The Twists and Turns of Life

It is has been WAYYYYYY too long since I updated my blog!! I am sorry about that!! Since my last post I have been pretty busy!! Let's see if I can sum it all up quickly!!

Moved to GA-LOVE THE SOUTH-had baby #5 Creed Joseph-unpacked and homeschooled-found an amazing church with amazing people-made some amazing friends-Carley turns 11-Hubby begins to get into teaching at the college level-Hubby gets a job offer back in FL (literally 4months after we get there)-it snows on Christmas day-Hubby accepts the job in FL-family is making adjustments to the idea of leaving our niche in the south-Caydence turns 2-Camden turns 9- Carter turns 5-we pack our house-cry our tears-say ours "see ya laters"-move back to FL-unpack . . .




. . . And that is where we pick back up!! I skipped a few details because they are boring and overrated!! We are now living in FL again and loving it!! We have been here about 2 weeks now. Hubby is working at Trinity College and is already excited about the possibilities!! He is the Program Director of the Management and Ethics degree. He is thrilled and feels like he is a very good fit for this college. He is also working on the final semesters of his Phd. His goal is to be finished with everything in 2 years!! If anyone can do it, I know he can! He is stressed about some aspects, but I have faith that the God who brought him this far will see him through to the end!

The children have been troopers through all of the chaos! Their emotions are up and down. The Lord has been their strength through it all and they will gladly tell you all about it!!


While in GA Carley, made lots of friends-good friends!! There were girls her age everywhere! They all seemed to be into dancing and singing so they got along great!! They were always making up a dance to a song or acting out a skit!! She played basketball for the first time ever and she also played softball and took dance. She has a passion to worship God with her dance. Carley also loves reading and writing. Right now she is into The Lord of the Rings Books. She is constantly learning something new about the characters and the symbolism within the literature (and movies). She is looking forward to seeing some of her Wesley Chapel girlfriends at VBS in a few weeks.

Camden is into all kinds of things too! While in GA, he played soccer and excelled at goalie. He played basketball, his favorite sport and his team went undefeated in the league. He even tried dancing with the dance team at church. He did a great job too, but I think he decided he wanted to stick with sports!! Camden is very sanguine, meaning he is a people person and he always has to be having FUN!!!! He made some great friends in GA too and got to do lots of sleepovers. That was a highlight for him! Now he is glad to be off of school for a while!! When it starts back up again it will have to be FUN!!! (on my to do list . . . make life FUN for Camden!!)

Carter has grown into such a sweet boy! You may know him and remember that when he was two, we wondered if he was going to live through those years!! It seemed he was never going to learn to comply with the family culture. He has a very strong personality, which God will use to glorify Him!! In GA Carter had a friend that had the same birthdate as he does, so that was an instant bond for the 2 of them. One friend had him over to spend the night and they slept in their homemade fort!!! So fun!! Carter starts Kindergarten this school year!! He can't wait to be "in school" like the older children!!

Caydence is now 2 . . . need I say more!!! Her name means "the beat of movement as in dancing or marching". This is so true for our Caydence because she definitely "marches to the beat of her own drum!!!" She keeps me on my toes!! She loves to "help" Creed, her baby brother. Really she is torturing him!! I know she loves him deep down!! She is starting to play dress up and pretend to be a princess. She has a "princess club" and only the most professional princesses are admitted. She is hilarious and she loves music! I am going to post a video of her singing Jesus Loves Me. It is super cute!


Creed Joseph is our newest baby boy! He was born on Sept 16 at 5:55AM. (Six weeks after we moved to GA) He was 8lb 14oz and was 23 1/2 inches long!! He has been a joy since the day he arrived. He is always happy and smiling and like his sister, Caydence, Creed loves music. Creed means, "a confession of faith" and we have learned so much over the past 3 years; most of which was spent unemployed for our family. FAITH has been the key element that has sustained us. Creed is a great reminder of that faith!! His smile and his energy are such a blessing!!

As for me, well . . . these children are my life!! I love every minute of the chaos! I spend most of my time cleaning up spills, doing laundry, changing diapers, picking up the same toys 20 times per day, etc. There isn't anything else I would rather be doing with my time!! I have been given the opportunity to mentor and discipline the children that have been entrusted to me for this season. I am so blessed!

I have managed to find myself involved in some wonderful life giving relationships with some wonderful women of God! They must really love me because they always seem to welcome me and my chaos. I am so very blessed to be living in such a place of opportunity in all areas of life!!!

I am planning to blog more about . . . well . . . whatever!! I am just so thankful that whatever twists and turns in life are around the corner, I can be sure that I am loved unconditionally by my Heavenly Father!!

20 Months, hundreds of rejections, and thousands or resumes later . . . .

There is good news to report!! My Hunny got a job teaching at a Christian college in a VERY small town in the deep south. I am so proud of him. The teaching portion of his interview was flawless (in my completely unbiased opinion!!). You know how you watch a sports event and you realize that the players seem to make their "job" look so easy??? I always think, "If I threw a ball . . . it sure wouldn't look like that!! How do they do that and make it look so easy??" That is what Shannon did!! He taught a mock class on a given topic. I sat in the back and observed with tears in my eyes!! He did amazing!!

He embarked upon this journey 20 months ago when he was struggling at his job. He was working himself to the bone day and night and NEVER receiving the benefits promised him from the beginning. He was promised employees to help with the work load, an office space, just to name a few. While dealing with those unfulfilled promises, he was being degraded and demoralized on a daily basis. It was one dramatic scene after another. Since he was working from home it became a family affair. He had no co-workers to bounce things off . . . there was chaos and confusion everyday. We know that isn't from God, so with very heavy hearts and timid spirits, we agreed that he would quit that job!!!

I am sure that most people thought we were crazy!! But we took the step of faith!! The Lord had showed us a Scripture that confirmed the decision. So we felt . . . . timidly confident!!! Of course we thought that he would have a job within only a few months. We never dreamed it would be a journey that would last nearly 2 years.

Through the months, we have had our ups and downs and our faith and doubt. There were times when we wondered if this season would EVER end!! Sometimes it feels too surreal and we wonder if we are dreaming. But we are alas so thrilled at the opportunities that lie ahead.

This is a dream come true for Shannon. As a professor, he is looking forward to doing life with people on a new level!! His humble spirit, energy for life, and creativity are going to keep him learning and mentoring for a long time!! I am so proud of how he has been faithful to obey the Lord during this time and keep our family afloat during this very LONG roller coaster of emotions and circumstances.

WHAT AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO?? Well, I am looking forward to taking my kids out of the city and into the country!! I am looking forward to new homeschool field trips. I am looking forward to a change of pace. I am looking forward to meeting new people and making new friendships. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for our family in Georgia. It is going to be a blast!!

Caydence is THREE months old now!!

These are by best girls . . . Carley and Caydence

I know I have not posted in almost three months . . . but I haven't had any sleep eitherand life just seems to get busier and busier!!

Caydence is such an amazingly sweet baby! She is pretty easy going and seems to be going with the flow for the most part. She still wakes up 2-3 times per night, so I walk around in a sort of permanent FOG!! I am always tired!! . . . the woes of a new mommy . . . I think we forget how tiring it can be. God sort of tricks us mommies into doing it again!!!! PLUS I think that the more kiddos I have the more tired I have been with each new baby!! I know it is but a short season!! The Lord know we can't handle it for too long. That is why "it goes by so quickly!" Here are some pics of my newest sweetheart!

Our Baby Caydence Lynne

She has finally arrived!! She was 6 pounds 10 ounces and 20 1/4 inches long. She arrives on Monday March 23 at 10:27PM. We had been anticipating her arrival for 9 months, and we are so excited to have her join us! She is our tiny princess and we are all enjoying our time getting to know her.

Contractions started and stopped twice over the few days preceding her birth. I thought she might NEVER arrive! On Monday, Carley had a softball game and I decided to go! I was tired of sitting around waiting for the "real thing" to start! Contractions started again before we left for the game. They were mild and only 7-10 min apart! They were getting a little stronger throughout the game, but still 7-10 min apart. I went to the van to sit in silence b/c they were really starting to get to me and they were still 7-10 min apart at about 7:45PM. BY the time the game was over (WE WON!!) they were just starting to get closer. They were now about 5-6 min apart. BY the time we got home, at 8PM, they were 4-5 min apart and they were about 1 min long! So we called the midwife and she was on her way in no time! I had continued contractions and the little princess was born in a birthing tub at 10:27PM. My water broke as I pushed her out. That was different!! I could feel it POP in the water and it freaked me out at first!

It was such a great experience and the Lord answered our prayers! Caydence is healthy and strong and ready to take on the world! She fits into our family already and we feel so blessed to have her!

Thank you to all who have prayed, bought gifts, brought meals, or said an encouraging word! We will hold the memories in our hearts forever! We appreciate you and your generosity!

. . . now, I am gonna go get some sleep!!

Labor Update

I know you are all as eager as I am . . . well maybe not QUITE as eager . . . but I thought I would give you a quick update.

Yesterday the midwife came over and checked me in the morning and I was 7cm . . . yeah crazy! Contractions started at 2:30ish yesterday and have been about 7-10 min apart since then. They are growing in intesity, but not quite intense enough yet. She stayed all night and I didn't really progress at all. In fact I was able to sleep through a lot of the contractions, and only woke up for the more intense ones. I woke up at 5:30AM with some that have been a little more painful, but still only about 7 min apart! She said this could continue for "a while!" (no definitive answer!!)

So we are all TRYING to be patient and wait on this little angel . . . Thanks for your prayers! We are all doing good! I will update when we have a baby! Till then we sit and wait!!

We Will Wait

SIGH - - - I am taking a deep breath! So much has happened since my last post! I am sorry for keeping quiet, but life here has been busy and crazy and exciting all at the same time!!

I have been "nesting" and getting ready for our new little addition. She is scheduled to arrive on March 30, but we know she can't wait that long!! Mom is already dilating and feeling like something is happening . . . ya know when you just KNOW??

So in the meantime, I have been getting ready! Ya know, trying to keep the house clean, laundry done, getting things together for the birth, making my last minute phone calls, appt for this and one for that . . . it seems like things are never DONE!!

This has really been my best pregnancy OVERALL, but these last few weeks seem to be the most memorable and miserable all at the same time! I am in constant back pain! This little sweetie is comfy and cozy right on the pelvis area. It causes sharp pain all night long and I dare not try to roll over at night!! I have to get up and then lay on the other side!! I walk like an old person whose bones are deteriorating!! I guess I know why some people that deal with pain all time are on the grouchy side! It gets to you after a while. My family still loves me in spite of the grouchy moments! Thank goodness!

I am reminded of the Scripture in Ecclesiates 3 that says:

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born . . .

This gives me hope that IT WILL HAPPEN!! My midwife assures me of the same even thought it feels like we have been waiting forever!! I am only 38 weeks along and it just seems like this baby would want to come on out and see the world, but she is comfy and cozy right where she is at!! I will wait . . .

So many have asked about the job situation. It is still the same! It too is a waiting game! God has shown his provision many times over and over and we feel blessed every day! But as of now there is no job and no possible leads! So we will wait!

Thanks to our friends and loved ones for your prayers, support and kind words! You don't know how much it means! God is using this time of waiting to show us many things! I know that in the end He will be glorified. So with patience, we will wait!

FINALLY GOOD NEWS

Well, it seems like we would NEVER receive any good news! I keep telling myself that this is only a season and "this too shall pass!"

Yesterday, Shannon got the good news that he was accepted into the PhD program at Regent University. Well . . . for those of you that may not know . . . that is HUGE!!! Only 50% of the people that apply get accepted AND the average age of students is 45! He beat the odds, to say the least!! We are sooo excited about the opportunities that this opens him up to!!

Let me just insert a few details here that no one really knows:

This week, Shannon decided to take a break from his fruitless efforts of resume sending. All this has done is keep him busy and disappoint him like crazy! He has probably sent more than 100 resumes and the ones that were even looked at have ALL been rejected!! How frustrating! He keeps saying that "there are SOOO many jobs out there . . . why is there so much unemployment??" It a competitive market, I guess!! He felt like the Lord was saying to "sit and wait!!" Well, Shannon sent his Regent App last Friday and this week on Wednesday he got an email saying the the board has received all his paperwork and that they would be reviewing his application soon. We thought that we would hear from them in a month or two. We weren't really expecting to hear from them any time soon. Then 2 days later, we get the GOOD NEWS!!

We just feel like the Lord is reminding us that HE provided this opportunity. It's not been by our efforts. He totally gets all the glory! In reality, Shannon and I BOTH thought that he would be rejected. Not because he wasn't qualified, but because there has been no good news lately. We just expected more of the same!!

So, we are not sure what else will follow this awesome news. All along he has said that his DREAM would be to teach in a University, but he has looked at every Christian university in the country and every local university here in FL and they were not hiring in Dec & Jan OR you had to have a PhD in order to teach for them . . . so that was a closed door in his mind. (Hence the fruitless efforts of applying for ministry positions) But now that he is going to get his PhD AND has been accepted into a program . . . his opportunities are much more open!!! We are hoping for the best and we are knowing that God wants to give him his dream . . .

Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Thanks to ALL friends and family that have prayed! We are truly blessed to have so many people that care!! We have seen God work in so many ways in the past 4 months. I can't wait till this season has passed and I can share ALL that God has done in me!! Thank you so much, Lord Jesus!

Still Waiting

**UPDATE: We got the news on Friday about 5:30PM! Shannon was told that they went with someone else for the position in VA! We were EXTREMELY disappointed. That is why it took me so long to update you all. I have been struggling a little. But in the end, I know that God is in control and I wouldn't want it any other way!! Instead of looking at what we DON'T have, I have to focus on what we DO HAVE!! When I think that my husband has been out of work for 4 months and we have never missed a bill to be paid, we have 3 healthy kids, and 2 good cars, to name a few . . . I think that His HAND OF PROVISION is at work in my life!! Thanks you, Lord!! Thank you friends and family for all your kind words and prayers!! It means so much!



It's no secret! We went to VA last week for another job interview at a church. It was fun! We had a cool experience and learned a lot about ourselves and the Church as a whole. The kids went to visit with the grandparents while my Hunny and I were grilled with questions over a 3 day period. It was exhausting for us but well worth it! We were told that we would know by the middle of the week THIS WEEK.

Well . . . yesterday (Wednesday), we STILL hadn't heard anything! We have been on pins and needles to say the least. Every time the phone rings my heart jumps!! I am probably more psychotic that my Hunny. I keep asking, "Is your phone charged? Where is your cell phone?" or when it rings, "who is it?" before he even has a chance to look . . . So he sent an email yesterday to ask when we might hear the news. The pastor eagerly replied and said that they just finished interviewing all candidates yesterday and they would be making a decision this morning. He said we'd hear from him sometime today. That was so satisfying to us! We just wanna HEAR SOMETHING!!! We don't even mind, if it's a "you're not what we're looking for . . . " Just anything . . . the silence was killing us!!

So today has come and gone and we still have NOT heard anything from them . . . My Hunny says that there must be a reason and he is probably right . . . but waiting stinks!!! I guess this is how the kids feel when they are waiting for something really exciting to them . . . like Christmas . . .

Thanks to everyone who has prayed for us!! This has been quite an experience. I would have to say . . . it has been one of the most trying times we have faced in a long time. We thank the Lord for sustaining us through it all!!

25 Random Things About ME!

I posted this on my Facebook for all my friends to see. I thought maybe some strangers may want to see it as well! So here are 25 Random things about me!! Maybe you'll learn something about me you never knew! Now it;s your turn! Post!!

1. I love love love homeschooling my kids!! I wish everyone could experience the fulfillment that I have in doing this!
2. I think that ALL parents should take responsibility for their children's education . . . even if they don't homeschool!! (I know it's not for everyone) There really is no one to blame . . . and please don't use socialization as a reason NOT to homeschool . . . you have to take responsibility for that too!! You have to socialize your kids!! No one else is going to!!
3. I also think EVERYONE should take complete responsibility for their own health!! Trusting what the doctor tells ya . . . it can get you DEAD!!! Do your own research!!
4. I also think that all people . . . Christians in particular . . . should take responsibility for their own spiritual walk!! Ya can't blame the preacher for not preaching "what pertains to you!!" Go find out what THE WORD says . . . and do it!!
5. I think my husband is the smartest person I have ever met!! He can figure anything out!! He can do anything . . . someone PLEASE hire him already!!
6. I hate video games . . . but I let my kids play them for a limited time per day! I am such a push-over!!
7. I think home birth is THE MOST amazing thing!! I am sooo glad I have a CHOICE!! It may not be your first choice, but again . . . I take responsibility!!
8. Someday I might just take up the career of midwifery!! Maybe . . . who knows??
9. I hate it when my toe nails aren't painted!! I live in FL and where flip-flops year around!! What can I say!
10. I think large families are fascinating! That is why I want one!! (My definition of large is 4+ children) . . . I don't know if I will be done after four . . . MAYBE one more . . . we'll see!
11. I wish I would have been a better student in high school . . . I made up for it in college, but I missed out on some good stuff!! BUT thankfully my God is a God of second chances!! Now I am learning along side of my kiddos!! I love my life!!
12. I wish that my house was cleaner and more organized!! BUT I have given up the crazy-ness of that all to be at home with my kids!! The house and it's orderliness is way down on the list of priorities!! My kids are more toward the top!!
13. I have really enjoyed reading other peoples list of 25 Random Things!! Sometimes I just laugh out loud!!!
14. I secretly wish the animals that live in my house would mysteriously disappear!! The kids would be horrified (that is they they are still around) but . . . I am tired of cleaning up after animals . . . sorry to the animal lovers out there!! I am not one, but my daughter is . . . so we have a dog and a bunny!!
15. I think my college days were the most fun times of my life . . . I hope my kids get to have a similar experience!! Those we the good ol' days!!! Carefree . . . . it was great!
16. I love coffee!! I just wish it wasn't so bad for ya!! I don't have to have to caffeine. I just like the way it tastes!! So when it is cold outside, i make decaf and tell myself "at least it's decaf!!"
17. I make homemade antibiotics . . . sounds hippy, Right Robin?? See my blog for the recipe www.jamielhoganblogspot.com It kills everything . . . even strep!!
18. I wish I had the money and energy to have a farm and raise all my own dairy, meat, and veggies . . . but I don't so I will settle for the toxic waste that is sold in grocery stores around the country!! One of my fave lines from the movie "Over the Hedge" is "If it tastes this good, it MUST be good for you!!" Funny!! SOOOO not true!!
19. I wish we didn't own a TV!! It is waste of time . . . but I can't get anyone in the house to agree with me, so we settle for fasting from it from Memorial Day to Labor Day . . . thanks Thompsons!!
20. I have been to Africa several times. I lived there for a year . . . yes my hubby & 2 older kids were with me . . . no I didn't live in a mud hut!! LOL
21. I wish all people in America would take a trip to a Third World Country!! Pictures don't do it justice . . . you can't smell the smells or hear the cries!! That is when you can say life isn't fair!!!
22. I wish people would follow rules!! That is one of my pet peeves!!
23. I used to be an aggressive driver! Then I moved to Ghana, where driving is . . . very stressful . . . now, I am rarely in too much of a hurry to let someone go in front of me!!
24. I feel sorry for people that win the lottery and mess up their lives!!
25. I LOVE MY LIFE!!!! Jesus has blessed me with SOOOO much richness!! Words can't describe it all!! I thank GOD everyday for bringing me HERE!! ". . . for such a time as this!!"

BRRRRR!! I thought we lived in FLORIDA

Well, I must say that I HATE the cold weather we have been having lately! I grew up in the north where it was cold and gloomy 6 months out of the year! I always asked my mom why we couldn't have lived in a warmer climate . . . she never really had an answer, but when I went to college in TN, I experienced a little warmer weather and definitely LESS SNOW!!!

When the opportunity arrived for us to move to Florida, where there is sunshine year 'round . . . I was thrilled!! All I knew was that is was HOT most of the year and it didn't snow!! . . . I have found this to be true for the most part. But this winter has been the coldest winter in the 4 years that we have lived here. I really realized that I DO NOT like the cold . . . and now . . . it is supposed to be 33 degrees tonight. Now that is COLD for Florida!! It's the topic of most conversation around here! I guess I will be breaking out our Northern clothes and coats in order to survive the next few days!! Sorry for complaining . . . thanks for listening!!!

Eleven Years With My Best Friend!!!

Yesterday my Hunny and I celebrated our 11th year of marriage!! It was low key, as usual! We aren't real big spenders on such occasions. We took the kids to their aunt's and we were off on a DATE!! We went to a movie that wasn't a kids movie!!! It was "adult time!!" Then we went to dinner at the Toasted Pheasant. Someone blessed us with a gift card to go there and it was AWESOME food!! We were full when we left!! It was such a nice evening to be with my sweetie!!



I am so blessed to have him! He is my very best friend. He is so encouraging and funny!! He is an awesome man of God who seeks the face of Jesus to see our family moving in the right direction!! I am so blessed to have him!! Sometimes I look at him and say, "How in the world did we get so happy???" I know it doesn't "just happen!!" God is the center of our lives and so we live in rich blessings surrounded by Grace and LOVE!!! We are so RICH!!

Another Bunny Dies

I guess it is a good way for children to learn the cycle of life and death. Pets help them know that all creatures are born once and then eventually die. But it hurts all the same!

This morning we had another bunny die. But I am not sure I handled it all too well. I went outside to let the dog out and the bunny cage was open. Camden, our 6 year old, fed them yesterday and apparently he didn't shut the cage back tight. Usually Carley does it, and yesterday he helped her with her chores. I don't know when she got out, but she was stiff as could be in the middle of the yard. I could tell it had been awhile since it happened. The dog was out last night for quite a while and our guess is that she chased the bunny down in her instinctual way. I'm sure the dog was just playing, but Star, the bunny, was too fragile to "play."

When I saw her (THE BUNNY) in the yard, I immediately called for Shannon. Carley was still sleeping, so I thought we could dispose of the bunny before she saw what happened. He ran outside and got rid of her, but Carley looked out her window and saw him. In my desperate attempt to protect the kids from the trauma that they incurred the last time a bunny died, I lied to them (not knowing that Carley saw the whole thing out her bedroom window.) I told them that the bunny got out of the cage and must have run away (because dying seemed so much more traumatic to me!!). Carley asked what Daddy picked up in the yard. She said it looked like the bunny. Ugh!! I blew her off and tried to get away with it. She asked a few more times and I was feeling extremely guilty, so I told them the truth. They cried and mourned, but it was nothing like our last bunny death.

Why did I lie to them?? I didn't really think about it. Time just seemed to stand still, so I tried to protect them. The last time a bunny died was the first time we had a pet die and it was extremely traumatic for the children. They actually found her and didn't realize she was dead for several minutes. All I wanted was to protect them from that. They realized that I make mistakes too (if they hadn't figured that out already!!) and I prayed and asked them to forgive me . . . and they were eager to. I am glad for the conviction of the Holy Spirit and I am still asking myself, "WHY DID I DO THAT??"

The good thing is that we still have Hope, the other bunny. She will just have to get used to being alone.

I'm still here

Hi everyone! Life seems to be a little busier than usual! How did that happen??? Hmm . . . let's see three kids, homeschool group pres, watching my niece daily, trying to keep a tidy house . . . Anyway, we are getting ready to leave for vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina . . . in like an hour and here I am blogging!! I will try to take some time while on vacation to do some REAL blogging and let ya know what the we've been up to!! Thanks for checking in on me!!

MOPS Meeting

I was asked to be a guest speaker . . . that is exactly what I did . . . I almost spit out my coffee in SHOCK!!! The MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Director at the church called to ask me to speak about time management, organization, and finding time to spend quality time with the munchkins! She told me that I just seem to have all those areas under control in my life!!! BOY have I got her fooled!!!! And you too if you think the same thing!! So, today was the big day and I was up on the stage as Me*i*sA interviewed me. I am not sure what came out of my mouth, but the message I wanted to get across was this:

I am a simple ordinary mom of 3. I wish my house was cleaner and my cabinets more organized and I had time to clip coupons, but life is too short to worry about EVERYTHING!!! So I only worry about a few things!! I concern myself with people because they are the ONLY thing that last forever! My relationship with Christ, my husband, and kids are my main concerns. There is no "super-mom" in this family. Just a forgiven, simple, hopeful, faithful, passionate, mommy that is surrounded by loving people. I make mistakes! I yell at my kids sometimes. I don't always do the dishes before I go to bed at night! I am just like YOU in so many ways.

I am not sure that all of that came across because time was short. BUT if this is your first visit to my blog and you were at the MOPS meeting, let me know you stopped by.

I Made the Announcement

We are very excited to be expecting again! Baby #4 is on the way and we couldn't be happier! I have had so many people ask me if I was pregnant and b/c of my circumstances, I didn't say "yes" or "no!" I simply said, "Ya never know, we are trying!!" All along I knew that I was pregnant! Oh well, you understand!

I am 12 weeks along and I have known of my pregnancy since mid-July (before VBS for those of you that were there!!). Since I had a miscarriage in May we decided to wait out the first 12 weeks. That was fun in a way! My Hunny and I would talk about it and we were able to become very comfortable with the idea before sharing the news with others! We told the kids first (yesterday!) and we let them call family to make the announcement! They are all thrilled!

The day I hit 6 weeks I began to feel lots of nausea, but I never vomited! I think I learned my triggers very quickly so I was able to avoid them most of the time! Now I am totally nausea-free and feeling really great!! I had my first appointment with my midwife yesterday and she is the "food & exercise nazi!" SO, I will be walking 3-4 days per week and DON'T ask me if I want to go out for dessert and coffee because I have no will power and she will kick my butt if I eat junk!!!

We will be having another home birth. We are so excited to bring a baby into the world in this amazing way!! What a blessing to have this opportunity! So many people I know want to do it, but don't have their husband's support OR don't have the option! It is totally the way God intended birth! The natural un-invasive setting in which Eve herself gave birth! Thank goodness I am so blessed!

Well, I knew lots of people would have questions, so I thought I would post here! That is it in a nutshell! Thanks for your blessings and support!!

Awesome MySpace Comments / Myspace Layouts

What a great day!!

If you know me at all you will know that I really don't like to be the center of attention. I really prefer to be in the background and I don't need a pat on the back. When my birthday rolls around, my family celebrates together, but I really don't like to have a big birthday "party." I like to go out to dinner with my husband and kids, and extended family. (The gift here is the fact that I don't have to cook!!) This year was no different.

The weekend started out simple. We invited some friend over to play a Euchre Tournament. That was a blast!!! I love to hang out with fun people and I love to play cards AND eat food!! Then on Saturday we just hung around the house doing chores and planning our coming week. On Saturday, Shannon decided that he and the kids would give me my presents early (They do this every year, at Christmas AND Mother's Day too!!) I was thrilled when he gave me exactly what I asked for!! I asked for the Anne of Green Gables Trilogy.

I was sooo excited!! The kids were too! We didn't waste any time! We began watching the movie on Sat evening. I even made Shannon sit and watch it with me and . . . don't tell him I told you . . . but . . . he likes it!!

This movie totally brought me back to childhood. I remember watching it on PBS and getting interrupted by those silly telethon things!! I hated that! Although I loved the movies, I had never seen them all from start to finish!! There are 3 of them! This time it was 9 hours of bliss!! The kids would beg to watch more!! I told told them that when we take a long trip to Grandma's or Nana's we can watch the entire movie without stopping!! They liked that idea!!

Then Shannon surprised me with something that I have always wanted . . . a Garmin GPS!! I love maps! So he thought I would like this gadget! He was right! It practically drives the car for me!! We all have fun and we even turn it on when we are going to church or home from the store!! We are trying to come up with a cute name like Becky did! Stay tuned!


On Sunday, which was my actual birthday, I was greeted first thing in the morning with toast and a glass of milk in bed. I got lots of hugs and kisses and I think that was my favorite part of the day. . . oh, I have another favorite part . . . I didn't have to do the dishes all day!!! Thanks Hunny! I love you so much!! What a great day!!!

What a NIGHT!!

Last night no one wanted me to sleep!! If it wasn't me getting up to go to the bathroom, it was one of the kids!! I went to bed early becasue I was so exhausted. It was a busy day!!

At 2:20AM Carter woke up and had peed the bed! I got him all situated and back to sleep and then I went back to bed. I am feeling a little sinus stuffiness come on, so I laid in bed and sneezed and tossed and turned for an hour!! Then I heard Carter make more noise! I thought he was not sleeping yet and so I dreaded going in to settle him. But I went in to check on him and he was sound asleep. (Wish I was!)

I got up and went to the computer to try and blow off some steam. (I was MAD!) After an hour or so of doing a little bit of surfing, I decided to go back to bed. I laid there for another 20 min or so, tossing and turning, when I was almost alseep. That is when Carter yelled out, "MOMMY!" I turned to my Beloved and asked him to go and check on the baby! Thankfully he did! He stayed in there and laid in bed with him till morning.

So . . . there I am again . . . wide awake!! Just as I drift off to sleep I hear, "Mom, I had a bad dream!" Carley was upset so I told her to hop in bed with me (Because Daddy was still in Carter's bed!) and she was fast aleep in no time! I laid there trying to tell myself that it was going to light soon and if I don't get some sleep I will be an sight for sore eyes in the morning!!

I did finally fall alseep. It was a night of chaos and mishapes and that is what I call being a "Parent!" Sometimes the rewards are so great and sometimes the "rewards" are not so great!! Getting a good night sleep is always a plus, but that didn't happen last night!! Oh well . . . there is always tonight! I hope things go a little more as planned for a regular night's sleep!!

our first event

I think it went well!! Last night was the first event that we have had this year and that I have had since becoming the group's president. The event last night was different than what we have had in the past, but people came and hung out and had a lot of fun!! I had many people come and tell me that I did a great job and I humbly say Thank You!! But in all honesty, I couldn't have done it without the team that I had in place to assist. You all were so amazing!! Thanks a bunch!

The homeschool group at the church, is an awesome bunch of families to be a part of!! I am very proud to be part of such a close group. Thanks to all who came out and listened to me talk!! I am looking forward to lots more fun and excitement this year!!

Bloggity Bliss

I have really enjoyed this "blogging thing!" It is such a fun way to journal family happenings and special events! It brings people closer that live so far apart. Friends can stay in touch in ways that were never possible in the pre-cyberspace era! (I can barely remember those days!!)

One of my favorite parts is using the sitemeter link to see who is visiting my blog!! That is fun!! My average hits per day is up to 15!! That is pretty good for . . . a homeschooling, crunchy, kid lovin', house cleanin', imperfect, Jesus servin' Momma!!! People have visited my blog from all over the world and right here is good ol' Wesley Chapel!!

Thanks to all my visitors!! I am so happy that you have stopped by!! I would love to get a comment from you and become "blogging buddies!"

Thanks for Your Prayers and Kind Words!!

Thanks so much for your prayers!! God is good and through this experience of having a miscarriage, I have learned some things!!

1. God is faithful - He prepared me for this. It may sound weird, but I had a feeling something wasn't right!!! It was just something He put in my heart and I voiced my concern to my Beloved and he tried to be positive for me!! (I love him for that!!) He always seems to prepare my heart for trying situations such as this!!! Thank you, Lord!!
2. God is sovereign - He holds the whole world in the palm of his hand!! He told the stars where to hang and the oceans where to stop. I know He also holds my future.
3. The Future is His but TODAY I will praise Him!!! - All we have is today!! We are not promised tomorrow!! We think we know what we will be doing tomorrow, but really . . . we don't!!!! Today I stand with my heart open and give Him all of me!!!

Romans 8:26-28 (The Message) Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

I love the way this is worded because it seemed to describe my state perfectly!!! There were times when I didn't know what to say or how to feel!!! My "wordless sighs and aching groans" were heard my Him. I am thankful to Him because while I was a worthless sinner, He died on the cross to save me and give me the gift of eternal life!!!! I love Him more now than ever!!