The Reeves Life

She's 7 months...

2010-06-22T16:12:00.005-05:00

Someone turned 7 months on Father's Day!

I know I'm partial, but she is amazing! She spends her days strengthening her core so she can move toward crawling and walking. Sitting up, reaching for toys, rolling over, BOUNCING (her favorite), reading books, chewing on everything...these are some of her favorite things to do. Lily is a very busy girl now. She doesn't like to sit in one place for too long, so the days are spent keeping her busy and trying to put things in front of her to discover. She loves to talk and talk and talk (like her Papa). I know the days are numbered before huge milestones come. She will soon be sitting herself up, crawling, pulling herself up. Big things are ahead for Lily and I can't wait to be in the front row and cheer her on.

I love you, Lily. You continue to grow and charm everyone's socks off.

I am so happy to call you mine!!

Confessions of a Stay-At-Home Momma

2010-05-27T15:38:00.004-05:00

Confession number 1. Sometimes I don't brush my teeth until right before Chris gets home. There have been many times I've seen him driving up and I run to the bathroom and brush...it's that close. In other news, we are thinking of getting rid of our dental insurance. Nice!

Confession number 2. Laundry :( Chris doesn't mind doing the laundry, which is nice, but I am usually left with the folding part. I hate the folding part. As we speak, there are two baskets of laundry sitting in our bedroom, unfolded. We did the laundry Saturday.

Confession number 3. Before I got pregnant, I loved cleaning. I would deep clean the house regularly. I wouldn't stand for dishes to sit in the sink. My closet with organized by color and my jeans and sweaters perfectly folded. When I did fold clothes, I folded them so perfectly that I wouldn't let Chris help because he "did it wrong". I washed our sheets every other week and our pillowcases every week. I was on top of it! My standards have plummeted to non-existant now. I put off cleaning the bathtub way too long. I rarely make our bed any more. The dishes pile up. The dust bunnies take over our floors.

Confession number 4. Since having Lily, I take forever to fall asleep, but once I'm asleep I sleep like a rock. I have the craziest and most realistic dreams. One night about 3 months ago, I was having a dream about peeing. Lily was crying and I woke up and realized that I wasn't dreaming...I actually peed the bed!! I told Chris about it and we laughed so hard. I was totally embarassed that I would do that and a bit concerned that I had lost all bladder control, but to my relief, it was a one night thing.

Confession number 5. I watch America's Funniest Home Videos and The Cosby Show every afternoon while Lily is napping. To my credit, we don't have cable so I would probably choose something else if we did, but these are the shows that are on. But, still, I choose to watch them. And I laugh at the stupid videos of dads getting hit in the crotch by their kids. It's still funny...it is!

Confession number 6. I've let Lily watch AFV with me before. Literally laid with her on the couch and watched the whole episode. Am I a bad mom?

Confession number 7. Most nights I don't cook. We don't have a dishwasher or I would...I think. We eat Chickfila at least once a week and sometimes more. I don't do fast food, so Chickfila is the only place I will eat.

Confession number 8. Sometimes I sleep in the shirt I was wearing all day and maybe once or twice I also wore that same shirt the whole next day. I know, I'm disgusting.

Confession number 9. Every day I get up with Lily at 8am and then we both take a nap from 9:15ish to 11am. But, in my defense, I have to stay up to feed her at 11pm, so...that's a good reason, right?

Confession number 10. Almost every day I turn on Beyonce really loud and dance and sing "Single Ladies" or "Bootylicious" to Lily. I've even turned on the Single Ladies video on youtube and tried to mimic the dance. She loves it!!

So...what are your confessions? This is a safe place ;)

6 months!

2010-05-25T16:21:00.005-05:00

Before I had Lily, I worried about what kind of mom I would be. I prayed about it on my best days, but feared and even cried over it on my worst days. Being a mother to a daughter is something I feared I wouldn't do well. To look at myself and see so much I didn't want my daughter to carry with her was terrifying. It wasn't until I held her in my arms that I understood that it wasn't about me, but it was about the Lord and His desire to display His love for me through her. I really see a glimpse of God when I look into Lily's eyes. I have a new perspective on how much God loves me as I try to comprehend the amazing love I feel for Lillian.

There are new developments on the Lily front now that she is 6 months. She is now sitting up on her own! She started sitting up on Mother's day. She also has begun eating solids. She has had rice cereal and sweet potatoes. Tomorrow, she is having butternut squash. We are making all her baby food fresh at home, and it is so easy and so inexpensive!! She has been a great eater, except these last few days. She has begun locking her jaw or spitting the food out by blowing raspberries with food in her mouth...lovely! We are working on it, though. She still naps 3 times a day, but now she naps at 9, 12, and 3:30. She has been wanting to go to bed earlier, so she goes to bed around 7:15pm. Her new favorite thing is to growl. Not really sure how to describe it in writing, but she has this distinct noise she likes to make and draws lots of attention. She even does it while she is eating. We haven't put her in the nursery at church yet, but I think her time is coming. The last two times at church, she has made quite a few fans with her huge smiles and giggles and growls (?). Needless to say, I believe she will be visiting the nursery very soon.

My sweet girl, I've been thinking a lot about the years ahead of us. I want you to know that I love you now and I will love you throughout the years the Lord gives me with you. I will love you when you are sweet and when you are naughty. I will love you when potty training takes a long time. And when you cut your own hair. When you scream and cry and thrown fits in public, I will love you. I will love you when you say you hate me. And when you only want to be around your friends. I will love you when you put on mascara and lipstick behind my back. And when you call boys and find their attention more appealing than mine. I will love you when you struggle with life's big issues. I will always love you.

5 months!

2010-04-27T19:54:00.004-05:00

My baby is 5 months old...*tear*. How did that happen, people!?

Just this past weekend, I was nursing Lily at church in the cry room and three other babies were in there and they were all significantly younger than Lily. This is the first time that Lily was the older one and they were all asking me questions. I got so sad and suddenly missed my little bitty girl. Lily now streches all the way across the boppy pillow and pushes her little feet against the glider while I'm feeding her. When do they grow? Even so! I wouldn't trade my sweet girl and the memories we've made for anything. And if I were honest, those newborn days were really hard and I wouldn't want to go backwards. Lily is so fun and so sweet at five months! She is a happy, laid back baby. Usually, all you have to do to get a smile is to look her in the eyes and say something and she lights up!

I just took her five month pictures today. My heart started to ache as I watched her eat her little "5 month" sign. I love her so much! To get to be home each day and watch her grow and develop is such a priveledge and something that I hope to never take for granted.

Recenty, my friend was visiting and said to me that she thought Lily and I were soul mates. I'm not sure what made her say that, but it was so precious to me because I have had so many fears about mothering a daughter. It was a sweet reminder that the Lord knows my heart and knows that I have those fears. He is so good to gently encourage me. Nothing would thrill me more than to have that sort of relationship with her.

Lily, at 5 months old:

-You weigh about 16 lbs. and are 26'' tall. Your head circumference is 43.75cm.

-You wear size 2 diapers and 3-6 month clothes, but have and wear some 6 month onesies.

-Since 3.5 months, you have been sleeping through the night.

-You go to bed at 7:30, have a feeding at 11 and then wake up at 7:15am. You wake up and start the day by talking to yourself very loudly. Sometimes I think you are telling us to come get you! It always wakes us up with a smile! When your daddy or I go to get you, you give us the biggest smile. It's a great way to start the day!

-You nap 3 times a day at 8:30, 11:30, 3:30. Sometimes you take a catnap around 5:30. You are sleeping around 1.5 hours at each nap, except for the catnap.

-You love baths, but they are getting difficult because you are getting so big. You wiggle and squirm to look around and take everything in. I know this will just continue. It's a lot of fun!

-Your favorite toys are your stuffed lamb, your Baby Einstein gym and all the dodads attached to it, your rings, and any blanket or burp cloth you can rub on your face. Really, anything you can get in your mouth. You haven't gotten to the point where you are picking things up off the floor and putting them in your mouth, but I know it's coming. Not looking forward to that!

-You love to put your fingers in your mouth. You haven't favored one finger over another, just any one or two or three will do! You are a slobber factory and your onesies are always soaked. I am constantly wiping your mouth. When I do, you attempt to eat the burp cloth!!

-You are almost too big for your vibro chair, but I still put you in it. You push up on it and then slip down because you are so wiggly. Your days in that chair are numbered, for sure!

-You like your jumperoo, but you don't quite jump yet. Your feet touch the ground and every once and a while you make some bouncing-like moves and make the music go and you smile really big. I usually put you in that when I am vacuuming or cleaning the house or showering. I can see that toy becoming more and more of a favorite.

-You sit happily in mommy and daddy's laps. It's very nice that you aren't squirmy or wanting to be up and moving when you're on our laps. Very thankful for a content baby!!

-You know your name. If someone is calling your name, you look around for them.

-You are starting to prefer mommy or daddy to hold you. Depending on the time of day, you sometimes fuss if someone else holds you.

-We've taken two trips this past month and you did great. You visited your aunties and cousin in Austin and then visited your grandparents in OKC for your baby dedication. You did so great and I am slowly building confidence that you can tolerate some trips.

-At resteraunts you do great until right before the food comes. You can stay in your seat and then you start to fuss just in time for us to eat. Once you are in our laps, you do fine. I'm getting really good at eating, drinking, and doing everything with one hand.

-You don't have any teeth yet.

-We are working on sitting up every day. We are trying to get the tripod down so for your 6 month pictures you can sit next to your bear instead of in the bumbo.

-You haven't rolled from back to front yet, but you have mastered the front to back. You are getting more comfortable with tummy time. Usually you "talk" the most when we put you on our chest on your tummy.

-I am thinking of starting you on rice cereal this weekend. It makes me sad, but I think you are ready.

-You have a bald spot on the back of your head, but your hair will grow back as soon as you sit up more. We are working on it.

-You are absolutely beautiful! You look just like your daddy, which gives me so much joy!

-You smile a lot! You laugh, but you don't belly laugh very often. When you do, you light up our hearts!!

-Your daddy and I call you baby girl, beautiful, baby, sweetness. He is smitten with you and can't wait to see you when he comes home from work. I have to stop him from waking you up when he comes home from lunch because he wants to see you so badly. You are daddy's girl for sure, which is something I desired so much for you both!

-Our friends fight over getting to babysit you. We have a waiting list!

-You are loved by everyone who knows you!!

I love you, baby! You are such a delight to your daddy and I.

P.S. Stop growing up!

Now this is important...

2010-04-20T22:38:00.003-05:00

Okay, can we take a break from all the cuteness to help me with a shallow, self-serving decision. Help me decide between these four dresses for Chris' upcoming graduation.

Number one Number two Number three Number four

Aren't you excited to be involved in such an important and life altering decision!!

Thanks for helping me decide!

Jen

Love!

2010-04-14T16:08:00.000-05:00

Birth Story...

2010-02-23T14:53:00.002-06:00

It's a bit late, but here is Lily's birth story...

It started in October when I went for my first internal exam. The doctor checked me and smiled really big and reported that I was very soft (i'm not explaining that) and I was dialated. She told me I was well on my way to delivery and to take it easy so I didn't start the process too soon. The next several visits, I progressed so well that she only checked me two more times because I was dialated to a 3 and she was touching Lily's head. She didn't want to check me anymore because I still had 3 weeks to go and I was very close.

We took her seriously and I called the family I was working for and told them that I was dialted to a 3. Being that they are both doctors, they told me that I was done working and to stay home with my feet up so the baby doesn't make a surprise entrance. I was so disappointed. I had 2 more workdays left and I hadn't had a chance to really say goodbye to Tim and Juliet. I heeded their advice and counted my work days finished. I was going to stay home and buy us some more time.

Chris was finishing his last semester at school and finals were coming just in time for Lily's entrance. We had planned on Chris finishing his work just before she came, so in an effort to buy Chris some more time, we both agreed that I should do as little activity as possible so Chris could get some extra work done. We were both in the mindset that Lily would arrive any day. Little did we know that I would be waiting on her the whole 3 weeks. Every day, every moment, every pain or movement I thought she was coming. It was miserable. I was so convinced that at any moment my water would break and, because I was already dialted to 3 cm, the contractions would be super intense. I was a nervous wreck.

At my final doctors appointment, we decided to induce. Eventually we decided to induce on my due date so I wouldn't be in the hospital on Thanksgiving and Chris could get the most time to finish his work (didn't finish, but it was a valiant effort).

The night before, November 19, I was so nervous. The night was pretty low key. I watched a movie, "My sister's keeper", finally packed my bag, made some phone calls, and did a lot of crying. I was very emotional. Poor Chris was trying to finish some things for school and I kept bugging him with my hormone induced emotional outbursts. I was most sad that we were no longer going to be just Chris and Jen. I was so excited to meet Lily, but it was the end of an era. We would no longer be just the two of us and I was sad that it was over. The night was sweet. Chris was very gentle and kind towards me and we ended the night falling asleep together and talking about how the Lord had blessed us so unbelievably with this little girl.

The morning came and I was up quickly. We were scheduled to induce at 7:00am. We took a final belly pic and we were off. When we arrived, we checked in with the nurses station in L&D. We were assigned a nurse and she showed us to our room. Everything was happening so fast and I remember feeling a bit dizzy but just pressed on. The nurse gave me a gown to change into and I did. I took off my bra and remember thinking that is the last time I will wear that bra for a long time!! What a silly thought, but even now I miss my bras. Instead of the yucky nursing bras. I got into bed and the nurse hooked me up to the blood pressure machine. She asked me a billion questions that I don't remember and hooked me up to an IV. Just before she hooked me up to an IV, I puked. This isn't abnormal for me. I have a very nervous stomach and I assumed at some point in the day I would throw up. Once that passed, she continued with the IV. She had a really hard time with my IV and at one point she hit a vein and blood was gushing everywhere. I will later tell everyone that even above pushing Lily out, getting that IV was the most painful part of the whole experience. Crazy, huh? They also started the pitocin to get my contractions rolling. It was 8:30 by that point and I was on my way.

The nurse told me to let her know when I was ready for the epidural and she would leave and check me in 15 minutes to see how I was progressing. Literally as she was turning to walk out of the room, I felt a very strong contraction and told Chris to go get her and get an epidural. I had felt enough and I didn't want to feel those anymore.

The nurse called for the doctor and the doctor checked me and broke my water. There wasn't a gush because the doctor said Lily's head was so far down that it was acting like a plug and holding a lot of water in, but my bag was broken. The doctor ordered the epidural and the anesthesia was there within 15 or so minutes. I was so relieved because I was in serious pain. Getting the epidural was what I was most nervous about. I won't go into step by step what happened because it was pretty routine. At that point, I was thinking about how crazy all of this is and I even said it aloud, "this is crazy". Getting the epidural wasn't too bad, just felt a little achy when they put it in. Like a deep pain, but not that bad at all. It took about 10 minutes total. It was about 10:00am.

I remember feeling the epidural pretty quickly and was so happy with what I felt. It was warm and relaxing. I told Chris it felt like I was at the spa. I soaked in the last few moments of being able to feel Lily in my belly. I felt her move around and push her little sweet foot against my right side. I've come so accustomed to feeling it and I got a bit sad to know it was my last time to feel her inside me. Soon, I was numb, but I could still move my legs and feel when someone touched me and pressure. I was happy to be able to move, however akward my movements were. I had little to no control over those movements, but I could lift my legs, etc.

The nurse told Chris and I to get some sleep. She turned off the lights and we both laid down. Chris couldn't sleep, so he said he was going to go for a walk. I tried to sleep, but I started to feel really really warm. I threw the blankets off of me, but I was still warm and getting warmer. I sat my bed up and looked around for a fan. I guess I thought it would be like on an airplane where you can point the vent at your face, but no dice. I called the nurses station and asked for a fan or for my room to be cooler. They said ok. About a minute later, I was not only feeling warm, but feeling nauseous and I called the nurses station again and told them I was about to throw up and need someone NOW. My nurse rushed in and handed me the thrower upper thing and I did my thing. While I was throwing up, she called the nurses station and ordered something rather assertively. Chris walked in at that moment and that's when the action happened.

The nurse had to put in an internal monitor onto Lily. I didn't know this at the time and had no idea what was going on. She gave me some oxygen and told me to breathe deeply. She was so calm that I was never worried, but then she told another nurse to page my doctor. I freaked a little at that point. She explained that my contractions were too close together and the baby might not be getting enough oxygen because of that. She said that the pitocin had kicked my body into high gear and my body was contracting all on its own and the pitocin was just hindering it. They were monitoring the baby very closely and rolling me back and forth. The doctor came in panting and rushed to my side. This was when I REALLY freaked out. When the doctor is rushing to me. She looked at the monitors and took what seemed like forever, but was probably 2 minutes and said, "ok, let's just slow down". She explained what was going on and she said the baby's heartrate is fine and never dipped once. She said the baby is responding well to their actions and my contractions, so everything was going to be fine. She also said that if I had any other doctor, they would have rushed me to do a C-Section but because she waited to see how the baby did, I could continue on course. I was very thankful!! The doctor checked me at that point and I was at 7 cm.

By noon, I was at 9 cm and at about 1 or 1:30, I started pushing. I pushed for about 30 minutes and the nurse paged the doctor to come, but she was delayed and we had to stop pushing and just wait for her to come. I knew I must be close if 1) they paged the doctor and 2)asked me to stop pushing to wait on her.

We waited and finally she came. The doctor explained that my water was tinted which means that Lily had pooped and she could have possibly swallowed some of the fluid. She said the NICU team would be in here to suck out any of that fluid and just in case there are any issues due to that. I pushed about 5 or 6 more times and Lily was here!! At 2:37pm. The doctor assured me that she looked great and that she had probably pooped when my contractions were so close, so she didn't spend too much time in that fluid. The NICU team worked on her and cleared her. We have a video of her taking her first breath and literally turning from blue to pink. She was perfectlly healthy at a whopping 7lbs. 9oz.

The nurses cleaned her up and Chris brought her over to me quickly. She wasn't crying at all. I couldn't stop smiling. I kept giggling because of what had just happened. I was elated!! Finally we were able to hold our baby girl!!

We had our first attempt at nursing just minutes after she was born. It went so smoothly. She was hungry!! She latched on right away and nursed for hours. Little did I know that was the begining of a love/hate realtionship with breastfeeding.

We are so thankful for God's perfect timing in the birth of our daughter. We know, despite what we may see or feel about that timing, that Lily was a blessing by the Lord and a lesson that the Lord provides for us in everything. No matter what the situation, He is always on our side and from God comes every good thing.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us and cheered us on in our pregnancy and delivery. We were blessed beyond what we ever expected through friends and family. Without your sweet words, gifts, and support we wouldn't have been able to feel the full blessing from the Lord that day and continue to.

Lily thus far...

2010-02-23T14:37:00.000-06:00

Hello friend...

2010-02-23T14:09:00.000-06:00

Happy Girl

2010-01-22T21:15:00.000-06:00

Lily's 2 months today!!

2010-01-19T12:53:00.005-06:00

Lily, at 2 months you:

-weigh about 11 pounds...we will find out your official weight at your doctor's appointment next week.
-wear size 1 diapers
-can still fit in newborn size, but are most comfortable in the 0-3 month clothes we have. This all depends on the brand, of course.
-sleep very well. Most every night you go to sleep at 11pm-12am and wake up around 4 o'clock to eat and then don't wake up until 7:30. Last night you went to bed at 12am and didn't wake until 6:30, so hopefully you are getting closer to sleeping through the night.
-you don't really enjoy being swaddled, but we do it anyway because otherwise you wake yourself up with your hands. Until recently we were swaddling you with your blankets from the hospital because they fit the best, but you outgrew them. You are such an active baby and love to kick your legs and move your arms, so if you are really awake and not sleepy, you grow very frustrated with the swaddle because you can't move. You've also grown very good at escaping the swaddle. Most mornings, we find your arms free.
-we've gotten better at breastfeeding, but you sometimes get frustrated and pop on and off. You eat about 20 minutes and then take 2 oz of formula with each feeding. Sometimes you decide you want 4 oz of formula, but we try to only do 2.
-you are very happy! you smile a lot, especially when I sing to you. it melts my heart. you have the most amazing smile and you have a little giggle that comes when you are really tickled. you also love mirrors. you smile and giggle at the mirror above our couch. you keep your eye on it when you're eating.
-you like your paci, but only for a short time unless we are in the car. it calms you down and then you are done with it and spit it out.
-when you are starting to get upset, you let out bursts of sound that are the cutest things I have ever heard. your daddy and I laugh every time, even though you are upset. we like to torture you so we can hear you do it. ;)
-you've gone to church 3 times now. everytime you have been great. you just sit in your carseat. twice you have fussed and just want to be held. you are a great baby!!
-your eyes are really blue. I'll be surprised if they change, but there is still time.
-you have light brown hair. some days it looks more blonde than brown. you grow more hair everyday. soon you will have a full head of hair.

Sweet Lily,

I can't believe you are already 2 months. I always imagined having a baby and I can say now that it is nothing like I pictured...in a good way. Most days I cannot wait until you wake up so I can look at your sweet face some more and hear your beautiful happy sounds that you make. It is the hardest thing I have ever done, but when I look back over my days, all I remember is how much fun I had and the joy I felt with each smile and coo. I am overwhelmed with gratitude at the amazing gift that you are to us. Thank you, Lord for this amazing gift you have entrusted to us. Give Chris and I the wisdom and faith to trust you with our daughter. Please Lord, capture Lily's heart early so she can know your love.

Oh no you didn't...

2010-01-12T13:01:00.003-06:00

I know I am new at this mommy thing, but I did take care of 2 kids every day for 2 years so I am facinated at this article. I am trying not to be one of those moms who when dad comes home, she gets her finger wagging and tries to top dad on how busy her day has been, but this article is hillarious and I know will give an explanation to what moms do all day. If for nothing else, it gives me a small sense of accomplishment for the task that is ahead. It is more than just the practical changing a diaper here and there to giving bottles...there is a lot to this job and I am so excited and proud to be in the ranks with you all who are staying at home. Stay at home parents---UNITE!

7 Weeks

2010-01-11T22:10:00.008-06:00

If I had a post for every time I've thought of posting, I'd have a post almost every day. It is so much harder to find time to post than it use to be, but I'm still committed to trying.

Things are going well. Lily is 7 weeks old now. We are spending the days together and trying to get a regular routine down. Currently, she eats every 3 hours and "naps" for 2. 30 or so minutes of the hour left is spent eating, so that leaves us a little over 30 minutes to do anything outside the house. Needless to say, I don't get out much.

We spend our wake-time talking to each other, singing, reading, watching Baby Einstein videos or just looking at lights and walls. She has a particular affinity for a certain mirror we have above our couch. She will just stare at it and get bigger smiles than I can illicit. It may sound like a dull day, but I really love the times when she is awake. It's the times when she is napping that I find myself bored. I often struggle with feeling isolated and trapped. Just this past week, I was really struggling which has caused me to start this week fresh and start looking for activities to do while she is napping to keep my mind working and busy.

I'm afraid to share with you all what I've decided to do with my time because I'm afraid I will fail and one of you will ask me how it's going and I will have to share that I failed. Geez...talk about performance anxiety. Ok....should I share this...yes, ok....I am attempting to read through the Bible. I think this is my 708th time to declare that Iam going to do this, but I have run out of excuses for real. I have so much time and all I have to do is discipline myself to do it. I am afraid to ask for accountability, but I guess I should. So, feel free to ask me about it. Scary!

I'm rambling now, so I will just leave you some pictures of Lily. Amazing! Love those chubby cheeks.

My New Year's Eve dates...

2009-12-31T20:39:00.001-06:00

I'm hoping for two kisses at midnight!!

Is it nap time yet?

2009-12-21T12:24:00.001-06:00

One month...

2009-12-20T16:39:00.004-06:00

One month ago today, I was holding Lily for the first time.

After we were moved from the delivery room to our hospital room when Chris left to go meet his parents downstairs, I was left with Lily alone for the first time. She was asleep in my arms and I was looking over all the goodness that is her and smelling her head and taking in the moment. I will never forget the weight of that moment. Realizing that I was a mom and this little baby in my arms, was my daughter. It was a sweet time I will remember for the rest of her life.

I'm sitting cross-legged on my couch, obviously with my laptop, and there is a little pink bundle laying next to me. I've been making a mental list of things that are different now that I'm no longer pregnant and consequently have a newborn.

Number one. Thank You God, I do not have to visit the ladies room every 20 minutes.

Number two. I have never had as much compassion for a certain farm animal as I do now. Holy dairy cow.

Number three. When I crawl in bed at night, I am usually shivering because it's so cold in our room. But every time I wake up to feed Lily or roll on my stomach just because I can, I find myself in a pool of sweat. It is so gross.

Number four. I have gotten use to a shower becoming very low on the list of priorities, which due to number 3, makes for a hot mess. Seriously it's disgusting.

Number five. I'm dying to take a bath - a bath so hot that it will give me a fever or nearly make me pass out. In case you do not already know this, when you are expecting, you're not supposed to take hot baths. And after the baby comes you have to only take showers for a certain length of time.

Number six. I will never again take buttoning and zipping my pants for granted, bending over for any reason, putting on pants without falling over, getting out of bed without need of a crane, and (sound the trumpets) laying on my stomach...even saying it is refreshing!

Number seven. Because of my lack of sleep, which is taking its toll after four weeks, my vision is a little blurry and it's hard to read things on the computer.

Number eight. When Lily's umbilical cord stump fell off, I couldn't throw it away. It sat on her changing table for several weeks, then I finally realized how hormonal I was being and threw it away.

Number nine. Carrying 20 lbs of weight on the inside is much easier than carrying 7 lbs on the outside...especially when you add the weight of a stupid plastic car seat.

Number ten. I finally get to take pictures of my sweet girl with homemade signs marking each month she is here. I've always loved my friends' pictures of their little ones and now I get to join in on the fun!!

I'm baaaack...

2009-12-18T13:20:00.003-06:00

OK...hold onto your hats...I think it's time to restart this badboy up again. Stay tuned for the new misadventures of The Reeves Life, featuring our star, Lillian Grace!!!

A needed reminder...

2009-05-01T08:09:00.004-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been dealing with a lot of self-pity lately because I've been so sick with morning sickness every day. It's been challenging to remind myself of that this is a gift and God is walking beside me every step of the way. My wonderful brother-in-law sent me this encouragement this morning and I am so glad he did. How easily I forget...

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God.

Psalms 139:17

Divine omniscience affords no comfort to the ungodly mind, but to the child of God it overflows with consolation. God is always thinking upon us, never turns aside his mind from us, has us always before his eyes; and this is precisely as we would have it, for it would be dreadful to exist for a moment beyond the observation of our heavenly Father. His thoughts are always tender, loving, wise, prudent, far-reaching, and they bring to us countless benefits: hence it is a choice delight to remember them. The Lord always did think upon his people: hence their election and the covenant of grace by which their salvation is secured; he always will think upon them: hence their final perseverance by which they shall be brought safely to their final rest. In all our wanderings the watchful glance of the Eternal Watcher is evermore fixed upon us-we never roam beyond the Shepherd's eye. In our sorrows he observes us incessantly, and not a pang escapes him; in our toils he marks all our weariness, and writes in his book all the struggles of his faithful ones. These thoughts of the Lord encompass us in all our paths, and penetrate the innermost region of our being. Not a nerve or tissue, valve or vessel, of our bodily organization is uncared for; all the littles of our little world are thought upon by the great God.

Dear reader, is this precious to you? then hold to it. Never be led astray by those philosophic fools who preach up an impersonal God, and talk of self-existent, self-governing matter. The Lord liveth and thinketh upon us, this is a truth far too precious for us to be lightly robbed of it. The notice of a nobleman is valued so highly that he who has it counts his fortune made; but what is it to be thought of by the King of kings! If the Lord thinketh upon us, all is well, and we may rejoice evermore.

(from Spurgeon's Morning and Evening)

Reflections on being pregnant...

2009-04-29T11:19:00.004-05:00

Just a little reflection about pregnancy... The presence of a tiny "zygote" in your womb begins an amazing, permanent upheaval in your life. Being an expectant mommy changes the way you react to food and certain smells, the way you fit in your jeans, the things that make you sad or annoyed, and how long or short your fuse is.

As of late, I have ditched my longtime gum preference because it's just too strong, bought every fragrance of Febreze because I can't stand the smell of our apartment...I've narrowed it down to something in the pantry, my new bedtime is 8:30pm, I can still button my jeans, but I am left with a very serious impression at the end of the day from all the tension on my stomach. Now I have lowered my standards of a great day to being able to eat and keep down three meals and having any friends left at the end of the day. Not only have I been a bit wrapped up in self-pity from my all-day nausea, but I have became surprisingly bold. You know the filter that helps you not say everything you think? That filter took a vacation. The other day at a party with a bunch of girlfriends, I put my foot in my mouth in a big way and didn't even realize it until way later. Another observation about pregnancy is that I have to eat every 1.5 hours or so or I will start gagging. Eating is no longer fun and I am very unimaginative when it comes to what it is...last night, my bedtime snack was croutons.

I seriously can't wait for the baby to be here.;) As long as the baby keeps growing strong and healthy, who cares if I constantly eat, blow up like a balloon, can't chew gum, and have some hard days.

Baby, you are loved by your mommy and daddy. We can't wait to meet you!!

Happy Birthday!!

2009-04-16T10:28:00.004-05:00

Welcome, Deacon Kuiper!!

I'm so stinkin proud of my friends Abby and Jason who delivered their 9lb 4oz baby boy today in Tokyo. He was a sight for sore eyes for them both. Isn't he beautiful?! Please remember them today and send lots of prayers for a quick and smooth recovery and homecoming for them!

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Psalm 127:3-4

Surprise, Surprise!!

2009-04-13T19:02:00.008-05:00

Chris and I are thrilled to announce that we are going to have a baby!! We went to the doctor this morning and I wanted to share our baby's first photo. Also wanted to share some pics of the night I told Chris...so fun!!

A want to want God

2009-02-23T15:21:00.000-06:00

I read this poem from A.W. Tozer's The Pursuit of God today on Justin Tailor's Blog and am knowing these thoughts all too well lately. Thought you would be well served to read it as well. Love you All!

O God, I have tasted Your goodness,
and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more.
I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace.
I am ashamed of my lack of desire.
O God, the Triune God,
I want to want You;
I long to be filled with longing;
I thirst to be made more thirsty still.
Show me Your glory, I pray,
so I may know You indeed.
Begin in mercy a new work of love within me…
Give me grace to rise and follow You up from this misty lowland
where I have wandered so long.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

22 Words

2009-02-11T16:04:00.002-06:00

I read this and found it kinda funny. See if you can come up with any more.

22 English words that still exist almost entirely because of hymns and the King James Bible
By Abraham Piper on Language
(A guest post by Joe Rigney)
1. Verily
2. Buffet
3. Diadem
4. Beseech
5. Balm
6. Ebenezer
7. Hark!
8. Begotten
9. Hither
10. Admonish
11. Gird
12. Want (as in “lack”)
13. Hallowed
14. Firmament
15. Brethren
16. Bulwark
17. Countenance
18. Quickening
19. Adjure
20. Brimstone
21. Surety
22. Goad

What others can you think of?

Thoughts on need

2009-02-02T11:46:00.003-06:00

I just read a great blog by Josh Harris. It's reminding me of my friends in Japan who I miss dearly. It also reminded me and encouraged me to not count the things of this world of much value. I get to caught up in wanting this and that, and just this weekend, I had to turn away from feeling like I needed more.

I hope you all will go here and read his blog and be reminded of God's provision on what we need.

Tuesday

2009-01-29T16:40:00.002-06:00

This blog broke my heart and I wanted to pass it on to all of you, friends. Please be praying for this family and their precious little girl.

From their blog:

My deepest fears were confirmed. Tomorrow we take our precious daughter home. Her cancer doubled in size in less than a week proving once and for all that it is horribly aggressive and no longer chemo sensitive. We have no idea how to do this but we have no doubt we will be cared for every step of the way. This is all I have in me. Please pray for peace for our children, our parents and our siblings. Tuesday, full of grace, you are our so very loved.

Joel's Transmission

2009-01-14T19:15:00.002-06:00

My sweet husband started a blog. I could go on and on about him and how much you will be blessed by his words, but I will let you see for yourself.

www.joelstransmission.blogspot.com

Glory to the newborn King!

2008-12-06T12:50:00.002-06:00

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled
"Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

I was really moved this week by the Christ-centered nature of these lyrics. This season especially, I feel the conviction and weight of celebrating and glorifying Jesus. How worshipful are some of these christmas songs that I have sung all my life, but never sang with the full impact of their messages? I get it now. What a miracle! Not the miracle of the word made flesh, although that is a miracle, but the miracle that the Creator of the world considered it His joy to come to earth, fully God and fully man (not half and half), and die for me. Who am I?

My hope for you this season is that with all that is good and right about Christmas, you might not miss the weight, beauty and nearly unbelievable miracle that is the incarnation.

God in the flesh. Jesus Christ fully God, fully man!

Can I Have It??

2008-12-03T22:39:00.004-06:00

Since things have been a bit hectic with finals, it's been fun to find silly things to lighten the mood around here. These two videos are HILLARIOUS and have reallyl done the trick!!

Hope you enjoy them as much as we have! So funny!!

Bon Qui Qui at King Burger

Can I have your number?

P.S. Does anyone know how to post actual videos to a blog? I have no idea.

Thanks. Enjoy.

She lives!

2008-11-17T21:00:00.004-06:00

Hello all. I am just checking in to say that I am still alive. I have been attempting to survive Chemistry, a hubs in seminary, and trying to maintain some semblance of sanity. Our lives are very hectic right now but we are truckin through. The only reason I have time to blog right now is because my class was cancelled tonight.

One of my very good friends, Rachel, was able to come to Dallas for a visit a few weeks ago. Well, for a conference she was attending for work, but whatever, I like to think it was also to visit me. Lots of laughing, catching up on life over fajitas...seriously needed and appreciated.

Thanks so much for the visit Rach! Miss you and can't wait for the next one...soon!

When I'm not so tired that all I can do is whine and cry about it, I will be back! Bless ya'll for stopping by!

Embracing Accusation

2008-10-23T09:44:00.003-05:00

We just recently sang this Shane and Shane song in church last week. What a powerful song. This song teaches the very thing that we forget as believers. We have the enemy whispering (or sometimes shouting) that we are not good enough for Jesus' love. We are not worthy of His sacrifice. That we don't do enough. That we aren't fit to be in His Holy company.

This song is the picture of what we, as believers endure. We must remember the enemy preaches truth at us, but he leaves out the most important part. Praise God, there is another part!

I want to write more, but I don't have time to right now. Just listen to this song...let it minister to you and share your thoughts.

Embracing Accusation:

The father of lies
Coming to steal,
Kill and destroy
All my hopes of being good enough
I hear him saying cursed are the ones Who can’t abide

Chorus:
He’s right Alleluia he’s right!
The devil
is preaching
The song of the redeemed
That I am
cursed and gone astray I cannot gain salvation
Embracing accusation

Could the father of lies
Be telling the truth Of God to me tonight?
If the penalty of sin is death then death is mine
I hear him saying cursed are the ones who can’t abide

(Chorus)

Oh The devil’s singing over me
An age old song
That I am cursed and gone astray
Singing the first verse so conveniently over me
He’s forgotten the refrain
Jesus saves!

Like a Skin

2008-10-15T19:26:00.003-05:00

"The butterfly can just look back,
flap his wings and say 'oh yeah'
'I never have to be a worm again'.

The snake gets tired of being him,
he wiggles from that itchy skin,
leaves it lying where he's been and moves on.

I've been longing for something tangible
Some kind of proof that there's been a change in me.

Feels like I have been waking up,
only to fight with the same old stuff.
Change is slow and it fills me with such doubt.
Come on New Man, where've you been,
help me wiggle from this self I'm in,
and leave it like a skin upon the ground"

Sometimes Sara Groves just says it better than I can.

I've been tagged and so have you!!!

2008-10-07T21:14:00.005-05:00

I was tagged by Tracy, so here we go...

7 random facts that some may know and others may not....

1) I played tennis in high school for a few years and I didn't take it very seriously, but I love playing to this day and I'm always looking for a tennis partner to play with regularly. Wanna play?

2) I have slowly been pursuing nursing school off and on for several years. Praying through it and making sure it is something that the Lord wants for me and not just something for my own selfish gain or pride. Currently I am taking Chemistry and I love it! I am such a nerd.

3) During this year of election, I am realizing how much I despise politics. You can't trust anyone who is running for president...it's all a game and it seems so foolish to put any faith or hope in any man/woman under heaven. During the years leading up to this election we have watched the extent of man's spectacle and attempt at glory. It only lasts a few minutes before you see man's petty desire for self promotion and wordly agendas. Much like these debates and forums, it is really not what it appears to be. Our glory and our lives fade like a mist, but God's glory, wisdom, understanding, compassion, and love for us is eternal and limitless. Ok...sorry, I'm done.
4) I am one of the clumsiest people I know. In the kitchen, I usually cut myself each time I cook. You can see me usually walking into a wall or two during the day, dropping things on my and other peoples feet, bruises all over the place...it's really pathetic. I should live in a padded room or a bubble. The good thing is my clumsiness has never included our cars or more importantly, Juliet. I'm usually the only victim.

5) I am a little obsessed with Sara Groves. I truly believe that if she and I could just share the same space for a day or so, we would be best friends forever!

6) I get so stinkin frustrated at religion and ridiculous religion doctrine. Because of that religion and the skewed view of Christ that my family and so many of my friends share, they may never know the true, saving, life-giving, life-satisfying, definition of completeness that is my Jesus. Sometimes I feel like I am chipping away at plaque that has been built up on their hearts because of all the hurt and pain they have experienced in churches and from other believers. I can't stand the fact that I have heard members of my family say they don't feel accepted at any church and that's why they don't go! So many of my brothers and sisters in Christ cannot rise above their pride and extend the same mercy and grace and love that was extended to them, to non-believers. Seriously...infuriating. Lord, help me, there goes my blood pressure. (sorry, again.)

7) I have never seen The Lion King. I know there are a lot of movies I haven't seen, but when people find out I haven't seen this one, it usually gets a huge response. They usually walk away from me shaking their head, mumbling something about me not being an American or something. I have had plenty of opportunities to see it, but now it's just something I hold onto so I can say I've never seen it.

Ok....so, I tag Julie K, Amy, Abby...I think these are the only people that read my blog. So, if you are tagged, you write 7 random things about yourself (just in case you didn't know, because I didn't.)

Lunch with Friends...

2008-09-10T14:12:00.009-05:00

*in the close up you can get a good look at her shiner!! She had an unfortunate incident with a book.

Me: circa 1968-72

2008-09-07T18:28:00.005-05:00

Knock...

2008-08-29T11:47:00.007-05:00

There are times when prayer is the most beautiful, intimate, sweet time with the Lord. Singing, crying, laughing every emotion is felt and at the end of that time, amazing peace and assurance that my heart was heard and received. Then, there are times when prayer is the most frustrating and perplexing thing imaginable!

I think we all have stories when we wanted something and we prayed and prayed and God came in like a knight in shining armor and rescued us. We send out emails, share with our friends, we blog about those times. They are amazing times that I hope we have all experienced.

And then there is this darker side to prayer that we don't talk about that much, at least not that often. I have shared these times with friends over coffee or dinner, but never testimonies to a crowd. For instance, there are times when I lay myself out there to God and I just know it's got to go the way I am praying...it has to. God is good, and this thing we pray for and want is good and so it should go that way. Surely God wants my child to be healed of this disease, surely God wants me to be married and not stay single my whole life, surely God wants to reconcile our family, surely God wants to bless us with a child, surely God wants this huge bill to be paid by someone else so I don't have to go into debt, surely God wants my family to be saved. Surely! And then it goes silent or the answer God gives is unbelievable perplexing.

This happens. Sometimes when I pray, it feels like no one is listening but me.

This weekend at church, we discussed prayer from the context of Luke 11:1-13. This is the passage where Jesus teaches the disciples to pray. Now, I have heard tons of sermons on this passage and those like it, but the Lord really spoke to me through this one. I was feeling the shortfalls for sure.

The whole message behind the Lord's prayer is that the Lord be magnified. Our prayers are to be theocentric (God centered) instead of, in my case, jenocentric!! I would say, this is a fair phrase worthy to be coined. Considering how well I know my prayer life. "Hallowed be your name, your kingdom come...", Great is your name, let your name and your reknown be glorified and magnified and exaulted and pursued. The cry of our hearts is not for a certain thing, but in that certain thing, God be magnified.

I often forget that God is the center of all things. He is working all things to His glory, unraveling all things to end with His name Glorified. when I pray the "jenocentric" prayers, what I am praying is out of an idolatrous heart. I am praying for things, not for the Lord to be glorfied. Idolotry exists in all of us! When we are pleading for things to be accomplished for us instead of "your will be done" or your name be praised, your name be glorified over my petty desires, it's idolotry.

"Give us each day our daily bread"...this is a prayer to give us everything I need, and ONLY what I need (not want), so that I can see the Lord glorified or hallowed. We do not need anything more lest we wind up with too much and forget God, or we get too little and end up stealing or cheating in order to get what we need. Jesus implores us to pray for just enough to glorify the Lord.

"Forgive us our sins"...to be honest, I struggle with prayer so much because I am constantly fearful that He will just point out more things that suck about me, when I just got over dealing with the last thing that he revealed sucked about me. The Lord is just constantly moving me...He loves me too much to keep me where I am at. So, praise God for that. In this verse, He acknowledges that I don't have to approach Him sinless...He expects us to approach Him in prayer dirty, sinful, lost, sick, and poor in Spirit. He expects it and accepts us that way....Praise GOD!!!

He finishes these verses with some parables that talk about how prayer should look. The first parable emphasises that we need to be persistant in our asking. This is where I fail. This is where my laziness takes over and I leave God to do all the hard work. Ask, then seek, then knock. I've got the asking down and the seeking, but I fail at the knocking persistantly.

So, just to summerize about how I am failing these days (why am I writing this so the world can see?? :) I am constantly praying out of an idolatrous heart, not praying for God's will or for God to be glorified from the things I ask, but praying for my wants. Jenocentric praying if you will. On top of that, I stop at the first "knock". The Lord intends for us to knock and knock and knock some more and then knock even more.

God is a god of His word! Ask, seek, and knock and knock and knock and knock and knock...and it will be given to you. His will, His perfect will, is given. Something far exceeding our expectations or short prayers.

Luke 11:11-13 "If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 "Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

How much more will our heavenly Father give!!!

God, who is INFINITE in knowledge, will at times, as you plead for something, say "no". It's because He loves us and sees what we cannot see. The real question here is, do we trust Him? Do I trust Him? This is what is uncovered in my prayer life...do I trust that He is the good Father that He has proven to be?

At the end of the day...more than you need your child healed, more than you need your family reconciled, more than you need a husband, more than you need a baby...more than we need those things we pray for we need to know personally, and see the might and power of Christ and His cross.

"The gospel isn't that I would get what I want and He would be enough, but that I would get Jesus and He would be enough and all I want" Matt Chandler.

So, as I sort though these things, I hope that one or a few of you sort through these things as well. I know I am not alone in this struggle. This is big. Sort it out, we can't afford to short God on His glory!

Can I Just Say...

2008-08-11T17:39:00.003-05:00

I love this man!!

Ruminations...

2008-08-04T20:56:00.004-05:00

Some things I have been learning lately:

Faith and presumption (reliance on self and outward morality) look so much alike that only crises can expose presumption for what it is. Presumption constantly tries to shift our reliance on Christ's righteousness to our own efforts.
Therefore, crises become God's means of forcing us to turn away from circumstances, feelings, and our own strength--and to turn toward God.
Growth in Christ is not rooted in moralistic will power. It is only possible as we are transplanted by faith, through the power of the Spirit, into the soil of grace. (the above three points are given by Rose Marie Miller in her book "From Fear to Freedom")
When we are faced with trials, we find what the most logical, good (to us), moral, and even what we feel might bring the most glory to God solution is and pray for it to happen. Then when it doesn't happen we get angry, disappointed, frustrated. In the end, we believe God owes us. (adapted from the sermon given yesterday at church)

I know these are just snapshots of whats going on, but I did want you to know whats been going on in my head/heart lately. I know many of you are praying for me/us during all the craziness and sometime soon I will write a blog to share with those of you who have no idea what's going on. It's just been crazy lately, but God is in it with us. He is providing, guiding, speaking, and faithfully encouraging us where we are.

Thanks for all your comments and emails!! I can't wait to share specifically how the Lord has been faithful.

Is the Room Spinning or is it Just Me?

2008-07-23T16:15:00.007-05:00

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Um...could you repeat that again. Trust?? Even now, trust? I'm having an awful time with this whole trusting thing. Chris and I have entered a time of serious trial. We are being forced, by God's loving hand, to trust Him. I could make a long list of all the things going on in our lives right now, but just know that there is a lot going on.

I find myself so bound up in this worry and this trial that I feel so incredibly lost in what the Lord is wanting for me to see in it. I'm spinning, spinning, spinning. So dizzy that once the spinning stops I am suppose to see the Lord and what He has for me??? I just can't make Him out right now. Everything I see is blurry and very distorted. I know He is there, but I just can't see Him.

All I have to cling to is the fact that He desires our trust in Him. Not only does He desire it, but He commands it. But the command is followed by a promise that He will make my paths straight. In my dizziness, He will whisper, "Precious Daughter, I am here...Take my hand...Close your eyes and follow me. I know the way." And with His gentle guidence, my paths are made straight.

Proverbs goes on to say "it will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones". Not only will the Lord make my paths straight, He will give me healing so that these times are not a detriment, but make my heart and faith stronger than before this trial. I cling to this, knowing and believing God's merciful promise to me.

Oh Father. as I sit here still spinning from this trial, I know you are near. Thank you for your constant wisdom...your presence that doesn't necessarily stop the spinning, but causes me to reach out for your help. Relying on only you. This reliance isn't as joyful in the process. However, I trust You. I believe You are good and that You do good. I believe that You love me and therefore discipline me. You draw my roots further and further down, breaking hardened earth and pushing back dirt lacking proper nutrients. You beckon me deeper to rich, fertile soil that I may be an oak of righteousness, a planting for the display of Your splendor. Lord, sustain me in the growing, in the stretching, in the groaning, in the spinning. You are good and You do good.

A Day at the Museum

2008-07-16T19:30:00.013-05:00

Juliet and I visited the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History today. We had a great time! It's so fun that she is getting to the age where she is so curious and wanting to learn how to do things. It was a super fun day!!

Shopping in the "market"

Time to check out!

Notice a theme? She obviously loves her some corn.

When it comes to horsies, she pays close attention.

She was giving the horse some lovin.

All smiles at the end of the day!!

Craigslist

2008-07-14T11:22:00.006-05:00

I LOVE craigslist!! I have bought a ton of stuff there. I like to think that I am taking advantage of the ridiculously wealthy for a good cause. Kind of like Robin Hood. I steal from the rich (because they have more money than they know what to do with) and my house (the poor) is better for it!!

A lot of the stuff on there is so underpriced, just because people want to get rid of it. Because I am in DFW, most of the stuff I find are from really wealthy neighborhoods and the people had their stuff for 4 years and now it is "out of style" and they have to buy the new thing. Today I am going to pick up an 8x10 rug from pottery barn that was originally $850 and I am getting it for $175!

Another great thing about Craigslist is the wanted section. You can find anything here from: Man wanting a silky chicken--female (uh, what?) to Sunday coupons or Cow Skulls--in good condition. There have also been some opportunities for ministry on here that I have noticed lately. Someone posted about an apartment building that burned down and everyone in it lost everything but what they had on them. The post was asking for clothes, baby items, donations of any kind to help them out. Most of the time the people will come pick up your donations/thing needed, so you don't even have to do anything. Seriously, its way too easy. Just take a look and see if you can help someone today.

Have I mentioned that I love Craigslist?

So funny!

2008-07-09T11:28:00.004-05:00

This is a stinkin hillarious video. You'll have to pause my music, but please watch it...it will seriously make you laugh!! Plus his Naughty By Nature shirt is the best!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYF3qQrCRpk

P.S. I have no idea how to put the actual video from youtube on here. Can anyone teach me?

Music

2008-07-06T14:45:00.002-05:00

I went back and forth about adding a playlist. I love my music, but I have to admit some slight annoyance when I come to a blogsite while listening to my itunes page and am met with chaotic multitude of tunes overwhelming me to my core. I know it's a very simple solution, either pause my music (hmmm) or pause the blogger's music (yesh). So...after this happening to me dozens of times, I was left with what to do. Do I add a playlist anyway and ignore the lessons I have learned from my blogging experiences or do I selfishly add music to my page?

Answer: evident.

Call me selfish...

It's the little things

2008-07-01T22:01:00.004-05:00

*read the small print. Chris found this in Albertson's. Only in Texas....sooo funny.

A Legacy Begins

2008-06-21T20:38:00.007-05:00

With a very tender heart I am not sure how to write this next sentence. The Lord welcomed home my Grandma this evening. Today at about 5:30pm, she left her suffering body to receive completeness in Christ with each of her daughters by her side.

She is healed, she is free, she is home.

Many family members from all over the country are hearing the news and making their way to say goodbye. Please pray for all of us as we spend the next several days together to pray, cry, remember, and say goodbye.

I am honored to have known her. She will continue to live in my life in so many ways. I know that her legacy will be carried through generations.

I love you, Grandma. I'll see you soon.

Suffering

2008-06-18T09:55:00.004-05:00

I wake up this morning with a need for prayer. Our Father is calling my grandmother home. She has been in the hospital for a few days now and the doctors say there isn't much time left. In these last moments will you pray for the Lord to be near to her. The Lord would be very present as she navigates these last few hours/days on earth. Pray she would be without pain, without worry...that she would be filled with joy at the coming time with her Creator. Please pray with me this morning.

How gracious is the Father that He would let us experience such loss.

This might offend some. I'm sure many will not agree. It is not by my own might or strength that I can utter such a phrase, but rather, His spirit within me. I cannot pick up the scriptures without facing God's mercy through His allowance of suffering. The apostles did not escape it. We, as those in the "last days", are guaranteed it. By His grace, it fosters within us steadfastness (James 1), genuineness of faith (1 Peter 1) and power (2 Corinthians 12). It also reminds us that there must be more than this (2 Corinthians 4 & 5).

Yes, there is mercy and grace in life going on...but there is also mercy and grace in life stopping for a bit. In a woman going home to the Lord after 88 years of life. In a woman losing her twentysomething husband after 3 years of marriage. In a woman losing her 2-and-a-half hour-old daughter.

This has been a gift. A bittersweet reminder of true reality: this is not our home. We were not made for this. There must be more than this.

The Lord is near

2008-06-16T15:00:00.002-05:00

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I am near...rest in Me today!

Saying Goodbye to a Friend...

2008-06-15T22:24:00.002-05:00

This was such sad news to me today. If anyone knew Stanley, you knew that he was the sweetest dog. I was with Julie when she chose Stanley, or when Stanley chose her really. He was a very fun puppy and the most loyal of dogs. Julie could just whisper his name, literally, and he would come running. I'm sure his whole family is hurting today, including his best dog friend Henry.

We'll miss you Stanley!!

This is the Life!

2008-06-13T14:36:00.031-05:00

Last night we were able to spend some time on Eagle Mountain Lake here in Ft. Worth. A wonderful family offered to take us around on their boat. It was a great time and a wonderful weeknight getaway!!

Thanks to the Sanders Family and Evonne for including us in this fun day!

I'm baaaaaack!!

2008-06-12T14:39:00.002-05:00

First off, let me apologize for my brief disappearence. I had some issues with my blogging that, in a moment of hormones and frustration (same thing), caused me to just cancel my blog. I never thought anyone would ever notice, but I had a few people call and wonder what happend. So for the two of you that are reading my blog....I'm back.

I can't make any promises that in a fit of increased estrogen I just cancel my blog again, but hopefully this reappearence gives you hope that I may actually come back!!

Talk with you again soon!