This Life of Mine...

Thankful

2011-05-08T18:23:00.000-05:00

Today is Mother's Day.

Today is my first as a mother.

I have been a little emotional today which I didn't think I would be. Motherhood is certainly an emotional ride but I was overwhelmed with thankfulness today. You see, I have something called PCOS (google it) which makes it more difficult for me to get pregnant. After trying for about a year we headed to see a specialist and were on our last chance at IUI when we got pregnant. Our next step would have been IVF. I have a lot of respect for those ladies who have had to go that route.

The day we found out about Kayla was very surreal. I was just expecting the test to be negative. I had seen so many negatives that when it read "pregnant", I literally had to catch myself on the bathroom counter because I could not believe it. We had been praying for so long and finally God had answered our prayers!

So today, as I looked at my beautiful, full of life 10 month old, I couldn't help but thank God for his faithfulness.

Today in church we sang a Chris Tomlin song called "Our God". As we sang it I lifted my hands high as tears streamed down my face. It reflected perfectly how I was feeling. My God is so much bigger than any obstacle we face. He can take something that seems impossible to us and turn it into a beautiful miracle.

Water You turned into wine
Open the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You
None like You

CHORUS
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

Into the darkness you shining
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

BRIDGE
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who can ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

A mover and a shaker...

2011-04-16T17:39:00.000-05:00

Pretty Princess started crawling a few weeks ago and she hasn't stopped moving since. I can't leave her for more than a second for fear that I will come back to a room destroyed. I vacuum all the time but I swear she finds lent and fuzz everywhere. Maybe I need a new vacuum?

What Mom? I'm not supposed to play in here?

On a side note...I have lost the remainder of my baby weight. I think the crawling and the weight loss may be linked.

What's on my head???

2011-03-30T14:10:00.000-05:00

Update

2011-03-30T11:55:00.002-05:00

Kayla finally got her helmet about 3 weeks ago. It is really cute. She acts like she doesn't really seem to know she is wearing it most of the time. I am thankful for that. We took her back yesterday to have it adjusted and she is making progress! Yay! She is supposed to have it for 3-4 months. I am hoping that she will have it off before her first birthday which is July 8th.

Kayla and I went to the zoo for the first time last week. She acted like she could care less about any of the animals. So really it was just for me to get out of the house I guess. Cynda and Annaliese went with us so we had good company.

She started crawling about a week or so ago. I am not sure I will ever sit down again. She is in to everything. It has been kind of fun seeing her roam around the living room. She is so inquisitive and I love it! I can't wait to see what kind of adventures we will have!

Travel with a baby?

2011-03-02T09:16:00.002-06:00

We are trying to plan our summer vacation. Looks like our destination will be San Fransisco. We are trying to make the decision as to whether pretty princess will be joining us there or not. We have never flown with a baby and man it's kind of overwhelming. Thinking about all the stuff you have to take with you when you have a kid is insane. Glad I have other mommy friends who have flown with a kid before so I can pick their brains.

P.S. Kayla's helmet will be ready this coming Monday. I will post some pictures when we get it.

Mom's Group

2011-02-07T00:25:00.000-06:00

I recently started going to a mom's bible study with my friend Nicole. It meets once a week at a church close to my house and they have childcare. Childcare was a MAJOR selling point. I absolutely love being a stay at home mommy to pretty princess but I am an EXTREME extrovert and Kayla doesn't really speak back when I ask her questions. Not entirely true. She does say hmmanmanman and oohhh. :)
It has been so refreshing to meet with these ladies. Honestly, we don't really know them well yet but I get so excited every time I think about it. I think I knew how great this was going to be when one of the other mommies said, "We go to Jason's Deli everyday and get tea, just so I can leave the house." So true!
This is such a sweet time in life. A time when I am able to be fully attentive to my baby girl. When I get to see her learn and grow into the person God has designed her to be. That doesn't mean though that I should abandon the time I need to spend in fellowship with other women walking the same road I am. It has been so helpful to know that other women are living similar things as me. I really believe that God has perfect timing. And He knew this was something that I really needed. He is so faithful!

The Helmet

2011-01-26T13:05:00.000-06:00

Pretty Princess had colic and until about the age of 3 months she wouldn't sleep AT ALL unless she was swaddled.

"The Burrito"

Well all that spending time on her back caused quite the flat spot on her noggin. :( We started noticing it about the time she turned 2 months. The Dr. has been watching it and at her 4 month sent us to see if she needed a helmet. They told us to keep her off her head as much as possible. Pretty much the only time she is on the back of her head now is if she is asleep and has positioned herself that way. We have even been taking her to physical therapy to try to help as well. We recently took her back, and despite our best efforts, it hasn't gotten that much better. It isn't an extreme case and we were told that the flat spot wouldn't hurt her development but that they suggested we go ahead and do it. Since we don't want her coming to us later on in life wondering why we didn't get it fixed we have decided to go ahead with it. So once everything is cleared with our insurance Kayla will be sporting one of these 23 hours a day for the next 3 months or so...

I am not going to lie. I REALLY don't like the fact that she will have to wear it but I also know that this is what is best for our sweet baby. We are praying that combining the helmet with physical therapy will speed the process along.

There are a lot of things that I am thankful for during this whole thing. The flat spot won't cause any development problems. Her case isn't really bad so she won't have to wear it as long as some babies do. I am thankful that God has allowed me to be a stay at home mommy because we will probably have to go in a few times a month to make adjustments. I am thankful for our insurance. We are blessed to have amazing insurance that is going to take care of the cost of most of this. And I am VERY thankful that Pretty Princess won't remember any of this. I know how mean kids can be and as much as it brakes my heart now that she has to have it I am thankful she isn't older.

Kayla's Birth

2011-01-20T15:17:00.000-06:00

I was due with Kayla July 4th, 2010. She didn't like the idea of sharing her birthday with a holiday I guess because she refused to come out! We went for walk after walk after walk. I drank red raspberry tea. I ate spicy food...which I hate. I ate egg plant Parmesan. I did everything that I could think of to get the girl out but she wasn't coming! My Dr. scheduled us to come in the night of July 8th and then start pitocin the next morning. Well, the morning of the 8th I started having major back pain so I moved from the bed to the couch in the living room at about 6am. I didn't really think anything of it until I realized the back pain was coming every 7 minutes or so. See, I never really had any contractions before that so I didn't know what to expect. I took a shower and then woke up David to tell him I thought I was in labor. I called the hospital and they told me to call back when the were 5 minutes apart. We went to Chic-fil-a and had some breakfast at about 8:30 and then went and walked around Penn Square Mall. There aren't many people at the mall that early but I am pretty sure the ones that were wondered if they were going to have to deliver a baby. Contractions HURT! By 9:30 my contractions were every 5 minutes apart so we called back and they told us to come in. Praise Jesus!
We got there and got checked in. The nurse checked me and I was at a 2. This was progress for me b/c I hadn't dilated at all until that morning. Kayla's heart was kind of doing funny things so I was told even if I wasn't in active labor yet I would be staying. By 11 I had gotten my IV, my Dr. had broken my water and I had gotten my epidural. I was going to try to make it to a 4 but once I realized they would give it to me whenever I wanted it I frantically said, YES PLEASE!

Ahhh, that's better! Pretty sure I LOVE epidural's.
Things kind of calmed down after that. I stopped progressing very much and had only made it to a 3 a few hours later. Kayla's heart was still doing funny things so they gave me pitocin to see if they could speed up labor. Well Kayla didn't like that so they eventually had to stop pitocin. My Dr. said she was going to go deliver some twins and she would come back so we could discuss what we wanted to do. I think I kind of knew when I wasn't progressing that I was going to end up with a c-section. Pretty much the second she walked out of the room Kayla's heart rate dropped to the point that it wasn't registering on the monitor. Longest moment of our lives I think. David was just about to go get the nurse when my Dr. came back in and said she had just seen the same thing on the nurses computer and that she thought we needed to go ahead and get her out. The next few minutes were a blur. They took David to change into scrubs and I was wheeled down the hall. They gave me more medicine and suddenly I was numb from my neck down. Weird! They took me into surgery and got me moved onto the surgical bed and draped me for surgery. I think that was when the tears started coming. I tried to hide them but when you can't move any part of your body it is kind of hard. I don't really think that I was scared, just overwhelmed. It all happened so fast! David was able to come in then and it made me feel better having him next to me. Before I knew it she was out...screaming her little head off! She was fine. Her chord had just gotten wrapped around her leg and arm. The pressure from contractions was putting pressure on her and causing her heart rate to drop.

My inlaws had gotten there a little bit earlier from Arkansas but were on their way to get something to eat when David had to tell them to come back. I didn't even get to see my parents before I went back. They got their moments after I was wheeled in for surgery. Everyone was waiting for me as I was wheeled out. I was very groggy but thankful our baby girl was alright! I finally got to hold her for the first time about an hour later. One of the best moments of my life.

It didn't exactly go the way we had planned but I am thankful that our baby made it here safe and sound. She is our perfect little gift from God!

Restart please...

2011-01-15T16:03:00.001-06:00

I am training for a marathon. This will be my second. The first one I ran 4 plus years ago. Pre-Husband, Pre-Baby. Back when my jeans zipped up like they should. Training has been a bit harder this go around. I do have the most amazing stroller in the world, The Bob, which helps. But with the weather being like it has been I try to find time to run alone without Pretty Princess (Pretty sure she thinks that is her real name). And when I do my long runs, usually on Saturday or Sunday, I leave the babe with my hubs or with her grandparents.
Today I ran 8 miles. However, I had only run about 10 seconds when I bit it. Yep, bit it. I got up to make sure no one saw me. Should have known I wouldn't be so lucky. I was at Lake Hefner and there is always someone there. Thankfully the man on the bike didn't say anything to me since I sprung up and immediately started running again. I waited until he had passed and then I stopped to look at the damage. Bloody knee. That's fine. Doesn't hurt too bad. Then I realized I ripped a hole in the knee of my BRAND NEW running pants. I have never been cool enough to have actual running pants and then I go and rip them! NOT COOL!! Oh well, guess I get to sew them up. Adds character, right?
I came home and spent some time with my Dad and Kayla. He went home and then Kayla took a nap. I showered and changed and then decided to clean my ears. I mean, why not? Some how I shoved the q-tip in my ear WAY farther than it needed to go. Shooting pain went down the left side of my face. Fail! I took some Advil and laid down on the couch. It's still throbbing by the way.
With that being said, I would like to restart my day. Back when my skin was still on my knee, I had cool running pants and I didn't want to remove my left ear.

Hello again

2011-01-14T19:10:00.000-06:00

So, it has been awhile. A long while. I haven't blogged in over a year and a half. I don't really know that I have anything profound to say. I just think I need to document the life of our little girl. I am not really a "scrapper", as my husband would say, so this is my solution to that problem. We had our sweet baby in July and life will never be the same! She is pretty much the coolest most beautiful thing I have ever seen. And the most real picture of how God loves me that I have ever been a part of. I cannot believe that God has entrusted me to be her mommy. Parenting is hard but I am thankful to have my husband to share the road with. He is pretty awesome and I love him more than life.

2009-06-06T20:53:00.001-05:00

My newest creation.

I don't want to go through the motions...

2009-03-24T19:16:00.002-05:00

The song below really speaks to what I am feeling at this point in my life.
I don't want to just go through life doing nothing of importance. I was made for more! I just really don't know what that "more" is. I have really been praying lately for Him to open my eyes to what it is He has for me.

Matthew West - The MotionsFrom the album Something To Say

This might hurt
It’s not safe
But I know that I’ve gotta make a change
I don’t care If I break At least I’ll be feeling something
‘Cause just ok Is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions
No regrets
Not this time
I’m gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love Make me whole
I think I’m finally feeling something
Take me all the way
Take me all the way
me all the way

Vegas Baby!

2009-03-03T19:59:00.002-06:00

Because he is a stud, my husband and I are taking a little trip here next month....

And we get to stay here....the Venetian!

Beloved

2009-02-17T21:39:00.002-06:00

Beloved, God has a ministry for you, and in Him you are completely competent to receive it and fulfill it. Believe God!~Beth Moore

These words really struck me tonight as I was spending time with God. I really wand to receive what God has for me and then act on it! I want to use all the gifts God has given me! He is EVERYTHING and deserves my complete obedience.

The shirt don't lie...

2009-01-30T17:35:00.002-06:00

So, I used this little product today...

Notice that it says "Dare to wear BLACK". This is what I saw directly after putting my BLACK shirt on and the shirt don't lie!

From trash to treasure!

2009-01-26T18:20:00.003-06:00

I got a free coffee table and decided to re-do it. Here is the before shot...
And here is the Finished Product!!!

Nashville Bound

2009-01-21T21:26:00.003-06:00

David and I are going to Nashville in 2 weeks to see these people....

My college roommate Ann Dee and her husband Clint...I couldn't be more excited!

2009-01-02T14:53:00.001-06:00

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 3:18 & 19

Apron Fashionista!!

2008-12-30T12:35:00.003-06:00

My sister in law Jennifer got me this super cute apron for Christmas! I love it!

2008-12-24T08:24:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas!!!

I pray that you have a very blessed holiday and that you truly remember the reason for the season!

Ugly sweater anyone?

2008-12-20T18:40:00.002-06:00

Ugly Sweater Life Group party...I love these guys! We are sooooooo cheesy!!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T17:24:00.002-06:00

Went for a little visit to Alma, AR to see David's side of the family. I forgot my camera so sadly, no pictures. I love spending time with my in-laws. They are so great and I feel blessed that I get to call them family now. Tonight we are having my parents over for Thanksgiving. I am making a ham. I have never done that before. Guess that means I am all grown up now. :0) I pray that you had a great holiday!

And the Thunder rolls...or not.

2008-11-13T19:14:00.002-06:00

Last night we went to see the OKC Thunder play. They lost. Boooooo! We went with our good friends The Zerkle's. We had a grand time!!

Change...

2008-11-03T17:00:00.002-06:00

I am ready for it. I am ready for something new to happen. I told David that I feel like we are wandering in the desert. I know that God has something amazing in store for us. I just wish I knew what it was.
Proverbs 2
1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and justand fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,
13 who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.

Seattle

2008-09-11T12:31:00.002-05:00

We went to Seattle last week on vacation. It was so much fun! We drove out and hiked at Mt. Ranier. We went to the top of the Space Needle, attended a U of Washington Huskies game, walked by the bay, went on an underground tour, and went down to the Lockes. This was my first time going to Seattle. It is absolutely gorgeous in that part of the country and am I thankful that we were able to go for a visit. And it didn't even rain once while we were there! I have pictures to post at a later date but before that there is ton's of laundry and cleaning to do.

As promised...

2008-08-27T10:01:00.001-05:00

Assorted Cupcakes
Corn on the cob cupcakes
Doggie & treat
Sunflower
My pathetic elephant that melted in the car on the way home. :( So sad.

Cupcake update

2008-08-24T15:58:00.002-05:00

I took a class to learn how to decorate cupcakes this weekend and it was so much fun! I learned to make a sunflower, and owl, a daisy, a dog, corn on the cob, a spider, an elephant, and a mummy!! I had the best time! Who knew you could make so many cute things out of a cupcake?? I will post pictures when I get the chance.

I heart cupcakes!

2008-08-12T21:15:00.005-05:00

In the past few months I have found a love for all things cupcake. I like to eat them, bake them, look at them...I just love them. I am actually going to take a cake class next month to help me learn how to decorate them better. My sweet husband bought me the Sprinkles cupcake mix for my birthday to try out. If you have never had a sprinkles cupcake...you should! The first picture is of the Sprinkles Cupcakes we got in Cali back in May. The 2nd is my attempt.

Tick Tock goes the clock...

2008-08-05T08:56:00.001-05:00

I have decided I have a problem…with time. Actually I didn’t just decide this. I have known it for a long time now. This is something that drives me crazy about myself and I am positive it drives my husband crazy. I know what you are thinking…another girl that is late to everything. Nope! I am early to EVERYTHING! I can’t handle being late. I think this stems from my childhood. My dad was early to everything and thus…I am early. I start getting all worked up inside…like the world is going to end if I am not on time. I even get that way about social events. A lot of my friends know that I will usually be the first knock on their door. And most times they are right. Lord, free me from my crazy need to be so early!

He Did!

2008-07-31T09:59:00.000-05:00

Today is a day of reflecting for me. Reflecting about choices made and lesson’s learned. Who would I be? Where would my life have gone if decisions weren’t made? I can tell you this…I am so glad that I don’t know. I am so glad that I am were I am in my life. I am so glad that the path I was on 4 years ago is not the one I am on today. My life changed and I thought it would never be the same. And you know what? It isn’t the same…it is so much better! It isn’t better because of anything I have done. It is better because I called out to my sweet Jesus. I fell on my face before Him and asked Him to cling tight to me…and He did.
I asked Him to take the hurt away and ever so slowly…He did!
I asked Him to give me a new church family…He did!
I asked Him to give me friends that love me despite my flaws…He did!
I asked Him to bring a man into my life that loves Him first. A man that is head over heels for me. A man that I can grow old with. A man that would be my best friend…He REALLY did!

I am so so glad that He did...