George and Bethany, not your ordinary love story...

M is for...

2012-02-19T17:37:00.001-06:00

MAKAFUI!!

Yesterday was the much anticipated naming ceremony of our sweet boy. We were so happy to introduce him to many of our friends and family, to publicly commit him to God, and to share his name! Makafui Will! Makafui is a traditional Ewe name which means Glory to God. It's said muh-KAH-foo-ee. Will means Strong Protector and is after my dad. We will call him Makafui and Will, I'm sure he'll pick up a nick name at some point. He wore this very special outfit for his first big party and was VERY cute!! I don't think the pic really shows it, but he has a tie on. :)

He did wonderful with all the noise and commotion while people met him and oohed and ahhed over him...it wasn't until mid-ceremony that he got hungry!

Daddy was very proud to show him off.

His first celebration cake. I loved having the monogrammed cake out ahead of time, people were trying to guess his name like crazy-no one did.

The pretty flowers and bowl for his baptism.

My dad, the family elder lead the ceremony.

My little brother stepped into the shot on purpose...so I left it. My family did a great job setting up this special event.

The food was yummy and we are grateful for the yummy leftovers! :)

We were enjoying the event so much that we didn't get ANY pictures of the baptism, of the 3 of us as a family or of Makafui with my parents. We need to work on getting better pictures!!

So. Stinkin'. Cute.

2012-02-15T16:12:00.000-06:00

Awkward 1 week photo w/ his bear from Gigi & Pops

He loves when Daddy comes home for lunch.

I love this little guy SO MUCH!!

One Week Old/Birth Story

2012-02-14T09:11:00.001-06:00

I can't believe that this time last week, I was timing contractions and waiting for G to come to home. Now, our entire life has changed and we have this precious person in our home. It's crazy how much can change in such a short amount of time!! We love this kid! Here are some pics and his birth story...

It was a wonderful and eventful day! I had resigned myself to the fact that he would have to be induced later in the week and was contemplating what date would be best to pick before I went to my Dr. appointment on Tuesday. Cocoapuff had other plans though. :)

I woke up Tuesday morning a little bit before the alarm feeling different and like maybe, just maybe this could be the day. I told G that this could be it, but that if it was it would take a while, so I would let him know what was up after my 10:30 appointment. I took him to work and came back home not realizing that those mild contractions were coming every 5 minutes. I took a shower and tried to get ready, but the contractions had gotten a lot stronger, 60-90 seconds long, every 5 minutes apart and strong enough to stop what I was doing, I had only been up for about an hour and a half/2 hours. I called the Dr. and they told me to go to Labor and Delivery instead of wait for my appointment. My mom came to the rescue and went and got G from work so we could go to the hospital together. I put my makeup on while I waited and prayed that this was the real deal-I was super anxious that I would get to L&D and be sent home without a baby.

We arrived at L&D and had an amazing nurse waiting for us. Much to my delight, I was indeed in active labor and progressing way faster than I thought. It was 9:30 when they started the admitting process. Unfortunately for me and my tricky veins, they had to try 3 times to get an IV in! George almost fainted and after the 2nd try had to go to the cafeteria and get something to eat and drink and some fresh air. (I later found out that before he made it to the cafeteria, he was crouched on the floor outside of my room with his head between his knees-the nurses were very attentive to him.:) I was amused by this, but also a little concerned about how he would handle the rest of the day. In the end, I didn't need to worry at all!

My mom came up and I was glad to have both she and G hanging out while I labored. I used the huge yoga ball and had a pretty fun time chatting with them and breathing through contractions. They were shockingly bearable and I was excited to be in labor. Again, to my extreme surprise, things were moving along FAST! At 11:30 the nurses guessed I had only about an hour or two left before baby time-I couldn't believe it and was super excited! They got the room all set up for delivery and my contractions got more and more intense. I went from anticipating a long, typical first time labor to thinking I'd have a baby in my arms in no time flat.

That's when the back labor really kicked in (because this little dude was posterior-fun) and I hit that magical "transition" stage of labor-the hardest and most intense stage, which is supposedly fairly short as well (that's what the books and labor classes say). Not for me. Things got really, really tough! I had 3 big goals for my labor-no cussing, no attitude, no epidural. So far, so good, but I was wondering how long it would last. After a few hours in transition I decided that the mild IV drugs they offered sounded good. They helped a lot and put me back in the land of bearable. Then, I got sick. Something I had read could happen, but didn't expect would happen to me. For some dumb reason, when I was offered nausea drugs, I did not ask my typical questions about ALL of the possible side effects. Stupid. It made me so incredibly sleepy! I could not force myself to stay awake and would doze off, just to wake up mid, terrible contraction. If I had it to do again, I would just be sick instead of taking that medicine. My contractions were very strong and very long, but they weren't as productive anymore. I felt like it was one contraction after another with no break in between, which gave me great hope because everything I had read and heard said that means it's about time to push. Nope, not for me.

Thankfully, my Dr. was back at this point and decided that Pitocin would help speed up the process by making my contractions shorter and more intense. I was happy to get this done and wanted this baby out! I had been looking at all of the "stuff" for delivery for hours now and felt like I was not any closer to having a baby! George and my mom were amazing through this. They helped with my back pain and encouraged me nonstop.

When it was time to push, again it was not what I expected. People say things like you have this overwhelming urge to push and become super woman and get energized and stuff like that. I was tired, but wanted that baby out. I don't know how long I actually pushed, I just know it was longer than I thought it would be and he was in a wonky position. My hubby was great by my side, even when I was crying and telling him that I don't want anymore babies, just get this one out of me!

When he was finally born, it was a huge relief-I seriously thought it would never happen! I was so relieved to have done it and have my baby in my arms.

In short, labor and delivery were not what I anticipated at all-in good ways and bad. I think a lot of it had to do with the psychology of thinking it will be long, then being told it will be short, then having it long after all. (My Dr. did confirm that my labor did NOT follow typical labor patterns, though she was amused that I kept saying "The books don't tell you this!") I did achieve my goals though-no cussing, no 'tude, no epidural! I'm still processing everything else. I had great nurses and really love my Dr. I'm so thankful we have a healthy, beautiful baby. I loved our hospital and the support they gave me. No one tried to talk me into anything I didn't want and everyone was super helpful and encouraging.

The further away I get from delivery, the more fondly I think of it. Like I said though, I'm still processing. George on the other hand, talks about it everyday! I will admit, I was worried about how he would cope, since the idea of the man being present for birth was so totally foreign to him. He was so beyond amazing!!

We are adjusting to life with a newborn and loving our new little family.

He's HERE!!

2012-02-11T09:42:00.003-06:00

Our little man entered the world on Tuesday, February 7th at 6:18pm. He weighed 8lb 4oz, and is 20 1/4" long.

We are so totally in love with him and enjoying our time as a family of 3!

Last Days...

2012-02-06T10:53:00.000-06:00

This is it people! My last days of being pregnant, my last days of being able to sleep when I want to, shower when and how long I feel like, leisurely do my hair and makeup. My last days of running errands without having to think of diapers, the last feeding, parking too close to another car to get the baby out or whether or not I can just 'run in' for something. My last days of just hangin' around, waiting for Baby.

And OUR last days as just the two of us.

I'm excited to meet our baby this week and to fully dive into this new life of ours. I admit, there is no real way to prepare for the change that is about to hit us as first time parents, but we are thrilled nonetheless! (I'm sure I'll have funny stories to write about.)

I'm trying hard to soak up and enjoy all these "last moments" before Cocoapuff is here. One of the things we did late last week was take a lunch date to get Round Rock Donuts! :) Hee hee. We may have to do that again before little guy comes. ;) Happy Birthweek to us!

2012-02-04T08:53:00.001-06:00

Dear Sweet Baby Cocoapuff,

You made it to 40 weeks-good job! There are no bonus points for staying put longer though, so no need to keep us waiting. Your Mommy and Daddy and Gigi and Pops and LOTS more people are eager to meet you! Please come on your own (and soon) because Mommy doesn't exactly want to induce. Happy due date, Baby.

We love you so so much!
Mommy and Daddy

This and That

2012-01-31T16:54:00.000-06:00

George and I had a good Anniversary. This pregnant chick just HAD to have snow crab for dinner! I ate an entire pound all by myself!! All that protein and sodium may have been the reason for not sleeping last night. Note to self: next time I'm hugely pregnant and want crab, eat it at lunch, instead of a late dinner. Here we are, most likely last real date without needing a babysitter!

I'm looking (and feeling) pretty gigantic these days! Why I can't crop this picture, I don't know. Why my hubby takes pictures with too much extraneous space, I super don't know. Yes, I STILL have frames leaning against the wall-I need different art for them...art I don't have yet.

Our glider finally came!! I am so excited that it made it here before baby! This is my new best friend and I look forwards to lots of sweet times sitting here with my sweet baby.

We also finished the mobile! His room is pretty much done-his name is even on the wall, which would explain the odd placement of these two pictures. :)

I've really loved pregnancy up to this point and even when I had morning sickness, I still felt pretty good. I've tried to enjoy every moment and savor the time growing this boy and the time we have left as just the two of us. That is a little bit coming to an end now...okay, maybe a lot coming to an end now.

I suddenly feel very huge, very heavy and very, very exhausted. It must be baby time! I'm not even "due" until Saturday, so I feel like a whiney baby. I have a theory why I feel this way though-it's all those stupid week by week pregnancy books and websites. When you hit 37 weeks they say stuff like, "Your baby is fully cooked and can come anytime now! He's totally developed and would be perfectly healthy if born today. Get ready!" 38 weeks: "Your baby is still fully cooked and ready to come anytime now! He's just getting bigger and bigger so that it's harder to birth him and you feel more uncomfortable, you are VERY big now." 39 weeks: "Still no baby? He's been 'done' for two weeks lady! That kid just keeps getting bigger! Did you know it was possible to get even bigger than you already were? Yes, you do feel like a whale, and maybe you even resemble one." 40 weeks: "Are you STILL pregnant? I bet everyone you know was induced by now, sucks, huh? That kid is just growing and growing, hope you're ready for gigantor!" 41 weeks: "Sucks to be you, like a lot."

So you see, they set you up to feel like you're overdue before you even hit your due date! It makes the three weeks from 37 to technically "due" seem soooooo much longer than any other 3 weeks ever in your life. My mom thinks I should start a letter writing campaign against this type of info. I'll start with the blog for now.

Happy Anniversary To US!!

2012-01-30T13:44:00.002-06:00

2 years ago...

I'm so happy to be married to this guy! He is so incredible and I love him more each day!

...You know what a reeeeally great Anniversary present would be? A baby! Unfortunately, I don't think Cocoapuff reads the blog, so he may not get the hint.

Things I am currently obsessed with...

2012-01-27T11:45:00.001-06:00

Here are some of my current FAVORITE things...get out your dorkometer...

One of the downsides to living in an apartment is that sometimes you get really terrible appliances! Our last dishwasher was the worst of the worst! We hand washed or re-washed most things. Then, I bit the bullet and tried out the fancy dishwasher detergent! It made a HUGE difference!! It really cut down on the things I had to hand wash and at this apartment, I don't have to re-wash anything. Definitely worth the extra money.

I love a clean home, but I don't always enjoy the cleaning part. When I saw the commercial for this thing, I thought it was ridiculous. I got a free one at Sam's so I decided to try it out. AMAZING!! The potty is always so sparkly now! It really helps with potties in window free bathrooms with hard water, scrubbing the toilet is a total thing of the past. :)

I know I'm waaaay late on the Oxi Clean bandwagon, but I just started using this, so it's new to me! G wears a white dress shirt everyday and at this point, we choose to do work laundry at home (I am open to that changing once Cocoapuff comes, though). I wanted to have them looking nice without using bleach because it's really hard on clothes, can easily ruin other things and sometimes it makes white stuff look yellow. Oxi Clean does the trick! We really love the gel stain remover stick too. I also found out that I can use it on cloth diapers!

I swear that these heart shaped Junior Mints taste better than the regular ones...and the ones with red filling are especially good! I'm loving the special Valentine candies!

I am also currently obsessed with cereal, but I feel like that's almost over.

And last week, I may or may not have indulged in Sonic's Chocolate M&M Blasts several times (I wish I could delete the 3.24 charges from our online bank statement so that no one would know just how many times this may or may not have happened)...which would bring me back to the freakout I had in the last post. No more blasts for me...just in case. But let me also point out that for pretty much this entire pregnancy, sweets have not been something I really wanted, it's a recent development.

I am also obsessed with my baby and his room! I just sit in there and look at everything! I hope to finish his mobile soon, but my little brother STILL hasn't got me the fishing line I need! Hint, hint....

There. Is. No. Way.

2012-01-25T19:09:00.003-06:00

I had my Dr. appointment today, only my Dr. is out of town, so I saw her husband's Nurse Practitioner (Yes, you read that right and maybe it is a little weird. My Dr.'s husband is also in the business of lady parts and his office is next door, he has more staff than my Doc has so sometimes they share). Anywho, I had to tell the new people not to say my weight out loud and look away as is my normal practice. When I was getting my blood pressure checked though, I saw the paper on the counter. The new chick had HUGE handwriting and it was kind of messy...I think I saw the number 198. I dismissed it and thought surely I misunderstood or it was BP scribbles (we were having BP issues as well)!

It keeps coming to mind though.

After discussing with my mother, we have decided that I MUST have seen the wrong thing and her handwriting MUST be pretty messy!! It suuuuper freaked me out though. To confirm that I misunderstood, I am now gallivanting around the house in leggings and a tight tee, making sure I check myself out in EVERY mirror or reflective thing around. Yeah, I must have seen something wrong! :) Now you know why I don't look at the numbers, I wouldn't be able to think about ANYTHING else.

My baby is healthy, I'm blissfully unaware of my weight (again) and I WILL get back in shape.

2012-01-24T19:34:00.001-06:00

Vacant...

VERY OCCUPIED!!

It's hard to believe that soon and very soon the opposite will be true! Everyday is more exciting as we anticipate our Cocoapuff!

Remembering my Nonnie

2012-01-24T08:58:00.000-06:00

Today is my Nonnie's Birthday-the first one without her here. It's weird and sad and sweet all at once. I really, really miss her, but I am happy that she is no longer suffering and gets to be with Jesus. I didn't realize just how many big things would happen this first year without her. I think a lot about how she would respond and what she would say about the different situations in our lives...especially the funny or sassy things she might say! I always thought she would be at my baby shower, see my nursery and meet my baby. I'm not quite sure how heaven works, but I'd like to think that she met our Cocoapuff before he was given to us. :) My Nonnie had a hard life, a life that was wonderfully transformed by Jesus. How we miss her!

Our new pastime...

2012-01-23T17:19:00.001-06:00

One of the things we enjoy about our new apartment is the view. Previously, we were on the first floor at the front of the building, so our view was the parking lot. That also meant that if we opened the blinds, our neighbors' view was us! Nice. Now, we are second floor and the back of the building, our view is the Golf Course. It's lovely, even though it's pretty dead right now. Imagine what it will look like in the Spring. There are a lot of beautiful birds and wildlife to watch....

There are also golfers! I'm not sure how it happened or why, but G and I have become expert golf ~~hecklers~~ commentators and it is so fun. We don't know much about golf, but we do know that the ball should go into the hole in as few ~~whacks~~ strokes as possible. We know losing the ball in or near the water is bad, and we're pretty sure kicking the ball with your fancy golf shoe is a no-no. We also assume that golf must be more fun when using foul language (the golfers that is, not the announcers). We have the perfect amount of knowledge to be amazing commentators! Kinda like these guys...

I think my other pastime is to blog more while I wait for my little Cocoapuff (2 posts in one day!). That and stare at his beautiful room, touch and refold his cute little clothes and re-clean the house.

Practice, practice...

2012-01-23T11:49:00.002-06:00

We're getting ready for the arrival of our precious little one. This weekend we got in some more car seat practice. A sock monkey was the closest thing we had to a baby doll.

George did great-I think we're set!

Feels Like Home!

2012-01-19T16:34:00.002-06:00

Here's what's going on...

-I love our new apartment! I just can't get over how blessed we are! This place feels like home already and I am so thankful that we get to live here.

-Allergies or a cold are kicking my butt. I didn't realize how quick I am to take drugs when I'm feeling sick until I couldn't take the good stuff!

-Allergies or a cold are kicking George's butt too. Today, he told me he feels like his eyes are gonna pop out of his head like our friends' dog. They have a Shih Tzu...

I'm not sure that I can say I have EVER felt like one of these! Lol!

-This baby could come anytime! That's so exciting! I'm trying to just slow down and enjoy our final days (or weeks) as just the two of us...even though I am really looking forward to meeting our little man!

-People I love are going through some hard stuff lately. That makes me sad for them. What's worse is, their struggles seem really abstract to a lot of the people around them, so it adds hurt to what's already happening. I wish I could make it better. God is big though and He can.

-I should probably be cooking and freezing food for when Cocoapuff comes. I'm not though. I have George and my Mama nearby! Hee hee.

-I'm just loving life right now! I look forward to what each day holds and to what new joys and challenges parenthood will bring us. How fun!

2 years!

2012-01-17T10:15:00.000-06:00

Today is George's 2 Years In America Anniversary!! So much has transpired in just two years, it's kind of hard to believe. I'm so proud of my wonderful husband and so happy that we are together. He's done an amazing job adjusting to and learning a new culture. Our life is wonderful, yet somehow keeps getting better.

Moved and almost baby ready!

2012-01-16T16:53:00.001-06:00

What a weekend!! Moving very pregnant is a challenge, but it was easily surmountable due to the fact that I have an amazing family! My oldest two brothers seemed to actually be racing each other with heavy boxes in arms...it got the job done fast! It was so fun to have most of the gang around to help and support us. My parents especially went WAAAAYYY above and beyond normal helping. They stayed all day Saturday and came back over on Sunday to help us. It would take me at least a week more to get done what they helped us knock out in two days. Thanks, Mom and Dad, you really have know idea what a huge help you were!!

I accidentally left the camera at our old apartment during the move, so I have no "action pics"...surprise. I do have a pic of my huge belly though!

Doing my regular morning stretches...

We really can't believe how amazingly God has provided for us! G and I keep looking around our new home and have nothing to say but, "Thank you, God!" It's bigger than we had hoped for, has a grrreat layout, beautiful view and is close to G's job. We are still in awe and so grateful. Since we are in a space so much bigger than our last one, it's still a little bit of a work in progress (a.k.a. we don't have enough furniture yet:). I really loved setting up Cocoapuff's room and newborn area. I just go in there and look at it throughout the day and night. :) Dad and G should get an award for putting together the huge furniture!

Ta-da! I LOVE IT!

We still haven't made the mobile...hopefully we'll get to that this week. His name will go above the crib and when his glider comes, it will go to the right of the crib.

His changing room.

As George says, this is Cocoapuff's second room (which is funny, but not true-this is OUR room!). We have his bassinet w/ changer, bouncer, newborn sleepwear and tiny cloth and disposable diapers all ready to go in the "sitting area" of our room. I love waking up to see this and imagining what it will be like when he is actually here!

Despite the fact that my parents left us with a home nearly completely set up, I've still done a lot today! Unfortunately, because of the holiday, Time Warner Cable and my haircut place were closed. I will try again tomorrow. After I get a haircut, Cocoapuff can come anytime!

Ready, Set, Move!!

2012-01-13T10:28:00.001-06:00

It's finally here! I get the keys to our new place tonight and the big move happens tomorrow (though in true Bethany fashion, the closet will be moved in tonight). I am so thrilled about this!! We're really in the home stretch now to be Baby Ready. The rumors I've heard about nesting are true...I have a lot of energy to clean and get things ready (well, for the first half of the day anyway) and I'm really enjoying it. Yesterday, I found a very cool Laundromat and washed our gigantic comforter-that was very important to me.

I was expecting to be miserable these last weeks of pregnancy, simply because that's what I've heard from other people, but I'm not and I'm loving it. There is something so sweet and exciting about knowing your baby could come anytime, but not knowing what that time is. I've been knocking things around and bumping into tons of stuff with my belly, but I'm still really enjoying pregnancy. I've told Cocoapuff that he absolutely cannot come or start labor until AFTER our new home is set up! My Dr. thinks there is actually something to the will of a mother to keep her baby in-she joked that she would see me at the hospital on Sunday. ;) I doubt it, but that would be funny! I hope to take lots of pics over the next few days and be a more interesting blogger-because picture posts are always better.

No Noah for Baby

2012-01-09T15:32:00.000-06:00

George and I are very fortunate that our cultural differences are obvious. Since we do have such obviously different pasts, we don't take for granted our backgrounds and assume that the other person has the same view or experience. We feel very blessed by this. Of course, it has led to lots of conversations about how we are going to "do life" from those first days of him being in America, to the place where we are now, how are we going to parent?

We aren't dumb enough to think that we can figure out how to be good parents and everything will just work out, especially before baby is even here. We know there will be lots of learning along the way, but we want to start somewhere and we want to be purposeful in our parenting.

We have a lot of dreams and expectations for Cocoapuff and ideas about our parenting style. However, the most important thing for us as parents is that our son (and any future children) knows the Lord. That he hears scripture regularly, that he learns who God is and who God wants him to be, and that ultimately, he makes the choice to have a relationship with our great Savior. We want him to feel comfortable asking questions about God and all the confusing things in the Bible (even if we don't have the answers). We want him to trust that God is BIG and is intimately involved in his life (especially when the day comes that he doesn't feel that way). We want him to carefully examine what people say about God and Scripture and Christian living so that he is not easily led astray. That's a big job! We aren't sure exactly how we'll do this, but with prayer and help, we have faith that we can raise kids this way....and when we put this first, everything else will fall into place.

This is why Cocoapuff won't have Noah story books. In fact, all of his Christian/Bible stories will be carefully screened. While I think it's totally sweet to try and make scripture understandable for small children, I don't think all of those stories are suitable for that audience, and I think that it leads to some great confusion. Noah is my biggest pet peeve (though the Veggie Tales about David's sin with Bathsheba being dumbed down to rubber duckies is pretty high on my list as well). I think the majority of children's books about Noah put an emphasis on the animals, a boat and rain. They make it look all sweet and cute and happy, like God had created the first zoo, or cruise vacation. What is missed however, is that this is a story about God's wrath and an amazing promise. I mean seriously, He destroyed EVERYTHING!! The difference is huge and makes God out to be a very different type of guy. I think it's tough on kids to dumb down scripture so much that they don't get the picture of who God is and then one day, hope that they will all of the sudden get it. (BTW, I don't know what books any of my bloggy friends read their kids and if yours read Noah, not a big deal! I'm not judging people who do read Baby Bible Stories, just saying why I won't.) So obviously, I think too much about this kind of thing, but it's my blog so I can put it out there.

While I search for Baby Bible Stories that I do think are appropriate, Cocoapuff will hear straight up scripture-but not the parts about sex or killing or the end of the world...he'll have plenty of time for that later.

Life and Baby Happenings...

2012-01-09T13:35:00.001-06:00

We move THIS weekend! I am so excited to get into our bigger place and set up our little boy's room and his newborn area in our room! I can't believe it's actually here. I'm glad I started packing early or I don't think I would finish in time. The messy/boxed up/organized yet disorganized home thing is kind of driving me crazy!! I think this weekend will actually be a lot of fun, we have a lot of help from family so I'm sure it will turn into more of a moving party than just a boring move.

Nine months is a long time. Sometimes it seems like years ago that we found out we were having a baby and others I'm shocked that his arrival is so soon!! He'll be "full term" this weekend so I guess we can expect him anytime. He and I have had several conversations about when is an okay time to come and when is not...hopefully, he's obedient and we have some more time. ;) He continues to be healthy, active and measure right on target.

Life is about to change for us in a huge way. I feel really happy and excited about it all (I do have freak out moments when I'm afraid I won't hear him cry in the night, but other than that, I'm excited). I wonder all the time what he will look like and what his personality will be like. I'm really looking forward to meeting him and will strive to take everything in and really be in the moment. What a fun way to start a new year!

One Month!

2012-01-04T17:21:00.003-06:00

The countdown has begun! Cocoapuff is due one month from today!! I had a great Dr.'s appointment today and pre-registered at the hospital. Now, I just need to move, get a haircut and pack a bag. :) Things are about to get a lot more fun around here!

The State of Our Union

2011-12-30T18:00:00.000-06:00

For as long as I can remember, in the week between Christmas and New Years, my parents would go on a long date and discuss the past year and the goals and expectations of the future. They called this their State of the Union Date and made it a priority. We are following their lead and do the same thing. It's pretty fun actually.

Yesterday, we had a great day and finished it off with our State of the Union meeting. No one can really foresee what a year will hold, but this past year definitely threw us some curve balls. My brother mentioned recently that when one of us (my family members) suffers, we all suffer. So true. We suffered through death, job loss, health issues, hard waiting, financial distress and more that can't be mentioned. There were a lot of tears and many unanswered questions. Basically, it was a tough year! I took great joy in throwing away my 2011 calendar...it had things on it that I didn't want to see or remember. In spite of all those things, it was a good year too. God did not fail us. We have grown in so many ways this year-as a family, as a couple and as individuals. As an added bonus and much to my surprise, we actually achieved a lot of our goals!

2012 will be so different, wonderfully different. For starters, we're adding a baby pretty soon here! Secondly, G is only working 1 job, which actually has career growth and I am not working outside the house. We're moving soon as well! We have a lot of hopes and dreams and goals for 2012. Who knows what will happen this year? I don't, but the One who does has got my back. I plan to enjoy the ride and take things as they come. Goodbye 2011. Bring it on 2012!

Christmas Wrap-Up

2011-12-27T11:25:00.001-06:00

This was a truly wonderful Christmas! In addition to marvelling at what God has done, we had some really wonderful festivities with family!!

G had to work until noon on Christmas Eve, so I headed to Ryan and Tiffany's without him. They hosted a wonderful brunch that was full of great food and laughter. JJ stole the show and we all enjoyed being a part of his 1st Christmas. Uncle G and Aunt Bethany gave him (and future foster kids) a play tent with tunnel. I love this picture...that's 5, yes 5 adults putting the tent and tunnel together.

JJ is a hefty little fellow and none of the 1st Christmas shirts came in his size, so he wore it unbuttoned. It kept sneaking up out of his jeans and looked like a whale tale!! It killed me! The sweet little guy had a blast in the tent (so did Uncle Justin) and loved being the center of attention.

Once G got off, we enjoyed some relaxing couple time, then joined Mom and Dad and headed to our church for the Christmas Eve service. It was packed, but SO SO wonderful!! My favorite part is when the lights are turned out and one candle starts the lighting of the the thousands! Then, it snows! :)

Afterwards, it was party time! Christmas Eve at Justin and Kim's! The boys were all looking very dapper.

And I look fat, instead of pregnant in this pic. Oh well.

We had so much fun as a family and again, the food was delish! JJ of course, continued to have a captive audience.

On Christmas morning, G and I opened our gifts and hung out for a bit before heading to my parents'. George is so sweet and thoughtful and really loves to give great gifts. This one is especially sweet. It's a Michael Kors watch that G bought because it looks like and reminds him of the watch I wore when we first met. How flippin' sweet is that?

Aaaaaand, the Coach diaper bag I've had my eye on! I will get LOTS of use out of this!! I'm pretty excited about it!

My dad made a really cool sign for Justin. Notice Dad's new "Pops hat"? Cool, I know.

This was a small family year for us-only 6 people stayed all day! My mom took advantage of the smaller crowd and SERIOUSLY outdid herself in the food department. The standing rib roast was a huge hit.

It was a wonderfully relaxing and restful day!

We finished our festivities with this KILLER cake! It's chocolate gingerbread with ganache layers and the frosting is ginger infused whipped cream. Like I said, mom outdid herself.

Who knows what next year will be like? I have a feeling that relaxing and restful might not be on top of the list with a little one. ;)

Ready for Christmas!!

2011-12-23T11:19:00.000-06:00

I am so looking forward to family time this weekend and all the Christmas festivities!! My dad is off today, so we are gonna head out to lunch and do some last-minute shopping together! :o)

Tomorrow, my sister and her hubby are hosting a Christmas Eve brunch at their house; we have a Christmas Eve service at church (I'm not gonna lie-I will be so mad if we get put in overflow again this year and miss the "snow") and thhhhheeeennnnnn, Christmas Eve, a.k.a PARTY OF THE YEAR at my brother and sister-in-law's house! It's gonna be so fun! G works tomorrow, but only for 3 hours so we can totally deal. :)

In baby news, Cocoapuff is still doing great and his growth is right on target-34 weeks tomorrow! I'm feeling pretty huge lately, but I don't mind. My Dr. mentioned this week that even in-utero boys are stronger (typically bigger), have different muscle-mass and temperaments and really do just kick harder than girls. I feel like Cocoapuff heard her and is trying to prove his manhood lately! Also, my pregnancy giggles have not let up...the latest thing that keeps me laughing is that G calls diapers Baby Panties. I don't know why, but that is SO FUNNY to me!

Merry Christmas! Hopefully I won't be lame this year and I will actually take pictures. :)

Goings on...

2011-12-19T15:31:00.001-06:00

I can't believe that Christmas is so close!! It really snuck up on me this year and doesn't quite seem as festive as usual. Weird. I am really looking forward to some time this weekend to enjoy family.

G is doing well in his new job and we are still so thankful for it. I must admit though, that I wasn't quite prepared for all the changes, I thought I was....but I was wrong. The job is great and a much anticipated change, but it still brings some good stress, which is better than bad stress, but stress nonetheless. It's a whole new ballgame for us. Even though he works fewer hours a week and has weekends, it's been a big change. We aren't able to communicate as much throughout the day and I can't just drop by and see him like I used to. I really miss those little interactions! I know this is just an adjustment period, and we have a lot of big changes in life right now. Soon, this will be our new normal...and then that will change as well. :)

Thanks to the new job, we sure are loving our weekends! Unfortunately, this weekend I got siiiiiick (which is kind of freaky when you're pregnant). My hubby sure did step up to the plate though and blessed me so much. Not only did he take care of me, he also did all of the house chores I would have done early this week so that I could just rest. Since I so rarely get sick, I've never really seen this side of G, it was so precious! I sure am blessed. :)

In other news, we are now biological Aunt and Uncle! Cocoapuff's cuz Sophia was born this week! She is so little and pretty! It was surreal to visit them and think, this could be us in just 7 weeks (or less)! Newborns are so amazing, they put life and God into perspective. Yay for a growing family!!

No belly pic this week, because G is so busy! We will take one soon...this dancing baby is getting BIG! :) That baby ticker on the right says we have 47 days till his due date! Holy cow that's close!! I finished the drapes for Cocoapuff's room this week and have sorted his clothes and boxed up his sweet little things so we can set up his room as soon as possible. 47 days seems way closer than the week or month count! Goodness, I have a lot to do!

Quick to judge

2011-12-17T15:50:00.000-06:00

I recently had a facebook friend post that they had found a wallet and were going to return it the owner. The next post was that the Coach wallet that had been found had 2 WIC cards in it and that the poster had a problem with that.

I don't know if it's called WIC in other areas, but WIC is State food assistance for pregnant/nursing moms and young children (it's need based). I see several possibilities for a woman to have a Coach wallet AND government assistance cards in said wallet.

The wallet could be a cheap knock-off.
The wallet could have been purchased at Goodwill or a garage sale.
The wallet could have been a gift from someone.
The wallet could have been purchased during more affluent/better times.
The wallet could have been won at work for doing a good job.
The wallet could have been purchased by a woman who can afford it and has WIC cards for her foster kids.

Or possibly, that person with the wallet spends their money unwisely. Possibly they did buy an expensive wallet, while tax payers foot the bill for food for her family. The way I see it though, there are a lot of other possibilities.

Why is it so easy to judge so quickly and to choose to believe the worst about someone, someone we don't even know? This little facebook blip made me sad. It made me sad for the unknown Coach wallet lady and sad that this is so common-judge quickly and harshly. That's just yuck.

Week One

2011-12-09T13:49:00.001-06:00

G is headed home from his first week at his new job! It has been quite the busy week. We are so blessed and thankful for this job and George loves it already. I do hope though, that things slow down just a little bit-this was training and orientation week after all.

I'm not sure if I mentioned before the driving aspect of this job. We are so blessed that G's actual work location is in our suburb and only about 15 minutes away. We could not have asked for better. For training however, he had to go to the main office, which is waaaay south. So south, that it requires driving on the interstate for about 24 miles before he even gets to his exit. Before this job, G had never driven this route, or spent that long of a distance on the [poorly planned, over crowded, way too many semis on it] interstate. Monday morning was his first solo run. He turned on the news shortly before leaving for us to find out that the interstate was closed several exits before his due to a terrible accident with fatalities!! Did I mention that it was also hovering around freezing and raining?? My heart sank and tried very hard not to mother my sweet hubby and just to give it to God. We prayed together and he was off. I went back to bed, but just lay there praying for his safety and protection. In record time, G called to say he was there! Apparently they had reopened the road as he left and tons of other commuters had already taken another route. Thank you, Jesus! The driving thing makes me nervous. This week has been a big test for me in who I think my life (and George's) really belongs to. I have to give George back to God over and over again...something I should hurry up and learn since Cocoapuff is coming soon! G has done awesome with the driving and I'm so proud of him!

And since it's my blog, let me just brag on my husband again for 5 seconds. He found out on Monday just how many applicants there were for this position, how many were interviewed and the few that got the job. He is the 1%. Wow! I am very proud of him, but we both also recognize that God is so good to us. I'm excited to see what the future holds.

P.S. I had an awesome baby shower last weekend...I'm still working on a post for that. :)

Walking by faith continued...

2011-12-02T16:25:00.004-06:00

Despite how much I do share about our life, there is still a lot I leave off of the blog. There are a lot of reasons for that, one has been keeping discouraging comments/people at bay...so while in the thick of things, I try to just shut up...I'm only successful sometimes. I think it's time to share some of the recent details of our faith walk.

Over the last few months a LOT has been going on, and all at once it seems. Here are the high points. Sorry, this will be long.

Unemployment. All the unemployment stuff was pretty stressful for me...like more stressful than I anticipated. George was a great support and I am so thankful for him! I got through my hearing and found out the next day that I won. I immediately received the judgment from the hearing officer explaining why I won. I felt very confident in the decision, but more importantly, I felt validated. Then, the day after Thanksgiving I found out that my former employer is challenging the appeal! That was pretty upsetting because this crap just keeps dragging on!! Also, if they win this appeal (which is unlikely, but you never know), I have to pay back my unemployment, so it puts us in an odd financial situation. I'm not sure what will happen next and we don't have a timeline. I'm praying the commissioner who makes the decision sticks to the norm and that there is no hearing...just a quick decision in my favor. More practice in just giving the hard and stressful things over to God.

Housing. As you may have guessed, with George's job situation and the unemployment issue, keeping and/or finding a place to live was getting tricky. I had no clue where we would live or where exactly our Cocoapuff was going to sleep. Some days, that was pretty overwhelming. However, God just kept giving us peace and gentle guidance through it all, we are so thankful. We thought of ways to keep our current little 1 bedroom, but then got the lease renewal info and were shocked by the pricing. To keep rent as low as possible (but still a lot higher than what we pay now) we would have to sign on for another long term lease. A whole year here with a third person did not seem like a good idea (our bedroom is too small for a crib, so baby would be in the dining area, which has no real walls or sound barrier). We checked on a bigger apartment here (small, 1 bedroom/study) and that was super pricey as well! Despite the discouragement, we started checking around and looking into other options. We tried to take our wants off the list and just focus on needs- price, space, location and most importantly, SAFETY. That was harder to find than we thought. Except for God. On a whim, I stopped into an apartment G had been interested in-I hadn't gone in before because I knew we couldn't afford it. Much to my surprise, I was wrong!! This was definitely the place God had for us. A week later, and without really knowing how the future would work out (or even being positive we could make ends meet), we signed a lease for a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom. We'll be moving 3 weeks before Cocoapuff's due date. This apartment has not just our needs, but every want that I tried not to think about. God provided above and beyond for us, even the little things...tile floors, huge closets and no vertical blinds! Our God gave us such a wonderful gift in this apartment and we are so blessed and excited to be able to live there.

Job. Goodness, goodness. There is really too much to say on this one. George had a lot of interviews over the past few months. Notably, there was a very hopeful position with another retail company. G had 3 or 4 interviews with them that all went very well. The position was management, salaried, had benefits and we could see it being a good thing for us. George was offered the job. Only the position was not what had been promised. It was a much lower management position; it had benefits, but no one would tell us what they were, how much they cost, or when they went into effect. Oh, and it wasn't a salary, it was an insultingly low hourly rate and he couldn't have another job to make up for the pay cut. All in all, the title of the job was better than what he had, but the income would be less and there was a lot about it that just wasn't right. It was very hard to turn it down (in addition, there was a lot of other outside relational junk going on that made this situation even harder). We felt very confused and discouraged about God's plan for us and what our future might hold. Things were getting very tough and we could see the bottom of the savings account in the not too distant future. Though disappointed, we doubled our job search efforts and tried to keep brave faces. To our cautious delight, one of the literally dozens of jobs applied for got back to G pretty quickly and the ball started rolling on the interview process.

One month, crazy international paperwork drama, several trips to South Austin, 3 interviews and one branch observation later....G was offered the job!! This one, he accepted. :) We are so, so thankful!!!! This job will provide for our family, has great career potential and insurance will kick in shortly after Cocoapuff arrives. For 23 months (longer, possibly) we have been asking God for a career job and He has given it!! WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!

I have learned a few things from this struggle and process. The biggest thing I've learned is that I cannot know God's timing or reason for allowing/making us wait for things, but that's okay. I've learned to slow down and try to enjoy the wait. I realized that God really does have a plan for us. He has a plan when skies are blue and life is great and He has a plan when we are in the midst of storms and darkness. I have learned we can BOLDLY go to our God with our needs and requests and He really does care-we cannot expect too much of Him. I have learned that obedience and walking by faith can be scary, but it's also wonderful. We try to be wise and to make good decisions-sometimes though, that "wisdom" and "logic" is very earthly. I've learned that the answer is to simply trust in God and follow Him, one scared step at a time. I've learned when you do that, people think you're crazy (and other nasty things).

We want to be very clear that God is our provider, our rock and salvation, in all things and regardless of how we are coping with life's tough times. We trust Him with our eternity and we trust Him with our day to day needs and desires. This job, or any job, is certainly not The Answer. It is however, a wonderful way to receive God's provision and we are thrilled! Over and over again, God takes our impossibles and makes them possible. We are so, so blessed and more grateful than we can express.

Preparing, preparing!!

2011-11-27T21:11:00.004-06:00

With all the uncertainty of job, living situation and finances, I have not been able to prepare for Cocoapuff as much as I thought I would have by now. Until this week! I have had a BLAST preparing for the little guy! :)

It started last week with some mega-coupons and JoAnn (saved a TON by printing coupons from their website...it was way better than the ones they send out in the mail). My mom and dad went with me so we could each use a coupon-and dad waited in the cutting line like a champ! Then, we went to Lowe's...that made up for dad having to suffer through JoAnn and got the needed supplies for refinishing Cocoapuff's crib!!

We bought a very simple crib early on with the intent of refinishing it for a custom look at a fraction of the price. I completely took over our apartment to tackle this project, but now the basic white crib is a rich "Molten Penny". I LOVE IT! Can't wait to see it assembled in his room with all the fabrics. :) I'm not sure how well the final color photographs because it's a metallic w/ shimmer...pics just don't do it justice. I am glad I didn't wait to refinish it 'til we were in the new place as being any bigger would not have worked! Excuse my yucky painting look.

Next, I started on my burp cloth stash!! One of the very few up sides to working at that bad place, was being exposed to lots of different products. One of the items I loved were the Bebe Au Lait burp cloths (Bebe Au Lait and Hooter Hiders are the same fancy company:). Unfortunately, they are expensive....$22 for 3 cloths!! I got a set at a massive discount so I could use it as inspiration. Then, I made my own version. I learned how to make bias tape and had a lot of fun figuring it out. I made 14 of my version for about $14! Boo-yah Bebe Au Lait! The big name one is on the left and mine is on the right.

Yesterday is where the real fun came in! My mom and I spent 6 hours working on Cocoapuff's bedding. I had sketched the design and written out what fabric went where, but when it came time to actually cut it, we certainly needed BOTH of our brains! Ha ha! Here is a little taste of the bumper pads.... BTW, I am aware that bumper pads are pretty controversial, and I have made an informed decision to use them. ;)

The bed skirt was a super fun project and ended up being a hybrid of several different paper patterns and online tutorials.

Here is a taste of the skirt...that rug won't be in the baby's room, but it looks kind of cool with it. :)

I am so thankful for a great sewing machine, for having been taught how to sew, for being able to prepare for my baby and I am most thankful for having such a great mom to do these things with!!

It's really fun to be pregnant as we approach Christmas. I think a lot about Mary and how she prepared for Jesus. I wonder what her swaddling cloths were like and what other things she did in anticipation for his arrival. Fun thought. And here is the 30 week bump. This little boy is getting BIG!

It finally happened...

2011-11-27T13:16:00.003-06:00

Generally, I'm not a very fearful person. However, since I've been pregnant, I have been afraid of falling-I'm not sure why, but it's The Big Scary to me.

On Black Friday, we had an immigration appointment. The appointment went amazingly well-it was super fast and easy and COMPLETELY drama free. As we left the immigration center and headed to the car, it finally happened. I'm not sure what led to what, but before I knew it, in all my pregnant glory, I ate it!! I had slammed down on my knee and ended up on my butt half way on the sidewalk and halfway in the parking lot.

Thankfully, G was with me and I think even slowed the fall and thankfully, The Belly was safe and Cocoapuff is fine. My one pair of awesome Pea in the Pod maternity jeans on the other hand, ripped!! (And of course I got them on a great deal, so I can't replace them for what I paid.) I wasn't quite sure at one point if I was crying because I was scared of hurting Cocoapuff, because I was embarrassed, because my knee hurt or because I ruined my jeans!

So since it finally happened, I hope the fear of falling and the actual falling part is out of my system...I've reached my quota. I'm also hoping I can find a great Cyber Monday deal on some new maternity jeans.

Thanksgiving!!

2011-11-23T15:10:00.003-06:00

I sure do love this time of year and I really love that we slow down and take a moment to just be thankful.

This is the first Thanksgiving since we were kids that all the siblings AND my dad will be here (he usually works on Thanksgiving). Aaaaand, it's the first time ever that all of us are together with our spouses. Wonderful!

This has been a VERY tough year for most of my family. There has been a lot of loss and heartache. There's been a lot of hurt (and when one of us hurts, many of us hurt right along with them). There has been a lot of painful waiting...and silence from our great God. There's been higher than usual amounts of stress on most of us. There's been struggling on many, many fronts. Frankly, it's been really hard.

Except for God. Because of Him, that's not the end of the story. Our God has come to us and blessed us in more ways than we can count, and maybe even more ways than we will ever know. He has and continues to bring healing to our hearts and to the hurt that lingers. He has a plan in the midst of all the waiting...sometimes He shares the plan, other times, not so much. Even in that though, we are not without hope, we are not without faith, and we are certainly not alone. He has reminded us to lean not on our own understanding and to keep giving our stress and our troubles back to Him. NONE of us has gone without needs! God continues to provide for us in BIG ways. He hears our prayers and answers us and He comes to us in our time of need. I am so thankful for that and I am so thankful that I am in a family that celebrates that as well.

God is so good to us. Happy Thanksgiving!

Joy Thieves

2011-11-18T10:48:00.003-06:00

I go to a Bible Study at church on Thursdays and I've really been enjoying it. We have a lecture (which is always great!) and then break up into a small group for discussion. It's been a huge blessing to me and I want to share some of it.

Last week, a woman was sharing something her husband had just said to her. He told her, "Comparison is the thief of all joy." It got me to thinking about joy and how if I allow it to happen, it really can be stolen away. I will admit, while comparing "stuff" isn't a gigantic struggle for me, comparing character and what I think the related blessings are, is. For instance, I don't really covet people's specific jobs or salary, but I might look at someone and think, "That person doesn't even work half as hard as my husband does and/or he doesn't care about God at all and look at the great job he has." Doing that really steals the joy and diminishes the blessing I have in an amazing hard working husband. I do NOT want to do that!

This statement got me to thinking, what else do I allow to steal my joy? One area has been anxiety over pregnancy weight gain...yes, I'm serious. I was super freaking out about the weight gain (something everyone KNOWS is gonna happen and is healthy!!) and I really was letting it steal some of the joy of this amazing pregnancy. I'm working on giving it back to God anytime that anxiety creeps up and focusing on the joy of a healthy, smooth pregnancy.

Here is my huge one. People and my emotions toward them. I allow people and their asinine comments or actions to rain on my parade and steal my joy, not just once, but over and over again! You have probably gathered this about me. I don't want that to keep happening. I'm not going to let the joy of life in general, or big or small events be trampled or stolen either by people specifically or by my lack of control in my emotions towards those people. I am working on "...taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ." Some days, it's pretty easy, other days....not so much.

I am thankful for a great Bible Study.

The Thanksgiving cut...

2011-11-16T20:05:00.000-06:00

In celebration of life, health and with Thanksgiving on the brain and in my heart, I made the cut! 11 inches to be exact. Sending my hair off to Pantene to be made into a wig for a cancer patient. Happy early Thanksgiving!! P.S. I hate self taken pictures.

Nieces & Nephews

2011-11-09T09:25:00.003-06:00

My little sister and her hubby are embarking on a new adventure....Foster Parenting!!

Ryan and Tiffany

They got licensed today and could get placed at any moment! I will admit, when I first heard they wanted to do this I was worried for them and wondered how much they had thought this through and if they realized how hard this would be (but I didn't say any of that to her, just asked some pointed questions;). While love and concern made me think that way, it was kind of silly because we are all called to do hard things and that shouldn't slow us down from obedience. I'm sure people are thinking the same about us right now! I prayed for them and for this adventure and God has made it clear that this is what they are called to do. I am very proud of them and so excited for their faith walk and new adventure.

While George and I are not called to this same mission right now, we have a huge part to play-my whole family does, really. The children who will come in and out of my sister and brother in-law's home are going to be needy. They are most likely not from Christian homes and their time in foster care may be the only time in their lives that they have a real family and a Christ loving one at that! While Ryan and Tiffany will care for these kids full time, our family will be a much needed support system. We have the opportunity to make a BIG impact in the lives of these little ones!

I am excited to see what the future holds and am praying for my future "nieces and nephews" however many that is and however long they are in our lives! The holidays may be verrry interesting this year. ;)

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

Birthday Boy!

2011-11-09T09:21:00.000-06:00

Today is my hot husband's 30th Birthday!!

I am SO THANKFUL for him! He is so wonderful! He's loving, supportive, patient, kind, outgoing, funny, thoughtful, gorgeous, talented, smart, wise, humble, HARD WORKING, loyal, sweet and all around the best guy ever!! I am very, very blessed to be married to him and this baby is one fortunate guy to have George as his daddy!

I wanted today to be super special since 30 seems like a big deal, but as is usual for this man, he's working 13 hours today. No major gifts this year, and no time for a major celebration today, but it's a good day anyway. I'm filling it with all his favorites (to start, Chick-Fil-A for breakfast:) and making sure he knows just how awesome he is. Hopefully, we will get to REALLY celebrate soon! Happy 30th my Love!!

How exactly does this kid get out?

2011-11-08T10:17:00.003-06:00

Last night was our first childbirth class. It was fun and funny. We made it a real date and followed it up with a hearty dessert!! (And btw, I found out yesterday that my glucose test was clear, no gestational diabetes...so we had to celebrate!)

The class was full of information and very relaxed, I am so glad we are taking it and look forward to the next 5 weeks.

Of course, there was a movie of an actual labor and delivery (on a GIGANTIC screen). I looked around and several of the dads in the class were hiding their faces! Thankfully, George was not one of them. He did comment afterwards that the husband sure did do a lot of work, he must have been tired. Ummmmm.....I'm just gonna leave that alone. The baby from the movie was 8lb 9oz and nearly everyone gasped or made comments about what a huge baby that was, I think some of those people are gonna be in for a huge surprise! lol!

The biggest thing G learned last night was that he will have to time contractions (I guess I forgot to mention that...oh yeah, and that we will stay home as long as possible, that was a surprise to him too)...they also told him how to do it. One step closer to being prepared.

We filled out a questionnaire with general info and had the opportunity to specify a topic we were most interested in having covered. Someone may or may not have said, "What do I do when the baby comes out?" So. Flippin. Funny. I didn't write that down.

We got to know some of the other couples in class and the topic of staying home with baby came up. One mom seemed kind of sad when I said I would and her husband made a joke about why they need her to work. I felt bad for her and blessed at the same time. Staying home to raise our baby is a conviction, a step of obedience and a sacrifice for us. One we think is well worth it. For now, everything seems to be lining up for us to continue with that plan. We are so thankful for a loving God who meets our needs and we pray that we will continue to be good stewards so we can follow through for the long haul.

Oh, and here is little dude at 27 weeks...

Happy November!!

2011-11-01T11:33:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it's November already! I love November and we have a lot of big and fun things happening this month, most notably:

George's 30th Birthday!!
3rd trimester starts. :)
Unemployment hearing. :-/
THANKSGIVING!!!!
Gingerbread Lattes at Starbucks. Woot woot!!

I'm anxious about my hearing (which is Thursday!) but happy to get it over with. I think I am prepared as I can be.

I can't believe how fast this baby and his arrival are approaching. There's been another glitch in the whole living situation thing, but it will be okay. I'm not sure how, but I'm just givin' it back to God.

I'm excited for G's Birthday and hope we have more than just aging to celebrate! I want to make it a special day for him, even though it looks like he'll work all. day. long.

I love me some Thanksgiving!! I love that we spend sweet times together as a family, I love all the delicious food and I love that we slow down and recount God's goodness to us, especially in the midst of trials. This has been a tough year for a lot of my family members and I know many of us are looking forward to the encouragement and joy of Thanksgiving and to the dedicated time to thank God as we move forward.

And it's just Fall-ish and wonderful. We are really trying to slow down and take joy in the small things...things like a great cup of coffee on a chilly morning. Things like watching little birds and being reminded that God is caring for those little birds, how much more for us?

I post a lot about our worries or the hard things happening, it really helps me to process when I write it down and get it out. I don't want to give a one sided picture though, we are happy and very blessed in spite of our circumstances...I just don't need to "process" that as much. :)

Happy November!!

Great Expectations.

2011-10-26T15:31:00.005-05:00

This week has been one of the most difficult weeks G and I have shared, spiritually speaking. We have some big decisions to make (and the clock is ticking) a lot of things to consider and not a lot of clear direction. I prayed and prayed that this exact situation we're in would not happen, and here we are.

I am exhausted and not handling this quite as well as I would like, I want to "give up" but I'm not even sure what that means. Partially, it's the whole pregnancy and intense emotions thing, and partially, this is just hard and it's not my turn anymore. I used to be Miss Take Charge-I had the answers, I had a plan & I would do it. Now, it's G's turn and I'm happy for him to take the lead. It doesn't exactly make it easy though.

I wish I could adequately share how amazing he is. I wish there were the right words to say to convey what a selfless, hard working, sacrificial husband he is. I am amazed and so, so thankful.

I heard back from unemployment this week. My appeal is coming up. I got a packet with all the stuff my employer said about me. It was creepy and full of lies. It made me feel trashed all over again and mad that people like them get away with crap and treating people so terribly. It also made me immensely thankful to be out of that place. I can't wait for this aspect of yuckiness to be over.

I keep going back to how and where God was leading us...especially to that place several months ago when we were excited for this adventure and pumped to see where it lead. The direction was simple: stop trusting in a job and start fully trusting in God. We didn't have a lot more than that, but we had confidence that our God would see us through. Some days, that is easier said than done. I feel like we are in that place of trusting God where somebody turned the lights out-we aren't sure which way is what or who is with us...it's just very dark.

I've been thinking a lot about our Cocoapuff's nursery. I had hoped we would get to have one and that I would be able to prepare it before he came. I have the paint, fabric, furniture and art picked out, and let me tell you, it's a great nursery! It might be time to shelf that dream for now. It makes me sad to do that and confused, since God has given me the talent and desire to make a beautiful home, but I guess I can make a pretty Master Bedroom/Nursery too. It's certainly not the end of the world and of course he'll be in our room in the beginning regardless, but dreaming and planning toward his place was a major bright spot for me. It will be a challenge since our bedroom is small, but we'll make it work.

We had some tough blows relationally not too long ago and a lot of the words that were spoken have come back to hurt all over again...especially in regards to some of those big decisions this week. I'm trying hard to give that back to God and focus on His truths for us, instead of other people's opinions, but it's hard. It also makes me very mindful of my words. The thing about words is, you can't unhear them or take them back. I want to be very careful not to dole out hurtful words that keep coming back, or words that aren't quite true. We've had a lot of broken promises lately, a lot of hopes set high because someone told us something that wasn't true. That hurts too, a lot. Words, they're tricky.

God is a complex fellow. We've been delving into His Word and trying to better understand His character and the depth of His involvement in our lives. I don't want Him in a box and I don't want to miss out on what He has for us. I'm confused about what that is though. I know He is great and can and will do great things. I also know that bad things happen to Christians and non-Christians alike. I really love the Psalms and the ongoing story of travail and triumph over and over again! Confidence in the unfailing God and an anguish that asks where He has gone. This is life. It was life then and is life now and the same truths remain.

I feel a lot like the Psalmist lately. Some days I am a total cheerleader for God's miracles and great love for us. I can go on and on about how huge He showed up in scripture and in the lives of people I know (and our life!). I can tell you with full conviction that He doesn't need the perfect job, economy, resume or interview, but that He WILL provide and in a BIG way. And other days, I am with the Psalmist in my utter despair, saying, "How long O Lord?" On those days I can think of all the bad things that happen to people who love God and are following Him. On those days I cry like the Psalmist as well, cry to God and just cry.

Despite my emotions, despite my circumstances, despite my bad days, despite how my heart aches for my husband in a way I didn't know was possible, despite how things looks on paper, I am not giving up-we are not giving up. We have GREAT expectations! We don't know what our life will look like tomorrow, or next week, or next year, but God does. And really, that's probably the best place to be. We are fully relying on God, some days by choice and some days because He's all we've got. We love our God, even when we don't understand Him and we are truly thankful for His provision and blessings on us.

2011-10-25T11:03:00.002-05:00

I've tried to just focus on posting good or happy or surface things, cause the deep stuff hurts. There's not a lot to share that fits in that first category right now. It's been a hard week. I am really struggling to keep my emotions in check and to keep trusting our great God. I feel like I'm being toyed with and I'm lonely. Still hoping and praying for change....

Extreme Couponing??

2011-10-21T10:54:00.005-05:00

I've been hearing a lot about this extreme couponing thing and I would love to save money anywhere I can, so I finally caught an episode at my mom's house. Ummmm.....what?! That show is insane and I was totally in shock (I know, I'm way behind in figuring this out). Aside from the fact that there is some serious hoarding going on, no one seems to be buying ANYTHING fresh (since there aren't coupons for the great healthy things that are grown or raised on a farm)! They buy a lot of junk, like tons of soda, candy bars and unrecognizable preservative laden stuff or just empty carbs, because it has a coupon. There don't even seem to be coupons for the semi-healthy shelf stable stuff. On top of that, these people are getting money BACK from their grocery stores-that just won't work in our area, I checked! So I'll keep using coupons when I can and shopping the sales, but I will never be an extreme couponer.

What I might be though, is an extreme shopper! I love finding great deals on high quality items that I love. My very first credit card was a Banana Republic store card-I got it on my 18th Birthday. It had a low limit and could only be used at the Gap family stores. Over the years, it somehow morphed into a Visa card and the limit got higher and higher. The perk is that I still get awesome reward coupons for the money we spend, so we use it as our family card. This month, we got a reward and I was determined to make it stretch as far as possible. I checked out Old Navy and the Banana Republic and Gap factory stores, but there was nothing that I really loved for any of us. Lucky for me, there is a mall on the way home from Bible Study, so I hit up BabyGap (side note:I love BabyGap- their clothes hold up so well to washing and wearing and the retail stores seem to always have a great sale or promo going on). Total score! They were having a sale on their sale items! I got a whole bag of cute things for Cocoapuff! The original retail price for all of it was $119, they were on sale, then an additional discount was taken off, then I applied my "reward" for a grand total of $0.44! Pretty cool, huh? I may not be able to do that at the grocery store, but I'll take what I can get! Here are a few of my favorites... The mushrooms are too darn cute! I got the matching hat for this one...the hat is bigger than the outfit, just in case he has a big ol' head like his Uncle. ;)

My little Cocoapuff is gonna be so stinkin' cute wearing that!!

In other much more important news: Immigration is SENT!!!! It is out of my hands and out of my house. I feel like a weight has been lifted and am confident in the paperwork we sent. Hopefully there are no bumps in the road and everything will be processed smoothly.

Pregnant and loving it!

2011-10-14T11:19:00.003-05:00

I love being pregnant!

I think God is so cool that He came up with this whole pregnancy thing and I am having so much fun with it! Here are some of my favorite pregnancy things...

Sleep! I have always been someone who takes a loooong time to fall asleep and then would toss and turn a lot and get woken up easily. Not anymore! I sleep like a rock! So much so, that I am just a little bit concerned about this becoming a habit and not being able to wake up with Cocoapuff. My mom assures me that won't happen. :)

Hair. Though my hair still doesn't do quite what I want it to do, it seems a lot thicker and looks better after styling longer than it did before. Who doesn't want that? So glamorous!

The belly. I'm diggin' the belly! It makes getting dressed so much more fun because you can show off your belly instead of always trying to make it look smaller.

Eating. As you know, I'm all about healthy/clean/organic eating and try to eat that way as much as possible-even before pregnancy. But NOW it's just so much more fun! I think about what foods I eat helps Cocoapuff grow and what he "likes"-so far, I much prefer salty foods rather than sweets. Maybe he's gearing up for football Sundays with the guys? The other great food side effect is that I can say, "I think Cocoapuff really want this." and POW! I get it. I try not to abuse that power. George on the other hand tries to use it as much as possible, but no matter what he says, Cocoapuff still does not want a fast food burger. Sorry Babe.

Movement. Feeling Cocoapuff move is the most amazing thing. George asked me one day if he's playing. Good question, but try not to ponder that too much. He has started moving in response to music (so far he like Jesus music and College Indie the most-funny, me too!) which I think is so cool. He seems to stick his butt out at night and that cracks me up...based on his family, this could be him practicing his editorial comments...yep, he's ahead of the curve.

So I say all that to say that this is great and I'm glad that in the midst of job, financial and immigration stress, that we have this precious baby to look forward to. I want to keep enjoying every moment and miss anything by being in a rush.

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.

Psalm 139:13-18

23 weeks, etc.

2011-10-10T14:20:00.003-05:00

23 weeks! I can't believe how quickly time seems to be passing! I'm also happy that we have 17 more weeks to prepare for our little guy. In Cocoapuff development this week, he is growing nipples! How nice, he might look a little odd without them. :) And here's a bump update. Keep on cookin' baby!

I get to send immigration paperwork next week. Instead of feeling terrified that something bad will happen or that I'm gonna mess things up, I am feeling excited to reach this milestone and to be able to move forward! I still lay awake at night thinking of the immigration to-dos and make sure I haven't forgotten anything, but things are much more chill.

I made Cocoapuff a stuffed elephant out of Ghana fabric. Much to my surprise, it's cute! I'm excited to have time to brush up on my sewing skills. However, this pregnant thing is messing with my left brain-right brain communication. I can no longer sew by pressing buttons, I must have the pedal. I feel like such a dork!

The weather here has been really tough lately-extreme heat and drought and terrible fires. This weekend, it RAINED!!! Rain is so encouraging to me! There is a pond by our apartment that has been completely dried up for months-like cracked dirt, desert looking dried up. It made me sad every time I saw it. Now, the pond is full again! I feel so encouraged when I see it, like it somehow means we're gonna get filled up too.

Once upon a time...

2011-10-05T20:49:00.002-05:00

G and I have been reminiscing a lot lately about when we first met and "the early days" of our relationship.

I told him all over again about when I first set eyes on him back in 2006 in Akatsi. I wanted to marry him-maybe even knew that I would. That still makes him feel pretty good about himself. :) I had no idea what would lie ahead, but even if I did, I wouldn't change anything.

We laughed at remembering the first time I took a tro-tro from Hohoe to Ho to see him-ALL BY MYSELF! For some reason, it was kind of a big deal for me. I learned for the first time though, that G's mom loving chastised him for letting me do that, which is why I didn't travel much alone beyond then. Haha!

We really laughed about the time that I had malaria and his mom gave me Martin's Liver Salts, as though it were just indigestion. For some reason that remedy didn't work.

We still feel a little bit sad when we think of the hard goodbyes we said. But we are joyful all over again when we remember his dramatic entrance to the US and how I waited and waited at the airport because I was not. leaving. without. him.

We are glad that though there were so, SO many people who had issues with my going to Ghana in the first place, that I held on to my convictions and that God made a way for us. He made a way for us then, He's made a way for us all throughout our relationship and He's making a way for us now.

What a story. We love remembering the good times...and the bad. I love that we will share this story with our kids. I love our life, even on the hard days (or maybe especially on the hard days, it seems that's when love is really put to the test) and I love that the moments we are living now will unravel into something great as well.

Deeeeeep breaths...

2011-10-01T14:31:00.005-05:00

As you may remember, George's visa is conditional, based on our relationship and it's legitimacy. This month, we file to remove the conditions. That entails some basic paperwork, more money than I think is reasonable for someone to review the case (some biometrics at some point), and as much proof as possible that we really and truly are a loving couple and not visa fraudsters.

Well, anyone who knows us can plainly see that our relationship has absolutely nothing to do with immigration. We are in this together, forever, regardless of the country we live in or the paperwork we have to submit.

It seems so simple and non-emotional when put that way. Where was this logic at midnight last week?

Here's the kicker. We're dealing with the government. There are no rules or outlines as to how much proof is enough. And besides, how do you prove you love someone on a piece of paper? Co-mingling of property and money isn't exactly something you do because you love someone and have a legit relationship-it just happens...or doesn't on the more complicated things. Living together in and of itself doesn't prove love. A life insurance policy can be cancelled at any moment. Seriously, all these hoops and paperwork formalities don't prove a legit relationship.

It's hard to quantify things like, I will stick by his side no. matter. what. How can you notarize that he is still patient and loving even if I cry everyday over ridiculous things? (btw, it's not really everyday, it just seems that way sometimes) How do you have certified paperwork that includes things like I pick up his favorite cookies whenever I can? How can you prove you go visit someone for lunch, just because you love them and missed them over the last 5 hours? You can't easily quantify that you listen quietly to some of the most annoying "gospel" music ever because he loves it and it reminds him of home. We don't have any pictures of G surprising me by doing chores around the house or making the bed upside down. I have no documents that can attest to the fact that on most nights, when we go to bed, it takes us hours to actually go to sleep because we are talking about the day, praying for and dreaming of the future and laughing about all sorts of silly things. Those things don't transfer very well to government accepted documents.

While all of that was going through my mind, I was also thinking about all the documents we can send, and how some don't seem to be working out very well. I was thinking about how all of this is my responsibility and that if something is wrong, it's all my fault. I was thinking about how hard it was to be apart and how it might kill me to do again. I was freaking out about all the what ifs...what ifs that I will barely let myself think all the way through. And in a hormonal explosion, it all came tumbling out! I am scared.

And my sweet, sweet husband was my rock again and spent a lot of time talking me down even though he was exhausted. He asked me the hard "what if" questions, helped me work on a game plan and helped me realize that everything will be okay. I believe him.

Immigration is not fun. However, we will get through it. I'm so glad I have my man by my side!

My Baby Boy

2011-09-27T09:08:00.003-05:00

We are just so in love with our little half cooked baby! We think about him all the time and imagine what life will be like when he is here.

Recently, he has become very active! We can both feel him wiggling around now and when he's super spunky, you can see my belly moving with him. He gets more active than usual (and in my opinion, seems to especially love it) when we read the Bible out loud-I love that!

I've never been a huge meat eater, but recently, I have an even smaller desire for meat. Maybe this baby will be a vegetarian? Haha, just kidding....my brothers would die!

I embellished a newborn size onesie with little guy's initial (Yes, we know his name! No, we aren't sharing!) it was waaaaaay harder than a 12 month onesie! Those things are tiny! Even though the tiny baby shirt isn't completely fabulous, it makes me smile every time I look at it...our cute son will wear it!

We think (but especially me, since I think too much) a lot about who this baby will be and what his life will be like. We pray for him often and pray for our parenting as well. I don't really care what our son does as a profession when he is grown, I'm not one of those people who thinks, "My son, the Dr...the lawyer...the CEO." What I do care about, a LOT, is his character and that is something that we have the power (with God's help and guidance) to shape and mold in him. Of course I want him to love the Lord, but there's more to it than that. I want him to ask hard questions and seek out the answers. I want him to be strong and tender hearted at the same time. I want him to be honest with himself and others. I want him to stand up for what he believes in and stand up for others as well. I want him to be a leader who doesn't trample or belittle. I want him to seek what God has for him and do it, regardless of the cost or what other people think about him. I want him to forgive and to ask forgiveness quickly. I want him to be creative and to use the gifts God has given him. I want him to love God's Word and hide it in his heart. I want him to marvel at God's creation. I want him to be content and to take great joy in the little things. I want him to be outgoing, without being self seeking or a story-topper. I want him to love his family dearly. I want him to be driven and hardworking, without being a workaholic. I want him to strive to do all things with excellence. I want him to be funny and to enjoy this wonderful life.

That's a lot, it may even seem like too much to put on a little baby who isn't even born yet. I don't think so though. His dad, his uncles and his Pops have these character qualities (I said them because they are men, but he's got some pretty kickin' women in his life too!)...he will have a lot of role models who love him and help us shepherd him. What a wonderful blessing!

Keep Calm & Carry On

2011-09-23T10:35:00.002-05:00

There has been SO MUCH emotional energy flowing over the past several weeks that I might have just used up all of my emotions! I'm very much in a keep calm and carry on place.

Yesterday, I had a tough conversation with a friend. A conversation that left me feeling hurt and judged and just sad. This isn't the first time this has happened, but I had been protecting George's feelings before, so this was the first time I told him about it. And I told him aaallllll about it. He was, well, mad? hurt? I'm not sure exactly how to quantify it, but he was certainly fired up and more affected by it than I thought he would be. As we sat together holding hands and discussing what had happened, it dawned on me- we are okay. And we're going to be okay! While people's opinions and judgements hurt, they aren't necessarily true and they don't determine the future. We're not sure about the purpose of "community" since my preferred method of isolation during tough times seems prevent a lot of heartache, but we are okay nonetheless.

We know that in this moment, we are where we're supposed to be. No one else can know that but us-no one else is hearing the same thing from God and walking in our shoes, down our path. Our tough spot is not a result of a bad resume or poor interviewing skills, or any other man made, man fixable issue. I don't know why we are here, but we are. I also know, God is still listening and He is doing something!

I am constantly amazed as I read about the development of our baby and as I feel him kick and move around. Our great God came up with this! It's completely mind blowing! That is one HUGE and amazing God! Needing a job and a place to live and way to pay for medical care is a man-sized problem. God can handle it and it's not wrong of me to expect Him to do so.

I told G last night that sometimes I just want to hide out with our baby. He laughed and asked if he would come home and find me in the laundry room. That's not what I mean though-I haven't quite entered crazyville. I mean, I'm so happy to have this baby and I love him so much and he hasn't had any disappointments yet. No one has hurt his heart. "The Church" has not let him down, he has not felt the crush of God's silence. That won't last long and I want to savor it and rest in knowing that for now, he is safe from all the crap that gets hurled our way. That probably sounds silly to some of you, but it's how I feel.

Bumps in the road...

2011-09-20T16:54:00.003-05:00

This week has started off tough (again!) but already seems to be taking a turn for the better.

I found out yesterday that I am being denied my unemployment rights. That was shocking and very upsetting to me, since obviously that money would be helpful and much needed right now. I didn't find out the reason until today. Get this- insubordination. Yes, you read that right, not signing an erroneous document (and might I mention illegal in areas) was in direct 'disobedience' to my supervisor. Blah, blah! That was NOT a fun thing to hear....this company seems to be able to keep taking pot shots at me and it kind of hurts. Things aren't over yet though....

There have been lots of little things that have been adding up to be big things and that always sucks. Lots of little bumps in the road.

Thankfully, God has put me in a great family! My husband is always so strong and so full of faith, especially when I am not. My dad seems to have the uncanny ability to know exactly when I'm having a REEEALLY hard time and always calls me at that exact moment. He won't let me stay isolated or cry alone. My mom is always there for me to text, talk or to let me come to her office and just be. And then there's my sister, if you've known me (or read this blog) for a long time you know we have had our struggles. God has grown us so much recently and it has been such a blessing. Last night, as I settled in for a night of quiet, possibly sad contemplation, I heard a knock on my door. I thought, "Oh great! Who is that?!" and snuck to the door quietly to peer through the peep-hole. Tiffany was standing there with the biggest Decaf Pumpkin Spice Latte I have ever seen! We cried a little, but then we laughed and talked and ate and laughed some more. There are several more sweet friends who are daily on their knees praying for us- they send us e-mails and texts with verses or details about how they pray. They contact people they know about jobs. And sometimes, they leave beer and burgers on our porch. I am thankful for this network of friends and family.

Not all bumps are bad bumps though! This one is by far my favorite!

We love our Cocoapuff so, so much! We are so blessed that God is growing him into our family and giving us this great, great joy! Things are looking up...

Happy Day!

2011-09-16T10:38:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was our "Super Sono" or Anatomy Scan as the medical types like to say. It was such a huge blessing and delight for us to see our baby in the midst of this tough, tough week.

Everything checks out great! Cocoapuff is on target in growth and completely average-nothing out of the ordinary. We were so happy to hear that and then to find out that our baby is a BOY!! G is the only person who thought he was boy and he's glad that he was right! While I thought it was a girl, I was thrilled to learn he is a boy and have completely switched my thinking to 100% boy! We love our little Cocoapuff so much and it's so fun to be able think of him as our son!

Pondering...

2011-09-14T19:32:00.002-05:00

This has been a very hard week for me. Writing is good for me, it helps me clear my mind and articulate my thoughts, but posting isn't always good for me...we'll see how this one ends up.

I have been waiting and praying and waiting and praying. I am trusting God for His provision and reminding Him of our obedience and His own character. God hasn't shown up yet in ways we can see, but that doesn't mean He isn't moving.

Today, I seriously swallowed my pride and went to a clinic/Dr. group that takes all patients, regardless of their health insurance status. They have a sliding pay scale based on income. I LOVE my current Dr. but felt like under the circumstances, my preference was not important and I just need to have good care for Cocoapuff. This was very difficult for me because of the stigma our culture has on uninsured people. I tried to stay optimistic though and hoped for the best, I saw this as an opportunity for God to provide. I walked into the waiting room and my heart sank. It was a huge, cold, unfriendly waiting room full of desperate faces. Though this group takes insured people as well, in reality, it's a clearinghouse for the down and out. My heart broke for the people I saw, and a little for myself too. The staff was not friendly or warm, there were signs posted as if all the patients were idiots, and it seemed like a cattle call. I watched a desperate woman try to get care for her daughter while she waited for Medicaid to come through. She told the office girl that she had no money to pay, but that she was applying for sooo many jobs, "Really, I've applied for so many jobs!" It took all I had not to burst into tears. I have been thinking of her a lot lately. My health questionnaire had a lot more questions on it than normal ones do, a lot about lifestyle (and baaaad choices) I felt humiliated and judged, but I kept my sweet little baby in mind. I was finally called by a not quite friendly lady who talked way too fast and ushered into a tiny, hot office. She asked me tons of questions and looked at recent pay stubs. In the end, I was told we are not eligible for any help and make too much money for a discount, regardless of the fact that two of the jobs represented are now gone. I was then told that I could see a strange Dr. and pay approximately $300 for said Dr. to confirm I am pregnant. I said no thanks and left. I'm not sure what the purpose of today's little outing was. I felt like I was doing my part to do what will be best for us now and in the future, both health wise and financially...it didn't work. Then again, waiting on God hasn't been so great either.

I'm very confused, I'm kind of upset and I'm a little worried about what our future holds.

I visited with a concerned friend this morning. She asked me questions like, what do I expect God's provision to look like? She encouraged me to keep on keeping on and to trust in our great God.

It got me to thinking. When things get really hard, I get quiet and I retreat. I don't want to talk to people and I don't want to be too open about how hard things really are. So that leaves people worried about us and wondering what's up. So maybe I'll share a little more.

Things are hard. Really, really hard. I have a lot of questions for God and He isn't answering me.

I'm a little upset that obeying God and following what we believe His plans are for us has at this point left us worse off than when we were goin' at it ourselves. That seems totally messed up to me! On the flip side, I know we aren't seeing everything. How do you live an abundant life without abundance? I'm working on that.

Are we ALWAYS going to struggle in this way? Is this a season or do I need to get used to this whole poor thing?

My husband works so hard and he's so amazing and has so much to offer. I want the best for him and the best job for him. Doesn't God see those things too?

I wish I were more naive. I have seen a lot to be as young as I am. I don't have the fresh faith that says, "Everything will be totally fine, God is BIG." I know it doesn't always work out that way, even though God is big. This past year I watched a dear and faithful, obedient missionary family suffer through months of treatment as they cried out to God for healing and then watched their little boy die. Everything was not totally fine, and sometimes, that's just how it is. God wasn't wrong to allow that to happen and didn't promise them (or anyone else) that their children would live 'til their 80s. But it sucks and it's hard and it's a suffering that will never go away for them. Why does that happen?

When I look back over this year, I know we have made the right decisions. I know George is faithfully working hard and looking for a job. I know Cocoapuff is in God's timing. I know that at some level this is where we are supposed to be. I still don't get the whole job and insurance thing though...I'm thinking the lillies of the field are one upping us at the moment.

I thought I was strong, I strive to be strong. I am not.

I love my husband so much and I'm so thankful we are together and that we are in this together. For the record, we are doing great as a couple.

Things seem to get worse everyday...I rarely get any encouragement. That makes it hard to be optimistic. However, we are still not desperate and we are still not without hope.

I love God and I know He loves us too. I am blessed by what we do have, overjoyed by the family He has placed me in and given me and glad that we do not walk alone. However, I sure am confused by Him lately!

2011-09-13T21:04:00.001-05:00

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

Ups and downs

2011-09-08T14:51:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was a hard day for me. It seemed like every little trouble and worry we have, plus those big ones (you know, like a job and health insurance) were bearing down on me. Add in the whole pregnant thing and there were definitely tears! As usual, my husband and parents were great sources of encouragement. Though nothing has really changed, today is a better day. I am remembering and trusting in God's promises. I'm also praying that things don't get any worse before they get better!

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-34

Something happened...

2011-09-07T11:55:00.004-05:00

Yesterday G found out that the job he makes the most doing and works the most hours will be closing his store. He's been given two weeks notice.

This is obviously not an easy pill to swallow. G is very concerned about our family and how he will provide for us. This news came as a serious surprise. When I found out, I wasn't too upset. I have great faith that God has an amazing plan for us and that He is going to show up soon.

That was yesterday, today is different (in comes rant). I shared this news with some people and asked for prayer. I asked for prayer only- not advice, not help, not opinions, just prayer. Sometimes people don't seem to get that all you need to do is say, "I'm here, I'm praying and God is big." That's all I want!! Instead, what I've been getting from some people are stupid suggestions that don't help us, that don't show much hope for our situation or even suggest that my husband can do or is worth having a really great job. That really hurts my feelings...and it kind of makes me mad.

We are open to what God has for us (Obviously! We're pregnant and will be living off of one part time retail job because we're "trusting"!!). But lame-a** jobs that are worse than what we currently have, make it impossible to have a real family life and have NO career growth indicate a level of desperation that we don't have. We aren't desperate because we have God. And yes, contrary to popular belief, we know how to use job searches, we know all the major companies in the area, we search constantly and we've tried it all!! Furthermore, just because X employer floods your e-mail box with their open jobs doesn't mean they are good jobs or that they are really hiring-I have a whole list of companies that fit on that list!

I don't know what we're going to do. I do know that this is not a surprise to God. Please, please pray for us!! And beware, if you give me any stupid suggestions like, "Has he tried that gas station 45 miles away? They are hiring for a night position...I think it's $8 an hour" I might just hurt you!

All sorts of things...

2011-09-05T11:39:00.006-05:00

It's time for a Cocoapuff update and a life in general update.

Cocoapuff has "popped" as they say and I'm now sporting a little baby belly. None of my sized clothes fit-none, so I am officially into maternity clothes, even though they are a little big. Now of course I'm excited about this because it means our baby is growing and my maternity clothes are super adorable. George, on the other hand is ecstatic about the baby bump!! He enjoys pointing out how "huge" my stomach is. He LOVES to see that our baby is growing and is so excited about every little change. He tells me all the time how much he loves watching my belly grow and how fun it is when your wife is pregnant-it is truly sweet!

Now that I'm not working full time, I have gotten back to the gym regularly and I love it! I just feel better about the day when I've gone to work out, and if I reeeeally want to eat something that maybe isn't 100% healthy, I feel better about that too.

The break in the heat is a VERY welcome surprise! It only got to about 90 today and it was wonderful! I went on a long walk, opened the windows in our apartment and really enjoyed cleaning with the breeze coming in. I can't wait for Fall!!

These fires are INSANE! I feel like all of Central TX is on fire! I feel bad for the misplaced families and for the hard working firefighters. One day, I hope I can have a big house and host people who need a place to stay.

I'm really hoping that I don't have to postpone our sonogram due to the whole insurance thing...I want to know who this baby is! There are no updates on insurance coverage or jobs, but we're still keeping the faith.

Even though things aren't perfect and we certainly have some needs right now, I am really loving life! So thankful for my man and my family!!

Bye-bye health insurance!

2011-09-02T15:42:00.004-05:00

I wasn't quite sure how long our health insurance would last. I'm sure now! We got the notification today that it ended yesterday.

Perfect timing, considering we have not only our regular prenatal appointment this month, but the much anticipated 20 week ultrasound as well!

I'm not worried...yet. Hopefully I won't get that way either.

We do however, need to figure out what the next step is. We can wait for COBRA info, hoping it's available to us and not toooo exorbitant; we can choose one of the VERY few and not great private insurance plans that includes maternity coverage; or door number three-that's God's mystery door. As of this moment, I have no clue.

Again, we know this is not a surprise to God. Please pray for wisdom and clear direction.

Update: Private health plan is a no go. We're down to hoping and waiting for COBRA and/or God's mystery door....

Now that I'm fired, I have more time to blog.

2011-08-29T11:28:00.004-05:00

I'm a thinker. I mull over things a lot and just think about things. Things I have observed, people I know, hopes for the future.. Whatever, but I'm always thinking. Now that I don't have a job, I have a little more time to post about what I'm thinking. Here is some of what circles around in my mind.

One thing I have never liked about the Christians I see a lot (and have known) is the whole yuppy thing. Their lives have been completely self created and God fits in a box on Sunday mornings. I have NEVER wanted a life like that! Lucky me, I got what I wanted...on my knees DAILY because only God can help us now! In all seriousness though, that's how I want it to be. People may think we are crazy for just "trusting in Him" and having a baby while in the midst of job issues and not really knowing where we'll live when baby comes, blah, blah, blah, but I don't want a self-created life...it's why I have a relationship with the Creator. I have every confidence that we're going to be okay and our God is going to take care of us.

There's a difference between suffering and going through hard things and b*tching and moaning about EVERYTHING "...for the sake of the cross." I used to know someone who whined about absolutely EVERYTHING-I'm not even exaggerating and she would always add the tag line that whatever she was going through was "...suuuuuch a sanctification process." Seriously. Cleaning her huge, gorgeous house was a sanctification process, taking care of her children was a sanctification process, getting the oil changed on her new car was a sanctification process. You get the point. I really don't want to be that person (but of course, we all have our days!). It got me to thinking; if everything in your life-including the amazing blessings is something to complain about, what does that say about how great you are and sucky God must be doing at His job? Furthermore, when things are truly hard, why can't we just say so? I always left conversations with this woman feeling kinda slimed and down and it really damaged the whole Christian witness thing. I DO NOT want to be like that! Sometimes, I catch myself mid-conversation and have to back track like crazy!

Also, let me just say how extremely blessed and overjoyed I am that God answered my prayers and removed me from that awful, awful job! I am just in awe and am so grateful everyday. I am happy, I feel like Cocoapuff and I are healthier and I'm full of faith. I will admit that I thought the answer to our prayers would be more along the lines of G getting a job and me resigning, but I'll take this too! God answered us and He is moving! As for how insurance is going to work out, that's just a detail and I know God's got it covered.

Nice try, still not shaken...

2011-08-24T10:34:00.003-05:00

I'm still processing what happened yesterday, but I wanted to share and ask for more prayers!! We see God moving in BIG ways and we're asking Him for more!!!

So here's the deal. I had a meeting with my boss yesterday. I was asked to sign a document that was highly subjective and would make it where I was written up for just about everything. When I say just about everything, that includes having to asking a manager (who may or may not be found since they leave for hours on end) permission to use the employee bathroom. If I left the sales floor to go to the employee bathroom without permission, that would be a write up. I was also to promise to "be more productive" which could mean anything, literally anything. In addition, even after telling them that I'm pregnant, I was informed I'd be written up for using anymore of MY sick time (sick time which has no rules, btw). I saw this document as discriminatory and as trap to write me up tons of times and then fire me with a paper trail. I wouldn't sign it. So he fired me.

You might think this, combined with the job rejection for G on Monday could send us spiraling in to the depths of despair. Nope. Our God is BIG! He is doing BIG things. We don't know what the next few weeks and months will hold, what we do know is that God is watching, listening and loving us through all of it. Our friends and family have really rallied around us and are constantly supporting us. My dad told me this week that "Family was designed to help us see God when circumstances make it hard otherwise. Loved ones, by the Spirit's prompting, become the fingerprints of the hard to see God." I agree! Here are some of those fingerprints they have shared with us...

Matthew 6:34, Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

John 16:33, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. - Isaiah 40:28

‎1 Corinthians 13:12 tells us that now we see things dimly, as in a mirror, but someday we will see clearly and understand how God answered our prayers.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight* Proverbs 3:5-6

Psalm 66 19 but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. 20 Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. Psalm 20:7-8

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

We've been reminded of Joseph and how even his slavery had a GREAT purpose. We've been reminded of Moses and his arms being supported by his friends so that the battle would be won.

We may have just lost an income, but we are RICH! Thank you to everyone who is loving and praying and supporting us through this-keep it up! We believe our God is great, we believe He has a plan for us!

Please pray specifically for wisdom and clear direction over the next few weeks. We have a lot to sort through and some big decisions to make. And of course, we keep praying for THE JOB for George. :)

Walking by faith...

2011-08-22T20:50:00.003-05:00

We are SO THRILLED to be having a baby and are really excited to see where God continues to take us. It’s been such a faith walk already! I think faith stories are really important, important for those around us and important to share with the generations to come. For me, I love to hear other people’s faith story because it reminds me and encourages me that God is still moving and doing BIG things!!

God is certainly doing big things for us! There have definitely been some tough spots for us, but God has still been there all along. Today is a tough spot, so while reminding myself how far we have come, I want to share with others.

George and I have wanted children all along and we hoped and prayed that that would be in God’s plan for us. Somewhere along the way though, our mentality changed and it wasn’t about God’s plan for us anymore…it was about money and career jobs and what made sense (and maybe, even a little about what people would think of us). We found ourselves yearning for children, but saying “We can’t have kids, not until G has a career job.” We had completely put our faith and hope for a family on a job! God wasn’t a part of it all. God started working on our hearts and convicting us that He was the giver of children…and jobs…and provision.

We both knew what God was saying to us and took the huge leap of faith and obedience to truly trust in Him for our family and provision. It was exciting and a little scary all at once, but we were full of peace and completely on the same page that this is how God was leading us. I knew that if God had a baby for us, that He would provide for us too (I still believe that, but need reminded every now and then).

Though I had faith, I still felt a little jaded about other things in our life. Somewhere inside of me, I though God would tease us and that we would wait FOREVER for a baby…I was assuming at least 18 months. When it didn’t take that long, we were SHOCKED and SO, SO EXCITED!!! We loved this baby instantly and were thrilled to see how God would show up. I decided I would stay at [Stupid Baby Company] until Cocoapuff came since that’s where we had our insurance. It made things better…until my boss called me in and basically said I’d be fired (which he later back pedaled on, but didn’t tell me). That made things worse. It changed the work environment even more and added a lot of stress. Each day was and has been sooooooo hard and I just want to stay home (or run away crying, but that may have more to do with this whole raging hormones thing)! I don’t feel like it would be right to take another full-time in demand job knowing I will quit in just a few months. That just seems wrong to the company spending the time and money to hire and train someone and wrong to the possibly long term employee I’d be beating out of the position. Oh, and it's not like good full time jobs with benefits are exactly easy to find! I feel very stuck and some days God feels oh so far away!

George continues searching for jobs faithfully and working 2 retail jobs, 6 days a week. We had SO MUCH hope when he had a second interview...we could see our future stretched before us and it was goooooood! Today, George heard that he did not get that job.

As faith walks tend to be, there are ups and downs. Some days are super hard and there isn’t much faith to go around. Today was one of those days.

But things changed. Our loving family and friends have rallied around us and supported us with prayer, scripture and encouragement. I am so glad we don't walk this path alone!!

We KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that God does have a plan for us-we also know that may mean even more painful waiting, and that part sucks!! The other thing we KNOW is that our sweet little Cocoapuff fits perfectly in God's timing. God has placed him/her in our family right now and in this world for a time and purpose. Not once have we second guessed or worried about adding a baby to the mix. Not once have we been sad or anxious about our Cocoapuff. The job part, now that's another story!

So the faith walk continues. God will show up. God is showing up...I just want the job part to be here now! Until then, we keep praying, hoping and walking by faith...we are a work in progress and so is our story.

If you have more encouragement and scripture to pour out on us, feel free!

Cool Stuff...

2011-08-20T22:04:00.003-05:00

One of the up sides to working at a baby store is that I learn a LOT about baby stuff...and I get a discount. :) Combine that with being a nanny for four years and I most definitely have strong opinions, likes and dislikes about baby stuff. We started watching and waiting for God's provision as soon as we learned about our Cocoapuff and while it didn't immediately show up in the form of a job (we know that comes soon!) provision certainly came by way of baby gear! Here are a few of my fav baby items we have so far... The Nook Pebble Mattress. I learned about this mattress earlier this year and immediately fell in love! A lot of research, cool technology and great materials go into this mattress! Everything is natural-no chemicals or other questionable things. The raised pebble pattern of the cover helps air flow and is actually pumped with oxygen when it is woven, you can breathe through it better than a medical mask! It's amazing! You can learn more about it here. We went with the Pebble Lite for one huge reason...it costs less with pretty much all the same benefits! The Bato Bathtub-it's just so dang cute! This was not a true need, but a want. I just don't want our home to be full of kid crap, I want the items we have to be beautiful. To me, this is THE COOLEST baby/toddler tub out there (well, in the less than $200 range;).

We might start using this a year from NOW, but this was another item that I just got hooked on! It's the HiLo highchair by Age designs. It's on a serious back order and our store had one...so I seized the opportunity. And of course, mine is orange! I love that it has a small silhouette, that it's super easy to clean, that it can be used beyond the baby years and it just looks good.

And the car seat. I was trying to be open to whatever car seat we could afford, but I am a HUGE Britax fan! If you don't know anything about Britax, they are amazing, highly engineered seats, but they are also pricey. I was iffy about the print, but the deal we got made it worth it...now I've come to like the silly cow print. :)

Our apartment is not very big, so there is baby stuff everywhere (this is only a tiny glimpse of it). On hard days it helps me to see it all. These things are small. I don't need designer baby items-at all. But God has provided them for us. He has been so faithful with the little things (little things that really matter to me, but little nonetheless) of course he'll be faithful with the big things too!

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-33

Praying for change...

2011-08-19T22:22:00.002-05:00

Remember that job fair G went to that I mentioned a couple of posts back? Well, he got called back for a second interview (which he says went well) and we were told we'd hear this week. We didn't hear anything this week. That means while we didn't get the "yes" we so desperately want, we also didn't get a "no". I am hoping and praying that things just got busy and we'll get good news very soon! Please pray with us that God would provide G with this job!

On May 31st...

2011-08-17T10:47:00.002-05:00

George came home to this...

That was fun. :)

We're still so excited and basking in the glow as we march onward. More later...

Some days I'm just not strong.

2011-08-03T19:42:00.003-05:00

I sure do love my husband. I am so thankful and I find myself just looking at him thinking, "Wow! I really, really, REALLY love you! Like SO MUCH...even more than yesterday!" How did I get such a great guy?

One of the things I admire about George is how hard working he is...and how hard he is searching for a job. Yesterday, he went to a job fair. He got there when it started and vied for his place in line. Four and a half hours later, he got interviewed with five other people. He raced home in time to scarf down a snack before he spent the rest of the day at work, on his feet.

He brought home the page of available jobs. There were 25-30 listed and more than 500 people showed up for those few jobs. Many just gave up and went home.

Not George. He won't give up. He keeps trusting God, seeking God and obeying God. He'll wait and wait for even the slightest possibility of a job...and while he waits, he works two retail jobs, without complaining and without shame. That makes me so proud and so sad. I want better for him.

I try to be strong, but sometimes I just don't have it in me. I am so tired of waiting....tired of thinking and saying, "soon"....I am sad and I'm confused.

Daily Bread

2011-07-21T21:47:00.002-05:00

Today, as I was driving to work, praying to God that I would get through the day without saying something I would regret (or quitting) and BEGGING Him to release me from this place (which would require a great job for G with rockin' health insurance or winning the lottery-I'm ok with either option) it hit me-God IS providing for us!

I had become so consumed with worry about the future and hating my job, that I failed to realize God's provision now. He has been so faithful! We have more than our daily bread and it keeps getting better. God is continually providing for us each and every day...we not only have what we need, but He is even giving us a lot of our wants. How great is that?

Things will surely work out in our job situations-I don't know how or when, but I know that they will. In the meantime, I am going to try and focus more on our daily bread and daily blessings and less on the what-ifs of the future.

Baddest of the bad...seriously.

2011-07-11T18:43:00.002-05:00

Since my conversation with my boss a week or two ago (you know, the one about me most probably getting the axe?) I have been having a hard time. By hard time, I mean that on days I have to go to work, I have a TERRIBLE attitude! Like, the baddest of the bad. I could teach Eeyore a thing or twelve, I find no good in ANYTHING (if you were to bring me a hot fudge sundae I would assume you wanted to make me fat, not that you are being nice) and I have only a teeny, tiny scrap of hope....if any.

Before, I worked at a sucky place, I knew that. But, I had decided to stay. I was going to wait it out until I felt like leaving, because I was in control. Now, the ball is in their court, not mine. My motivation, though small before, is pretty much non-existent now.

I beg God all the time to come through for us. I ask Him why He isn't answering, I point out His Biblical principles that would mean we shouldn't stay in this situation and I even pray to be sick sometimes so that I don't have to go to work (am I in the 3rd grade?). It has finally hit me that I'm no longer asking God to give me strength, endurance or peace. I am no longer asking Him (or caring about) working unto Him or being a witness at my job. I am just over it and I want out! Again, am I in the 3rd grade?

God has really convicted me about my poopy 'tude. (Which by the way, isn't it funny that you don't seem to hear God when you want an answer, but He's still pretty loud and clear about you being a butthead? What's up with that?) Also, about my lack of trust. I am mad because I am not in control of my situation. The truth is though, I never was and I never will be. And then I realized that I am scared because I'm not in control. And THAT is stupid. The God who created the universe is in charge. Even knowing that, I'm finding it hard to shake this attitude on work days (mind you, I'm fine when I'm not at work).

I know God has great things in store for us and we are sooooo blessed as it is. Jobs are the major thorn in our flesh right now and we realize that. In the midst of it though, it is SO HARD not to feel discouraged, the fearful, and to even have a bad attitude.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:25-34

This passage has been a really great reminder to us lately. God knows what He's talking about (and though health insurance is not specifically included in this passage, in my mind, it is!) God is BIG and I know He will show up...He always does. This is a walk of faith, it's not always easy, but it's worth it. I love my God and I love the man He gave me and the life that we have...even when I'm grumpy, a stress-ball and a control freak. What's better is that God (and the Hubs) love me back...all the time. I am blessed.

Bad to worse....but God is bigger.

2011-07-01T10:31:00.002-05:00

Things are getting more and more interesting around here. I keep thinking God is going to show up like, POW any minute....I'm still waiting.

Yesterday I had a meeting with my boss. He told me the position I was hired for (Nursery Designer, remember? It was gonna be a super awesome job!) still doesn't really exist in my company and in all honesty, it probably never will. I wasn't surprised by this at all-I had already figured out that I was working for a bunch of snakes who don't value honesty, work ethic or really human rights. So, he said, "Where does that leave you??" (with a creepy, brooding gaze) "I'm here," I said. (What I wanted to say, but thank you Holy Spirit that I didn't was, "No sh*t! You people have a reputation for stringing people along! I'm not a freaking idiot-I figured out about the time you came aboard that I was not going to be the nursery designer and that you had every intention of cleaning house and giving me the boot. I'm just buying my time till my husband gets a career job. I hate this place, yo!") He went on to say that I have the talent to be an amazing sales associate (ok? I think a monkey could be an amazing sales associate too, I don't know that talent comes in to play). However, I just don't have the enthusiasm for it and I don't seem to have a great desire or love for working there. Because of my lack of enthusiasm, I have some decisions to make and if I don't, they'll make them for me. In short-I better be so excited to be taken advantage of, underpaid, lied to and ripped off that I'm about to pee myself every time I walk into work OOOORRRRRRRR, they fire me. My boss complimented me on several things actually, I do my job, I'm just not giddy enough about it.

I didn't really have anything to say in this meeting. I wasn't even really that upset or surprised. To compound the situation, G heard back about a job he interviewed for recently (he rocked the interview)....he didn't get the job.

At bedtime, the weight of losing my salary and health insurance hit me hard, and so did the tears. Where is God? Why do I work at this crazy place? When exactly will I get the axe and how will it go? Why can't my husband get a job? He's awesome! He'd be great at so many things! Why won't anyone hire him?!

So that's what's going on. Sucky. I know that God cares about this and sees this. I don't know why He hasn't moved yet. So we're calling all prayer warriors...PLEASE pray with us! We need peace and wisdom and strength. And G needs a job! A great job that will support us and has health insurance! We know our God is big, this waiting part is never fun though....

34 years!

2011-06-25T09:47:00.002-05:00

Today is my parents 34 year wedding anniversary! My parents have been through so much in that time and have set a great example for the marriages around them. I am proud and blessed to have them in my life and glad that I can always go to them for encouragement. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, WE LOVE YOU!!

Back in the swing of things...

2011-06-02T20:43:00.003-05:00

Wouldn't it be great if life was like a vacation ALL the time? Ha! We are back in the swing of things and back to work. We've both been searching for jobs and back to asking God what is going on! We still feel a bit perplexed as to what His plan is and the point of all this waiting. G wants to have a career job and to be our family's provider desperately...and I want that for him as well. We have faith that God will come through, but as always, the waiting isn't very fun.

Please pray for us. Pray that God would reveal His plan for us in our job situations and pray for the perfect job for George.

R & R

2011-05-23T21:41:00.005-05:00

It took us a little longer than most couples, but George and I finally went on a honeymoon! We waited and waited and planned and saved and it finally came! WOW! It was a much needed break, a wonderful time to relax, enjoy, explore, recharge and just be together. This was our very first trip together and was quite memorable. Fabulous is a great way to describe it, some pictures help too...

So I'm surprised I have the guts to post that last picture (I couldn't put it on facebook) but it really cracks me up. Yes, I am wearing a scandoulous swimsuit (I used to weigh more than 200lbs and I'm on my honeymoon, so whatever). What kills me is the look on G's face! What?! Is he trying out for ANTM? Lol!

Anyway, in addition to seeing great things, trying lots of new things, eating TONS and hanging out at the pool/hot tub/beach all day, we really got some time to reconnect and and get our tanks filled so to speak.

One of the things we loved the most was seeing God's great creation! It was inspiring to look around and see nothing but the ocean! He has created such wonderful things. We are inspired to trust in Him and His great plan for our lives, instead of in our own abilities for our future.

This trip really helped me to let go of my anger towards my job situation and my insecurity and anxiety about our future. I have peace that this great God who created the universe and gave people the brains to build a super-ship like what we were on, knows what's going on. I feel totally refreshed and renewed...and very, very blessed!!

Happy Mom's Day

2011-05-08T14:27:00.002-05:00

I love my Mama so, so much! She has always been such an awesome support to me and my biggest cheerleader. She's also my best girlfriend!! I'm so glad I have her and that we live so close by. Today is a good day hanging out with and honoring her.

On another note, gonna get through this week okay...our delayed Honeymoon begins on Saturday. I. AM. SO. PUMPED. The timing could not be better! One whole week with my man...no work, no stress, just us...the ocean....great food and fabulosity. Here goes-Monday, bring it on.

Not doin' well...

2011-05-06T10:21:00.002-05:00

So, long story short. My wonderful dream job that I've been working my a$$ off for is a joke. I have been used and taken advantage of. The expectations put on me are changing all the time and I'm not being notified of those changes. When I speak up for myself and for my rights the response from my bosses is terrible. I am very sad and very confused. I need serious wisdom to walk through this and to work as unto the Lord. Please pray for me.

....It's time to go find my uniform shirt and Big Girl Panties so I can get through this day....

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

A piece of me died...

2011-04-14T20:31:00.006-05:00

So, I have a new "manager" at my job. He thinks we should wear uniforms. Excuse me, he doesn't call them uniforms, he just calls them polos. I think that is a terrible idea! I protested the uniforms....I seriously protested them. I voiced my opinion immediately, then I sent an e-mail to make sure the message got across.

I explained that one of the selling points of my company was casual dress (I dress up actually, so freedom of dress is a better term). I got on a soap box with a microphone and stood up for the individuality of our company. I went on and on about how we are NOT Babies R Us or Target, but we are fresh, modern, different. I told him that NO ONE would drop 10 Grand on a nursery from a designer with a yucky polo on. I said really, my designer clothes are much better, they say, SPEND! I also pointed out that the green polos are simply ugly and it's stupid that we have PAY for them.

I was right, I was soooo right! Unfortunately, manager won...sort of. Once we are selling enough nurseries to support me being the full time nursery person, I get to phase in my own clothes.

Until then? Ugly polo.

This crushed me. I like to wear nice clothes, preferably designer. I like my clothes to be neat and tidy, to fit well, to be colorful and feminine! Great shoes are important too. I felt like my individuality was taken away. Whaa whaaa.

I must admit, I ranted and raved about these shirts. I have rolled my eyes or said something not exactly nice about these shirts since the moment I learned we had to wear them. I may have even been a wee bit dramatic about the whole thing.

Alas, the shirts are here. I brought my two shirts home today and thought, "Okay Bethany, these may not be so bad after all...let's give it a try!" I'm pretty good at pep talks like that. So I put it on and much to my surprise...

IT. IS. TERRIBLE!!!!!!!

I am not even joking. It wasn't better than I expected, it was worse!!!

See for yourself, below is as it should be worn- jeans (khakis are allowed as well) polo shirt and sensible shoes...

[picture removed]

Gag me!! First, I look like a BOY. Second, I look like I've gained at least 15 pounds. Third, NO ONE will trust someone who looks like that to design a nursery...especially pricey ones!! Can I get an Amen?!

So, I tried to amp it up a little. I started by switching to BR cropped chinos. Still terrible. I then put on Kate Spade sandals...even Kate Spade couldn't salvage this outfit. I added my new, blingy Michael Kors watch (thanks, honey!). Nope, still terrible. Then I amped it up even more-HUGE rhinestone ring, HUGE "pearl" and rhinestone necklace, rhinestone chandelier earrings, AND a blingy bracelet. I also unbuttoned all of the buttons. Nope, still terrible.

[picture removed]

A smile and a pose didn't help either. A piece of me has died. This. Is. Yucky.

[picture removed]

I think Sewphia is coming out for some alterations...as if that will help. Side note-it photographs WAY better than it looks in person!

Church People

2011-04-13T09:40:00.003-05:00

Last night was our church group, which I normally love. Someone asked me about a prayer request I had brought up before...so I gave an update. Then, more questions were asked. Before I knew it, I was in the throws of people's opinions and judgement (though they have no clue what's really going on). I felt stuck, and judged and attacked....and very, very sad.

Today I'm thinking, "Have I done that to people?" Do I judge and advise on what's going on in other people's lives instead of a simple, "I'm sorry." and some true prayer? Is that all that should be done? How should these church relationships work?

That's what I'll be thinking about as I put cribs together today. I really don't want to be a church person...

And then I somehow got boring...

2011-04-09T23:27:00.002-05:00

I used to have the coolest story in the room...maybe even in a couple of rooms. I would meet people for the first time and they seemed to already know me because my story had gotten around. I had the coolest story in the room for all sorts of different reasons...and then, I somehow got boring.

My co-workers talk about all these cool, hip places they go. Places that have $100 covers or "the best sushi in town" or weird western/country stuff that I don't even understand.

Me? Well, the hubs and I turn up Pandora, dance like we're idiots, sip Aplletinis and eat steak pinwheels and cous cous from a healthfood store. That is my weekend....I guess cool stories are overrated.

On another note, my work project is going great! Hopefully we open/finish in the next two weeks! I'm super pumped and super proud of myself...I'll post pics when all is said and done.

My sweet Nonnie

2011-03-25T09:36:00.003-05:00

This is my sweet Nonnie. She went to be with Jesus on Sunday morning. We miss her so much already! She was SUCH a prayer warrior and made sure to know what was going on with each of her 2 children and many grandchildren so she could faithfully pray for them. She was very proud of us. She really loved the Lord and though we are sad sometimes, we are mostly rejoicing that she is heaven with Jesus.

Busy, busy, busy, blah, blah, blah...

2011-03-09T09:33:00.002-06:00

It's been nearly a month since my last post! Things are very busy (blah, blah...I say that all the time). It's a bummer that I don't have time to post because God sure is working in our lives and I want to remember it and share it.

Still no career job. We are not without hope though. We are putting our trust in God for this elusive job and for the benefits it will have on our family. Some days we have to give the anxiety about the job and temptation to lean on our own understanding back to God a thousand times! Other days, it's pretty easy to let God keep all that stuff!

My job is going pretty well. It's a little insane since all of our deadlines are now looming, but it's a great job. The flip side of that is, my company has added two employees in the last two weeks. Two kind of annoying employees. Lucky me, one sits in front of me and the other is kind of my new boss. I have started praying a LOT more through the day as I'm afraid I'll break soon and unleash on both of these people. You would understand if I shared stories....but I won't.

God has really been blessing our marriage. I feel like through these struggles God keeps drawing us closer together and closer to Him. I sure do love that!

Some of my family members are really struggling and that makes me sad. I wish I could do something for them.

So there is the quick and slightly random update. Hopefully I'll have something funny to post next time!

Conversations With Jesus

2011-02-13T19:48:00.002-06:00

We didn't make it to church today, but were able to watch the sermon online. Wow. We sure do love our church. Today's sermon was the perfect encouragement for us as we continue to wait on God for several things. Conversation 2 especially resonated with us. I thought others might like to hear it as well- I hope the link works. Click here.

Have a great week!

Sick Hubby

2011-02-13T13:06:00.002-06:00

George has come down with something nasty...I'm hoping it's not the flu!

This is the first time in our relationship that he's been for real sick. I hate to say it, but I'm a little bit glad that this has happened. I am glad to have a reason to stop everything, stay home and take care of him. We aren't packing our weekend full like we usually do-we're just resting. I feel like a real wife today! Between checking on G and bringing him food and medicine, I am doing the laundry, cleaning up the apartment, shopping online, baking and cooking. All things I haven't really done in a while because I've been too busy. I'm sorry George is sick, but I'm enjoying this domestic gig! :)

Stress-Ball Freakazoid

2011-02-10T09:57:00.003-06:00

I....am a stress-ball freakazoid. That is why I haven't blogged lately.

I wrote a blog about life and balance and seasons on Saturday last week. It was so gut level honest that it made me cry. I didn't post it. Since Saturday, I have gotten some much needed encouragement, some perspective and a little more of the balance I have been looking for. So I'm hoping to be less of a stress-ball freakazoid.

I have realized that I have put SO MUCH pressure on myself! Pressure to be the provider, pressure to also be the perfect wife and supporter, pressure on all my work projects, pressure to be a great friend and family member, pressure to find my husband a job, pressure to look a certain way....you get the point. I guess I reached my limit this past weekend.

The truth is, God is in control of most of those things and I need to let Him be in control of them. The things I have control of? Loosening the grip a little would be good.

So here goes! I'm focusing on being in the moment, realizing this is a season and striving for balance. I'm praying more and worrying just a little bit less. Hopefully I'll stop being a stress-ball freakazoid soon...

P.S. I hate this stupid weather!!

1 YEAR!

2011-01-30T15:49:00.003-06:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!!!

I sure do love this man!

Lame-o blogger

2011-01-24T21:28:00.002-06:00

Hey blog world! I have been such a lame blogger recently!!

The biggest reason for my terrible blogging is my job. Work is going really well, but really busy! I just found out our timeline for a huge project has moved up nearly a month so the pressure is on! Maybe I'll post pics of these big projects when they finally come together. ;)

George's job is going well too, but sometimes I feel like we don't get to see each other enough. I'm super blessed that I work a later shift (well, most days) because when he comes home from work at 10pm, we can still talk and spend time together for a few hours and not worry about an early morning wake up.

Things are going well. I can't believe our anniversary is coming up! :)

My American Boy...sort of.

2011-01-17T19:50:00.002-06:00

I really can't believe that tonight marks 1 year in the US for George!! What a year it has been! My man has done a great job adjusting to so many new things! I am so happy he's here and so proud of all he has accomplished this year!

I'll post pictures and all that junk later. :) For now, it's time to celebrate with homemade pizza!

Celebration, remembrance and learning...

2011-01-12T20:07:00.000-06:00

Saturday was Nathan's funeral/celebration of his earthly life. (I started writing this then, but I'm just now finishing/posting)

Wow. It was hard (meaning, I cried a lot) but it was also good. Nathan was a Christian and knew exactly where he would be going when he left this earth. He was not afraid of death and knew he would be with Jesus soon. That is a very wonderful and happy thought. It's sad though, to think of his family here without him...to think of parents burying their little boy. There is also peace, as he will not continue to suffer through cancer treatments, procedures, sickness and pain. He is happier now than any of us could even imagine.

I have known Nathan's family for a while now (14 years or so) and have watched them through lots of transitions. It's true about 'who you are under pressure is who you are.' This family is gold. They have walked this difficult path with such faith, love and honesty. At every turn they have worked hard to bring glory to God (whether they got good news or bad). They kept loving God and loving His people even through such a hard time.

What has grabbed me the most about this precious family is their complete selflessness and their uninhibited desire to follow God-no. matter. what. There is just so much to say about this family...and so much to learn from them. They have truly inspired me. It's made me really step back and take a look at my/our life. I don't want to be a person who is stuck on myself or who follows God only when it feels good or brings happiness. Of course, I don't try to be selfish...but I guess I need to try harder to be the opposite. I'm really blessed to have great people in my life to learn from.

Sad...

2011-01-05T10:15:00.002-06:00

Our little friend Nathan (11) fought cancer with more grace, dignity and faith than most grown men. He went to be with Jesus yesterday. We are sad. Please pray for his family through this incredible loss.

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T11:56:00.003-06:00

Oh 2011, I am so excited to see you!!

We are full of anticipation for this great year! 2010 was so much about new this, first time that (or everything, really) navigating this, that or the other and just trying to figure out how to be "us" in America. It was a good year, but hard and LOTS of learning.

We are excited to see what 2011 has to hold. We're seeking God and working hard! Bring it on 2011, we're gonna enjoy the ride!

One year ago today...

2010-12-30T09:42:00.004-06:00

...I waited anxiously while George went to the embassy again, in hopes of finally hearing "approved!"

He was approved, and we waited for two more weeks to have visa in hand and man on the way.

This time last year, I could feel change coming, but had no idea what it would like. I didn't really think too much about 2010, just that it wouldn't be as sad and hard as 2009. I was right about that at least. There was still a lot of hard, but different hard. I'm not sure if transition is ever easy. It has been surprising just how long it takes to settle in, for the constant changes to slow a little; for us be a little more in control of the chaos instead of the chaos controlling us.

I have had far fewer sleepless nights; I've mostly cried because I'm just so darn happy or empathetic to someone else's struggle or pain...not because I am the sad one. I laughed and smiled a lot more this year. I let things roll of my back and tried to just enjoy the moments. I wake up every morning to the man of my dreams with a smile on my face and thanksgiving to God that we made it! Okay, I do that nearly every morning....but the mornings after that man snored all night and kept me up?.....it takes a few minutes to get to that happy place!

2010 has been great! Lots of ups, some downs, but all around wonderful! I had no idea this time last year how great things would be. God gave us better than we could have imagined!

As for 2011? This time around, we do have hopes and plans and dreams....

Seriously?!?!

2010-12-29T14:46:00.003-06:00

Last month I hurt my knee. I toughed it out for a while, but after it wasn't getting better (and a chit chat with my SIL who's an OT) I finally went to the Dr. It's not too serious or anything. Ice it...blah, blah, blah.....do special exercises...blah, blah, blah.....wear a support sleeve...blah, blah...no high heels.

Wait....NO. HEELS!?!

I just about fell of the table when I heard that!! NO HEELS for a month!! What does he expect me to put on my feet?! Seriously?!?

Sigh....

P.S. Thank you Jesus for awesome health insurance.

Gingerbread house & Christmas fun!

2010-12-22T10:02:00.003-06:00

I've been bad about blogging lately...we've just been enjoying our Christmastime together too much to take a blogging break. :)

We made a gingerbread house this week. George enjoyed it more than I thought he would and was very meticulous in his decorations. It was fun and I think may be a new tradition.

We are just so, so happy to be together. I could go on and on about all that mushy stuff! When we think back about what our lives were this time last year, we are just in awe of what has happened in the last year. We are very thankful to be together! We are REALLY looking forward to our celebrations this week! Merry Christmas everyone!!

Charlie and LaFawnda

2010-12-12T10:54:00.004-06:00

This is a very delayed post! A couple weeks ago, G and I got our first Christmas tree together and decorated our apartment for our first Christmas together! We were very excited! So I guess George was so excited that he closed his eyes...whoops! That amazing Michael Kors beauty you see on my arm?? A pre-Christmas gift from my love. What a sweety! George was legitimately excited for the lights.... ...and ornaments! These are his first ornaments! Once the tree was fully decorated, George decided we got a Charlie this year. I like it. Of course, our Ghana nativity has a prominent place....although not a very good pic. We are really enjoying this Christmas season and hope you are too!

Love hurts...

2010-12-03T09:56:00.002-06:00

This has been a very difficult week for my family. Hard, sad things have happened.

The wonderful thing about being a close knit family is that we've got each other's backs. The terrible part is that we feel each other's pain. This has been a very painful week. We are looking to God and hoping in Him through these times. We know our God is faithful, even when things don't make sense to us. If you think of it, pray for my family. Pray for peace, pray for hope, pray for comfort and strength.

First Thanksgiving...

2010-11-25T21:03:00.003-06:00

Our first Thanksgiving was a hit! G and I had a fabulous time together and with family. He kept telling me that this was a very great day. My mom set a beautiful table, the food was delish (my Chocolate Kahlua Cheesecake was to die for btw:) the company was fab and all in all it was just a sweet, relaxing day. I love my family and love how different this year was from last.

I just dropped George off at the mall. He will work the next 15 hours of Midnight Madness/Black Friday HELL. He has not said one negative thing about the amount or timing of his hours. He is thankful just to get to work. I am so blessed and proud to have such a hard working, long suffering man!

I hope everyone else had a day as great as we did.

What a life!

2010-11-23T21:21:00.003-06:00

We've had a pretty hectic couple of weeks, but things are going great! I am so excited for Thanksgiving and ready for a couple of days to relax....and eat!

I am so thankful that this year George and I are TOGETHER! There just aren't words to describe the completeness I feel or the gratitude I have to God that He is letting me have this awesome life and that we are not currently dealing with immigration. Wow...it's still hard to wrap my mind around sometimes.

In addition to having George here, I am thankful for my family; especially for the support from my parents over the past 10 months or so while we have adjusted to American life. We are so thankful and blown away by how great our church is and the wonderful relationships we are building-we really love our small group. I am thankful for my new job and for the amazing health benefits. Of course there is more, but those are on the top of my list right now. I feel so blessed and so grateful to be living this life.

Still here!

2010-11-14T16:52:00.003-06:00

I'm still here and things are going great! I'm loving my new job! We're having Internet issues, so I've been pretty much disconnected from the world.....okay, just the world wide web. We're getting that fixed this week, so I'll update on all the happenings then.

2010-11-03T14:08:00.006-05:00

I love my life and I love having George here (finally). I want to be a person who is content with my life, no matter what. There's one thing though...I want to travel! I really miss going on adventures and exploring new places and I would love to do that with G. Until that day comes, I will keep dreaming and expanding the list of places I want to go. All of these seem nice...

Halloween & Weekend Recap

2010-11-01T13:17:00.005-05:00

We had a great weekend and are really looking forward to all that this week and November hold!

Our young married small group had a Halloween party earlier in the week and it was fun! George is experiencing so many new cultural things, Halloween may top them all. I've never been a huge Halloween person and didn't really grow up celebrating it, but I love parties and love costumes. George wasn't super into dressing up, so we took the easy way out and went as Heidi and Seal. ;) We carved pumpkins, which kind of grossed George out, ate Frito pie (and tons of desserts) and had punch with dry ice in it. ALL new for George! We both had a great time and love our small group. On Friday, G and I had opposite work schedules-which I hate-so I took advantage of the alone time and went Birthday shopping for him. His B-day isn't until the 9th, but I wasn't sure when I could be sneaky again. I wrapped the gifts and put them in the living room so they would taunt him for a week and a half. Mean, I know. On Saturday evening he started jumping up and down and running around the apartment shouting, "I know what it, I know what it is!! Wow!! Thank you so much!!" Yep, he had figured one of the gifts out. So I let him open it early. George is the VERY PROUD owner of, As Seen On TV Shake Weight!! He loves it so much it's funny!

One thing we did this weekend was a November Expectations meeting. As the holidays approach, I start a new job, and things get crazier with G's job, we wanted to make sure we were on the same page about everything. It was actually really fun to discuss everything coming up and make plans together.

Speaking of plans, since this Thanksgiving and Christmas are our first together, I really want to make them special and start meaningful traditions. I've been doing research and writing down all my favorite holiday things so I don't forget (nerd, I know). I was wondering what traditions my readers have or things they wish they had started or done their first married Christmas? I know not many of you comment, but I'd love to hear!

Happy NOVEMBER!!

He's Got My Back...

2010-10-28T08:22:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday, the 2 year old was at MDO, so I went on a long walk with the baby. I intended to go to the "big park" with her, which is about a mile away. While I was on my walk, my mom called me (one of my favorite things). It was windy and the connection was kind of bad, so I stopped for our 13 minute conversation...I really wanted to hear what she was talking about. While we were talking, I saw a few Police cars, but didn't think anything of it (I work in uber suburbia). When I hung up, I kept walking. As I continued towards the "big park" I noticed another police car and a car with a shattered window and windshield...as I walked across the glass on the pavement I assumed highschool vandals were responsible, but changed my route nonetheless....

Meanwhile/earlier that morning a man killed his wife and put her in his car. He then crashed his car into a tree (right next to the sidewalk on the way to the "big park"). A passerby stopped to render aid and the man shot at him-shattering his driver window and windshield. Then the murderer got out of his car and fled on foot. He was eventually caught and arrested, but was on the run for a while.

When I went on my walk, I was worried about a huge list of small things. I was just talking to God and worrying, worrying, worrying. I was not however, worried about crossing paths with killer on the run-not even on my radar! It was on God's though. Who knows what would've happened had it not been for the 13 minute call and bad connection? It is quite possible that I would have been the passerby, right in the middle of the gun toting action.

It's funny how easy it is to fret about tomorrow and about all those tiny things we are aware of. Funny how easy it is to believe God doesn't care about those things or isn't listening to our prayers. The thing is though, He's got our backs all the time and we don't even realize it! I realized this time because the story made it to the news. What a great reminder to me that God really is in control and He really does have good things in store for me. Thanks, God.

Bye Bye Nanny!

2010-10-21T15:24:00.003-05:00

I've been a nanny, for several different families for a while now. It's mostly been great-but it's definitely time to move on (though I must admit, it will be a little sad to finally say goodbye). I'm excited for the future and looking forward to really wanting kids again. Until then, I will file away some of what I have learned as a nanny and will hopefully one day apply it as a mommy.

I have learned...

Every parent thinks their kid is the best/cutest/brightest. That's ridiculous. Mine really will be though. Seriously.
Kids are sponges, if Daddy says things like Dick-Mite, child will repeat.
Pithy comments to toddlers are not understood, somehow that's okay, because it makes me feel better.
My vocabulary changed immensely when kids were my world, NO, GROSS and POOP as well as AWWW, SWEET and CUTE became the new "it" phrases.
I will spank. I will sooooo spank. This whole time-out and "I mean it" thing don't really work. Thankfully, Proverbs has got my back on this one.
Video monitors are AMAZING! I WILL have one!
Poop. I didn't realize how important poop becomes and how often you have to talk about it!
Children know when their parents think they are a bother or don't have time for them. They may express it (i.e. act out) in different ways, but they know it. I never want my kids to feel that way.
Kids are hilarious, I want to write down all the funny stuff my kids do and say.
Kids in America have WAAAAYYYY too many toys! I plan to donate/put toys away for later regularly.
Potty training is not fun...for anyone.
Sleep training on the other hand, I've got that!
People don't use car seats properly. I didn't realize how many people fit in that category 'til I was a nanny. Strap those seats and those kids in TIGHT!!
Children don't need schedules as much as they need routine. When I first became a nanny I was a super-scheduler (like, we had a 5 minute window). No longer! Routine is better for everyone.
I don't know what it is, but if there's a gross bodily fluid that could make it onto me or my clothing, it happens...at least when they're mine, I can change.
Cool mist humidifiers are my friend.
Sand brings a level of anxiety I didn't realize. It gets everywhere! Also, I'm always afraid when kids pick up a clump of sand and pinch it, that the sand will come off and reveal something nasty. Maybe I won't let my kids play in public sand areas.
I will have an awesome stroller...bye-bye ghetto rider!
Watching a sweet baby, in footie pajamas sleep, undoes all their rotten of the day...that's why kids go to bed before the parents.
I am in control of how picky a kid is about food.
Authority doesn't equal big, mean and loud. I'm glad my hubby already knows that and that our kids won't have to endure that.
Kids need to see their parents be in love, it changes a lot of things. I'm glad I grew up that way, I'm sad a lot of kids don't.
Bath time is wonderful, so so wonderful.
Using words other than "no" so a kid doesn't say "no" all the time doesn't work. They still somehow pick that up!
Raising kids is HARD! It's worth it, but HARD! I hope I have great and supportive mommy friends when it's my turn.
Kids grow up so fast....I really want to treasure every moment when they are my own. It just goes by so fast.
That poop thing, again.

I wonder what else I will learn in the next two weeks...

That other thing...

2010-10-19T12:15:00.006-05:00

More great things happened this weekend, but I wasn't quite ready to blog about it. I am now...

On Wednesday, I got an e-mail requesting an interview at a local baby store. I had applied for the job quite a while ago and was shocked that they asked for an interview. I didn't really want to go, especially considering all the drama that had happened with changing jobs just a week or so prior. G and my mom encouraged me to go and just see what happens....

Well, I'm glad I did. I knocked that interview out of the park! The position was for a CSR, but about mid interview the owner and his associate revealed that the company would be doubling in 2011 and planned on adding nursery design to the business. They saw design on my resume and asked how good I thought I would be at putting nurseries together. My response, "Pshh! AWESOME!!" Oh how professional, Bethany.

Anyway, my wheels really started turning...a design career is my DREAM!! And nurseries? Even better! Once I calmed down enough to think, my big bro and I formulated a plan. After the standard thank you, I would be sending the company my portfolio. I got pictures of some of my past work and made two mock-ups of nurseries I would design with the company's current offerings. Wow...it was a bigger job than I realized. Since the design boards needed to completely speak for themselves, I had to be pretty detailed. I was pumped...until I was finished. Then, I started second guessing myself and my skills. Also, I don't know how many of my readers have submitted unsolicited portfolios or work you have done for critique, but it's tough, I felt somehow naked!

Yesterday, my courier (a.k.a. my Dad) delivered my portfolio....and today, less than 24 hours after he got the portfolio, the owner offered me the job! I am so, so, so excited and so thankful for God for this opportunity!! I took it, obviously! I won't start designing immediately, but I'm fine with that. I get to learn the company and work into the design/store side in the new year. I am SOOOOOO pumped!!!

Telling my current boss was not fun, as I have been deeply connected to her family for the last two plus years and didn't want to hurt anyone. She was very understanding, but sad. I know this is the right step though, and I know that the family I've been with all this time will be okay without me. I'm looking forward to the future and enjoying the now.

My creations

2010-10-18T14:40:00.004-05:00

Yes, this is three posts in one day! I guess I remembered all the things I meant to post earlier!

I've been having fun with Sewphia so I thought I would share. :) I'm not gonna lie, these look even cuter on! The boy shirt is for the 2yo I watch and the girl stuff is for his 12mo sister.

9 months...

2010-10-18T13:51:00.003-05:00

Yesterday marks 9 months since George has been in the country!! I thought the day would never come! I still look at him sometimes and can hardly believe we are together!

Here are the notable things George has experienced/learned in the last 9 months:

Our wedding!
SNOW- in Texas!
New church/membership/small group
Learned how to drive
Got a Driver's License
Learned how to gas up a car
Learned how to use a credit card
Learned how to swim
Moved
Applied for tons of jobs...still doing that
Got a job
Learned how to grill
Learned how to order and pay at a restaurant-American style
Seriously experienced Six Flags
Enjoyed the State Fair
Went rock climbing
Tried and LIKED Pork
Tried lots of new foods
Learned slang and sarcasm
Joined a bigger family

George has learned and experienced even more than I listed, but I won't bore you. He has done so, so well! I am really proud of him-this has been a huge adjustment and he takes everything in stride and without complaint.

I've noticed recently how settled we really are becoming (in a good way). The underlying fear that we'll be separated soon is pretty much gone and we are starting to feel more and more comfortable doing non-work things without the other person...you know, like real couples do. Of course we LOVE spending time together, but we aren't as clingy as when he first arrived and the forever wonderfulness is really starting to sink in! I love seeing G with my family and have noticed that he is much more relaxed around them now, it's wonderful.

Who knows what the next 9 months will hold? I hope it includes a career job and vacation! Either way, I'm happy to find out with G by my side!

Catching up...

2010-10-18T12:32:00.002-05:00

I've been meaning to blog, but I've been getting too busy or don't have internet (funny how none of the affordable providers offer service to our apartment!). Anyway, last week was busy, but great!

Work has been going well, I feel re-energized to do this job, even though it's not always something I love. I'm trying to focus on all the funny and good things and none of the crap-literally and figuratively. I only had a 3 day work week last week and it was fabulous!! My mom and I made some awesome freezer meals; I got to catch up on some sleep, spent great time with the Hubs, did some super creative stuff and just enjoyed life! It was good. Things are good.

State Fair Fun!

2010-10-12T09:35:00.002-05:00

I am so bad at taking pictures, but I'm trying to get better! We went to the State Fair in Dallas with my parents this weekend and had a blast! I had never been and George had no clue what it was! Here's a glimpse of our fun... Big Tex! I have pictures of George with him, but I can't get them to be the right side up! Cool pumpkin, huh? I think they said it weighs about 400 lbs! George got to learn about Texas wildlife...delightfully educational! We seriously enjoyed Fair food! Yummy! Love my man!!

We stopped at the Czech stop in West (just north of Waco) to get some of their amazing pastries and George was blown away! Czech Stop is my favorite stop for a road trip headed north, but I think he likes it even more. He's already mentioned going there just for the food (it's an hour and a half drive!). Haha!

Also, we all totally loved the car show this weekend...if anyone wants to buy me a Lincoln MKT, I would be okay with that. ;)