, I am laughing at her... but laughing nonetheless!

So.. in a nutshell. I love my first friend! I just wanted to post a short little note about her greatness :) I think she is great- and anyone privileged enough to know her loves her too! You just can't not.

Sorry...but it's my blog, so I can

Hey blog readers! Okay, so we decided to sale our house. We're going to try the FSBO route for a few weeks before actually listing it. So...yes, I am about to post a link for all of you to view a few pics of my house. I realize that probably no one that reads this is going to buy our home, but I'm going to give this "for sale by owner" thing my best effort. Besides, if someone comes soon...we can certainly negotiate a little more if we don't have to pay a realtor a large chunk of our cash. So people, if ANYONE you know is interested, please give me a call or send me a message!! Okay, that's all of the soliciting I will ever do on this blog. I promise. I think. Unless I need to again... Oh, and if anyone brings me a buyer without a realtor involved, I promise you I will literally give you a thousand dollars. We are willing to co-op with a realtor if necessary, though. However, I cannot guarantee $1000 at that time. :) Okay, I'm shutting up.

http://www.forsalebyowner.com/listing/RRGWT

Check us out! Have a GREAT labor day weekend! I know I will as we make small, but necessary, improvements to our house :/

The Liberation of Organization

Hello blog-readers!! Did you think we fell off the face of the earth? I know, I know...it's been too long. I'm sure you were sitting on pins and needles, just waiting on the next post ;) There has been a LOT going on lately, and we've both been busy (or sick). I'll let Anna update on more details. Anyway, I thought I'd just drop in and say hi to everyone. I think I'll just fill you in on what's going on in my world. It's really not that exciting.


First up, we got cable!! Yes, television cable. We were hooking up the internet, and since dumb Comcast is the only one that runs lines to our neighborhood, we had to get basic cable. No frills. We were supposed to pick up only about ten channels, but when we switched, we ended up getting about 75!! This is the first time in seven years we have had more than seven channels. We don't watch a TON of television, and what we do enjoy comes on network tv. But now my whole world has been opened up to the beauty (and pitfalls) of a LOT of programs. I have discovered that there are MANY times when there is STILL nothing good to watch. I just grab a book and read instead. But I have to say, I am loving Discovery Channel, TLC, and HGTV. The Cake Boss is amazing. Even Patrick loves it. We also got to participate in SHARK WEEK!! Can I get a WOOHOO?!? I'm somewhat (okay, very) obsessed with The Little Couple. I love them. If I were a little person and Bill was single....okay, there, I said it. Patrick is enjoying a few sports channels. He will REALLY be excited in a few weeks when college football starts. I, however, can cry now just thinking of it. We also like Mythbusters. Okay, that's all I am going to say about television. It probably sounds like that's all we do now. Not true. Just maybe a little more true than, say, two months ago. :)


The other thing I have been doing lately is methodically going through my house and organizing each and every room, drawer, closet....etc. Okay, I should back up here and say that I have been fetching the vacuum, various boxes, and cleaning supplies while my friend, Hollie, has been working away to make my home clutter-free! I am not really a pack rat (cough, cough, Anna and Patrick), but I am just not that good at organizing. Sure, there are areas I do okay with it. When I was in school, my work was very organized. But somehow, it didn't translate to my closets. And when Hollie saw them (after a minor stroke), she decided something had to be done. We started in the pantry and fridge, then went to the laundry room, the kitchen, my bedroom, my closet, entertainment center...it's been weeks of organizing. I'm telling you, the girl has a gift for it. I promise my house has gained all kinds of square footage. I know, you're probably thinking..."this will never last." But something amazing has happened in this process. She made a place for every little thing, and I now WANT to keep it that way!! Hooray!! So...where as in the past, I would blow dry my hair and then leave my blow-dryer plugged in (because I would be using it again tomorrow), I now just go put it in it's little drawer! It takes ten seconds. And my house looks so much cleaner! AAHHHHH!!! It's is truly freeing and liberating. I've also discovered that when everything is put where it goes, then it takes no time to actually clean. You probably all already know this. I'm just 27 years figuring it out. Thanks, Hollie!


There are some other things going on that I will blog about soon. But this one is getting long...and probably boring. Oh!! Coming up soon: I saw a show on my beloved TLC, and I really, really feel that somehow they got some information on me and put it into Untold Stories of the ER. I am currently trying to figure out how to make some kind of money off of this. I just KNOW they used my story.

One week ago, my sweet Lily turned four years old. I cannot believe it has been four years since I first met my little girl. I am so grateful to have a happy, healthy, and growing four year old. But it all seems to be going too fast!!


Lily, you are such a joy to this family. I love your little personality. You say the funniest and most clever things. You have the best laugh. I love your tender heart and sweet, sweet spirit. You are such a sensitive and compassionate child. I know God will use that in great ways. I love the way you love your sister. You have more patience with that cute little stinker than any four year old should. I love that your favorite color is yellow. It's not pink (although you do like pink), but it's yellow that is your "very most favorite." I love how you get excited over the smallest things. You show such sweet gratitude over any size gift. I love that after two and half years, you STILL love lions. I'm pretty sure this holds a record for childhood fascinations. You "growl" at us daily. I love that you can put on your Snow White dress and go play in the mud. It doesn't bother you a bit. I love that you have decided beetle bugs are nice and worthy of love. You stroke their backs like you would a dog. I do not love it when you ask me to do the same. I love your fondness for running. I have a hard time keeping up with you. This obviously came from your daddy. I love the way you model every outfit for your daddy. You always expect him to rave on how beautiful you look. He always does. I love your big, beautiful brown eyes. They are so full of expression. Everywhere we go, someone compliments you on them. I think it's because they are so full of life. I love watching you grow, play, and learn. These past four years have been the best of my life. You are an amazing little girl, and I am so thankful that God chose me to be your mommy. Happy Birthday, my precious Lily-bean!



The day after my Lily turned four, another friend of mine celebrated her birthday. I have to take a minute to love on my friend, Hollie. Two years ago, we were looking for a church home. It was not a very fun process. At the same time, I was praying that God would send some friends that were in the same place in life that I was...staying home, raising a family. He led us to a church we love where I met Hollie the first Sunday. She was back in the nursery with her ridiculously cute little boy, and I was back there rocking my cute (but screaming) little Evie. We hit it off, and a year and half later, I am so grateful to call her one of my closest friends. I think we spent the majority of that first morning talking about our hypochondriac tendencies. We're both a little "crazy", and it was so nice to finally have a friend who relates but can keep me in check. "No, Corrie, you do not have malaria. But do you think I might have lupus?" Yes, we're ridiculous. Anyway, Hollie is just the best. She is the most giving, serving person I know. She would give you the shirt off her back. She is the kind of friend that comes early to a party to help you set up and then stays long after everyone leaves to help mop your floor. She watches the girls for me sometimes, and I think everytime I've come home, she has cleaned a room in my house. She's organized my fridge, the girls' room, the toy room, cleaned my floors, my kitchen...and we're working on my laundry room now. She's amazing. But if she never did any of that, she still would be just as great. She is such a good listener, gives good advice, and we have a blast together. I know we will be friends for life. She's also an awesome work-out buddy...when I show up:) I am so thankful God answered my prayers in Hollie. Happy Birthday to my gorgeous, faithful, and fun friend! And also the future mother-in-law to Evie pea-pod:)! I sure love you!


* I would like to say that we have been slacking in the blogging. But we have some fun blogs planned. Coming up: my moth story!! But make sure to read Anna's blog tomorrow. It's soooo good! You won't want to miss it!!

Three in One

Ok, so it has been a busy summer. That should be no excuse. It has been REALLY busy the past two weeks. Still bad excuse. There are three precious people in my life- and I missed their Birthday Blessings blog. I think the best excuse is this--- their birthdays all fell in the same week! And I have been a bit under the weather lately- and I got behind- and missed their blog. So here goes- three in one (in the order of their birthday).

Nathan-

(I know, one of them is my sweet husband-I'm so bad.) I actually won't spend too much time on him because I just wrote him a sweet blog here for our anniversary. I will just say, I love him so, so much, and while I haven't been feeling well- he has been amazing! And this year, he was so wonderful about his small gift of candy and a card... but I can't wait to spoil him on his day. Hopefully I can do that next year! Nathan- I love you much, and I am very excited about our upcoming year :)

Jessica P-

Jessica and I go way back... I met Jess on the church bus one Tuesday after school (we were on our way to children's choir at Carriage Hills). Funny thing- our friendship started on a lie. She had a suitcase (that she had used for a project at school), but she told me she was packing up and going to Hawaii right after choir. And in my 4th grade brain- I believed her. I saw her at school the next day, and she told me that she did in fact go to Hawaii but was back already. Oh Jessica. haha. For some reason, I liked her- and we became fast friends. Her family was like my second family (and vice versa). We were together all the time. She came to Alabama with me to visit grandparents and I went with her whole family to the lake.. frequently. By the end of a week, we would be fighting like sisters and ready to be away from each other. One day would pass and we would be back at each other's house. We have been through so much together. Elementary, middle, and high school, countless friends, boyfriends, family issues, jobs together, college years, life after college, my wedding, a tattoo (lol)... everything. And she is still my best friend to this day. Jessica just might be the most interesting person I know. She can be shy (especially when we were younger)- and yet she is very opinionated and blunt. She is one of the smartest people I know. The girl can look over material for a test ten minutes before taking it (in college-getting her doctorate) and pass the heck out of it! She is an avid reader- and she loves movies. If you ask her if she has read a certain book or watched a certain movie- there is a really good chance she has. I love that about her. She has great taste in clothing and home decor- but she is definitely most comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt. Also, she has the tinest hands and feet of any grown person I know. She could (and has before) shop in the kids' shoe department. It's cute. Another thing I love about Jess is that she is really good to go to when seeking advice. She is so logical and godly, and anyone that knows her is drawn to her advice! Jessica is also very funny and so much fun to be around. She will look at you- straight faced- and say something so mean. Of course, you have to know her to know she is so kidding- but I think it is hilarious! She is most definitely the opposite of mean. She is so sweet. I think she is too sweet to people sometimes! She will do anything- anything you ask her to do. She is much more selfless than I am. I think Jessica is the best- and I am so lucky to have her as a best friend for 15+ years! We have so many fun-fun memories, and I am just glad we are still so close to create many, many more! Jess- I love you, and I am sorry your blog is so late! :)

Melanie-

Melanie (my sister-in-law) is such a fun person. I admire her so much. I have been around her since she was in middle school, and it has been fun (and interesting) to watch her grow up to become the young woman she is now. I say interesting because, with Melanie, it is always interesting. She is so unique- such her own person. She has her own, cute style, her own thoughts and ideas about everything. She has the cutest little figure, and she dresses in a way that makes her personality shine. As I am typing this- I am finding it hard to even put in to words to express her sweet uniqueness (in a very good way)! She is so much fun to be around- and that is evident because I have never seen a girl with so many friends-- You should see the size of all her birthday parties! One thing I love about Mel though is that she stays true to her beliefs. She was never really a teenager you worried about. She was (and is) very strong in her faith, and now she is a wonderful role model to so many young girls. Oh, I almost forgot-- she is a great actress! I have seen several of her plays, and I am always very impressed with her abilities!! She just might be famous some day. I am excited to see what her future holds because I know she will be great at whatever she does! Mel-I love you and your crazy self! I truly do think you're awesome! :)