The Princess has Turned One!

Aaliyah's 1st birthday was on Saturday. I can't believe how fast this year went! We have been through so much in just one short year with her. When you have children, it doesn't take long to forget what life was like without them. When you have two, it only takes a couple of days or maybe weeks to forget what life was like with only one. I still remember all the events leading up to her birth and the chaos that surrounded it (or maybe I was the only one thinking it was chaotic). The weird thing is that every year on my children's birthdays I think back to what I was doing at that moment how ever many years ago. For example, I remember with Aaliyah that at 12:00 noon the doctor finally came in (she hadn't seen me since my appt. the day before) and asked me right off the bat why I hadn't gotten my epidural yet. Now two things happened in my head at that point...1. I thought, "ooohhhh, epidural. It will get worse, better get it now before I really can't take it anymore." and 2. "she's giving me and out and permission to take the drugs!!" Now the problem with both of the scenarios is that I wanted a natural birth and I had told my doctor this several times. Well...I got it even though I got the epidural, too. We have discovered after two children, three epidurals, and a spinal block that my body rejects the medicine. So...IF there are any future children, we will save ourselves the pain of the needle in the back and the pain of the anesthisiology bill by just telling them that I can't have an epidural anyway so don't ask.
Anyway...my daughter is now one and it doesn't seem real. Maybe it's because we didn't have a big party like with our son. Not because she's the second, but because where are we supposed to fit 16 adults and 22 kids? We did have some great family time, though. We went to Chuck E. Cheese the night before (mostly for Kyler, but she doesn't have to know that) and then had steak and cake at Grandma and Grandpa's house the evening of her birthday. I'm sure we'll have more cake at Nana and PopPop's, too, now that they're back from vacation.
I'll post some pics of the cake feeding later as well as her one year pictures I took of her out in the yard.

verse of the day

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)


I hope this helps someone today...it does me.

Ladies and gentlemen...

we have a screamer. She screams about everything. When we are happy...scream. When we are laughing...scream. When we are hungry, tired, upset, or angry...scream. And sometimes...let's just scream so we can hear our lovely, loud, screeching, piercing, screaming voice! I'm going to go crazy (or gray) before she gets out of this phase.

a lesson in God's timing

We prayed for His timing and His hand to be on us as we go through this process. We knew that it would take some time. We have gotten our answer. Unfortuately that means that we get to...wait.
If you have no idea what I'm talking about, here's a quick recap. During our church's Sacred Gathering, my husband and I were called to full-time international missions. After several confirmations from God, we went ahead and started the application process and prayed for God's timing as we took a major step on faith. Well, he answered. We need to wait. We are ready to just pack up and leave, but apparently God has some more for us to do here before we are sent. I'm okay with that. A little sad, but okay. So...pray for us and stay tuned for updates as we see what He has planned for us here.

One of THOSE days

I hate days like this. Neither my husband nor I got a good night's sleep thanks to our son and today is cold, windy, rainy and dark. This is a BAD combination for me. The only thing that could make it worse is if I were starving hungry. Thankfully, I remembered to eat lunch before I got that bad.
I woke up with plans...those plans had to change. I don't know why I don't handle that well. After two kids and being a teacher for 3 1/2 years, I can do change and even change my plans quickly...maybe that's it...I can handle that kind of change because I control it. This morning, it was out of my control...therefore, problem.
I've also been worrying about something that's in my control, sort of. It's something that came up in a discussion this morning with my husband...**enter verse of the day**:


Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers. Philippians 4:6 (TLB)


It's so hard to just let God take over when you're a control freak. I don't have to be in control of everything, I just feel more comfortable when I am in control of me and my surroundings. It is a constant struggle to "let go and let God." I'm sure I'll be working on that one for a long time.

Almost one

She is almost one!!!! I can't believe how fast times flies. It seemed to go so much slower with Kyler. Our princess will be one year old in one week. It doesn't seem possible.

God's calling

Where has God called you? You are not here by accident. He put you in your job, with your family, gave you your children...all so you can spread His name. Everyone is a missionary. It's not something that "those other people do" for a week every year...it's not always in a foreign country...it's not something to be left for someone else to do. You are a missionary to your children, your husband or wife, your co-workers...even to the cashier at Wal-Mart. I know where God has called me and my husband. We are working and praying toward that. We had an amazing night last night in conversation, prayer, more conversation...just being excited together. Then this morning, I see the verse for today:


I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:1-2 (NIV)


It's amazing when you surrender to God's calling how he confirms it over and over.