The Journey of Our Lives

Almost Christmas

2009-12-21T08:30:00.003-06:00

It's been a while since I have posted something on here, so I've got to think back to what has happened lately. I know we have been doing a lot of family things together like just hanging out and playing with the girls on week nights, watching movies at home and going out to eat on weekends, going out with friends to Starbucks on Sunday night before Sunday Bible Study, hosting Thanksgiving at the house with loved ones, and now Christmas is just 4 days away. Where does the time go?

This time of year I come to the reality that we take so much for granted. There are a lot of people suffering. They've either just lost a loved one, have someone close to them that is sick, lost a job, having relationship problems, have to spend time away from a loved one, etc. I stress because I don't know what to get people for Christmas, or that we can't get everyone something for Christmas, but then I stop and think about the people in the above situations and I feel so heavy hearted, but at the same time I thank God for all of his blessings on me. I also think about the people that don' t know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I have people that I see on a daily basis that I don't think knows Him. I also have loved ones that I am about to see this Christmas that are lost. Since they don't know him, do they know the real meaning of Christmas? I'm praying for everyone this Christmas. Only God knows what each person I come into contact with has going on in thier lives, but I am praying that each person can find peace this season. Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year!!!!!!

My Little Angel is Growing So Fast

2009-11-21T19:19:00.003-06:00

Where is this time going? Natalee-Brooke is almost 11 weeks old. I can't believe it! She is such a good baby, too. She's already sleeping through the night, most nights, but at the most waking up once for a feeding. Madilyn-Grace was almost a year old before she was sleeping through the night. We are very blessed. Well, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I love this time of year. It really makes me stop and think about all of the things I am thankful for. I also get to see family that we just don't get to see that often. On Thanksgiving night we put the Christmas trees up. We have so much fun decorating, listening to Christmas music, and drinking hot chocolate. Last year we bought MG a tree so I guess we need to buy NB one next year. That means we will have 3 trees to decorate. Yea! I feel so bad that I have just abandoned my blog like I have. I want to start blogging again, so maybe I can stick to it. Probably not every day, but I will not go almost a month again without posting something. Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving and don't forget to be thankful for all you have.

Where Does the Time Go?

2009-10-26T08:32:00.004-05:00

It seems like just yesterday when we discovered that we were expecting our second child. That was such an exciting day. After waiting for 7 months for this to happen, we knew it was all in God's hands. We knew we didn't have control over it. Well, now my little angel is 7 weeks old and my maternity leave is ALMOST over. That means that my babysitter gets to watch my 2 little angels grow up while I am working. I am beginning to have a hard time with this as each day passes. Children are such precious gifts from God, I just can't seem to let go of them. I know they will be in good hands, but I wish they could be in mommy's hands instead. This time will go by so fast and before I know it, they will be all grown up and out of the house. So while I have them, I want them ALL OF THE TIME!!!! Please pray for me this week because I am really struggling letting go again. I just thought the first time was rough, this time I have twice the packages to leave behind for 8 hours.

Who Do You Put First In Your Life?

2009-10-13T11:16:00.000-05:00

This has been in my heart and on my mind today. PSALM 37:4-8 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. I believe that if we put Him first in our life, He will give us our desires according to His will. I think it is important to pray that our desires are what the Lord wants for us. After all, He does know us better than we know ourselves, and He knows what we can handle. He only wants the best for us. Have a blessed day!

Thank You

2009-10-08T10:19:00.002-05:00

Jesus deserves all the praise and glory that we can give Him. He died for us, He set us free, and loves us unconditionally. Some of us really need to worship Him, bless Him, and give Him thanks for everything that He has done for us. He is the greatest friend I have ever had in my life. He has been my healer, my comforter, my everything. We all need to take time out to worship and seek Him.

Little Eyes are Watching

2009-10-02T10:39:00.008-05:00

I was on FB this morning and my aunt posted this quote that really got me to thinking. It really fits my life right now because my 3 year-old watches and tries to do everything that I am doing. Sometimes I question myself, "Do I want my children to be like this?" The quote is...

...Your children could become what you are, so be what you want them to be and never allow yourself to do anything that you are not willing to see your children do.

Now that is something to think about. Especially if you have small children. So as I was trying to find the words to the song "Be Careful Little Eyes What You See" I came across this poem, which I changed he to she to fit my life...

Little Eyes are Watching You

There are little eyes upon you
and they're watching night and day.
There are little ears that quickly
take in every word you say.

There are little hands all eager
to do anything you do;
And a little girl who's dreaming
of the day she'll be like you.

You're the little angel's idol,
you're the wisest of the wise.
In her little mind about you
no suspicions ever rise.

She believes in you devoutly,
holds all you say and do;
She will say and do, in your way
when she's grown up just like you.

There's a wide eyed little angel
who believes you're always right;
and her eyes are always opened,
and she watches day and night.

You are setting an example
every day in all you do;
For the little girl who's waiting
to grow up to be like you.

The quote this morning reminded me that I'm always teaching a lesson, both intentionally and unintentionally. Remember the old saying, "Kids remember some of what we say, but all of what we do." So, that being said, let's watch what we say, think, and do because the children are our future and God's very special gift to us that we should ALWAYS cherish.

Thanks Aunt Angie for giving me this insight for the day. Love to you and your family.

My Little Angels

2009-09-22T09:36:00.013-05:00

Natalee Brooke at the hospital

Madilyn Grace holding Natalee Brooke

Madilyn Grace feeding baby sister for the first time.

Natalee Brooke sleeping soundly!

Getting ready to watch Alabama football!!

Rain Rain Go Away

2009-09-21T10:35:00.004-05:00

For the last several days it has done nothing but rain. I mean all day and all night it has been raining. The good thing about the rain is that we get to spend quality family time together like playing, watching movies, playing some more, and doing our daily Bible reading. The bad thing is that we can't go outside and play, which is something Madilyn Grace likes to do. I mean, we could go outside in the rain if mommy wasn't so worried about getting wet and tracking all of the water in the house. Maybe I just need to relax some and just take my daughter outside in the rain. I'll think about it! Thank you God for the rain, but please bring us some sunshine soon.

Falling In Love With My 7 Day Old Daughter

2009-09-16T14:21:00.009-05:00

Every minute that passes, I find myself falling more and more in love with my little angel. We could not have asked for a better baby. I'm probably just jinxing myself by saying this, but she doesn't cry/fuss very much at all, she eats every 3 1/2 to 4 hours, and she sleeps good, too. Madilyn Grace was just the opposite. Maybe Natalee Brooke is going to be more laid back, like her mommy. Anyway, I am counting my blessings each and every day. Big sister is in love with her, too. That is something that I worried about for months and so far my prayers have been answered. Thank you Lord for all of your blessings on my family.

Psalm 100:4  Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give 
thanks to Him and praise His name.

Natalee Brooke is Here

2009-09-14T16:48:00.007-05:00

At 2:30 AM Wednesday morning, 9/9/09, my water broke. I knew what time it was so I started getting ready for the hospital. I decided that I should let Bill know so he could start getting ready, too. Within 30 minutes I started having contractions about 7 minutes apart, so I knew we had to start moving a little faster. We finally got everything loaded up and made a few phone calls on the way to the hospital so our out-of-town family could be there for our special delivery from God.

We arrived at the hospital around 3:45. The doctor on-call was not there yet and my contractions were getting closer and closer. I was in PAIN. I did not have to go through this with Madilyn Grace so I didn't want to feel anything this time either. Unfortunately, I had to feel EVERYTHING because the anesthesiologists could not give me anything until the on-call doctor showed up. She arrived, but was LATE!! By then I had already dilated 10 cm and was ready to push. However, I was supposed to be having a C-section because MG got stuck in my pelvis. Well, I had already done most of the hard work, except for the pushing this time. When I FINALLY got the epidural, the doctor wanted me to try to push since I had already gone that far, and I did. Nothing happened. So after about 5 minutes, they started to prep me for my C-section. I will NEVER forget what I had to endure while I was waiting on the on-call doctor to arrive. I don't know how some women did it without medicine. My hubby and daughter had to watch me go through that horrible pain. Before I left to go back to the OR Madilyn Grace said "Mommy you don't hurt anymore?" and then she kissed me. She was right, I was NOT hurting anymore. I don't think I will complain about hurting again after that.

Well, at 6:23 AM Natalee Brooke came into this world. When they cleaned her up I got to look into her eyes for the very first time. Babies are such a beautiful gift from God! In my eyes she was perfect. I thanked God for such a wonderful gift. Bill and I had nothing to do with it, it was all in God's hands.

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful little family. I have a wonderful Godly husband who loves us dearly and leads us down the right path when we sometimes stray. My two daughters are beautiful in my eyes and healthy. Teaching them how to be Godly women and how to make the right choices in life is going to be a challenge, but one that Bill and I are willing to take. I know we are just beginning, but this is something that I pray everyday for my daughters. There is no better time to start leading them in the right direction than right now.

As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Can't Wait to Meet Our Little Angel

2009-09-04T18:21:00.004-05:00

I'm almost 37 weeks now, in 3 days, and still no Natalee Brooke. I am very anxious to meet her. Madilyn Grace came 3 weeks early and I had NO pain at all, so I just assumed that this one would come the same way and at the same time. Unfortunately, this pregnancy has been very different. I've been sick a lot earlier in the pregnancy and it lasted a lot longer. I've had Braxton Hicks now for almost 4 weeks and now REAL contractions lasting about 15 minutes a part, but thankfully not every day. Wow! How different this time around has been. So why should she come at the same time MG did? This time I'm probably going to make it until my planned C-section date. Oh well, she will come when she's ready. I just can't wait to look her in the eyes for the very first time. What a feeling that will be?

Madilyn Grace is ready, too. She gets excited every time I get a gift for Natalee Brooke. I let her open the gifts and she just says, no matter what it is, "Oh how cute!!." She also likes to help me wash the new clothes and she already knows how to put them in Natalee Brooke's drawers. She insists. I can't turn that down. She's going to be a wonderful BIG sister when it comes to helping take care of her. I just hope she continues when it is time to start sharing her toys. We'll just have to see.

Patiently waiting our new angel's arrival. Pray for us during these last few weeks. We are about to experience a BIG change around our house.

My Little Princess is Now 3

2009-08-27T17:25:00.005-05:00

Where does the time go? Three years ago, Aug. 20,
our little princess came into our lives.

Now she's just enjoying life. Learning new
things every day.

She enjoyed her little party at the park.
It ended up being a beautiful day.

I love you "To the Moon and Back."
You will ALWAYS be my little princess.

We Had a Great Saturday

2009-08-15T20:46:00.008-05:00

Believe it or not, I got much needed rest last night so I was able to get up this morning and clean my house. Then some friends from back home came up and spent most of the day with us. It was so wonderful having them come and visit with us. Madilyn Grace played good with their boys and we were actually able to talk and catch up on things. We cooked out, talked, and then went outside for some family pictures that I have been dying to get made. Kristi did a great job taking our pictures.

Later on in the evening, we had a birthday party to go to. Madilyn Grace had fun there, too. I just wish she wouldn't be so needy of her parents and just play with the other kids. If daddy wasn't with her, I had to be. I know, one day I will miss that so why am I wishing something like that. Other than the heat, we all had a great day.

Now she is sleeping, I am catching up on blogging and FB, and then I will head to bed for some more needed rest to start another busy day tomorrow.

What a Week

2009-08-14T18:58:00.004-05:00

Whew! I am glad this week is over. It started off with me dropping my little girl off at the babysitters at 7:30 Monday morning. Needless to say, I cried most of the way to her house, while I kissed her goodbye, and all the way to work. I really missed my little princess. We have had a wonderful summer together and I just did not want to see it end. It is also the last summer with just "the two of us" so it made it a little harder on me.

I got in around 7:00 Monday night, 7:45 Tuesday night, so needless to say this 8 month pregnant woman was REALLY tired all day Wednesday. I came home around 4:00 and was in bed by 7:00. Talk about feeling old. Thursday was the first day that the kids came, so I was on my feet pretty much all day. I was hurting by 3:00 and came home to just lay around and then went to bed early, too. I am sooo glad that the weekend is here.

I hope to get plenty of rest, but I have too much to do. I have wonderful friends coming into town to visit us and cookout at lunch tomorrow, but before that happens I have to clean my house, which I've been too tired to do. I think it will just have to get done early in the morning. Then I have a birthday party to take Madilyn Grace to tomorrow evening. I plan on coming home after the party and start planning for my maternity leave, which will be 7 weeks worth of lesson plans. I feel that I have to get them done right now, just in case something happens and I go earlier than expected. I like to be prepared, I don't want to leave my sub hanging.

I have church Sunday morning and Sunday night, so maybe sometime during our busy weekend, I can find some time to get some rest so I can start back over again next week.

My Summer is Almost Over

2009-08-09T17:30:00.003-05:00

Well, today is my last day of summer. School starts back tomorrow, which means no more spending all day with my little princes. Am I sad? Oh yes, just a little bit. This is my last summer with just her and I hope she's enjoyed it as much as I have. We've done a lot of things together, but I also wish I could have done a lot more. It's hard to do some things while you are pregnant, but I did what I could do.

Now we have to start back on our schedule where we get up and out the door by a certain time. That is going to be hard because Madilyn Grace and I both have a habit of sleeping in. Going to bed early is not a problem because I stay tired anyway, and she's ready for bed when I am, so bedtime hasn't changed much this summer at all.

I really am going to miss my little princess, but I know she is safe and happy at her babysitters house. She loves it there and I think she gets by with a little more over there than she does with me, so she won't be as sad as mommy. I will make it, I just have to keep my mind off of her by staying busy. I am sure that is NOT going to be a problem since I have to get ready for a 7 week maternity leave. So, summer was great, time with my family was wonderful, but now it's time to start back to the grind of things. I am thankful for the time off that I had this summer, the time I had with my family, and the fact that I have a job to go back to.

Thank you Jesus for all you have blessed me with. Thank you for always being there and listening to me through all of my prayers. Thank you for loving me and showing me your way.

Summer Tutoring is Over

2009-08-05T16:13:00.003-05:00

I have been tutoring every Tuesday and Wednesday for 2 hours a day this summer. I am sad to say it is over with. I finished up my last session just today. The kids worked really hard. I am very proud of them. Hopefully they learned enough to get them ready for 6th grade. It will be a little different for them having 5 or 6 different teachers instead of just one all day long. At least they will be ready in math and writing.

Madilyn Grace did good while I was working with the kids. She would play or watch a movie while I was doing what I had to do. She did look forward to the breaks so she could play with some of the kids. But she did not bother us, not one bit. I am very thankful for that.

I am very excited that I had the opportunity to do this. It not only helped the kids, but it helped me to keep my mind fresh of material that I need to know to be a successful teacher.

My Classroom is Finished and Ready to Go

2009-08-03T14:38:00.003-05:00

Friday was the first time that I even stepped foot in my classroom all summer. Bill had to come and move all of the big pieces of furniture for me because I definitely can't, or shouldn't. Over the weekend I called 4 of my "good workers" that I had last year to see if they could come this morning and help me. Thank goodness they were able to come. We worked hard all morning, unpacking, organizing, hanging up stuff, and cleaning. We got finished at 12:30. Now I don't have anything left to do and I can plan for my maternity leave when school starts on Monday. It should be a very productive day since that will be all I have to do. I am so thankful for there help. I could not have done it without them. Oh, thanks too, to my almost 3 year old, who played and even helped pull glue off of desks and walls. You are my princess and I love you so much!!

PSA 18:49 Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD; I will sing praises to your name.

What a Day

2009-08-01T19:53:00.003-05:00

I haven't felt good all day. I usually clean house on Saturday's, but not this Saturday. I didn't feel good when I woke up, so I've just been sitting around watching TV, catching up with Facebook, and napping. I think I felt worse after a nap, but I had plans for this afternoon and I had to make myself get ready for it. It was very hard getting ready. I think I've been having Braxton Hicks on and off all day and just not feeling like normal. I don't like feeling like this, it makes for a wasted day.

Well, I did finally get ready and my little family packed up and went to my boss's subdivision where we had a pool party/barbecue. It was fun, but again I wasn't feeling my best. We ate and let MG play in the kiddy pool. She had fun until it started lightning and then we had to get her out. She didn't like that too well. Well, that's been my day, not very eventful, but thank God for another day.

EPH 5:20 Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-29T15:34:00.009-05:00

What I've Been Up To

2009-07-28T15:06:00.004-05:00

Wow! I had an okay weekend. After cleaning house Friday night so I wouldn't have to do it Saturday, I started having Braxton Hicks. It didn't last very long, thank goodness. Then I started having heartburn that is still going on today. Saturday I tried teaching MG how to read, but she lost interest very quickly. She wanted to play her computer game that I showed her last week. Great mommy! But I figured next time I could use that as a bribery, if she reads the cards I made her for about 30 minutes or so, then she can get on the computer. Why didn't I think of that Saturday? I think it's because I really didn't want to do it myself so why should I make her do it? Sunday was church and then we came home and cooked hot dogs on the grill. Yes, that added to my heartburn. Sunday night we had watermelon and music out in our church parking lot. Even though I do not eat watermelon, it was fun. I love listening to our praise band. They are GREAT!! Yesterday I packed MG's and mine and daddy's bag for the hospital. Now if I can get Bill to put the baby car seat in, I will be good to go. I have a strong feeling this one is going to come early. MG was 3 weeks early, so why shouldn't this one? Even though my doctor said I could go full term, I just know with school starting back soon and me being stressed out, something will happen. I will be ready, though. Today we woke up and got breakfast at Burger King. Then MG and I went to the park in Alabaster, ate breakfast, and played until time for the 10:00 movie. We watched Babe, which she loved. She talked most of the way through it, just asking those little toddler questions. Since we've been home, she's been playing while I tutored 2 boys, 1 hour each. She plays really well when I am tutoring. I am very thankful for that.

Oh yeah, yesterday I got an e-mail from a friend to join Facebook and so I did. I signed up thinking that I was just going to sign in so I can keep up with my friends. Well, I signed up yesterday morning and in between all of my chores I found myself on my computer, all the way up to 10:00 lastnight. It was a busy day on FB because a lot of my friends, old and new, were commenting me left and right. It was sooo much fun. So I guess I will be juggling myself in between my blog, FB, family, and quiet time with the LORD, in no particular order, while I still have the time. I can do it!!

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

Website for Madilyn Grace

2009-07-25T15:47:00.006-05:00

My almost three year old daughter is fascinated by things that have buttons and make sounds - like computers. Every time mommy gets on her laptop, she gets her little laptop out and sits right beside me. She likes her little computer, but it doesn't seem to be quiet as fun as mine ...she wants the REAL thing. Recently, I was introduced to KneeBouncers, a website that features games for babies and toddlers. These games are designed to be played simply by pressing keys on the keyboard, and watching different things happen. Madilyn Grace likes to pop bubbles on the computer, make music, or make silly noises. There are no rules, and the games are colorful and fun. I allowed my daughter to use my laptop as long as I was sitting right beside her. Plus, it just made her so darn happy. Her favorite game is Bed Bouncing. There are thirteen games in all, with more on the way. I'm so glad that my daughter can have a little fun on the computer now. Check it out and have fun!

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

We Just Stay at Home and Lie Around...

2009-07-24T10:55:00.006-05:00

Happily enjoying lying around and doing nothing today.

And by nothing I do mean cleaning the house, doing laundry, playing with and feeding my almost 3 year old daughter, and staying cool!

I love being a stay-at-home mommy, at least for a few more weeks until school starts back.

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

P.S.- Our preacher's wife, Mrs. DeeDee is celebrating her birthday today and she is offering a give-away on her blog. Please go to her blog and sign up for a free CD or a $10.00 gift card to Starbuck's. She has the directions on her post for today. Good luck!!

We Are So Excited!

2009-07-22T08:56:00.005-05:00

Approximately 68 days from now, I will be sending out baby announcements. I will be giving birth to the newest member of our family in September 2009. Since she will be our second baby, I might give birth sooner than the expected date. So, just to be honest, I am a bit excited to welcome another blessing in my life! I can’t wait to hold another treasure from heaven. Pray for me, the baby, and Bill as we wait out these last few weeks.

Still Growing In Christ,
Tanya

Date Night

2009-07-18T09:30:00.027-05:00

All day long I had been waiting for our date. Needless to say, it was a long day. Madilyn Grace was not in the best of moods, so I was very tired by the end of the day when it was time for me to start getting ready for out date. MG and I finally got ready and I made it to the baby sitter's house about 10 minutes late. Well, the funniest thing happened to me when I got in the car. I usually leave my radio on one station, 93.7, I'm not much of a flipper. But there was too much talk on the radio and that is not what I wanted to hear at the time. I turned the radio to the country station 104.7 and there was this song coming on and I just knew it was on the radio just for me. I listened to it, the best I could with Madilyn Grace talking to me. I had heard it before but I never really payed that much attention to it until yesterday. I put a video of the song at the bottom of this blog because it fits yesterday so well for me. Listen to it before you leave my blog, maybe you can relate.

Now to the date, last night, Bill and I was able to go out on a date. We haven't been out, childless, since May 15, Bill's birthday. It was so nice. We went to Olive Garden to eat and then out to the movies. We saw The Proposal. The movie was pretty good, better than I thought it would be. We say every time we go out that we need to do that at least once a month, but now it's going to be a little harder to find a sitter for 2 kids.

After dropping MG off I suddenly realized how quiet my vehicle was. I'm usually having to answer a lot of questions or just simply have a toddler conversation going down the road. It was quiet, so I actually got to turn my radio up a little louder than normal. I had a few errands to run that required me to get out of the car so I ran them before I had to meet Bill at the restaurant. I realized that I did not have to go to the back seat to get MG out of the car and carry her inside with me. Then I had to go by the bank and I didn't have to ask for a sucker, like I do every other time I go. It was nice being able to go to the bathroom by myself at the restaurant, eat without stopping 20 times to do something, watch a movie without having to leave and go to the bathroom again, being talked into buying some candy during the best part of the movie, you see where I am going with this. But I found myself looking around the restaurant while we were there seeing all of the other kids doing kid things at the table, all of the other mommies taking their little ones to the bathroom, some were leaving the movies to either go to the bathroom with their child or to buy them something at the concession stands. It made me miss Madilyn Grace so much! I couldn't help but to think about the song I had heard as I was leaving the house.

I enjoyed the time alone that I had with my husband, but at the same time I could not get my little girl off of my mind. I am addicted to her and having the summer off doesn't help any. She wears me out to the point of exhaustion when I am with her all day, it could be because I am pregnant, but when she is not with me, she's all I think about. Looking down the road, I know that I am going to miss all of the little and big things that occurs in our day to day lives, so I am just going to sit back and take in every moment I have with my little family. I love them so much!!

To play the video and hear the song, pause the music on the sidebar and then press play button.

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

The Rooms are Ready

2009-07-16T12:43:00.025-05:00

We finally have both girls' bedrooms all ready to go. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. Here are some pictures of Natalee Brooke's room. Very simple, but I know from experience that I will be redecorating it again soon.

We are using the same bed that we used for Madilyn Grace. She stayed in that bed for almost 2 1/2 years. Hopefully, Natalee Brooke will do the same. The chair is one that we used in Madilyn Grace's nursery. It was not the right color, so I just bought a brown sheet and covered it up. It doesn't look as bad as it sounds. Chair covers were too expensive, so I thought the sheet would work just fine.

The changing table is something that we had with Madilyn Grace. I haven't changed a diaper in a while, I hope I still remember how to do it. I cried when I had to get Madilyn Grace's clothes out of her dressers. Well, I guess the dressers are not hers anymore, but it was very sad for me to empty them out. We knew when we bought her furniture that it would only be hers for a short while, but I did not imagine how sad it would be the day we passed it down to her sibling.

You cannot read the sign above her bed, but it says Sweet Dreams. I hope Natalee Brooke sleeps better than Madilyn Grace did. She was a horrible sleeper. I guess we will find out here pretty soon.

I am ready to meet our little angel. Yes, "Angel", that is what we will call her. Madilyn Grace is our "Little Princess" so I had to come up with something to call Natalee Brooke. My "Little Princess" and my "Angel," that has a nice sound.

Since we had to pass the bed down to the baby, we had to buy Madilyn Grace a new bed. I wanted to get her a bunk bed, so we looked and found a great price on a used one. It was not the color that I wanted it to be, so we painted it white to match the rest of Madilyn Grace's room. Overall, we are pleased with how it turned out. I still have to lay down with Madilyn Grace each night, I guess it's just too big for her. She loves to play on the top bunk, so I let her keep most of her stuffed animals and babies up there. I don't worry about how neat the top bunk stays because no one really looks up there. (Madilyn Grace had to model the bed, she insisted. Click on the pictures to see a closer look.)

On one side of her bed there is a bookshelf. I am very thankful for the bookshelf because the baskets that I originally had her books in were overflowing. I didn't realize how many books she had. I guess the teacher in me wanted her to have a lot. Now if I could just teach her how to read them herself. I think I have read every one to her at least 5 times each, if not more. She does love her books! On the other side is a desk. I put a blanket at the top of it so that you cannot see the top bunk. I'm sure it won't stay there long.
There's not much to her desk right now, but eventually she will put it to good use. The rest of the pictures are just snapshots around her room. What you see is her recliner, TV, and her little table where we eat breakfast and have our tea parties. We had to move the table out from in front of the window because the bed was so big, but we can still see outside.

Well, thanks to everyone who said they would help out either by watching Madilyn Grace while we finished the rooms or coming by the house to help hang pictures. We managed and I think we are done, for now anyway. I hope you enjoyed the little tour of our little girls' rooms.

Still Growing in Christ,

Tanya

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

2009-07-14T09:27:00.004-05:00

Sometimes when I'm just getting started with my day, I like to read inspirational articles from AllWorship.com. This website is where I get most of my poems that I post on my blog. Well, today I happened to have come up on this little poem that I know I have seen before and you probably have too, but the older Madilyn Grace gets, the more I realize it is true.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

Little eyes see a lot. Each of us--parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher or friend--influence the life of a child. How will you touch the life of someone today?

Sometimes I really feel guilty if I am not watching how I act in front of my daughter. I might have influenced her the other way around. :(

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

Words Are Life or Death

2009-07-13T15:15:00.004-05:00

I was shopping in Wal-Mart today when I heard someone around me talking on the phone about someone else in a very negative way. My heart broke for that other person because they were not even around to defend themselves. I immediately thought about my 5th graders that I teach. Sometimes, well most of the time, they talk negative about each other. Usually it's when the other people are not around to hear what they have to say.

The words we speak out into the world are important because satan can hear what we say. We need to stop speaking negative about ourselves and others. Satan hears the pessimistic words that we speak and can use that against us. For example, if we say how ugly we are satan hears it, and he can use that to start putting more negative thoughts into our minds. I believe the more optimistic we are with our words the more positive things will start happening in our lives. (Proverbs 18:21) Death and life are in the power of the tounge: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

Feeling Tired All of the Time

2009-07-10T12:14:00.003-05:00

I have been feeling so tired lately. I know it's because I'm pregnant, but I hate feeling this way. I still have things to do, but no energy to do them. Thankfully I have a husband who understands and every time I say that I am really tired, he just says, "You are 7 months pregnant." I know he's right and I appreciate him saying that, I just feel like I should be doing something instead of sitting around reading, watching TV, or sleeping.

Lord please help me to get my energy back so that I can spend time with my family. I miss the energy that I had when I would go non stop all of the time. I don't want my family to think that I am a lazy person, so please send some energy my way. Thanks for all you've done, all you are doing and for what is to come. Amen!!

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

Who Do You Depend On?

2009-07-08T12:46:00.002-05:00

As Christians we need to lean and depend on Jesus. He is the only one who we can depend on. We have His direct line, and that line is never busy. Whatever trial or tribulation we may go through, He is always right in the mist of it. He said that He will never leave or forsake us. Whatever situation you may be facing do not worry, just put it in God's hands. He takes care of the birds in the air;therefore, He is going to see you through your problem. You are more important to Him than birds. MATTHEW 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

Good Morning!

2009-07-07T08:48:00.002-05:00

When I say good morning I mean to say:

G-od
O-ffers us His
O-utstanding
D-evotion to

M-ake us
O-bedient &
R-eady for a
N-ew day with Him.
I-nspire others please, and
N-ever forget
G-od loves you!

Have a Blessed Day!

--Author Unknown

We Had a Wonderful 4th of July!

2009-07-05T18:05:00.012-05:00

Yesterday was the 4th of July. What a beautiful day to celebrate!

Before I get into what we did, I want to take a moment to tell you what the 4th of July means to me. This day marks the day that our founding fathers stood up for us to give us the freedom of which we still enjoy today!!!! Without all the people that have and continue to defend this freedom we would not be able to enjoy this day!!!! Also this day means that I am Free!!!!!!!

My dad and step mom invited us to be with them this 4th of

July at Wind Creek, so we couldn't turn them down. They had a camper if we got too hot and wanted some air-conditioning and a big lake if we wanted to go swimming. We could not have asked for better weather. It was hot, but we were at Wind Creek so we could dip into the water whenever the heat got too unbearable.

We ate, swam, talked, ate some more, swam some more, well you get the picture. It was fun! At the end of the day we got ready and went down to the amphitheater down past Children's Harbor to listen to music and get ready for the magnificent firework show that started at 9:00. All I can say was wow! It was the best firework display I have seen in years. Madilyn Grace really enjoyed them. We've always taken her to see fireworks on the 4th, but this year I think she enjoyed them most of all.

I can hardly get through the 4th of July with a dry eye. I am so proud to be an American and I love this land more than ever! Let it forever be a beacon of hope for the entire world. With all of our problems, there is still no where in the world that I would rather be! God Bless America!

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

A Morning of Silence

2009-07-03T09:11:00.006-05:00

I am sitting at our church answering the phone for our secretary, who is out on vacation. The phone has only rung twice, and one of those phone calls was from my husband calling to check on me. I can tell it's going to be a slow morning since I have already been here an hour and a half and only 2 phone calls. The church building is quiet, which gives me time to catch up on some much needed reading and praying. I am really enjoying my quiet time. I do miss my little family, but at the same time it is nice to have some time to myself. Who doesn't need just a little time to themselves?

How likely is it that the number of bad days a person has is directly related to the missed days of quiet time and time alone with God? I’ve been horrible about my quiet time lately, but today I have a chance to make up for it. I've had some pretty stressful days as of late so I am pleased to be working today. I do not think that God is “paying me back” or disciplining me (although this may very well be true) but that I continue to fall farther away from His holiness the more time I spend away from Him. Now I have a chance to catch up, almost.

Does God let me fall away to teach me a lesson or show me how dependent I am upon Him? I think these things are certainly true but I also believe that my sinful nature does not want to be close to God. It is more comfortable to do things of the flesh — especially since that is what I have known for so many years. I am comforted by the fact that I recognize this and dislike the distance between God and I. I want to be close to Him — which fights against my sinful nature. I am so deprived and incapable of good, it is reassuring to know that God loves me no matter what. He will always be there for me to pick me up when I fall. Again, He isn’t doing this out of jealousy or mind games — He disciplines me because He is my Father for eternity. He wants me to be the woman that He knows I can be. It is incredibly comforting to know that He is in charge and will instruct me in the right ways in all situations.

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

Thankful Thursday

2009-07-02T19:50:00.008-05:00

A friend of mine posted what she was thankful for on her blog today and asked people to respond. So Tricia, I am responding to your post by adding what I am thankful for on my post for today. Thank you for giving me something to think about.

For the Christian, every day should be Thanksgiving Day. We should even be thankful in the midst of problems. The Apostle Paul said, "I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation" (2 Corinthians 7:4). He knew that God was working all things together for his good, even though he was going through trials (Romans 8:28).

Problems will come your way. God will see to it personally that you grow as a Christian. He will allow the storms, to send your roots deep into the soil of His Word. We pray more in the midst of problems, but it's been well said that you will see more from your knees, than you will on your tip toes.

If we watched a butterfly struggling to get out of its cocoon, some people might want to help it. Say for instance we did help it, we got a razor blade, and carefully slit the edge of the cocoon. The butterfly would escape from its problem ... and immediately die.

It is God's way to have the butterfly struggle. It is the struggle that causes its tiny heart to beat fast, and send the life's blood into its wings.

Trials have their purpose. They make us struggle—they bring us to our knees. They are the cocoon in which we often find ourselves. It is there that the life's blood of faith in God helps us spread our wings.

Faith and thanksgiving are close friends. If you have faith in God, you will be thankful because you know His loving hand is upon you, even though you are in a lion's den. That will give you a deep sense of joy, and joy is the measure of the depth of faith you have in God.

So that being said, I am thankful for the following things:

The world in which we live. God created a beautiful, magnificent place for us to dwell. In Genesis 1:31 the Bible states: "And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good."
Family. Christians ought to not only be thankful for our physical family, but also their spiritual family: the church, their brothers and sisters in Christ.
The love of God. I think that the following verse sums it up very nicely: John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
The sacrifice of Christ. As previously mentioned, the Lord sent His only son to die so that through obedience people can be saved from their sins. Ephesians 5:2 states: "And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Also Hebrews 10:12-14 states: "But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."

I know that there are many, many other blessings for which I should be thankful, but this is all I could come up with for now. What things are you thankful for?

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

My Little Lady-In-Waiting

2009-07-01T09:05:00.009-05:00

My almost three-year-old is testing my patience.

Daily. Okay, maybe it's hourly.

A Lady-In-Waiting is a lady appointed to attend to a queen or princess. The other day, I was organizing Madilyn Grace's books when I ran across the book, Lady in Waiting for Little Girls: Strengthening the Heart of Your Princess by Dede Kendall. I just had to stop and read it myself because Madilyn Grace was doing something else. As soon as I read it, she came into the room and asked me what I was doing. So I took a moment and read the book to her. My daughter did not ask me what exactly a Lady-in-Waiting was. But apparently she liked the sound of it so much that now waiting is all I ever seem to do. After all, she is my little princess, right?

Sadly, my patience is not as boundless as it might be.

Here is a partial list of the tasks that cannot possibly be done in less than 30 minutes and without an elaborate ritual...

Choosing clothes/Getting dressed for the day: First we must have a "favorite colors" guessing game or a "guess what shirt I'm thinking of...?" game. Or usually she wants to wear something that matches what Mommy is wearing.
Brushing teeth: She must brush, then I must brush. "First, count to 20," she will say before handing the brush to me as I slowly pull out my hair.
Putting shoes on: Thank goodness they are slip-ons. Sometimes, though, they are sandals. Here we fall victim to "I'll do it myself" syndrome. Even putting the strap through the little slot and pulling it tight enough . It takes For-Ev-Er.
Getting into the car: Not getting to the car... just into it. She has to do a super-jump and climb into her car seat, smoothing the back of her shirt just so. Then she has to have whatever toys are in sight right then and there, before I can even buckle her up.
Getting out of the car: We are usually searching for a lost item before getting out -- a book, barrette, or toy. If she ate anything while we were in the car, then we have to clean that up before we leave the car.
Choosing a book: I love to read to her, but often 20 minutes of looking will have her settling (finally) on a book with 6 pages.
Any meal: She's a picky eater, so she will nibble on whatever we put in front of her. After a few chews she says, "I don't like it." Then we have to go through our whole family and have her take a bite for them. We start out with, take a bite for Mommy, take a bite for Daddy, and so on until it is all eaten up. Whew! Who knew feeding a toddler could be so exhausting?
Bedtime: Each night I have to kiss the bears, baby dolls, Dora, Boots, and blankie before I can kiss her. Then we say our prayers and sometimes she skips a whole lot of it, so we have to say it again. Usually it takes about 3 times before we can FINALLY go to sleep.

Let's face it, by the end of the day, I'm exhausted. My sweet, darling girl has figured out how to monopolize my time and attention as often as she can. I get exasperated with it, quite honestly. I wonder when she will ever just stop playing all the time.

And then I think, What Is Wrong With Me??

She's almost three. And playing your way through the day is what age three is all about. It's also about asserting your independence (which has issues of its own -- trust me.) But mostly, it's about operating on your own "schedule" and doing things in your own time.

And then something happened yesterday while I was cleaning my house that made my parental hypocrisy meter top out. I was cleaning the bathrooms when my daughter came up and asked me to play with her in her kitchen. "After I'm done with cleaning the bathrooms," I told her. She waited. She made conversation. She made up a game to make the waiting go faster, which I played with her as I cleaned. Finally, she left for a few moments and returned.

"Are you ready to play now, Mommy?"

It hit me that I was "playing" in my bathrooms while she patiently waited for me, doing whatever she could to spend time with me. (And also, I am an idiot for making her wait like that.)

So I stopped cleaning, because I was done, and we had one heck of a cooking party in her kitchen.

We played for a long time, but it was fun, so that makes it time well spent. In the end it was my own little Lady-in-Waiting who taught me a lesson about patience and being considerate. And about making time to play.

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

He Is So Good To Me

2009-06-30T10:19:00.002-05:00

I came across this poem this morning and I wanted to share it with everyone.

He is so good to me, this Jesus of Galilee,

He is so merciful, compassionate, and true,

He is so loving, yes, He died for you too.

He is so good to me, He shed His blood on Calvary's tree,

He is so good to me, my Lord, the King of kings,

He is so good to me, laid down His life for all humanity.

He is so good to me, broke all the chains of misery,

He took my life, all the broken pieces, and mended it, miraculously,

Oh, if He can do all of this, and so much more, why would anyone,

Close Him off, from entering their heart's door? Yes, He's everything,

And so much more!

Author: Lisa Beth Jenkins

Something That's Been on My Heart

2009-06-26T09:16:00.010-05:00

1 Corinthians 13:4-13: 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. . .And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.'

Cousins. Cousins are special people. On my daddy's side of the family, there are 16 of us cousins. Most of us are about the same age so I have wonderful memories of us playing together, going to the lake, watching Bama ballgames, spending the night with each other, and crying together. I even went to school with my cousin Tammy on her last day of school just for the fun of it. We had some wonderful times together and I will always cherish those moments. As we grew up, we all had different lives and started going our separate ways. We still see each other on holidays, but sometimes it feels we don't really know each other. We talk and all of those wonderful childhood memories start coming back to me. Sometimes I cry because I wish things could be as good as they were back then. I guess that's what happens when we all grow up and some of us move away. I will still cherish every memory that we created together. I love my cousins, you will always have a special place in my heart!

On my mother's side, there was only me and Jeremy. We were only a few months apart, but unfortunately, he and his mother moved away when Jeremy was very young. We did not have a chance to get to know each other the way I knew my other cousins. I always knew about him and would see pictures of him from Uncle Kenny, but I still did not know him. I remember one day in the summer, I think I was 15 or so, my Mama told me that we were going to get to meet Jeremy for the very first time. I was so excited! I finally got to meet the guy that I have heard about all of my life, my only cousin on my mother's side. He came to my mother's house with his beautiful mom and sister. We visited a while and took lots and lots of pictures. It was so nice to finally get to meet him. Well, it came time for them to go back home, to Titusville, Florida so we had to say our goodbyes. I think he kept in touch with Mama and Kenny some, but he went into the Marines and we didn't really have a chance to talk to him much. It wasn't until Uncle Kenny passed away, 2007, that we really started getting to know Jeremy better. He came up for the funeral for a few days and stayed with Mama and Wesley. We of course, spent the night, too. At that time, that is when the bonding started. We got to know each other a lot more, it's like we had a lifetime of catching up to do and I think for the most part, we did it. We shared our life stories with each other and before he went back home, I felt like I really knew him. During Spring Break of 2008, Bill, Madilyn Grace, Nana, Papa, and I traveled to Titusville, Florida to visit with Jeremy and his family. We had a wonderful time visiting and making some of our very own memories that we can cherish for a lifetime. Since then, he's come to our house at Christmas time to visit, we met at Destin for a few days and visited, and he's coming to our house on Thanksgiving Day to visit. Even though we don't have childhood memories, what memories we do have are very special and I will never forget them. I am looking forward to making many more memories as we continue to make up for lost time.

I have a poem that I found that I wanted to share with all of my cousins:
We’re from the same shoot,
The same family tree,
Into this world we sprouted
Call it destiny!
It’s cousin to cousin
A special thing
A closeness to which we’re tied,
And you’ve always been there
To laugh with me
Or even when I’ve cried.
Anyway I think it’s fantastic
That you were meant to be
A part of my life, my cousin,
You’ll always be special to me!

You all have a special place in my heart. I will always love you!

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

Thank You Mama!

2009-06-25T13:26:00.006-05:00

Today I had to be at Brookwood Hospital to re-take my blood sugar test at 8:00. I have always taken Madilyn Grace with me and she has always been a good girl, she just needed a little more attention than I felt like giving and we had to make several trips to the bathroom every time we went. Mama happened to be off of work so she came down to ride with us to the doctor's office. She had to leave a little before 5:00 to get here in time for me to beat the traffic on 65. I was able to sit and just relax while there, Mama (Nana) did just about everything else. I am so thankful that she was there. I was more relaxed than usual. I passed the tests, by the way. I guess I just needed my Mama with me, too. Now I know how Madilyn Grace feels when she "just needs her Mama."

After my appointment, we went to lunch with Bill, and then came home. I was very tired after spending a few hours at the hopital. I'm sitting here watching TV with Madilyn Grace and my Mama is downstairs cleaning up. I feel bad that she is doing what I should be doing, but she insisted. I had mentioned how much of a hastle it is to clean house now, and we have a bathroom downstairs that Bill had to do some work on, so it was very dusty and needed a BIG cleaning up. Again, I am very thankful that she is doing that for me. What a Mama!!

I would like to share a quote from Washington Irving: A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. Thanks Mama, not only for what you've done today, but what you've done all of my life. I love you with all of my heart!!

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

What a Wonderful Wednesday!

2009-06-24T15:00:00.006-05:00

I got some much needed rest last night, which made for a wonderful Wednesday. I woke up this morning, fixed my daughter and myself some breakfast, and ate breakfast with her at her little wooden table that Santa brought her. The table is right in front of her window so I opened the blinds to let the sunshine in. Wow, what a beautiful day it was going to be! The sun was shining brightly and there was a black bird sitting on the top of our mailbox. Madilyn Grace pointed it out to me, I would have probably never noticed it sitting there. After we ate breakfast, we got a shower, she loves showers, and then we got ready to go to the babysitters house to swim. They haven't seen Madilyn Grace since May 22, so Mimi (that's what MG calls her) was badly wanting her some MG. We got over there and Madilyn Grace gave everyone a BIG hug. She missed them, too. We swam for a few hours, which by the way was relaxing to me, because MG played with the kids. They had a blast, and so did I. When we came back home I had to tutor for 2 hours and Madilyn Grace was just as good as she could be. She played by herself, until the kids had a break, and then she played with them. She loves it when we have company come over. It gives her someone new to play with besides mommy and daddy. Now, she is trying to nap, and hopefully mommy can get a quick one in, too. Tonight is church and Madilyn Grace loves going to church. Again, I hope she will always love it. I am thankful for this beautiful day and the wonderful time that I had with my daughter. Life is so good! Let's serve the Lord with gladness!!

Psalm 100:2 says to "Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs."

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

What Father's Day Means to Me

2009-06-22T11:18:00.011-05:00

Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him

Father's Day, the third Sunday in June, is a special day for me. I'm lucky to have four men that I call fathers in my life (three of my very own) and I remind myself of this often, especially on Father's Day. I'll start with my own dad. He's a simple man, works hard for a living everyday. I do mean everyday, 7 days a week. He's a construction worker so there's not a day that goes by when he doesn't have something going on. My parents divorced when I was very young, so my mom raised me, until she remarried. Dad was around every other weekend when he could be. I remember playing with him on weekends, going to the lake to camp, or just lying around the entire weekend watching movies. He would have me rub his back and then he would fall asleep. I think that was in his plans all along. At night, I would get home sick and have to call my mom. She had to talk me into staying with him just about every time. Don't get me wrong, I loved (and still do) my dad, but when it was bedtime, I wanted my Mommy. She was all I really knew. As I got older I got closer to my dad. He started coming around more and wanting more to do with me. We've really gotten closer since I was pregnant with his first granddaughter. Deep down I think that he is making up for lost time, time that he couldn't spend with me because he stayed so busy. I'm okay with that. Better late than never. Thank you dad for loving me and blessing me with all of the fun memories!

About 20 years ago my mom remarried to a wonderful guy whom I admire now. At the beginning, I wasn't too easy to get along with. I didn't want my mom to be with anyone but me. I mean, at the time, it had just been her and me my whole life. I was NOT willing to share. So I made it my every intention to run this man off. He did not go anywhere, so I finally came to the conclusion that he loved my mom and was going to stay with her no matter what. My mom was happy and so was I. I don't know if he knows this or not, but he's the one who influenced me to go to college. He had his master's degree and I thought that was the coolest thing. Nobody in my family ever went to college. I was going to go so I could be smart like him. He taught me to drive and helped me to get a better understanding of why men like to hunt. He also introduced deer meat to me, which by the way, he can fix some awesome deer meat. Not to mention, deer jerky. Ummm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. He was also on one side of me, my dad on the other, the day I walked down the isle to marry my wonderful husband. Thank you Wesley for all of the things you've taught me and all of the love you have shown these last several years!

In 2002, I was given another father through marriage. The father to my husband, that is. This man is one of the most Godly men I know. I haven't experienced that much in my lifetime, so this is another man whom I admire. I've never heard anything negative come out of this mans mouth. He helped to raise a wonderful family who loves and cares for people the way everyone should. There's nothing that this man desires more than God and family. To me, that is amazing. I see the future of my husband through this man and that makes me so happy. Thank you Butch for being a Godly father-in-law and a wonderful role model for my husband.

Now, this leads me to the man that I call The Greatest Dad. This man has been wonderful since day one. He has never let me down. He enjoys being with his little "princess" and she enjoys being with him. He's there for her when she cries, and when she does something she should not do, well, he's there for that, too. He helps her to understand why she should not do that again. Reading to her is something he does a lot of and teaching her things with her cards like the alphabet, colors, and counting is something that goes on almost daily. I enjoy sitting back and watching them bond like they do. That is something that I don't know much about. I hope she has great memories of her daddy. Not only just memories, but I hope that she learns things about life, and that she sees how much her daddy loves the Lord and will hopefully apply those things to her life. What I found in three different men, Madilyn Grace and soon to be Natalee Brooke has in one. What a wonderful blessing that is. I am so proud of you Bill! I love you with all of my heart! You've come a long way!!

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

So Much to Do, So Little Time to Do It!

2009-06-19T09:19:00.009-05:00

Since I am out of work for the summer, I have a lot of time to sit and ponder about things that need to be done. I'm not talking about house cleaning, I do that just about daily. I'm talking about preparing for our new arrival.

I know each pregnancy is different, but Madilyn Grace came at the end of my 36th week. If this one is anything like the first one, I only have about 10 weeks left, give or take a few days. We've only bought a crib set (bedding sheets) for Natalee Brooke and that's it. Her room is just as bare as the day we moved in. As each day passes I get more stressed out. I can't do anything without my husband because it's either big pieces of furniture that needs to be moved or something high that needs to be hung up and I am NOT supposed to be lifting heavy things or stretching too high above my head, according to doctors orders. Bill works everyday and when he comes in I don't want to ask him to do too much because I know he's had a long day. It seems like every weekend since the summer has started we've had somewhere to go or someone to see out of town. We don't have family here in Calera, so when there is a birthday, we have to travel at least an hour or more to see everyone. But, we make do. We love it here in Calera and wouldn't change it for the world.

I know if I just pray about it, things will come together in time. I have OCD and I have to have things done as soon as possible. But, when you can't do it on your own, there's really nothing else you can do about it but wait for help. So that's what I am doing, waiting. In the mean time,
instead of worrying and complaining, I will pray and read the Word of God. Romans 8:25 says, "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently" and Romans 12:12 says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Pray for me as I apply this scripture to my daily life. Thank you for joining me today.

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

Our Last Vacation With Just the Three of Us

2009-06-18T08:29:00.012-05:00

On Sunday evening we were returning from a week long vacation from Destin, FL when I was thinking the whole way back home that the next time we did this we would have 2 kids to keep up with. One child nearly wore us out, what in the world would we do with 2? There again, I was thinking about people we know that have more children than we do. Why do I complain and worry about what I have or about what is coming? Some people would just be happy enough to get to go to the beach. I'm sure you don't hear them complaining.

Well, the whole time we were there we wanted the trip to be all about Madilyn Grace. So each day we did something fun for her like, go to the beach and play in the sand (3 times a day), play in the ocean as long as she wanted to (for hours), swim in the pool (as long as daddy played with her). One day we even took her to The Track to ride on the rides and play games for tickets (as long as she got a toy with her tickets). We also let her eat whatever she wanted instead of me saying, "No you don't need that." That's what vacation is all about right? But this time the focus was on her, not us. Well, for the most part.

Let me tell you, going to the beach at almost 7 months pregnant is NOT much fun. My husband had to carry just about everything down to the pool or the beach himself, along with helping me because I was waddling like a duck because my legs were rubbing together. Not to mention, when I sat down he would have to help me back up because I was unable to get up by myself. Towards the end of the week, he had to use both hands and all of his strength to get me up. The heat and the sun made me swell up like a hot air balloon. I felt so horrible!! Even through all of my griping and complaining, he told me that I looked beautiful to him. Sometimes we just need to hear those things.

Vacation was fun and it's always sad to leave, but once you walk through the doors of your own home it's nice to be home. There's no place like home!

In closing I would like to quote the Bible: Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever (Psalm 107:1) . I am truly thankful for the time that I had with my family. We made memories that will last a lifetime. I am looking forward to many more memories to be made with my happy little family. Thank you God for blessing me with my precious gifts!

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

Our Happy Little Family- A Little Personal

2009-06-17T08:10:00.004-05:00

I hope you have read what I wrote yesterday first, because everything sort of fits together.

Well, after a hard 2 1/2 years of marriage, we decided that we wanted to start our own little family. In October of 2005, that decision was made and in December of 2005, we were pregnant. We were so excited! Trough all of the nausea that I was experiencing, I was still very excited to be starting my own family. We finally knew that this was God's plan and we were ready for whatever was ahead. We knew right away that we wanted our children to be raised up in a Christian home and we had already started on the right path by being active in a church that we called, and still call, home. I could not have asked for a better husband during that time of my life. Bill was awesome! He cooked for me, cleaned house, washed clothes, and even rubbed my back when I wasn't feeling well. I knew that this was going to be a wonderful experience that we were going through together and thanks to him, we made it. On August 19, my water broke, and since I was not hurting, I was able to get dressed up, yes make-up and all, to go to the hospital. I did not know what lied ahead, but I was sure going to look my best at whatever was going to happen. I got there, they checked me in, and nothing. No labor, nothing. So they had to enduce me, and then bam, right away I felt my first labor pain. Fortunately, I was able to get an epidural, so very shortly after, I wasn't feeling any pain. I pushed for 2 hours and my baby girl could not come out. She got stuck in my pelvic bone and no matter how hard I pushed, she was not coming out. So, I had to hear what every woman for the first time dreads hearing, "You have to have a C-Section." So they dressed me up and prepped me for surgery. I was ready to see my little girl so the tears only lasted for a few seconds. They were just tears of fear and excitement of knowing that when I left that room, I would be a mother for the first time. So I kissed my mother goodbye, who was with Bill and me the whole 2 hours of pushing. She could not be there to see her first grandchild being born. My family waited patiently for about 50 minutes to see our precious little Madilyn Grace. At 2:14 am on Sunday August 20, 2006, Madilyn Grace braced us with her presence. Since then she has been a joy to be around. She is now almost 3 years old, where does the time go? I love my little princess. I rush out the door of work everyday at 3:15 to go and pick her up. Even though she wears me out with all of her energy, at the end of the day I thank God for my little miracle. I pray that she will always be happy and make the right choices in life. She loves going to church and we as her parents hope this continues for a lifetime.

In May of 2008, we decided that we wanted another child, so we started trying. We wanted our kids to be about 2 to 3 years apart so it was time for another one. Eight months later, we found out that we were expecting again. What joy we felt! Madilyn Grace was going to be a Big Sister.

I've got to admit that during those 8 months I was starting to lose all hope. Looking back on it, I feel guilty now because we have so many friends who are trying and have been trying to conceive for years now, 8 months was nothing. I pray that when the time is right, everyone that is wanting to become parents will. It is such a blessing!

Well, the first 16 weeks were horrible for me. A lot worse this time than last. My doctor had to give me meds for nausea just so I could go to work. I was sick all day at work, all day at home, and all night in bed. This time I had to care for a 2 1/2 year old, so it was much harder for me. Again, I mention my wonderful husband. I just thought he was wonderful last time I as going through this, he has been phenomenal! Although the house didn't stay as spotless as I would have liked, he spent time with our little princess and that was something that I just could not do. They truly had a Father-Daughter bonding moment every day for at least 4 months. Although I was sick to move around, my heart was filled with joy to hear and see them bonding like they were. Thank you Bill for all you've done and are still doing. You are an amazing husband!

I am now almost 26 weeks pregnant and anticipating the moment for our second daughter, Natalee Brooke, to arrive. However, I am a little stressed because we don't have her room decorated yet. By this time when I was pregnant with Madilyn Grace we were ready, clothes were washed and hung up, but not this time. We are waiting on Madilyn Grace's new bed before we can pass down the baby bed to Natalee Brooke. Hopefully by the end of the summer, we will have everything ready to go. Just pray for my patience because I don't seem to have much right now.

I hope I haven't bored you with all of my personal notes, but I think I have just about caught everyone up. Do you feel like you know us a little better now? That is my plan, to share with you about "Our Lives," where we've been, where we are now, and where we are going. Please join us each day.

I would like to close with this:
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6 NIV)

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya

How Our Lives Together Began

2009-06-16T17:20:00.010-05:00

This is something that I have wanted to do now for a long time. Now that I have the summer off, I am going to start our own family blog. Hopefully this will be something that people will want to follow. I know I have a lot of catching up to do as I have been keeping up with several of our church families blogs. It's only fair that I start from the beginning of "Our Lives" as the Wilson's.

Bill and I met at Central Alabama Community College in Alexander City, AL in February of 1997. We dated for five years. During those five years, Bill attended and graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He majored in Civil Engineering. I attended and graduated from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa and majored in Elementary Education. We married on June 8, 2002 at Union Baptist Church in Rockford, AL. We were both very happy then, or so we thought. We were told by close family that marriage could be hard at times, but we just knew that we had it all figured out. Bill was raised by a happy Christian family. I was raised by my wonderful mom for about 10 years all by herself, until she remarried and she had help from my step-dad for 10 more years, then I moved out to go to college. I was determined to have a happy marriage; I was NOT going to have a broken home. Well, here is where the story of our lives really begins.

I'm going to make a long story short, but hopefully getting the main message out so that this will all make sense. Here it goes. In the summer of 2004, I ALMOST lost my husband to a divorce because of BAD choices that I had been making. Notice the "I's." It was all about me, and we were married. It should have been us, us, us. No, it was me, me, me. The bad choices lead me to 3 months of separation. I had to move out of our first home to an apartment because my husband could not stand the sight of me. During that time, I talked daily, almost hourly, to a dear friend that I had not spoken to in a long time. That friend was God. I found myself praying for His forgiveness and spent more time reading in the Word more than I ever have before. It's crazy how we tend to lean on God in times of need and sorrow. Well, at the same time, God was working in Bill's life, too. Bill was doing the same thing I was, reading and praying to God. We knew that we wanted to be with each other and we vowed through good times and bad. Well, these were surly the bad times and guess what? God was there. He helped us through our tough time. Not all at once, but he surely turned a light on and we followed where he led us. We decided as a couple to find a church family because we did not like the life we were living. We knew that God had better plans for us so we started talking about churches we could visit. The very first church we visited was Calera Baptist Church. The church really did make us feel like we were at home. We enjoyed Bro Hal and we said we wanted to give it another try. So we continued to go back to the same church for several Sunday's. One Sunday in February of 2005, we made the decision to join CBC. We are still waiting to renew our vows, but wow what a day that will be!

Since then, our faith has grown and our love for Christ is burning within us. We have overcome! It was in God's plan after all. Maybe not exactly what happened, but he knew that we would go through trials before we completely and fully trusted in Him. We know things happen for a reason and our reason was to get us back into the church where we belonged, to find Christian friends, and to have our own little Christian family. So far, we are on the right road.

I want to share with you something that I came across just recently:

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there... to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be but when you look eyes with them, you know that every moment that you are with them, they will affect your life in some profound way. And sometimes things happen to you at the time that may seem horrible, painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, will power or heart.

Everything happens for a reason! Nothing happens by chance or by means of good luck. Illness, injury, love,lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere, safe and comfortable but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet affect your life. The successes and downfalls that you experience can create who you are, and the bad experiences can be learned from.... In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones. If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them because they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart. If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally not only because they love you, but also because they are teaching you to love and open your heart and eyes to little things.

MAKE EVERYDAY COUNT! Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people who you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, even if it doesn't seem right because you are too young or too far, just follow your heart. Surround yourself with those who make you smile, laugh, and make you happy.

Break free and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you. Create your own life then LET GO and LIVE IT!

Author Unknown

In closing, I would like to share from Ecclesiastes 4:12, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Now apply that to the marriage relationship. Three cords – God, the husband, and the wife. Wow! Can you even imagine the power in that? It means that you are bound together in your marriage with the Creator of the Universe. There is enough power to overcome all obstacles, to love unconditionally, and to have a marriage that you cherish. That is where we stand right now. I hope you have enjoyed visiting with me. Please keep in touch!

Still Growing in Christ,
Tanya