Almost Christmas

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What I've Been Up To

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