Psalm 37

The morning after I learned from TV about the VTech tragedy, I read my Bible. As usual, in searching for some encouraging, comforting words from God, I turned to Psalms, just asking for Him to speak. This is what He said (it was just opening to this page):

Psalm 37

"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret-it leads only to evil.
For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

(skipping to v.39)
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and delivers them;
He delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in Him.

Also another time this week in Bible study I read this:
Isaiah 40:11, 28-31

"He tends His flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries them close to His heart;
He gently leads those that have young.

Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."

And my personal favorite as a result of the tragic deaths of three of my friends in high school:
Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

My prayers for those effected in the community of this tragedy is that they be visited and blessed by the Comforter! And in knowing what it feels like to be bombarded by the media after a tragedy, though not as large as this one, I pray for their private healing and allowing their bonds to strengthen them from within the community. I pray the press would be wise and compassionate in how they decide to continue to publicize this event.

Easter and some other Pics

Like everyone else's Easter . . . it was freezing! I hate it, too, that I didn't get any pictures of the girls in their easter dresses together. I had the stomach virus on Easter morning so Justin had to get the girls ready. Lucy Anne didn't even wear a bow, if you can believe that, and I didn't care!!!!

Ella

It is so hard to believe you are already 7 1/2 months! When Lucy Anne was your age, I felt like she was soooo old. With you, it seems like you're still a couple of months old. I suppose that is because our time is divided between you and your sister. Speaking of, oh how you love Lucy Anne! I see your eyes light up when she walks in the room. Recently, she spent some time with Meme and I can honestly tell a difference in your demeanor. You really missed her.

You are like Lucy Anne in so many ways. You are similar in size which makes me happy because I just love to get out Lucy Anne's clothes for you to wear. You are also pretty vocal - you adequately let us know you're there and especially when you've been left alone! As for nursing, you are exactly like her. I can remember wrestling her to eat just the same as I do you. You are both very efficient at it. You are both so very sweet!

I have noticed some differences as well. You love the tags on things and if I could find a "Taggy" I would buy you one. Those tags keep you so entertained. Lucy was never as interested in them. You are a huge grabber. You spend all your energy trying to get ahold of whatever is in your view. I think you are a little more curious than your sister. For instance, I predict, we will have a difficult time keeping you out of the cabinets whereas Lucy Anne was not quite as much of an explorer. You might be more of a mama's girl. Lucy Anne was too, but I don't remember her crying when I left the room. And if someone else is holding you with me around, you would rather be in my arms. However, you are still social.

For my own record keeping (because I have been so bad):

At close to 6 months, you started sitting on your own.
Since 7 months, you are crawling but you're better at going backwards than forwards. It frustrates you that you aren't better at going forward.
You say "mama" and "dada" and your favorite noise is a spitting noise.

We love you so much, you sweet, precious baby girl! What a special gift and blessing you are!

Catch Up

It's hard to believe how time flies! I feel like I have a lot to blog about. Since my last blog, we've bought 20 acres and are about to pour the foundation soon to our new house. Really, that has taken up my blog-time, looking for land, finding a plan we both like, and then all of the other things that go into building a house. In addition, my in-laws have bought 7 acres just south of our land. Actually, they will be building on our land and we will swap to provide a barrier between us and the other owner (he was planning on developing) and we don't want to have a house at our front door. Anyway, they will begin building in about a year or so.

That's about all of the big news I have besides being sick with the stomach flu (like everyone else) and making trips back and forth to see our folks.

Being a Mother Makes You Strong

I just need to record what kind of day I had yesterday . . . for good measure . . . or to just remember how the Lord helps you muddle through. Not that this day or the events compare, in the least, to everyone else's. Subjectively speaking, however, it was QUITE A DAY FOR ME!

I just joined a new gym and am very excited about it. Right now, the only possible work-out time for me is 6:00 am. So, I awoke at 5:25 and scurried across town to the gym for some Pilates. After my work-out I took advantage of the alone time and stopped in Wal-Mart for some "snowed-in" food. The weathermen have been forcasting lots of ice (for three days) and possible power outages. By the way, Wal-Mart was out of most everything, including de-icer. Anywho, it felt good to get so much done before 7:30.

I must say that I am so glad that I DO NOT live in a place that has this kind of weather on a regular basis. The girls and I bundled up with coats and mittens and blankets for their well-child checks at 10:00. Have I mentioned before about how much Lucy Anne HATES the doctor "check" (that's what she calls it). And, of course, she insists that Ella "get checked" first each time we go. In her mind, I'm sure she thinks she's being quite a good sister to allow Ella to have her turn first. But, I see her motives . . ha ha! Ella's report: underweight. In the red zone. For that matter she doesn't even weigh as much as Lucy did at 4 months. Ugh! I don't have any more answers and frankly, neither did the doctor. I believe Ella eats better than Lucy did and I know she gets more of the hind milk. We just discussed giving her cereal but it was pretty much left up to me if I want to do it.

Next up for "checking" is Lucy. Her report: underweight, same story! The doctor then orders some blood work and an x-ray (Lucy often complains about her leg). She had been so excited to find out though that she excaped her Hep shot, only Ella was going to be receiving any shots. The nurse gave Ella her three shots. It was also time for her to eat so calming her down didn't happen right away. In the meantime, Lucy Anne keeps asking "are we going home"? I tried to avoid telling her about the inevitable, looming procedures that were coming her way by scurting the question. I told her in a very excited tone we were going downstairs to the basement where Mommy used to work (in college, I worked in the lab/x-ray). Ella is still screaming. I ask if we can use their auditory testing room to nurse. While I am nursing a girl tries to look at Lucy Anne's arm for a good vein. She tells me she wants to lay Lucy down. I strongly advise her against restrainment since that's the worst thing for Lucy. I thought she would do better sitting in my lap. Phleb-lady leaves and comes back with two more ladies. One with authority tries to explain to me the reasons why she wants to lay Lucy Anne down. Since I had been in their shoes before, I did not argue with them even though I knew better (however, I will know better next time for the sake of my daughter). Even though I had fed Ella halfway, she is still screaming. Poor thing in her chair all alone while four of us try to constrain my 25 lb. three year old who is as stiff as a board, kicking and screaming. A girl inserts the butterfly needle in her right arm and misses . . . she digs . . . no blood.

I cannot stand that look your child gives you. The one that says "please don't let them do this to me", "why are you holding me down like they are", "I am as pitiful as can be"! It's the one that comes when they've sort of given up a little bit, tired of fighting for only just a moment, a desperate measure that could almost work. It makes me want to cry every time.

Back to this long story, I let Lucy Anne sit up and she did not want to have to be stuck again. So, I grabbed her other arm and the turnicate from the lab tech. I wrapped it around her arm and she seemed to be much, much calmer. I found a good vein and a different lab tech poked her. Lucy Anne did soooooo much better. I know it is the restrainment that makes all the difference. By this time, one of the lab techs was holding Ella. She was finally calming down. We prepared Lucy Anne for her "pictures". And the lab tech says, "I am taking the baby to the lab". I looked at the x-ray tech and excused myself as I told her I would not let some lady I didn't know take my baby. I encouraged Lucy Anne that she could do this on her own. She seemed excited for the photo shoot, and I went out the door to be with Ella. Lucy Anne did fabulous with the x-ray. Much, much better than the last time we took x-rays of her. I finished feeding Ella and we loaded all of our bundling to go checkout . . . two hours later.

Justin shows up right as we were checking out. I was soooo happy to see him. He had been by McDonalds and we sat in my car and ate pretty much in silence. Silence is something very, very rare with Lucy Anne. Ella was sleeping. The sleet was falling. The drive home slow, yet successful.

I put the girls to bed for a nap, watched last night's episode of Grey's Anatomy and then began preparing for friends of ours to come for dinner and some Mexican Train. We had a great time. I ended this very crazy day at 12:30 am .

I know most of you have days like that or much worse and handle them with grace. For me, I must glory in Phil. 4:13 which says, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength". . . .only in HIM!

USPS Santa

We arrived at my parents on Saturday and went to church with both sets of parents on Christmas Eve morning. We had a wonderful Sunday with a fire and card-playing (my favorite family past-time). Finally, after much discussion about Santa coming to MeMaw's house "while we're asleep", I thought we would have a traditional Santa kind-of Christmas. We opened some presents and then set out cookies and chocolate milk for Santa. However, while being put to bed, Lucy Anne decided that Santa should just send her presents by mail. Daddy agreed to tell Santa and we left it at that. A little before 7:00 Lucy Anne woke up and needed to go potty. As I was taking her to the bathroom, the wind made a classic sound of hooves on the rooftop. She stopped dead in her tracks and with terror and surprize she looked up at me to ask, "Is that Santa?" I was extremely tempted (for my fun, of course) to play in to her fears, but I said "no, just the wind." She even claimed to hear a "ho ho ho". I still chuckle. What an imagination!

It was a fun time this holiday season! Here are some pics to commemorate the festivities!

Looking Back . . .2006

What a Blessed Year! I have never experienced so much change and yet, so much joy!

Actually, I must begin my year in December 2005, where God began answering our prayers regarding when and where. Justin and I had been thinking about three particular things and in our hearts and minds, some would have to happen before others due to finances. We were praying about a new car for me, a baby, and moving. It is very interesting how out of order from first thought these three items came. First, mid-December we sort-of spur of the moment (for Justin's track record it was spur of the moment) bought a new car. Then, on the morning of December 31, found out I was pregnant. Finally, we decided it would be best to put our house up for sale once we learned we were pregnant. The house sold in two weeks (see prior Blogs) and we moved to a different state to live with Justin's parents. The move was chaotic and difficult due to a snow and ice storm. My mom and dad (with Lucy Anne) totaled their car while taking a load for us. But, we made it through and eventually got all of our belongings.

Another prayer was answered shortly after moving. I was able to concentrate on potty-training Lucy Anne. She did great and in a relatively short time she was using the potty! For me, this is one of the greater accomplishments of 2006!

In March or April of 2006, Justin bought a lot on the growing Southwest part of town to begin building his first spec house. We are overjoyed to report its completion and will be closed to the buyer on January 19th! Meanwhile, Justin has also been spending the majority of his work hours with a local, but well-known company, who makes Kicker speakers. They are building a 17 million dollar project. Justin is a consultant/project manager for them. God has abundantly blessed each part of his business this past year!

August was quite a full month for us. Justin's parents moved out of their house and we took over full occupation. This left us in a scurry to get Ella's room ready. Actually, a friend came and decorated it, as a gift. My brother was married August 11th. And on Monday, August 28th we welcomed Ella Kate into our world. She is such a joy, so sweet and fun!

Since then, we're just getting used to our new little world. We are enjoying our time being close to family and making new friends. Our world will continue to change as we consider buying some land for building our house.

It has been an amazing year. A year in which our Lord has increased our Faith and our Trust in Him "who is able to do more then we can think or ask"! All glory and honor to Him!

Merry Christmas with LOVE!

From our blog to yours . . . May the joy of the season surround you!

The Four Hour Photo Shoot

I have been meaning to record our first photo shoot with both of the girls. It was a month or so ago that we headed to the city to take Ella's first portraits. We had planned to go to the usual studio (which shall be remain nameless) that I had always taken Lucy Anne. Actually, we went to a different location but the same company because I was picking up a friend's portraits for her. Anyway, I had tried to call and set up an appointment but to no avail. So, we loaded the girls and decided to try our luck. And, boy, did we! We showed up at 4:0o and the girl behind the counter said there were appointments in front of us and we would have to wait until 5:00 or so. I let the girl know that I was making my appointment for 5:00. So, my mom , the girls, and me went to the food court for me to feed Ella and kill some time. By the time we got back to the studio the appointment before us was still in session. Let me paint this horrible picture as best I can. There were only two people working . . . and a line out the door for pick ups, customers lined up at the little photo kiosk (sp?) to order their pictures, and a photo session of three girls with multiple outfit changes taking place. Oh, and a phone that wouldn't stop ringing. Five people wouldn't have been able to keep up with the mess, let alone, the two. And . . . there was us waiting our turn patiently with a 2 month old who had eaten an hour before and was ready to go back to her little newborn dreams and her sister, 2 years old, without a nap.

Well, finally, it is our turn to smile! By this point, it is 6:00. The photographer tells me we will have to hurry bc he has an appointment coming at 6:00. I got a bit fired up at that when we were supposed to have been his 5:00 appointment. We, then, argued over the definition of "walk-in" until finally we decided the 6:00 appointment wasn't coming. Nevertheless, to shorten this story, we took our pictures as best we could and managed to leave the mall after 8:00 with four very tired and hungry girls!

I have decided, as a result, to hire my mother. She has always taken my most favorite pictures and it is much more convenient as well as cheaper! You may not even be able to tell a difference!

. . . And She Pondered These Things in Her Heart

Dear Ella:

It is amazing to see how much you've grown in the past three months! I think it has literally been overnight! Before you, I couldn't see how mothers loved and cared for two or more children. I had so much to give your sister that I didn't know how I would be able to give you the same affection. Isn't our Lord amazing, the way He provides . . . even an abundance of love. It helps me put into perspective His love for so many of His children. I pray the same for you someday: to know and feel a mother's love, to understand and bask in your Father's love, to wonder, with that same love, how it was that God could give up His own Son and then to know that He is God which makes it humanly impossible for us to understand. Thus, the mystery and love of Him!

I wrote this little paragraph soon after Lucy Anne was born and I want to pass the same feeling on to you. . .

I had always dreamed of this day, looked forward to it, had prayed for it, somewhat rehearsed it in the back of my mind . . . I had no idea, though! It is an experience beyond reason, imagination, anything in THIS world . . . to get to see you for the first time, to hold you, to feel your skin, your hands, your feet. . . to fall in love with absolutely every part of you . . . nothing prepared me for all of this . . . AND I AM SO GLAD!

Does Santa take Returns?

Santa came to church the other night. He gave Lucy Anne some animal blocks (that I bought her). First of all, she wouldn't take the present from him so her Sunday School teacher (Santa's little helper) gave her the present. I'm convinced that she thinks her Sunday School teacher (Mrs. Carol Ann) will be bringing her the rest of her presents on Christmas so she won't have to see Santa again. Anyway, tonight she asked me if she could give her animal blocks back to Santa, she didn't want them.

This Santa list idea I copied from another friend's blog. Her 4 year old's answers were a bit more normal than Lucy Anne's. I think she was just looking around the room for answers but here it is anyway . . .

Dear Santa,

Lucy Anne wants . . .
- A little dolly
- A plate
- A Christmas flower
- Blue Christmas lights

Ella wants . . .
- A dolly (all the dollies)
- A black seat
- A book
- A Bible
- A paper to play with
- A Santa
- A Christmas ceiling (what ?!)

Mom wants . . .
- Santa dolly

Dad wants . . .
- Santa dolly (that he has to share with mom)