Piercen...

I have been trying to post for several weeks now but I am not sure there are ever enough hours in the day. I have been reading blogs, trying to keep up with my email and myspace but there is never enough time to sit down and write. I am sure I have lost several of my readers by now. I hate it but at the same time my baby is my first priority.

God has been blessing our socks off! He has seen so good to us and continues to answer our prayers. Since quitting my job our finances have been better than they ever have. This last weekend I was able to go to Lane Bryant and buy new clothes. I had a blast and I was able to buy two sizes smaller. YEAH! I don't know if it is like this for anyone else but my weight fluctuates so much. I am trying to loose as much as possible and it seems to be working because my sugar is doing wonderful and I am taking NOTHING for it. Please keep praying for us because we are trying to get some major medical insurance. Every time I start to worry about it I just remind myself that God has told me "Trust ME". He has taught me so much since becoming pregnant with Piercen. It's been the greatest journey and one I have learned the most from.

As I read other blogs I am so encouraged how the Lord is not only working in our lives but in the lives of you as well. Amanda and her husband Jeremy have answered the call that God has placed upon them at this present time. If you get a chance take a look at Amanda's blog and pray for them as they are planting a church and working in Austin!

I know what it is like to give up what is comfortable and answer the call to minister. It isn't always easy not sleeping in my own bed. It isn't always easy sharing my husbands time with others, it isn't always easy being away from home as much as we are but nothing is more precious than being in the center of Gods perfect will. Jeremy is an evangelist and THIS is what God has called me to do --- being his wife, being a mommy and being obedient to the call on my life. I remember just a few weeks ago I leaned over and said "Jeremy, what is my ministry right now?" It was 5 minutes later that the Lord directed me to make two phone calls to two of the girls who had been on my heart. Needless to say I was reminded then of my ministry. God has a way of speaking some times doesn't he ???? Pray for us as we travel. I have traveling with Jeremy about 75% of the time. Being in church several nights a week is such a blessing. Just last week a lady who had been sick with arthritus for 5 years and could not hold her hands above her head was healed and I was able to witness the Lord and his healing in that lady but at the same time the nights to get long and tiring at times. I know you guys pray for us and it means alot. God always knows what we need!

Piercen is getting so big. He will be 4 months old this month on the 28th. I could never put into words what a blessing he has been in our lives. I am speechless. I stand in awe at the goodness of the Lord. I feel so unworthy to be so happy! When I hold his tiny little hand in mine I am reminded that he is watching everything I say and do. We had his baby dedication on April 1st. Jeremy and I had already dedicated our sweet son to the Lord before he was even born yet we had the dedication and it is a reminder of our committment to both Piercen and the Lord. Piercen has been sleeping thru the night since he was 7 weeks old but we now have a set schedule every day. We did this about 6 weeks ago. I hate to admit it but I have kept him beside our bed in his basinett but he is outgrowing it. He is going to have to move to his baby bed in his nursery soon! I am going to cry like a baby. He loves to 'talk', LOVES bath time, loves to ride in the car, ADORES music, and I can't wait to find out what he weighs and how much he has grown. He has noticed his toes now, likes to look at himself in the mirror, chuckles outloud and HATES being on his tummy! I make him have tummy time but he can't stand it. He doesn't meet a stranger and that scares me hee hee ! He is so laid back and easy going... I know he gets that from his daddy.

We just thank God for our little guy and just pray for health and happiness every day. I realize I have to TRUST HIM in everything. Being a mommy is a huge ministry to me. I know I am not perfect but I sure hope in all things I can point him to Jesus. That is my daily prayer. In changing his diaper I am teaching him something, In putting away my dishes I am teaching him something, in checking the mail I am teaching him something. He needs to see Jesus in my walk, in my talk, and in our play. We as mommy and daddy get one time to raise our children! Oh what a calling he has given us! You pray for me and I am praying for you!

Veronica, if your reading this I love you! I have been thinking of you and I am sorry I haven't contacted you. I am trying to adjust to traveling with a baby. Amanda, I am reading! I am praying! Just be YOU in all things!!! You have an awesome ministry!!! Gwen, thank you for always reading -- you always bless me and bring a smile to my face. I am praying for you and your family always! Michelle --- your the best and I love you! Thank you for being here always and for all your love and support. I love you girls!!

Amanda, this is for you!

Wow has time flown! I have finally been able to sit down and load weeks worth of pictures into the computer. I wanted to post this one picture of Easter tonight while I hope to create a slide show soon so I can share others with you. This is Piercen and his little friend Meg on Easter Sunday. Piercen and Meg are six weeks apart. Aren't they just adorable!?!?! I think so!!!

I will post new pics soon. Amanda, you asked for a picture so here ya go.

Our boys are growing up way too fast!

Piercen and I...

I wanted to post a new picture of Piercen and I... I finally figured out all the quirks that were going on with my blog and fixed them. Problem is, now I do not have time to sit and write my blog that I have been patiently waiting to do.

I love this new picture of Piercen and I... Isn't he just adorable ???? Can you tell I am such a proud mommy !!!!!!!??????!!!!!!!I took him to take some snap shots and he was so good. He is laughing all the time now and is 12 weeks old today. I can't wait to find out what he is weighing.

God is good... ALL the time.... I can't wait to share with you what he has been doing in our lives. Prayer after Prayer he is answering... thank you to my friends to who have been praying for me! I love you guys.

I am going on our first trip this weekend with Jeremy. He is in revival which begins in OK on Sunday. Piercen loves his car seat so the ride will not be a problem. I hope he adjusts well to being in a different place. His daddy is really excited we are going to be traveling full time. We just pray he loves it as much as he does!

Have a great weekend!

HEY !!!

Just wanted to let everyone know I am having some problems with my blog for some reason. I am going to take some time to sit down tonight after church and fix what is going on. I have tried but haven't had enough time to take care of it... I will write soon as I get it fixed. Sorry I have been missing in action. Please don't give up on me - I will write ASAP! I have a TON to tell !!

Happy Valentines Day my friends....

Just wanted to post a picture of our little guy and wish you all a Happy Valentines Day!! He is growing so fast! I went back to the doctor yesterday and am supposed to return to work on March 5th! I am praying that God will answer our prayer and allow me to stay at home with Piercen so we can travel with Jeremy! I would appreciate all of your prayers! I will post again soon! Hope everyone is doing well! I pray that you had a wonderful Valentines Day! And remember... God is LOVE!

How about those COLTS!!!

Hey everyone! I hope this post finds you all doing well and a start to a good week. We have alot going on this week with a few visitors coming to see us! It was so pretty here today I cleaned my car and tomorrow we are cleaning this house from top to bottom and I should have picked a different day to do that as well because it is supposed to be 56' here! WOW talk about heat wave! Just a few updated pictures to share with you of our little guy. You know me, I am taking all the pictures that I possibly can. Piercen will be 6 weeks old on Thursday and it seems so impossible. He is growing so fast and changes every day. Jeremy said this morning to me "I think he gained weight overnight!" I believe it!!! He loves his bath time and I love these pictures of him....









Last night before our super bowl party I took these two pictures of him! Needless to say he cheered on the COLTS with his daddy and the rest of the gang! We had alot of fun but don't you always when your teams wins ?!?!?!?!?


Have a great week - hopefully one of these days I will have enough time to sit and write something spiritual on my blog. Right now when God speaks I have just time to take it all in and digest it - I need to find some time to share because I have learned if you want him to speak have a baby! I hav found since being pregnant he has used this entire experience to change my life!

Love to you all !!!

Isn't he just precious!!! I think so!!!

.....such a time as THIS!

Where on earth does the time go? I can not believe it has been a month since I gave birth to this adorable little guy of mine. Yesterday he was a month old and it seems so impossible. As most of you know my husband is a full time evangelist. He travels doing revivals, youth retreats, mission trips, summer camps and fills in for a lot of pastors while they are on vacation and various other things. The past 6 weeks he has been home with me and it has been such a blessing! Some of you might say how on earth can you afford that --- God always meets our needs above and beyond. He is such a great God. Piercen isn’t able to be in the public so we have been at home bonding with him. Jeremy, I want you to know how much I love you. You are the perfect husband and daddy. God has created such a Godly man and I am thankful for you! You continue to bless my heart beyond measure. The past month has been a treasure. You have helped me in so many ways and I am forever thankful. Thank you for making this time so much easier and enjoyable for me during all the adjustments. I do realize just how blessed I am!!! Two is always better than one - I love being a team! :)

Piercen is growing so fast! When he was born he weighed 7 lbs and 11 oz 19 ¾ in long. With him having jondis his weight was affected greatly. He would gain then loose, gain then loose. W hen we left the hosptial to bring him home he weighed 7 lbs 3 oz. Weight loss is common but after being home a week he had only gained a ½ oz. We had his four week check up on Wednesday and he now weighs 8 lbs and 8 oz…. He is now 21 ½ in long. He is growing perfectly and gaining weight as he should. We are so excited! His pediatrician said he is perfect, just perfect. I could have already told her that! Piercen has decided he likes to be awake most of the night and sleep during the day but his daddy & I keep telling him that we hope that he changes his mind about this really quick! Funny thing is when he does sleep at night it is for 5 hrs!!! We keep praying this becomes a habbit! He still has both a head full of hair & those long eyelashes mommy prayed for. Everyone loves his little chubby cheeks and his eyes are blue, blue, blue! Maybe they will stay that way!!!! He loves to sleep on his boppy, loves his swing and LOVES to cuddle!! I love that! :) Believe me or not... last Thursday he smiled for the 1st time and it was NOT gas!

This past month has brought so many smiles and yet so many tears! I find myself crying as much as I smile and laugh. God amazes me – I am sSsSoOoO overwhelmed with great JOY! I can’t get over it! And I believe it will be something I will never ever get over! I stand in Ahhh at how he has blessed us with this little boy. We prayed for years for a baby yet I had no idea why he chose to wait until such a time as THIS to send him. I do know it could never be a more perfect time. Before I couldn’t understand why it never happened and now I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it doesn’t matter why and THIS timing is perfect no matter what I thought before. That is how our God is, his timing is always perfect. I have to admit it – I’ve been sad too! I’ve had so many experiences this month that I won’t ever have again. I’ve had a hard time accepting I won’t ever feel Piercen kick inside my tummy or get the hickups, I won’t ever experience his BIRTH day, the first time they placed him in my arms, the moment I heard him cry, the first time I changed his diaper, the moment we walked thru our door & he was finally at home with us as a family. Yes, call me crazy but a part of my heart is sad. I will never experience those moments with him again! I just pause and thank God for this past month and all it means to me… I have memories that I will forever treasure in my heart! I think I finally get it…it is just now that I understand the love our heavenly father has for his children.
I smile and tear up as I look forward to our future --- the first time he rolls over, sits up, crawls, says his first word, his first step --- ALL the many times we will experience together as a family. I pray for guidance and wisdom as we raise him in the ways of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6).

I’m not sure if you have heard the song "Find your wings" <<<<by Mark Harris but it is my song to Piercen. I pray that my love will always give him roots! I pray that all I say and do points him to Christ. Pray for me! I’m going to be one of those SsSsIiIiLlLlYYY moms! Yes, the one you see screaming "I LOVE YOU" as he gets out of the car as he walks away with his friends! I am so in love, LOVE, love. Have I told you how adorable, precious, sweet, beautiful and perfect he is?!?!?!? He is all of those things and more. If you think I am proud I sure am and if you have children you should be to! We are taking his first month pictures and some family pictures some time this week so I will post them later this week!

View Show Create Your Own

Slide Show..

Here is a new slide show of the pictures that Jeremy and I took of Piercen this last week when he was three weeks old on Thursday. Call me crazy if you will but I am taking pictures like crazy each week... and sometimes.... daily! He is growing so fast and changing so much. Where on earth does time go? He is a sweet, sweet boy and he is so laid back. I know of course he gets that from his daddy. I am going to scan a picture of Jeremy and I both when we were babies. You will see how much he looks exactly like me yet how much he looks like his daddy as well! Needless to say I never ever knew life could be so precious and I am so thankful God has given him to us. I am SOOOOOO in love!!!


| View Show | Create Your Own

No mattter what.....

My son has to sleep at the end of the bassinet!

Doesn't matter how comfortable I make him he has to have his feet tuckeed in

and in the fetal position to be able to sleep! He gets to the very end and sleeps

every time! I guess now we know exactly how he was in my tummy!!

Explains why he was breech and never turned!!!

Side Show

Create Your Own

Some of you have been asking about the baby so I was going to share these pictures and our experience with you! I got the slide show idea from Amanda. Thanks girl!!!

As most of you know my doctor put me on best rest just a short time before Christmas due to my blood pressure. I spent the holidays in bed but it wasn't a bad deal ----I was waited on hand and foot. My husband is the greatest guy in the world! Thank you honey for always taking good care of me! Michelle came over and we exchanged our Christmas gifts and then Machele and Amy came and brought Jeremy& I such YUMMY food! My family came on Christmas eve and I opened all my gifts with them from the couch but the blessing was just being with them!

On the 27th I went to my regularly scheduled weekly appointments and my bp was still elevated. My dr was on call the next day and was going to be gone several days. We did an ultrasound and made sure Piercen was okay and decided to schedule the C Section for the next day! We called all of our family and friends as we headed up the elevator to check in..... Piercen was born December 28th at 11:08 am and weighed 7lbs and 11 oz and was 19 3/4 in long.

The C Section was a breeze! I met all of the OR team and we prayed before surgery. All the stories I was told weren't true or alteast not for me. It was wonderful and I have healed marvelously. Our baby boy has a head full of dark hair that his mommy prayed for, long eye lashes just like his daddy and LIPS that are beautiful and good for lots of smoochies from mommy and daddy! We had a host of family and friends to share our joy and I feel so blessed.
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Piercen had jondis so we had to stay a few (sigh) extra days in the hospital. He had a problem with feeding because of the jondis so he lost 4 oz one day. We sent out prayer chains and he made a huge turn around within 24 hrs. I made the nurses crack up -- who would have ever thought my baby boy would have a problem with feedings?!?!? He was just not feeling well but since being home he has more than made up for it! We have a check up on Wednesday to see how his weight is. We know everything is perfect!

We came home on Friday and are adjusting well. Daddy and I are learning to get 8 hrs of sleep one hour at a time!! Ha Ha!! Thank goodness he is home for several weeks and is such a huge help. He gets up for every feeding, every diaper change and doesn't miss a thing! We have had the best few days bonding as a family with our brand new baby boy. I never knew life could be so precious. Last night at 1 am we changed a diaper and used 4 diapers before we got it done! We had pee pee everywhere! I just sat and cracked up. We laughed for an hour! You would think with the both of us it would have been done alot faster! :0) Piercen got us both (good)!


Hey, by the way, I have a bone to pick with some of you!!! How come all you moms and all my friends never told me anything about those raging hormones!!! Hot/Cold, Happy/Sad, Tired/Energy and so forth! Thank the Lord they don't last! I feel like an old lady with these hot flashes! Hee Hee!! And they say this goes away! YEAH get it gone!

Well, I could go on and on... I haven't blogged and the last few times I have I just tried to post some pics real fast. I am learning to do things in shifts! :0) Speaking of - he is awake. Perfect timing. Have a great night everyone!

It has already been a week~

I can not believe how time has flown. Maybe it feels this way because we were only able to come home yesterday but I can't believe it!

We had to get a picture of Piercen in his Razorback hat! I love it! Daddy thought it was awesome too! He has already been introduced to the Razorbacks - even though they lost the Capital One bowl game!

Pictures to share

~me and my daddy~
~snuggling with my mommy~
~I love my hands~

Introducing our little guy....

Piercen Kennedy Howell

Born December 28, 2006 at 11:08 am

7 lbs 11 oz 19 3/4"

Mommy, Daddy and baby are doing wonderful....it was a whirlwind of a week! I did just wonderful but we had to stay in the hospital until today. Piercen got jondis and we were able to come home finally today. He is happy, heatlhy and doing wonderful. Mommy got the baby blues -finally doing so much better. I was SO worried about my little guy that I was just beside myself. Thank God he is doing wonderful. We rang in the new year snuggling as a family and it was the greatest feeling in the world. Jeremy & I are both in love like never before. I never knew how much my life would change. God is so good! If we can get some sleep we will shout! Ha Ha! I plan to post more pictures in the next few days! Hope everyone is doing well!

A special Christmas message.....

From my family to yours -

Merry Christmas, Chelle!

Thank you for being such a great friend and for being here for me this past year. Alot has taken place in my life this year. It has been a tough year in some ways and yet it has been the best year of my life. I am so thankful for your friendship. Most of all thank you for being there for me when my dad had his heart attack and during my pregnancy. Thank you for every phone call, email, card and time you have invested being part of it all. I can't wait for Piercen to get here and for you to meet him!

I pray you have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New year....

love,
Chris~

Already Christmas from my couch....

YES! You got it.... I have already been having Christmas from my couch! I went to the doctor on yesterday and I get to spend the next few days *sounds better than two weeks hee hee* at home. He took me off work on Monday afternoon and I went back Thursday for a check up..... I am doing ok... bp is still somewhat elevated but it is good when I am relaxing so I choose to keep our little guy in and do Christmas from my couch! I did loose one pound of the 4 of fluid so I was proud of that. I know that what I am doing is working even though the swelling doesn't make me think so! It is so much better though! I am scheduled for our C Section on January 5th which is two weeks from today. We are so excited. I know some may say a C Section isn't the best choice because of the healing process but it has a few positives too. The most important is that Piercen is breech! He may or may not turn in two weeks.... we are excited too that we have a date set and everyone can be there. That is really important to Jeremy & I both. We have such wonderful family & friends and most of them will be there! We have prayed about it for 36 weeks now and know that our son will come the way and time God has planned. That is the blessing.....

So Christmas from my couch it is - I look at my tree and decorations and remind myself that this time in two weeks I will be the happiest mommy in the world (AND pray my bp is okay so I can lay on my moms couch on Christmas eve!). We have had some friends over already and its been entertaining ... I get to sit and do nothing -unwrap gifts and be waited on. WOW..... now I know how the children feel all over again! I had forgotten... thank you to my husband who has even had to finish up some of my last minute shopping! Lord only knows why this year I waited. I am normally done weeks before and this year I am pregnant and wasn't even close until recently. Jeremy is loving Wal-Mart since he has been there every day for me the past three days. And yes, that is a joke! A joke he is loving it, not a joke he has been there SO much!

Michelle, I know at some point you will be reading this. I just want to say I love you! You blessed me today and I am so humbled at your heart..... I realize just where God has brought us from and how he has blessed me beyond measure having a friend in you. Thank you for what you mean to me. You are a gift from him!

36 weeks Friday..

Well it is official.. I am off work and at home! I went to the doctor on Monday and I will be 36 weeks on Friday... I am on bedrest and return to see him on Thursday! My blood pressure was slightly elevated and I am retaining some fluid. Piercen is still breech so we scheduled my c section for January 5th. I have 16 days to go and I have to take it easy. I am just praying that this rest will help! I was a little discouraged as I left the office to have things stacked against me my entire pregnancy and get this far and this happen when indeed its been such a blessing! I know and trust the Lord knows exactly what he is doing.

My husband ---- WOW! He is so amazing... He is finishing my last min shopping and taking care of me. I am so blessed. You should feel the same about yours too but as I always say he is best guy in the world! We are both so excited to meet our son but want to make sure I try my best to get to 38 weeks.... pray for us! I appreciate all the emails, packages and gift for Piercen. You guys are all such a blessing to us! I hope you have a blessed Christmas. I am going to get to sit back, relax and just take it all in.

35 weeks and ECSTATIC.....

What a journey it has been... We have been married for eight years and it isn't going to be long until the birth of our son. God has been so good to us and we are thankful for every single day of this journey. Who would have ever thought ! I've dreamed of it and wondered what it would really be like but I never imagined it would be this wonderful ! I am thankful for every doctors appointment, every ultrasound, every sleepless night, every insulin shot, every bit of it!

We had our 4d ultrasound today and it was something! He has the chubbiest cheeks and looks alot like his daddy. I can honestly say I have seen several of these and most of them do really reveal alot of features of the baby. The only thing I could tell he had of mine was my lips! They said he is measuring 5 lbs and 11 oz. All in all he could be 5 lb 3 oz or as big as 6 lbs and 1 oz. I have known them to be off on a few babies who have been born recently so we will see! I still can't get over the cheeks! I was going to post a picture and Jeremy was unable to get those scanned because we ran out of time. I will try and post a few later. Piercen is breech as of right now and we hope he will turn in the next week. Everything looked good and we will see the doctor again on Monday for our weekly appointment and to see what he thinks in terms of c section or ???

Here are some pictures we had made two weeks ago. I have to say I am very proud of them! I think they will be something I will treasure forever!

33 weeks!
I love you Jeremy! You are going to be the best daddy in the whole world!
Jeremiah 1:5
This is our favorite!
We love you Piercen Kennedy!

I am still alive...

I really am! It has ben CrAzZZzY around here! Thank you for your emails and for the 'few' comments some of you have left. I am horrible lately at blogging... I am really going to try and be better. I wanted to update everyone on what has been going on and it is always so much easier from my blog rather than several emails! I hope to have my husband scan the rest of my pictures from our showers and such this week so I can get some picturs on here for everyone to see. I have had four showers and we are winding down to the last weeks before our little guys arrival.... we are ECSTATIC!

Since my last post my dad is doing really well. Thank you for the emails and most of all --- your prayers. He does have two blockages but there is blood flow and the medication is working. There isn't a need for surgery at this time. At first I was a little scared. One, I was afriad he'd have to have it done and would be recovering right at Piercen was born. Two, I was afraid if they didn't do it now and just fix the problem he may have another attack. I learned real quick that God is in control and I can't worry. He took care of him when he had his heart attack and he is taking care of him now. He is the same God as yesterday! The human in me has to remind myself of this from time to time. My mom has been such a trooper in all of this... she has taken such good care of him. Anyone who knows my dad --- knows my dad. Ha Ha! He is now exercising every day and eating right. He isn't a big guy at all and never has been but something else we have learned. Your health isn't only affected by your build and weight. You can be 5'3 and 150 and still be unhealthy. You gotta take care of yourself. With this and all the weight I have lost being pregnant I can't wait to get on the ball once Piercen is born.

It is that time of year! Christmas parties, Christmas dinners, Christmas caroling, Christmas plays, and before you know it -- Christmas eve and Christmas day! It all starts this week heavy for Jeremy & I. And did I mention Childbirth class, doctors appointments, preparing for these last few weeks befor the baby -- OH and work ... I am still working! I almost forgot about that. I will be 34 weeks on Saturday and we have our 4D ultrasound on the 13th. So you ladies who have been here and done this --- how do you please everyone? We already tried this the first time when we went to find out what the baby was. Now its the 4D and as much as I'd like to ask several to go Jeremy & I are thinking just having my mom and my dad. It is one of those things that I have thought alot about because it is such a special time. If you have any advice please send it my way... it has been a struggle for me. Honestly, the ones I felt would be by my side really haven't shared much of this time with me. Others I have grown so much closer to. It has been hard to understand at times. I am just trying to be true to myself and not regret any decisions I make. When Jeremy & I found out together on our anniversary that we were having a boy it was priceless! My mom came in as soon as we calmed down from excitement and I was happy to share that with her but you couldn't have paid me for it to be any other way.

Piercen is going to have several play mates. I have been pregnant with about 10 other people from around here and three of them we are really good friends with. Asher was born on Saturday 11/11 (here is his picture) http://www.growingfamily.com/webnursery/babypage_view.asp?URLID=9E0S9I6K7O

and Megan was born on Monday 11/13 (here is her picture)
http://www.growingfamily.com/webnursery/babypage_view.asp?URLID=8C5W0O2E1A

They won't be too far apart and birthday parties wil be lots of fun. Jeremys's sister Erin and her husband Shannon are expecting Trinity Jade any time now and Brian and Carol are having a boy in February and that is exciting too! Babies everywhere!

Hope this post finds you all doing well. I've been praying for you Veronica as I promised. Kristina I have a thank you card ready to mail to you - I didn't forget you! Promise! Thank you again for the gift. Piercen will love it.

~Happy Thanksgiving

I haven't had a lot of time to post much the past few weeks but I wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and I pray that you will be blessed tomorrow as you spend time with your family and friends!

I have so much to be thankful for that if I began to name all of the blessings one by one I'd forget something OR there would be too many to name! God has been good to Jeremy & I this year and to our entire family as a whole. I am most thankful that God is still God, He is still on the throne! Without Him I'd be nothing and I'd have nothing! Thank you Heavenly Father for being who you are and what you mean in my life!

God bless you my friends....

In the midst of it all....

I am hanging in! I tell you ladies, I have had a rough few weeks but God never ceases to give mercy & grace! He will always give us what we need & exaclty when we need it to make it through the things we face in life.

Since my last post in October it has been a bumpy ride... my dad, brother and uncle went on a huge elk trip to Colorado and had a great time. While there they got both Elk and Cow and brought home what they call 'trophies'. They were both so proud. My dear husband didn't get to go this year with the upcoming birth of Piercen. We weren't sure at the time the trip was booked how I'd do and thank God it has been an amazing pregnancy. Jeremy is really looking foward to next year - they are already planning ahead! If you know anything about those kinds of hunts you know they are scheduled a year in advance!

When dad arrived home in the weeeee hours of the morning he was experiencing alot of pain in his left arm. He was visiting with friends and they just happend to check this bp. Unusual for him - high! His blood pressure is never high! My youngest brother Aaron and my mom took him to the doctor and they checked him out. The dr assured us that it was not his hear - it was a muscle and possible nerve damage. We just assumed the same because he has been on this trip, carried out his cow which weighed several hundred pounds and dad tends to have arthritis anyway. Funny thing --- his arm continued to hurt and the pain began to get really bad over the weekend. On Sunday morning the 29th my brother rushed him to the ER. He arrived while having a heart attack. Thank God the doctor was fast and they got him right in. They were able to adminster medication and get him to tests just in time. I believe with all my heart --- God is always right on time. They were able to take care of the blockage to his main artery with a stint. He was literally in surgery and out in 1 hr! He was monitored in ICU overnight and was released on Monday.

While home recovering he has been very sore and is learning he has to eat alot differently. He still has another blockage on the back side of his heart and it is 80% blocked. We go to the doctor on Tuesday of this week to find out what will happen from here. I have been praying the entire time that the medication would take care of it as alot of times it will because it isn't as serious. If the Lord chooses not to do so with medication he will be looking at another surgery. I pray that isn't the road we take but I know it is in the hands of God. Please pray for my dad - he is a pastor of our local church and he it it taking a toll on him spirtitually ... he so wants to preach. Not only that but anyone who knows him knows my dad has a heart of gold..... those people aren't just his church members -- they are family! We will know more after Tuesday how long he will not be able to preach. All I know is when it is his time to go back he will have both barrells loaded !! My mom has been the trooper I tell you --- she too has her sunday school class and does children's church so missing out is hard on her. She is taking such good care of him and making sure he is doing everything he should. She deserves a metal of honor I tell you! Jeremy has been extremely busy filling in for my dad. This is his slowest traveling time of the year especially with the holidays (Nov-Feb) and with Piercen coming! Pray for him - he isn't a pastor that is for sure but he is doing a great job and it takes a huge burden off of my dad knowing he can depend on him and not have to worry that anythign is slacking while he is unable to be there.

Being 30 weeks pregnant I have had some adventure! Stress isn't anything I like. I was just asking Amanda if I had told her lately how much I hate the devil..... I am so thankful God is always one step ahead of him. I would have to say that my pregnancy from the begining has been such a miracle. I have physically been healthier than I have ever been and being diabetic God has been so good to me. I've had several things since April to strengthen my faith and my walk with the Lord and although I haven't enjoyed the circumstances the lessons has been great blessings. If anything I needed to learn to trust HIM more and realize there may not always been something I can 'see' but I must trust. When they told us Piercen may have spinabifida as a mom I thought the worse but God whispered "Trust ME"... when I got the news dad was having a heart attack I burst into tears and my first reaction "PANIC".... I knew and believed the words "Trust ME"! I may not always know and I may not always see but he does and he does want me to trust him. My circumstances may some times overwhelm me but he knows exactly where I am and what I need. I know and beleive with all my heart he has been preparing me for the last 30 weeks for something........ motherhood. I'd never be able be the mother he would have me to be until I've learned to trust in him completely.... Jesus, I trust you. Regardless of the situation, the outcome, whether it is a good day or a bad day, a smile or a tear, a joy or a sorrow -- I trust you! Thank you for speaking to me!

Baby update -- I have gained one pound. Yes, one! You girls know how important this has been to me... I had lost 33 and gained 6 of it back in one month so I quit the eat out or atleast not every day for lunch. I have lost 5 of that so I am back on target! I am 30 weeks and starting to feel tired. Our little guy is kicking hard - he kicked a book off my tummy the other night! I felt him roll all the way over (I called it the toosie roll) on Tuesday night of this week! I don't know if its a first time mom thing but I write everything down so I can put it in my pregnancy journal. I have had 3 showers the last two weeks and we have gotten so many nice things! I hope to post pictures of them soon! The nursery is well on its way to being finished. I pick up his letters for above his bed this week and hope to get those put up. If we can find curtains we will be good to go other than waiting on more piece of furniture to come in! Once it is all finished I will post pictures! It is adorable I must say!

I wanted to add this picture of Michelle & I. This is her version of 'us' from one of my showers... she cropped it in for me and I love it! We are all smiles! Her birthday was Saturday and I wanted to say "Happy Birthday" to my dear friend. She has been so good to me! She has called me almost daily, made sure everyone knew what was going on with my dad, was a huge part in my shower for all my girlfriends and it turned out great! Yes, in October we had an LUAU! Pics to post of that as well! Michelle, I love you my friend - you bless my heart! OK OK so blogger isn't letting me post my picture! I will try it again!

Reason... Season.. Lifetime....

It seems many of us have been discussing 'friendships' on our blogs and even on emails I have received lately. I know God continues to show me daily what kind of friend I need to be and that is friend of HIS! I was sent this from one of my dearest friends Machele and it blessed me. I wanted to share it with each of you. You know I have come to learn that things to do change, people change and friendships change and it is really okay! I used to think I couldn't live if there were change but I now see change is good and when God does something it is for a reason. Whether you have a friend for a reason, a season or a lifetime there is a purpose!

I pray I will always find peace as I have now to accept it when something may not be forever!

My new philosophy is it isn't all about quantity but quality! Thank you Jesus for my friends!

PEOPLE COME INTO YOUR LIFE FOR A REASON


People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.


Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share,
grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant .

Thank you for being a part of my life, Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

one of the best in the world...

Aren't we lovely? Aren't we beautiful? This is Machele & I.. she is one of my dearest friends - one of the best in the
world. I've had alot of questions lately - done alot of soul
searching about what it is to really have a true friend. So many times we are concerned about quantity rather than quality! The older I get and as things change in my life, I come to realize I count myself blessed to find someone who is true, trustworthy, loyal, dependable, forgiving, available and genuine.... so many times friends are for a reason, maybe just a season and not a lifetime! God tells us in his word that to be a friend we must show ourselves friendly. This is my prayer that as I allow Christ to be a friend to me he will show me what kind of friend I should be for I long to be like him, I long to please him. Proverbs 17:17 says "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother". God longs to be our best friend! I am thankful that when a reason has been fullfilled, a season has changed and someone is no longer in your lifetime even that too is still in his plan. No matter what changed, the sense of loss, he has a purpose and plan.
Thank you heavenly father for being my friend and for showing me how to love someone else as you'd have me to. Thank you for teaching me to be true, trustworthy, loyal, dependable, forgiving, available and genuine! There is no greater love, no greater friend than the friend of Jesus!
Chele - I love you! Your the best!

The Arkansas Traveler....

I am so glad that blogger is finally working for me tonight.....

This is my picture - one of my treasures! This is my PaPa standing beside the plane that he flew in WW 11. It was called the "Arkansas Traveler". It was a bomber - a B2 to be exact! God protected him from danger many times as he served our country.

We are so proud of him and excited to being naming Piercen after him!

Our baby boy....

WOW! It has been a while since I have had a chance to sit down & fill you in on what has been going on! There are so many mental notes I have been making trying to remember everything so hopefully I won't forget any of it. They say that comes with being pregnant -- imagine that! By the time I am finished it may turn out to be my blovel for today!

As many of you know we found out that we were expecting our first baby in May. It was the happiest time in our lives. Jeremy & I have been married for 8 years - we celebrated our 8th anniversary in September. I always believed in my heart that God would send us a baby in HIS timing as he has proven time and time again in our lives that not all things happen when or how we want them to but if it is HIS will it will come to pass. For many reasons I step back now and see the full picture --- I understand why God chose now and HIS timing is PERFECT! We've never been here before and it is everything -- PERFECT! We could never been more blessed. He is a great God and never ceases to amaze me.

As a few of you know, most of you do not but when I was 16 weeks along in my pregnancy they did all of the routine testing. For me they have been extra cautious with me being diabetic and to my doctor we are so thankful. When my tests came back I learned that I had made it to 16 weeks but needed to take insulin to insure that the baby would not be affected by me being diabetic and to try and prevent him from being so large that in the end I would be forced to have a C-Section (Prayerfully we believe this will be prevented but if needed I trust it will all turn out fine). One of my tests came back 1 in 185 % that our baby would have spina bifida..... while some say that is not very likely for a mom it is scary and for a first time mom it was something else! I realized the entire time that it was very slim being only a 1% chance but it still bothered me. Jeremy & I chose to tell a few people who we believe are prayer warriors and decided to go to Little Rock to be tested to find out for sure. With much prayer and the hand of God we found out that our baby indeed has a normal spine. Praise the Lord. I believe with all of my heart that this was a test for me... for me as a Christian, for me as a mom and for my faith. The entire process God was tugging on my heart "TRUST IN ME". As God spoke complete peace to Jeremy and gave him scripture that our baby was just fine he just kept speaking to me "TRUST IN ME". Not only does our baby boy not have any problems with his spine but his mommy has grown so much in the Lord over the past several months! I've learned that God is the ultimate physician and a test is a test... a physical test OR a spiritual test. For everything we face there is a purpose under heaven and this purpose was for my spiritual growth. And thank you for those who prayed with us!

After three ultrasounds we finally were able to find out the sex of our baby. What kept everyone on pins and needles was that at 18 weeks we could have found out while in Little Rock and we chose not to! Yes, everyone was like "WHAT" - some even said we knew and were holding out! This was not the case. Our first attempt here was unsuccessful as the baby was on his tummy.... in Little Rock we decided to wait and then the day of CRazIneS came! We took my mom, my dad, my mother in law, my mema, my aunt and my best friend Heather with us to the ultrasound! BOY that was something! This was the day the doctor ended up having to deliver two babies and when he finally got us back I was exhausted as well as frustrated... too many people! We waited and once the doctor returned we tried again needless to say but just wasn't meant to be. We ended up at dinner with 18 other family and friends waiting to hear the news and guess what ?!?!?!?!? There was no news to tell! I just laughed! I had a feeling all day long that day it wouldn't happen! Finally September 26th on our anniversary we were able to find out what the baby is! It was only Jeremy & I ... it was precious. A moment we will never forget. My mom came in a little later and wasn't a bit surprised to learn it's a BOY! She had told us that all along she thought he was a boy! She was right!

We have chosen a name for our son... his name will be Piercen Kennedy. We think it is perfect even if it won't be found on a Christmas ornament some place (Ha Ha Michelle). You all know me, I am anything but common. I love uncommon! Unique and different makes it even more special. William Kennedy was my grandfather's name - my moms dad! No one in our family has ever been named after him. He has been gone for several years now but my memories of him are alive! I was thrilled when Jeremy & I chose this name. My "PaPa" was a great man of God. He loved the Lord, was a devoted Christian and he truly loved his neighbor as himself. I never seen a greater love expressed in anyone than the love he had for others! He enjoyed traveling and camping - the RV was his toy! He loved being outside and was very active... I remember walking the dogs with him all the time. PaPa was a successful man and a well educated man. He was a pilot and this was so amazing to me. On Sunday afternoons he would take his family flying and had awesome vacations! Jeremy & I can sit and listen to the stories for hours. He flew in WW 11 and was the airport manager here at our local airport for several years. We believe Piercen's name is strong and bold!

Since my pregnancy I have lost 31 lbs but visited the doctor last week. I have gained a total of 3. I was in shock. each visit I have lost and 4 weeks ago I had gained 6 ounces.. this visit made a total of the 3 all together. With being diabetic I have tried to eat really healthy and I am pleased. My due date is still Jan 19th but they will begin to monitor the baby at 32 weeks. I pray he won't grow so big that I can't have him naturally but I am just TRUSTING IN HIM !

We have painted our nursery, have the bed and furniture in along with all the bedding.... I hope to post pictures of it once it is all completed. We still have to hang everything on the wall, get a rocker and put up the curtains. We did however buy a HUGE giraffe for his nursery... his name is Jingles. he is amost 5 ft tall. I love him! Jeremy just had to name him for Piercen!

Testing...

Testing.....


Blogger seems to be having problems OR my site is messing up one!?!?!

The week of our Anniversary...

This isn't a picture from the day of our Anniversary but this one was taken at a church shower for a friend of ours the week of our Anniversary! We keep trying to figure out how to take ones of ourselves! Ha Ha! Jeremys cheeks are beat red from the wind in MN while on his mission trip and my hair would have to be in my face, the lighting is horrible... my hair isn't black but needless to say I still love this picture!

I had my doctors appointment with my diabetic doctor today. I am doing great! I was a little disappointed I have to admit. I have lost 31 lbs since I was 5 weeks pregnant and I am now almost 24. I had hoped to make it to the 8th month without gaining anything.... well.. I didn't do it... I have gained my first "tiny" bit of weight! YES I have... 6 ounces! The doctor says it is possible it was the bottle of water I drank before I stepped on the scale but I will know for sure in 2 weeks when I do it again. No more sugar free M & M's for me! Ha Ha! I am so serious about this....

I am going to post tonight about our little guy and a picture to share with you. I would have already done so but we keep having scanner issues. I am telling Jeremy I need that new lap top! He just got one so I need one right !?!?!

We are proud to announce...

We are having a SON! We both are so excited!

I am going to write more about our little guy but it is late and I am exhausted. Our appointment was at 4:00 and it was perfect.. when we left we went to dinner for our Anniversary and then to Dillards to shop! I couldn't help myself. Polo and Tommy happend to be on sale! I will tell you all about him and how the appointment went along with our name for him and why it was chosen 1st chance I have!

Our 8th Anniversary and all was perfect!

??? Have I told you ???

Tomorrow is our 8 year Anniversary and have I told you that I am the luckiest woman in the world ?!?!? Yes I know what some are thinking but you can't make me think anything less -- I'm so blessed, I have the greatest husband ever. You should think exactly that about your husband too! Everyone woman should. If you can't then something is wrong. God has been so wonderful to me.... words could never express what my heart feels! Tomorrow is our 8th Anniversary and they have been the greatest times of my life yet I know the sweetest is yet to come. I am so looking forward to what tomorrow holds and the next day and the day after --- forever!

I hope to get to post some pictures of us and I have our pictures back from his mission trip and some pictures of my dear friends as well. Hopefully tomorrow we will get a new picture of our baby and maybe we can scan that one and post it too! Pray for us, we go to the doctor at 4:00 and it would make for an even more special day if we were to find out what the baby is.

I spent today in much thought and all afternoon after work preparing Jeremys gift. I can't wait to give it to him! I am so excited about it. We are pretty personal and we don't like to just 'tell all' especially over the internet but maybe he won't mind if I share some of what our day tomorrow. We'll see! I gave him one hint today - he asked for one (only one) so I threw him off... I told him I wanted a new car! Should have seen the look on his face. Our cars our paid for and we are wanting to buy a home so that really threw him off guard. Needless to say I was kidding ... wonder if I will end up with a plastic one ?!?!! He has such a sense of humor - there is no telling what he'll do to get me back for that one!

I've gotten a few posts, several emails and phone calls... do NOT worry...... if we find out what the baby is I will make calls inbetween the doctors office and our Anniversary dinner and then afterwards to try and reach everyone (I know some read my blog and don't have a blogger account so this message is for YOU guys). Britt, if you are reading this.... I love you and thank you for our card! I know it was you and not Aaron my wonderful brother who mailed it. Hee Hee! Leta, thanks for remembering our special day! Your email meant alot to me. Laura, if we find out what our baby is I PROMISE to call you! Michelle, let me make it out of the office hee hee. You will be one of the first to know. Don't panic. I am not keeping it a secret AND there are not two! Promise! Believe me, if we find out at this point I won't be able to contain it! Just remember the lastest we will know is next Monday. That makes me feel better already. Last but not least, keep your fingers crossed this isn't my first appointment to have gained anything! :0) Amanda, pray!

***Blogger stinks tonight! It won't let me upload anything***

GO Razorbacks!

Well... I am so excited. I have the best boss in the whole wide world.... I was able to get my husband tickets to the game today thanks to my boss! We went to get them lastnight and Jeremy was excited. The 50 yard line! He has been able to go to two home games this season and just loves it! DID I MENTION WE WON THE GAME TODAY ? GOOD JOB HOGS!

He loves football - such a man! It is so funny to hear him and his buddies talk.... even if he is with my dad and brothers they talk the game talk. The first game all the guys went - Jeremy, my dad and both my brothers --- you would have thought they had been on the field playing the game themselves. They never every call, every move each guy made, who scored what AND who caused the team a bad play! Cracks me up. Our we as women this bad when it comes to shopping, SALES, decorating, scrapping (that one is for you Michelle) ?!?!?!?

I went shopping today for maternity clothes with my good friend Machele.... she and I work together,go to church together, do lunch together, and still spend time together on the weekends. (She doesn't have a blog but she needs one! I am trying to talk her into it!) She is precious! A jewel. One of a kinda - it is rare to find a friend such as she is and I am blessed to have her in my life. She was saved - it will be a year this October and my daddy just baptized her two weeks ago. It was such a blessing. There is nothing like seeing someone you loved get saved and have such a heart change! God always gives what we need doesn't he? I was just thinking today while talking to her that God brought her into my life in the perfect time. We have known each other a long time, we even went to church together growing up but we never knew one another. I've had the chance to really know who she is and what God is doing in her life and through her. I am thankful that even in changing her and saving her he knew we'd be the best of friends. He knew I needed this friend in my life. He always knows what he is doing! BTW, the shopping was a huge success. I ended up getting a few things. I still need more jeans/pants! Do they not know short people get pregnant too ?!?!?

Hopefully you all had a great weekend. I spent the last hour chatting my head off with Michelle. Thank you, I needed someone to vent to. Soon hubby will be here to go to dinner and I'll get to her about those Razorbacks!
Tuesday is our next big day! I am not holding my breath but we may get to find out what our baby is.... God only knows! I think we have decided it may just be Jeremy & I to go OR maybe just my mom and dad. It would be wonderful to find out on our 8th anniversary! We'll see..

WOOOOW

My hubby is less than 2 hrs from home and boy am I glad. A week away this time was something for me I tell ya! I am ready to have him home for a while! They had a great trip in MN and was able to minister to both the adults and the children. He and my dad were able to hand out lots and lots of bibles, preach to them and win souls! They took alot of pictures so once we have a little extra time I will scan them and post some for you to see! The Indian tribe there is very neglected, forgotten and hungry. They were able to feed them every day and help them with things they needed done around the reservation. I can't wait for them to be go back next year because several of us are going. We plan to give our groceries, feed them every day, witness to them, have church services and teach them about Jesus. I am praying about what God would have me to do now! I am so thankful the mission trip was a great success and the Lord blessed. I have come to realize we all have a mission field to reach - it may be next door, down the street or a few states away. You don't have to go oversea or to another country to tell someone who is lost about Jesus. Amanda is full proof of that. If you have a chance read her story "Exciting News" from this week. It will bless your heart - it did mine!

I hope to have a fun filled, relaxing weekend! I went today and finally got a new cell phone. I love it! Its the smallest flip phone they make! Here is the picture of it...




??????? Tiny huh ??????? It really is this small....

Now if only I can figure it out. I went to get the Pink Razor and the girl talked me out of it. She could have made an extra $150 commission but she didn't care or so she said. She said they are having a lot of problems with the Razors - reception isn't good! If you have a Razor and love it don't hate me or anything - just telling you what the lady told me. I would think she'd be 100% honest especially over a sale difference of $150 bucks! <> Writing this made me think of Amanda's post about her new cell - hope I can figure out how to use mine!

You guys pray we can find out what our precious child is on Tuesday. Its our 8 year Anniversary - it would be wonderful AND I'd really love to get my nursery started seeing as how I have two beds, two everything on hold! I also have my first shower in October. My family wanted to do my first shower and to beat the others to it they are having it early. OH and I was teasing Michelle just today - I am going to find out what this baby is and not tell for a while.. she didn't like that one bit! The Lord is teaching her patience thru my child too!

And Again.....

Isn't this fun ?!?!? I had 80 emails in my inbox wondering what the baby is! We are going a week from tomorrow on the 26th to try again..... it will be our 8th Anniversary and we just may go alone this time! Last time it was crAZy with the gang. I find myself changing my mind frequently so that might change as well but I am loving the idea of it being our 8 year Anniversary & Jeremy was thrilled when I called to tell him about that! We'll see!

BeLIEVe it OR NoT

I am sorry I am just now posting. It has been a very long day and a longer night. I am so sad! BELIEVE it or not we didn't get to find out what our baby is.

My appointment was at 4:00. We all sat for an hour before they told us my doctor was called to "Catch" a baby - it shouldn't have taken but a few minutes. Next thing I know they call me back to tell me he said to wait on him, he'd come to my ultrasound when he was finished so they took me on back. We wait and wait - at 6:00 we find out he was down there fixing to come back up and another one was ready to push. Needless to say he delivered a boy AND a girl - sure wish I knew which ours was! Hee Hee! At 6:10 he comes in and does the ultrasound to find our little one on its tummy (again) and so he finally gets the baby to move and his pager goes off.... he pauses a few and makes a call to find he is going to have to go back up to help another doctor. He continues to find the baby is moving around like crazy when he gets his page - hurry! Needless to say we are now 6:30 and still are not sure what our baby is. I was disappointed and so is Jeremy!

I am telling you guys one thing - the Lord, he is teaching me patience because being calm, no worries and stress free with patience is something I am not. I have learned so many things being pregnant. I am so much calmer knowing God is in full control. I worry and stress from time to time but realize the truth of trusting HIM! I have to call in the morning to schedule our next appointment and ultrasound. Until then we will just keep wondering if we are having a son or daughter.

Thank you to all my friends and family who came both to the ultrasound and to dinner with us. Thank you to my blogging friends for the emails and posts.... you are all the greatest! This baby is so loved by many! We are blessed! So blessed! Jeremy is leaving for a mission trip so it will be atleast a week before we can reschedule. Please pray for him & my dad as they travel this week!

There is a reason, a purpose under heaven for everything ......

~Email

I just wanted to say thank you to my friends who have emailed me this week regarding the baby. It means alot that you girls think of me and have been praying for me. Some of you check on me from time to time while others do on a weekly and yet some times daily basis. I love you guys - your the best!

Lots of email -- yes I am going to let you all know as soon as I find out and yes I am going to reveal the names! Both for a boy and a girl have sentimental meaning to Jeremy & I. Just can't wait to call our baby by his or her name!

Again thank you to my online buddies and ones I call friends - Veronica, you are priceless! I've enjoyed our talks so much and the fact we have been pregnant at the same time. You've challenged me that no matter what - just be faithful to prayer! Amanda, thanks for all the pregnancy advice and tips. Most of all for praying for me when the tests were all being ran! I've learned "Trust HIM". Your scripture you shared with me - it has stuck! I believe your a prayer warrior! Kristina, your awesome and keep my blog looking awesome! You have a heart of God! You inspire me in some many area's of being a mommy - I can't name them all. Gwen, I just love you! I admire so many things about you! Knowing you in the little time I have has made me see that there isn't any challenge as a mother too big! Your kids are so blessed to have you as mommy!

Michelle - just one more day and it won't drive you crAZy anymore not knowing what this baby is! We've been through alot together over the years and I am glad you have been here for this! I hope you will be there to share with us the day the baby is born. I believe in you and I know what is deep inside you - God will finish the work he has started. Remember Proverbs 31 ... it will grow us and lead us as wives and as a mommy. Thank you for allowing God to be the center of our friendship - it is perfect. When it seems that no one cares & life is sometimes too hard, remember I love you and I am behind you cheering you on! Keep praying... be strong... victory is yours!

Heather - You have no idea what it means to me that you have chosen to be there tomorrow & for the birth of our baby. I remember being there when you found out that Mariah was a girl AND I will never forget the day you named her after her aunt Christy... I've always dreamed of this day - being a mommy and being one for the very first time is simply amazing. I am speechless, God once again has showed his power and his glory. You are MY prayer warrior! God knit our hearts together and I know life gets busy especially when we are both going in a million different directions. It may not always be ramon noodles and ketchup at 3 am but a lifetime is not too long to live as friends. I love you! (Yeah Yeah!) Some day we will walk streets of gold together! Remember God has seen your faithfullness, your obedience and he knows your hearts. He has those prayers bottled up inside. You challenge me beyond measure as a Godly wife! A pure example of what Jesus called us to be. AND... It shall come to pass! I believe with you....

I was just telling someone the other day of what I have learned about quality of a friend is the heart of what matters not quantity.... I could write to a million others but you girls were on my heart! Thank you for being my friends and for those of you far away - we may never meet in person this side of heaven but we will some day!

Two to go....

Only two more days to go ... no phone calls of cancellation, no change in appointment, and no word from the office this time. Looks like Thursday will be just fine! Unless this little one just refuses to let us know we will finally meet our son or daughter. It is awesome being pregnant and whichever God has chosen to give us is wonderful but I know there is going to be new feelings, new emotions and an even greater joy knowing which is growing inside of me. The anticipation has finally caught up with me (my family and some of our close friends were there weeks ago!) and I am ready! Jeremy called and the revival is going great but he too is ready to be home tomorrow and to our appointment on Thursday. We will celebrate with family and a few close friends Thursday evening over dinner..... I will keep you posted. Veronica, I will call you personally! :0) Email me and tell me how late is okay to call because we may be out for a while Thursday evening! Pray now that the baby will let us know!*!*!*!

You should see....

this house! We have been working for weeks and it has finally all come together! We have literally turned this place upside down. I can't believe all the things sitting in my garage. I keep asking Jeremy where in the world it all came from !?!?! Where did we have all this stuff ?!?!? From closets to drawers and ceilings to base boards! It is all organized and we have made room for baby! Now--- the hArD part! The garage sale this coming weekend! If you live anywhere close by as some of you do you should come check it all out.... its not just our things either its a 5/6 family sale! It is actally so much that we will have to wait for some to sell to be able to sit the remainder of some of it out.

In the process of all the cleaning and new purchases we made (you know those 300 'bright white' hangers and kitchen stuff as I told you about a few posts back) one I love is a new bombay chest Jeremy got for me to put in the staircase landing. It's beautiful! I went and got a plant to put on it (fake of course so I won't kill it) and some awesome picture frames. We are praying that Thursday we will be able to find out what our baby is so we can prepare the nursery. I am so excited about that I can't stand it. Believe it or not my first shower is the first weekend in October. It's not too far away and everyone is dying to know if we are having a boy or girl. We went to register but actually not officially... Jeremy is in revival this week and will return for the ultrasound but leaves again for a mission trip this weekend. This is his last long stretch to be gone so long and so far before the baby is born. I am thankful that over the next upcoming months he will be home more and closer to come when he is away. We picked everything out together so once the sex it finally revealed it can all come together! Have you ever known someone to have to go and pick out things for either or ?!?!? I wanted to be sure he and I did it together so it is the way we did it.

I've gotten several emails regarding my post on nesting... seems to be that you all have been there. Helps me to know I am not the only SiLlY one! I've told the hanger story a million times and it just cracks people up. It won't be the last funny I am sure because I have my list of other things to get done once all of the stuff is sold and the nursery is done. The windows inside and out and the cabinets need new liner. I may have to call Merry Maids if I wear Jeremy & I out (our moms too). What will be something after all of this is if a few other things fall into place for us and we end up buying our first home before the baby is born *!*!*!*!*

Red & White

(blogger isn't letting my post my pictures! I will try later!)

This weekend was so much fun! We shopped, ate out with friends/family, went to fish, shopped some more, went to the movies, you name it! Too bad its is over but alteast now there are only 4 days to go before the next one! My hubby got to go to the first Razorback game of the season even if they ended up loosing! He had a great time with his friends & his brother Daniel. We ran around a bit on Saturday together before the game checking out baby items for our registry. We will find out on the 14th (Lord willing) what our baby is and then my showers actually begin the 1st weekend of October. It is going to be a little early but with the holidays it is easier for everyone. Perfectly fine with us since this is our first and we are new at this!

When we came home on Saturday we came home to a door full of balloons -- Red & White galore. Razorback colors of course! Jeremy is a huge fan and we both love going to the games. We received this from some of our good friends who normally do this for Jeremy & I the opening of season! The baby also received some Razorback things that are adorable! Are your husbands like this ??? Do they have a favorite team ??? Jeremy is already excited about this coming weekend when they actually play at home again! Unusual.... He had such a busy spring & summer .. fall is busy but things really slow down some. I welcome him being home alot more!

Did you guys nest so they call it when you were pregnant ??? WOW... I didn't think such a thing was true but my is it ever. We have been from room to room, closet to closet, kitchen, you name it.. tonight is the huge closet downstairs and then the garage once we get to it. I am having a huge yard sale next weekend on Friday and Saturday. I can't believe the stuff we have! Wanna hear something cRAzzzY ??? I went thru our closets and we only use plastic hangers... I don't know what hit me but I wanted them all white and not off white either! So at 9:00 at night Jeremy is running from one WM to another buying over 300 hangers! Needless to say all of our hangers match, they are all bright white and boy did I feel silly once I was over my spell... :0) I am anal about my house and I know it... it has to be spotless but I have been so relaxed since being pg! I really have.. something has hit... they say it is the thing called ......nesting! I think Jeremy has it too... we (he) cleaned out all of the kitchen. You know how you 'collect' glasses and such over the years? Well, its all in the yard sale too! Forks bend, you loose pieces and such ??? YES ....All in the yard sale.... hopefully we now make enough to replace our expenses! I really hope some of you can relate! If not I am just soooo silly! Nesting.... so they say ?!?!

GUESS wHAt ?!?!?!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we didn't find out what our baby is (again) today! The ultrasound tech had the receptionist call and cancel my appointment. Come to find out my doctor didn't have any idea this had been done and and so here is the plan ....... My doctor himself is doing my ultrasound to let us know what this little one is on September 14th! My friends & family are going CrAZy having to wait! I was so upset when I found out it was cancelled. I was loving the anticipation of it all but so looking forward to today. I know God has something in store for this happening and as I have been told --- if it is to make sure without a doubt of what our baby is this is perfectly okay. I want to be sure because a friend of mine had to return all PINK! In all honesty, the Lord is teaching this little mommy patience! Oh, I almost forgot to report to you --- I lost another 2 lbs these past two weeks. I am so happy! Eating healthy sure pays off! I will keep you posted!

We are trying AgAiN

just a week away..... tHurSdAy !!!

Yes once again we will try to see what this little one is! Next Thursday @ 11:00 am. We are really excited. We have our names picked out for sure and I went by today to order a gift for Jeremy to give to him the morning we head over to the ultra sound!

Since being a diabetic the doctor has said the baby may be bigger... it was an inside joke between my husband and I that we'd have a "itty bitty" one because of the thought of it being bigger.... as in sumo wrestler! Ha Ha Funny thing.... everyone I know who is diabetic has had smaller babies! Jeremy now talks to the baby and calls he or she "itty bitty" so I went today and had a lady do a receiving blanket with a girraffe on it that says "Daddy's Itty Bitty"! it is going to be adorable! I also HAD to make sure to get one with a Arkansas Razorback that says "Daddy & I are HOG fans". I can't wait to give them to him!

Thanks for all your compliments to me about my weight loss... as one comment from Keri said it is kinda weird to say anything about that when your pregnant but healthy is very important to me! I have alot more to go when the baby is born. I have never set out to diet while being pregnant so don't think that!! God is just blessing me to be healthier for the baby as well as myself!

Tomorrow night is GNO (Girls Night Out) with my girlfriends and I can't wait. We are going to dinner, maybe some shopping and gotta see a CHICK FLICK! Wouldn't be GNO without it! We really have a good time and I am so blessed to be able to keep in touch with all my girlfriends - we grew up together and have known each other for years! As in 20 + years.. okay girls don't kill me... that does sound like forever ago!

Veronica, Thank you for your precious comment on my blog.... also I can't wait to find out what you are having !! Kristina, I am going to send you a pic really soon! You all have a great night. I am off to have dinner with my friend Machele.... hubby is in revival tonight! I soo miss him!

... a LoOOoP

I have to say how sorry I am to have thrown some of your for a 'loop'. My pictures "Thank Heaven for Little Boys" and "Thank Heaven for Little Girls" were just too cute... I had to post them but with the boy being on top it made some of you think we were having a BOY! I have had a few emails, phone calls and even ran into a friend today at lunch who said "you made me think you were having a BOY".... sorry!

I admit I was a disappointed on Friday when we were unable to find out what we were having. For one, we are ready to call this baby by his or her name! We are excited to reveal to family & friends the names and reason behind why we are naming our child the name we have chosen. Secondly, I am dying to get the nursery started and the furniture! BUT I must be patient.... Anyone who really knows me knows that I am not a patient person. The Lord is teaching me to be that is for sure!

I have to be honest though, it has been a blessing having not found out just yet. I never thought in a million years I would say that but it is true (Okay Michelle I know you really wanna know so you do not agree at all with that). The excitement and anticipation is something else! While I can't wait to know its been fUn, FuN, fun the past few days! People have called putting in a guess as to what they think the Lord is sending us and some of our special friends and eldery at church have just made our day! One lady told me that is all she thought about all day! I have come to realize deeply that God didn't just answer this prayer for Jeremy & I but we had people from all over praying for us --- it was a prayer God answered for many! It is so humbling to know that when some say they will pray, they will honestly seek the Lord on our behalf. God is such a great God!

You have all been a blessing to me and I thank you for checking on me. I am doing great and most of all feel so great. I have now lost 28 lbs and healthier every day. Yes, I said LOST 28 lbs. ....((( My doctor has praised me as long as they are good calories I am taking in and not empty ones!))) While moms welcome the opportunity to eat for two I have tried to be as healthy as possibe knowing I needed to AND it would be even harder to get off later. God has blessed every effort and after making these changes and feeling so good I can't say I will turn back even after the baby is born! This is just another answered prayer! My list could go on about answered prayers I am telling you and I know I will have more to report to you!

Veronica, I am praying for you today and the church situation! God will answer! Kristina, I am praying for your brother today. Sarah H, your on my heart girl --- remember your a child of the KING! He loves you!!! Michelle, your a YOUNG mom with OLD kids. You're awesome! Shannon, if you read this before GNO (Girls Night Out) Friday night --- I promise I won't post a picture to throw you for a LOOP next time! I'll call you instead!

Again....

I have tried to post again for the third time and once I am ready to save the post I get an error report and it erases my entire message to you. I will try again later!

The wait....

Well... the wait is going to be something else! Yesterday was my regular appointment with my OB doctor. I was given the great opportunity to be weighed, heard the heartbeat and .... had to cancel our 4D ultra sound for today! Good news! I have lost 28 lbs now. 9 right before I got pregnant and 19 since I my first appointment. Every two to three weeks because of me being a diabetic and at higher risk my doctor checks the heartbeat and if he can't get it really well with the doppler he will have me do a belly ultra sound.

.....Yesterday was one of those days! It was wonderful to get to see the baby and the heart rate is still 150-152 some say they can tell what it is by the heart rate --- its another 'some say' if you ask me! I did have to cancel the 4D to reveal the sex - well, I didn't have to but we chose to. She took a peek yesterday knowing we were bringing others with us the next day and she said everything is still so small AND the precious little thing was on its tummy, one arm under it and the other one --- sucking its thumb. No doubt about it -- a thumb sucker. If we would have went back today she said she would try again and maybe guess. I can't take a 'guess'. I am ordering nursery furniture, baby bedding and having someone come to paint the nursery... guessing isn't cool!



We go back on August 31st and will schedule it again then. It will be either Sept 1st or the days following labor day. I've gotten several emails so I am writing to you this way as we are fixing to walk out the door for the evening! I will respond to you all soon!

?? bOy OR gIrL ??

Your guess is as good as ours! Jeremy has said "It's a GIRL" for a really long time - actually since we have known we were expecting. Just yesterday he told me he wasn't sure! I haven't had a feeling either way. There are many reasons I think it could be a boy but just as many other reasons I think it could be a girl. So many people have told me that the mom usually has a feeling and 9 our of 10 times she is right. I just do not know!

I have done a little 'poll' to put into my journal just for fun... MANY people say girl. Infact, most of our close friends and family say girl but my mom thinks it is a boy and two other friends do. Veronica, I have your guess written down (boy). It is so funny at how people will try to guess by how you carry the baby or whether or not you have been sick. I have even had someone ask my if my belly has itched alot.... silly little things but I wonder just how true any of them really are! I know each woman is different and each pregnancy is different. I can honestly say -- it doesn't matter to Jeremy & I.

What is your guess ?

MORE

Friday is the big day for us! We are having our ultra sound to find out what this little baby is. Jeremy & I are excited and counting the days. I tell you, this pregnancy has honestly just flown. It hit me the other day that on the 19th I am half way finished. I can't ever go back and experience this perfect time in my life again... this has been the greatest experience in our lives! I would have never really known what love at first sight meant without having been blessed with this little life.

For many of you who know me know Jeremy & I have prayed for a baby for a while. While we didn't make it an 'obsession' to have one it was always on our prayer list. For a long time I longed for the day and my heart ached at the thought of never doing so. There would be times I would think "God are you ever going to bless us with a baby"? Some days I would even get kinda down and I would say "Jeremy, is it never going to be" ? He would always reply with "It will happen, it is in Gods timing, not ours". When I stop and look back over our lives in the past eight years I realize all along he had a perfect plan and now I can see that his timing was PERFECT --for only now. If God has taught me a million things he has taught me one thing a million times ---- TRUST HIM!

With me being diabetic I have prayed for a long time to have a healthy pregnancy. Honestly, with the exception of having to be put on insulin this pregnancy has been healthy. Today I weigh 27 1/2 lbs less than I did before it all began from eating healthy and having the desire to be healthy. I have been blessed to have been able to be put on the insulin, not to be sick doing so and to feel great. So many times I struggle with the mentality that I don't want to be daibetic... and the question.... why me?. God gently reminds me I must trust in HIM and he will see me to the end. I am also reminded that we all have a cross we have to bear. There is something in all of our lives whether it be physical, spiritual or whatever the cause may be.... it is in bearing our cross that we trust in HIM.

My whole pregnancy I have been full of great JOY! A joy I have never known before. My heart has overflown at the thought of the mercy and grace our God has shown to me. Just when I thought I was blessed I had no idea just how blessed God has really made me.... I could go on and on about this but to sum it all up for you one morning while on my way to work I heard a song and it has been in my heart every since. Every word of it! It is one of those songs that you really feel deep down minister to you. It is called MORE by Lauren Talley. If you have a chance please click on the link and it is under the tracking list of songs to listen to. It blesses me each time I hear it again. (It is actually part of the song, I couldn't find the entirety of the song on the net but you may be able to). God has honestly blessed me with so much more, more than I could ever ask him for. More than I had dreamed he had in store for me.... More than my hearts desire.... how could he possibly give more....

I can't wait!!!!

Well I have to share the news! We go next Friday on the 18th to find out whether we are having a boy or a girl. Jeremy & I are both so excited we can hardly stand it. We didn't think it would be til the 28th but I talked to the nurse today and asked for a 'favor'... I am looking forward to actually knowing what our baby is and being able to call him or her by name.

After next week we will be able to order our nursery furniture. We are going to decide on the color depending on the sex of the baby. Here is what we have picked out for a baby boy and this is the furniture we have decided for a baby girl. What do you think ??? We go tomorrow to check out the final swatches for the bedding. We have been undecided for both because the ones we really liked from pictures on the internet didn't look the same in person. I want to go more elegant and not so cute. I figure this will be the only time I have a say in what the room is decorated in. I just pray I never have to do Barney! :)

Hope you are all having a good week. Dad did a message lastnight and it was on the fruits of the spirit. I was really a good message. I hope to gather my thoughts and share it with you soon!

---Now '30 Something'

Well yesterday was another day for most people. For me, a little hard I should say. I know, I know, it shouldn't be that big of a deal but for some reason it was. I am no longer '30' but now '30 something'..... I turned 31 yesterday and it hit me! 30 wasn't a big deal to me but this birthday was. I guess I just feel I am getting OLD as Michelle said! Ha Ha!

I had a wonderful birthday... I celebrated this past weekend with family and friends. Yesterday I had lunch with Heather & Michelle and then lastnight my husband took my out. I always look forward to my birthday and this year was just as special I guess its just the age thing. Jeremy bought me the most beautiful necklace. I wish I had a picture to post. The one thing on our immediate list --- a digital camera and recorder! They are both a must really soon! I went to Dillards and spent all of my gift certificates and every dime my parents gave me! :0) If you haven't smelled Polo Blue check it out. I love it! Anyone who knows me knows I love flowers... I got roses from Jeremy and fresh flowers from Michelle. I honestly felt spoiled. Needless to say - I was blessed! Now to get over the fact I am no longer just 30!

Baby update! We went to the doctor on Monday. We had another ultra sound and NO we don't know what it is. The doctor has kept a close eye on me with me being diabetic but like everyone else I have to wait 18-20 weeks to find out what he or she is. We are dying to know! Heart beat was good, baby still as active as ever and sucking that little thumb. Great news! I have been going every 2 weeks and now I don't go back for 3. Thank you Lord for that! God is really helping me with the sugar control. He is such a great God! My next appointment is the 17th and that is when we will schedule to find out what this baby is. We have our nursery picked out for either a he or she so we will order furniture and bedding soon as we know. I'll keep you posted.

Did I tell you I know 14 people who are expecting! If you aren't one do not drink the water Ha Ha! Have a great weekend.