Change is in the air

Prayers

2011-10-05T12:31:00.001-07:00

there is NO title that fits today, and because NOBODY reads my blog, I am free to type with, well, FREEDOM!

So, we have lived in Fort Worth with D and M for 5 MONTHS!!!! Unbelievable, and how God has blessed our time here. Not with EASE but with GREAT purpose and confidence as Jonathan pursues his dream, as we live with the Biz's, and adventure along in this new area.

Praying NOW specifically as
David is working really TOO hard ( maybe obsessively) as he teaches 8th graders.
Malaya is growing into an Almost Teen, and the muddy waters of no longer being a little girl AND taking responsibility... YIKES!

Finally, a precious Christian family has been walking through fire since last night... Jennifer Ogle is a precious woman of faith and our Jocelyn's 3 year old teacher. She left school yesterday with a beautiful smile on her face, but last night her husband Jason was undergoing surgery because of an aortic tear. He has bled continuously and remains critical.

So, FATHER,
Lord of LIFE, we ask that you breathe life into Jason, pour peace onto Jennifer and into the hearts of his son and daughter. May YOU, the perfect Healer, be praised!

FALL!!!!

2011-09-29T21:19:00.002-07:00

The month of September has FLOWN!!!

Some big events in our world....

Jed has begun his Sport Career. He plays T ball for the Pirates! HILARIOUS

Laura and Justin are expecting A BABY in April!!!!!! I love being an aunt, but this will be EXTRA special to watch her preganancy and enter the mommy-hood

We bought a NEW CAR!!!!! Such fun. It is a "Santa Fe"... my kids LOVE it, maybe because that 1st word reminds them Christmas is coming!!!!!

We have a DOG... okay, just temporarily, but Molly has been on vacation here with us for nearly 2 weeks.... she WILL need a vacation after she's been worn out by Jed/ Joc!!

I am LOVING working at Southlake Christian Preschool,

even with 2 year olds!

even with an outbreak of HAND-Foot- Mouth

even though I sign up for EVERY chance to work and be there,

and my kids think we should live there!

I have been reminded it is ONLY a PART TIME job.

to put our family first rather than the making of a few bucks,

and to enjoy this last year before REAL school starts!!!!

Ironically, as I feel more settled here and enjoy making relationships, I miss my "old friends" even more. I think I realize the shallowness all friendships begin with, and it makes me miss the depth and ease with some special people I enjoyed in Houston.

Finally, with SUCH a long hot summer, I am ready for real FALL, I think the storm tonight may have finished off our final over 100 heat wave! Hooray!!!!

FALL!!!!

2011-09-29T21:19:00.001-07:00

Back to School~~

2011-08-11T11:35:00.001-07:00

So, when I started this blog, I was teaching at Taylor Elementary, doing speech therapy, and a just a few weeks, I will "re-enter" the education world working at Southlake Christian preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays. OK... so it is VERY part-time, but that is just perfect for me! I am thrilled to have the job, a place for my children to attend, and the opportunity to make new relationships in this area. And just a little nervous :) We stopped by the school to meet the other teachers of 2s, who are all GREAT! and Jed was having a fantastic time there, with the other "big boys" and did not want to leave!!! I am just not ready to call him a BIG BOY yet...

Jocelyn warmed up to the idea but is still set on the idea of being in Mommy's class! THE LADYBUGS, but she will be a Turtle with Ms. Kristi and (yet another) Ms. Jennifer !!!!

We are feeling good about continuing preschool and waiting a year before REAL school changes our lives, and paticularly our SCHEDULE!!! Though we don't know exactly where we will land permanently when we decide to buy a house, I want to commit to developing friendships.

Finally, Jonathan is LOVING FireSCHOOL, and will finish this training section in 2 weeks:) and all the while he has had PLENTY of opportunities to use his gifts as a worship minister. Also, his contenment and joy even on ALL these 100 DEGREE days in training, has been absolutely AMAZING truly a gift from the LORD. The LORD has brought us here for such a time as this, and is blessing our family as we look to HIM wherever we are!

houston to fort worth

2011-08-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

OK, I am well over a year since a post, but no time like the present!!!

So, we moved tp the Fort Worth area April 24th and Jonathan began training to become a firefighter with the DFW airport the next day. His job is definitely different, but his heart for God and his committment to love our family and serve others is stronger than ever.

One week ago, August 3rd we sold our home there and spent the week before packing EVERYTHING we own and enjoying some very precious friends that are totally irreplaceable.

Even still, I am excited about the new adventure here, including making new friends, though not to replace the old, but just to add to the journey in which I definitely value having girlfriends to walk alongside and learn from...

and of course... my little darlings are growing SO quickly 5 and 3!!!! What happened to my little babies.... they are growing, learning and even gaining independence...YIKES

Never the same

2010-04-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

so if ANYONE still reads this blog, I know anything I say is old news. However, I am hoping an opportunity to write will help me keep track of where we are on this journey. I am in Keller staying with David and Malaya, as we look forward to a Big birthday for an amazing 10 year old. The past two months have been a journey no one deserves, but the only words of hope are knowing we are not alone. So just as Malaya has done, I am going to remember Jenny by reminding myself of a few things from the thousands that made Jenny such an amazing woman:
1. her loyalty
2. her commitent to others
3. her devotion to David
4. her ability to make things happen: plan a party, reorganize a house
5. her daily decision to love the Lord
6. her love for children
7. the way she taught, loved and mothered Malaya

Happy Fathers Day

2009-06-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

Jonathan,
this blogs for you... you really are a great father, far greater than you are willing to give yourself credit for. So, here are just a few of the things that I can remember to add to your FANTASTIC FATHER list...
you take care of me AND the kids (when I am helpless and have the yucky stuff)
you are just the man I want Jed's little feet to follow
you are already teaching Jocelyn that she is a princess
you love to laugh and play with all 4 of us together
you read from the Adventure Bible better than anyone I know
you pick up all our little darlings crumbs from under the table, and I don't even have to ask
there are so many more, nut

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2008-12-25T21:02:00.000-08:00

Look at that cute face!!!

You can't miss those bright eyes & precious dimple!!!

Mom, Laura and I all smiles on CHRISTMAS DAY!

Our fam TRYING to get both Jed and Joc to look at the camera!

Jed played with his play kitchen from SANTA all day long!

So, I am actually adding pictures on the big day (and not months later).

YEA!!!

So here are the little darlings...

2008-11-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

Jocelyn and Daddy!

Jed and Jocelyn bright and early on time change SUNDAY ...they did not get the "extra hour of sleep" memo.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from our little tiger and our rough and tough football player!!!!

My 1st Hurricane

2008-09-17T07:11:00.001-07:00

OK... so I didn't actually stay for the hurricane but we have become "EVACUEES" here in Decatur. Everyone is fine, but we are waiting for the electricity to cool our home before we return. Except for our fence our house should be fine. We even had some hurricane professionals (friends who moved to houston from Florida) clean out our FRIDGE!!!! HOORAY that we will not return to a rotten stink!!!!!

Summer Fun!

2008-08-09T09:07:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more pictures of our little darlings!!!!
This is Jocelyn at 2 months.... she has been a great baby.
We are embarking on all things GIRLY include bows and bloomers!!

Here they are together. Jed has been an AMAZING big brother to "Baby Jocelyn." He loves her SO much and loves to tell me her latest status...
"Baby Jocelyn WAKE!!!" They are such sweet darlings

Ooops! Here are the pics!

2008-07-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

IS that the sweetest smile AND the cutest dimple ever???????????????????

New Pictures!!!

2008-07-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

JOCELYN BROOKE

2008-07-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

Here she is....

Our little darling is (al most) 7 weeks.
She is doing great, sleeping WONDERFULLY (4-5 hours IS wonderful)!!!!

We have had FANTASTIC visits from LOTS of family....

Mimi & Bear, Grammy & Grampy, aunts and uncles!!!

I am SO blessed to have such great children... YES, Jed is LOVING his role as big brother to "Baby Jocelyn". He is constantly checking her for the latest status... saying "Baby Jocelyn WAKE!" He calls her sweet girl and it has been a miracle to see him learn what "gentle" means.

it's been a while...

2008-02-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been nearly TWO months since I've added anything on here....

So here is a recap....

we had a fantastic Christmas in Decatur AND Odessa....

we found out we are having a GIRL.... we are thrilled to know the new baby is healthy and are excited about the adventure that awaits our family!!!!!!

Jed is now 20 months.... saying EVERYTHING!!! and keeping us on our toes and laughing TONS!

Picture FUN!!

2007-12-10T19:54:00.000-08:00

Here's our little farmer!!!!!

Jonathan and friend Chris Ray on Halloween... notice the STRIKING resemblance the pair has to Walker TEXAS Ranger and his side-kick Trivett....

Big Smiles!

Here's what we're working on for a family Christmas picture...

Our family got to visit the Bass family's new home...and Jen & Jed drive a TRACTOR!

Both for the 1st time!

OK... I know I haven't posted anything in MONTHS... I think that Jed AND for a few who might know a NEW PREGNANCY (along with our 1st football season) have made the Fall FLY by.

So, here are a few pictures (finally) of Jed (18 months) and he's crazy as ever. ENJOY!!!!

PS> I am out of my 1st trimester, and our tentative due date for Baby #2 is JUNE 5th... the day BEFORE Jed's 2nd birthday!!! Life is always full of excitement!

Blessings & Merry, Merry Christmas!!!

Try again

2007-09-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

I feel SO smart... I am just figuring out how to write between the pictures!!!
Here is our little darling with his daddy's "Jedidiah" hat on AND the shirt that is HIS15 month-old motto..."I tried to be good, but I got bored!"

Here is our family pic at a quick trip to DFW for a "youth group reunion" in Mesquite!!!

BIG SMILES!!

HERE'S JED AT THE GAME... HE LOVES EVERYTHING ABOUT IT.. the outdoors,

the concession stand burgers, the other people oogling over him and THE BALL on the field!

Well.... a few weeks back I tried to post some pictures, which for me is the ONLY point of this blog.... BUT it did not work SO... here we go again....

It has been a fast and furious start to Fall with Jonathan coaching "part time" for Northland Christian (GO COUGARS!!!). NCS has a great small town atmosphere and it has been SO FUN for all three of us!

September 11th

2007-09-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

This is one of those days that is full of rememberance...
And even though our days have grown hectic with football practice and meetings, comings and goings... it is SO good to be reminded to cherish the little things...

Summer FUN!

2007-08-19T15:51:00.002-07:00

It has been a fast and furious summer, and is coming close to an end.

We have had such fun from visits with family, Jed's BIG birthday and lots of time on the road.

Here are a few pics.... some favorites include trying to get photos of Jed with his two sweet cousins... he was definitely a little wiggly for the photo shoot!!!

Summer FUN!

2007-08-19T15:51:00.001-07:00

VACATION!!!!

2007-07-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

Well... we took our VERY FIRST "family vacation" as a trio. We adventured to San Antonio and it was SO FUN! Our fam plus the 3 Atnips (Matt, Ashley and Alana) did the River Walk- thing, went to the ZOO, and enjoyed LOTS of fantastic Mexican food! We had a great time!!!!!!

Jed "petting" the goat was quite an experience.

The First Birthday!

2007-06-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

Well... Jed is officially ONE!!!!!!

Here are some pics of the party & Jonathan's skydiving adventure, too!!!

photo ops

2007-06-04T08:22:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures....of JED!!! The BIG BIRTHDAY is THIS WEEK... it is hard to believe it has been a whole YEAR! God has blessed us in AMAZING ways through JED!

PICTURES!!

2007-05-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

We are reconnected to the blog world.... here are some pictures of Jed as he nears his FIRST BIRTHDAY--- in ONE week!
It has been an exciting MAY for our family with Truitt's birth and my sister's wedding... those pictures will come soon!

Here are some pics from our trip to Pepperdine' Lectures... Jed LOVED the sand & ocean. He came home with some blonde hair!!

2007-04-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

well, i already lost one blog, but here is an attempt at another. jed and I are working together on this one, SO it will have to be SHORT. He is TEN MONTHS, and the time has FLOWN. He is WALKING now, not just steps but Across the Room... a little like frankenstein with arms extended. We are LOVING peek a boo, playing catch and throwing!!! Everything but the hair pulling is GREAT FUN! We are also ANXIOUSLY awaiting the arrival of a cousin TRUITT, and Laura and Justin's wedding NEXT MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I WILL add pics ASAP!

Firsts!!!

2007-02-21T16:09:00.000-08:00

So, Jed and I had some BIG firsts this week!

Last week we were given some tickets to the Rockets/ Mavericks basketball game, and all three of us went and had an AMAZING time. Jed did pretty well, until the last bit of the game which ran too close to bedtime.

Then, today we to the Houston Zoo with some other moms and kids. It was SO fun!
Jed was not really into the animals, but he was so HAPPY for the whole excursion. He was a VERY happy camper!

We are now awaiting Jed's 1st steps, since he is starting to stand on his own.... he looks like a little surfer! Last thing... I have pictures of all this fun, but my adapter is not with me... SO, hopefully SOON we will add a few shots of all this action!

Ride 'Em Horsey!!!

2007-01-31T16:29:00.000-08:00

Well, Christmas is OFFICIALLY over at our house. This past weekend my parents, sister and GG arrived with the last of the Christmas presents! Including a rocking horse that Bear (my dad) would be riding, if he could!! We definitely did not cut the season short!
Jed also had a great visit with Grammy as she hitched a ride to Houston, and we really enjoyed time with her, too.... especially those special moments when she enjoys Jed in the AM hours, and we get a few more precious minutes under the covers.
We all had a great time... I am SO thankful that Jed has such a great extended family to love on him, encourage him, and SPOIL him...even though he has wanted to be held ALL week!!!
Here are a few shots of the little guy...

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!!!!!!!!

2007-01-17T16:15:00.000-08:00

With the Holiday FUN behind us now, I am HOPING to get in atleast a little more consistent pic posting as a blogger....we'll see. We had a very happy 1st Christmas with JED.... he was a GREAT traveler, but is not THRILLED with getting back on his "normal schedule."
We had a great time in Odessa, in Decatur, and just the 3 of us! Here are some pictures of Jed pulling UP!!! He LOVES to stand up in his bed now...notice the cute ACU shirt. A precious one of Jed and Daddy. AND another with Jed in his COOL new basketball bean bag chair with his cousin Malaya!!!!!

SUCH FUN!!!!!!!!

Angels Among Us...

2006-12-13T16:06:00.000-08:00

I have had a week of great anxiety and AMAZING relief! Today, Jed is all cleared after his outpatient surgery from last week. He has done VERY well, and is cuter than ever! We were grateful for the friends and family that called, waited with us, and prayered for our precious one. Though it was minor, it is a GREAT relief to have it over. These doctors and nurses took INCREDIBLE care of our baby!!

NEXT...I have a BIG thank you to say to my new friend Michelle!!!!
She works for continental, and was the flight attendant when I went to my sister's wedding shower in Odessa. I had spoken with her, found out she lived near the church building where Jonathan works. I gave her an invite, and JUST NOW.... TWO WEEKS LATER...she brings MY CAMERA in to Jonathan's office. I was worried sick over the camera. There are SO many pictures of Jed LOST, and I needed to capture the memories from his FIRST CHRISTMAS. I was SO grateful that this sweet-hearted woman was SO honest and kind!!!!!!!!!!! SO...since the camera has returned here are some pics of our six month old.

2006-11-24T12:25:00.000-08:00

Jed is nearing his 6 month birthday, and over the past few weeks with all this going and growing, he wears himself out... We have found him in the most unusual places and positions, snoozing away. The first time was after a busy weekend, he decided to relax in the bath and take a catnap. Then, after his first tortilla tasting...we are starting him on Mexican food early, he fell asleep with it hanging out of his mouth. Finally, he was watching a football game with his daddy, and just fell over in a sleeping lump. He is growing a little more everyday, and is full of JOY, (except when he's hungry).

We are enjoying a fantastic Thanksgiving in Decatur with Grammy, Grampy, aunts, uncles, and one fantastic cousin. We have SO much to be thankful for, and Jed ranks VERY HIGH on that list!!

Bright Eyed Baby

2006-11-08T16:31:00.000-08:00

Well, Jed is 5 months old, and life is pretty good. He is rolling all over the place, making us laugh everyday, and has become a CHUNK the past 5 months. I have a pic, I MUST get on here... After an exciting, but tiring weekend in Decatur at Grammy and Grampy's house, we returned home and that night Jed began bath time. After just minutes in his bath sling, he was SNOOZING!!!! It was absolutely ADORABLE.
I have been TRYING to get him back on a restful schedule after such a fun weekend!!!

Happy Halloween!!!!

2006-11-01T16:34:00.000-08:00

Jed's 1st Halloween was such fun! We took a quick (but very special) trip to Crockett for a visit with B and Papa. We had such fun sharing Jed with them for a few hours and getting some special stories on video. That evening we went to Pumpkin Patch at Bammel. Jed was the cutest tiger or Tigger there!!!!!

Enjoy the pics of this special day!!!

FOUR MONTHS!!!

2006-10-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

Jed is over 4 months old and is AMAZINGLY fun and funny these days.
He can go from screaming to smiling in less time than me... He is ROLLING OVER alll the time...even waking himself when he lands on his tummy. He is using his hands more and more to touch people, hold toys, and MOST often to put in his mouth.

Jed LOVES when Daddy comes home in the evening, LOVES to talk, and LOVES to be held!
Here are a few pics from the past few weeks!

Jed is Going and Growing!

2006-09-23T15:29:00.000-07:00

We have been on the road a good bit the past week with a trip to Crockett for a youth rally and to Abilene for Lectureship. We enjoyed both, but REALLY missed seeing B and Papa while in Crockett, but are SO thankful Papa is back at home and doing much better. We LOVED being in Abilene, though the trip was QUICK. We got to attend some fantastic lectures including "The Coffee Group" and Grampy's class which was AMAZING! Here are a few photos of Jed...

He has found his feet and it is SO FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

Home Sweet Home

2006-08-30T16:45:00.000-07:00

Last week Jed aand /ispent some time in the Metroplex with Jenny and David, Matt and Courtney, Grammy and Grampy. Then we went to Crockett to see B and Papa, while B had knee surgery. We LOVED seeing everybody; Jed did great with all the traveling, but it is nice to be home...

Around the house I began STRIPPING wallpaper today... it is SLOW going, but SOMEDAY it will be worth it! We are also getting ready for my parents, Laura and Justin for the Labor Day weekend. It will be great to see them, and for them to see how much Jed has grown....

Well, Jed is ready for my full attention....

Growing Up!

2006-08-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

Jed has grown SO much and is over 2 months old. He is TWELVE pounds now...much heavier than his begining at less than 7 pounds. More importantly (atleast to me)-
he is sleeping WONDERFULLY in his "big" bed, in his own room, and falling asleep on his own!!!!! This is making motherhood even more fun and has helped me enjoy him even more!!!! Jed is also smiling LOTS, rolling from his tummy to his back, and holding his head up too strong for his 2 months! He is just precious....

Other big news includes my sister's engagement to Justin!!!! We are very excited for them and about all the wedding events in the future! Well, hopefully, I will get a cute picture on here because Jed is REALLY getting cuter EVERY DAY!!!!

ADORABLE!

2006-07-26T15:01:00.000-07:00

The past seven weeks have FLOWN by with Jed's arrival. He is doing well... sleeping MORE on a "normal" schedule. We have been traveling to see Grammy and Grampy, Mimi and Bear, and a trip to see some we love in Abilene. Jed is a great traveler...by plane or by car!!! Well here is a favorite pic... we LOVE that little smile when his WHOLE face lights up!!

SEVEN WEEKS!

2006-07-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

these 1st weeks have gone incredibily quickly.
we are sleeping MORE at night...not through the night, but very good.
Jed has been traveling like crazy... to Grammy and Grampy's...to Mimi and Bear's and a stay in Abilene. He LOVES to sleep in the car and did GREAT on the plane.
Here is a picture... isn't he cute?

Parenthood!!!

2006-07-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

Well...we are nearing the ONE MONTH mark, and we are grateful for Jed.
We can hardly imagine life without him. We have now learned the joys of the pacifier and these magic little gass-y drops...there have been moments of "the fussies," but he is STILL the most precious little one!!!

Happy, Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!

2006-06-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

Today is Jonathan's 23rd birthday!!!! and we are celebrating at an all day VBS.
He is playing "Daniel" in the musical and is the STAR of the show. Jed and I made it to worship this morning (ON TIME), and we are PLANNING on staying for the musical to see "Daddy" (NOT Pa) perform. I have learned that this mommy-hood thing does not always go as PLANNED...so we will see if we can make it through the show.

This picture is Jonathan with Jed on his first Father's Day...
Jonathan, You are a great father...

I love it how you ...sing to Jed... call him "Dirk"... can't wait to play catch with him... pray for him... call to see how we are doing... rock him to sleep...
take care of me... scratch my back... call me punkin' head... understand when I am weepy... lead worship... connect with others... are always authentic...and how you love your heavenly Father.

Thanks for sharing life with me!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Two weeks later...

2006-06-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

Well, Jed arrived safely, soundly and QUICKLY after a long day, being sent home from the hospital at 3cm and returning 4 hours later at 10 cm... Jonathan checked us in at 1:18, Jed came out WIDE-EYED at 1:24 am. Since then, we have been LOVING (and adjusting to the schedule of) this most precious little guy. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. Here are some pics!

Coming Soon!!!!!

2006-05-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

OK... the official due date of June 8th is getting VERY close, but even more overwhelming is the reality that this due date is JUST a shot in the direction of delivery day... He could be sooner, like even this weekend or later (after mid-June)!

So, we wait!! I, unlike some blossoming mommies, am still glad to have whatever time is left... for the last minute pre-baby projects: like getting the crib screwed together, washing baby clothes in the special baby detergent, and SLEEPING as much as possible to rest up for all nighters!

Well, we are settling in fairly well to Houston, and I wanted to add a little (or not so little) picture of myself in my VERY pregnant moments!!!!

When It Rains, It Pours

2006-04-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this time of year...Easter bunnies, Spring flowers, the sunshine, but this has been a tough week...
My Granddaddy had been in the hospital for a few weeks and took his last breath on Good Friday. Jonathan and I arrived to Odessa on Easter Sunday, and I have stayed with my parents to help with some details as we look at the weeks ahead without him.

I woke up to POURING RAIN this morning, which was nice...GREAT for sleeping!!!
AND..then we received a call that my great grandmother, who has recently received a pacemaker, is struggling in critical care.

PLEASE pray for my family as we struggle through this storm.

the joys of technology

2006-04-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

OK...
I wrote up a nice little blog including an ultrasound picture that is INCREDIBLE, and I was praising the medical technology little did I know I would lose the blog.

So I will add the picture, and say things are going GREAT, even though the home-y feeling hasn't quite sunk in... BUT, I am grateful for what God is doing and am hopeful for the future!

Goodbyes!

2006-03-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

I am finishing up my last day, atleast for a while, as a speech therapist at two elementary skills. SO much has been going on, I haven't been able to chose one thing to write about it. Well, I STILL haven't chosen, but here is a rambling of the events of the past few weeks...

I had a FANTASTIC Spring Break and spent time with my parents and grandparents on the weekends, and then with the Rosses in RUIDOSO during the week. Though I DID NOT take part in the skiing, I really LOVED the relaxing time in the mountains with this amazing family. I got to play with Malaya, shop with the girls, enjoy a few movies, watch American Idol (for the 1st time), eat fantastic food, and SEE JONATHAN!!!

At the end of our time in Ruidoso, Jonathan and I headed to Odessa for him to fly back to Houston, and for another short visit with family. This visit was NOT easy. As I arrived in town, my mother and grandmother were at the hospital with my grandfather. Grandaddy had a stroke 2 months ago, and had made good progress in rehab. Then a week earlier he had returned to the hospital, and that night the doctor spoke with Mom and my grandmother about the effects of his congestive heart failure. He had not responded to the medication, and his heart was functioning at less than 20%. They did not expect him to survive the week, but miraculously he has made it one week with things continually improving. I left Odessa last Sunday expecting to return in just a few days for a funeral. It has been a TOUGH roller coaster with so many concerns, but I am grateful for Grandaddy's improvement! After I said my goodbyes in Odessa, I returned home to the Ridgells. They have listened and loved and prayed me through this tough experience.

I have LOVED living with Steve and Marsha Ridgell since Jonathan left. They are FANTASTIC; they love the Lord, love to laugh, tell stories, cook dinner and my favorite part of these roomies is they are all about an EARLY bedtime! This is the BEST thing!!! At 29 weeks pregnant, I LOVE it!

As much as I love the Ridgells, I am thrilled that Jonathan closed on our house in Spring, Texas TODAY! It is on a lovely little street with an adorable name: Mellow Ridge. It is a precious house that I cannot wait to call "home"! Along with the joys of moving, come a few sad goodbyes, and though I am excited about this new stage, I am a little sad to say "goodbye" to my kiddoes at school. I will be leaveing Taylor Elementary for the last time today, and am SO thankful for what I have learned from my co-teachers and students. Well, those are the high points of the past few weeks, more to come on the move-in progress which begins MONDAY!

Finally Friday!

2006-03-03T12:21:00.000-08:00

Well, all in all I am THRILLED at the arrival of Friday.
It is ALWAYS a fantastic day to get ready for the next week and get excited about the weekend. BUT, this week has been a tough one...from non-stop packing last weekend until Monday, an uninvited cough and cold which has taken up residence (and taken away my voice) and being 6 hours from my husband. REALLY, considering my emotional nature as I near my FINAL trimester of pregnancy, I have handled it all better than expected.

Needless to say, it has been a LONG week. BUT...in one more week, I will head out for SPRING BREAK. I will have a weekend in Odessa with my parents and grandparents; Jonathan will fly in on Sunday; and we will head to Ruidoso for the week!!!!!!!!!!!
I am by NO means a "mountain girl;" I LIKE to see where I am going (even if there is little to see). I CANNOT wait to be in the mountains again...it reminds me of my teenaage years when my youth group took trips to ski every winter and to a camp in the mountains every summer. Though I will not be skiing, I am definitely ready for some fresh mountain air and time with family!!!

A Few Lasts

2006-02-23T11:54:00.001-08:00

I have had LOTS of "firsts" the past few months... I am good with those.
I love the first things: days of schools, kisses, pictures, pregnancy... It is the LASTS that get me, and the good byes that have to follow.

Jonathan lead HIP last night at Southern Hills for the final time. Jonathan puts it SO well that it is bitter sweet... we ARE excited about what God has in store for our future, but to leave a church family that has loved, protected, and nurtured us is unbelievably heartbreaking.

The men, women and children of Southern Hills have taught us about service, about honesty, about laughter, and about faith... LOTS about faith...
The worship committee that hired Jonathan had NEVER heard him lead a song, that I know of. WE had been to Southern Hills ONE TIME before embarking on this 2 year adventure with this family of God. AND...Jonathan interviewed for the position of worship leader with a concussion he received from a football tournament the weekend before. It is a miracle that we EVER really became part of the Southern Hills family, but I am SO grateful that we did.

I could name 100 families with 1000 stories of God's faithfulness in their lives...
the Ostleins, the Jones, the Marcelains, and SO many others.

BUT, one of may favorites, is Don Hertenberger (I don't even know how to spell that last name. He joins the college crowd at HIP though he may be a "few" years ahead of them. Mr. Hertenberger is a great example of faith: a dad, a grandpa, and a great grandpa. I love his love for the Lord and His church. He had requested a song that Jonathan lead last night called "You Raise Me Up."

This song speaks of God's faithfulness to help us "become more than [we] could be..." For me it is a reminder of how God has used this church family to "raise us up". Those of you who have been our mentors, our prayer warriors, our friends, our examples, and our teachers. We are FOREVER grateful for this family, and confident that God will cross our paths with those who we have love again and again over the next months and years.

A Brand New Day

2006-02-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

As a general rule, I do not enjoy change. I LOVE the familiar, but if it had been my choice, I would have NEVER gone off to school...not just college, but EVEN preschool. BUT...I know change is good. It brings growth, and it keeps life interesting.

Right now, I am kind of in CHANGE-OVERLOAD. I am looking at packing up, quitting my job, buying a house, moving across the state, and having a child. ALL in the next 4 months. It seems TOO overwhelming when I am tired and focused on my self.

BUT...every morning, after a good night's sleep, the feelings that overwhelmed me the night before are a distant memory. Though the circumstances have not changed, my perspective has. When I wake up to a new day, God always reminds me that He is in control, that He is Faithful when my faith is weak.

God, thank you for your faithfulness, for making ME new every morning, and for doing MARVELOUS WONDERS all around and within me.

WOW!!!!!

2006-02-01T13:39:00.000-08:00

After a little LET-DOWN when my doctor was BUSY with some "emergency surgery," and my sonogram had to WAIT! Normally, I am a patient person... I work with a WIDE-RANGE of patience-stretching children, but waiting until this morning ALMOST stretched me too thin (not that I am looking THIN these days), BUT....this morning, IT HAPPENED!!!!!

There was NO emergency surgery, and we were able to our baby and it is a BOY!!!
I was INCREDIBLY nervous last night and all morning, but I AM SO EXCITED!!
The doctor was VERY confident about this call, and that is VERY relieving...the wishy-washy,"I THINK it is a _________?" would have left me in a freenzy UNTIL June. Even though Jonathan KNEW it was a boy, and I was leaning that way, it was great to get the doctor's agreement.

Well, I am settled down (a little), but I am still FILLED with excitement. This makes EVERYTHING seem SO much more REAL! Tomorrow starts my 22nd week....18 left to go!!!!
I have felt great and LOVE feeling the little tumbles when he is awake and ready to WIGGLE!!!
I will try to post a "picture" even though it takes a good bit of imagination to find a face in these...it is a face I love SO much!!!!!!!!!

The BIG day!!!

2006-01-31T11:43:00.000-08:00

OK...there will be LOTS of Big Days in my life, but this one IS pretty exciting!
We will go to the doctor today for the boy or girl? sonogram. The WHOLE pregnancy experience is PRETTY unbelievable...from our 1st picture at 8 weeks to the little flutters that begin around Christmas to the TUMBLES I feel now! It is AMAZING! The human body is more intricately created than I can even IMAGINE...especially how God uses it to grow life INSIDE!
The excitement is BUILDING until four o'clock today...
and then will only CONTINUE until arrival in JUNE!!!!!!

A kid again!

2006-01-20T13:20:00.000-08:00

Our next sonogram is January 31st, AND....it is "supposed to be" when we find out what "IT" is!I am SO excited to find out, and I have told my students at school that I will tell them after the appointment. So now these students are confident of their ability to predict the sex of this baby. Definitely doctors in the making...it is hysterical! My second and third graders are 50/50! 5th graders ALL vote BOY...
I have laughed SO hard, BUT....I too am equally as clueless... I am HOPING that the doctor will have SOME clue, but STILL... there seems to be a good bit of guessing involved... SO, we will see!!!
Finally, it is PAJAMA day... the ABSOLUTLE best maternity outfit ever invented!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Though the maternity-look is only accentuated by these clothes; the COMFORT makes it all worth it!
With pjs and brilliant debates going on, school has been entertaining this week. I love the thought process of a child..sometimes I laugh and sometimes I get a little grain of wisdom...like from a 5 year old who LOVES chocolate...
He told me a SAD story about his puppies who died this week. He talked about how "dey died. But if dey asked God into deir heawt, dey would be in puppy-heaven."
I can't wait for our little one to share life with me and Jonathan...in funny and faith-growing ways!

One Loved Zucchini

2006-01-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

It seems like each week this baby has been compared to some food... and we have truly expanded these days. From the little days of beans and peanuts, this baby has left the legume portion of the pyramid, swelled to strawberry-size, been shrimp-shaped, later had avocado dimensions, and now as the 19th week begins I have a"Zucchini" inside of me!!

ACCORDING TO NORMS, this little being is doing UNBELIEVABLE things this week:
How your baby's growing: Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and he measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the length of a small zucchini. His arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of his body now. His kidneys continue to make urine, and the hair on his scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. If your baby is a girl, she has an astonishing six million eggs in her ovaries.

My prayer for this little "zucchini" is that in ALL things, this child will EXPERIENCE the love of God through all these things the Creator is creating him to do. May this baby smell, taste, hear, see and touch; to the glory of God and grow to love Him more than ALL things.

Blessed

2005-12-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

SO many things I take for granted, but right now
I want to remember these things and thank God for them...

a warm heater when it FREEZING outside
a WONDERFUL family which points me to Jesus daily
a good job to enjoy CHRISTMAS-CRAZED children
an amazing Church family to share life and serve alongside
a wonderful husband who LOVES to cuddle and lets me whimper when the alarm goes off
numerous couples who have blessed us in SO many ways...
...Troy and Bonnie, Steve and Marsha, Phil and Donna, Vann and Sue, Gary and Fran, and SO many others...They have taught us how to be partners, be parents, and be servants of the Lord.

Well, that is only a start, but it a beginning to counting my blessings.

The Most Wonderful Time of Year

2005-12-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

I don't know if it is the winter weather that has BLOWN in, or that it REALLY is getting closer, but I ABSOLUTLEY LOVE THIS SEASON. Though the freezing weather is not my favorite, this time of year is MAGICAL. I LOVE it all... the Christmas songs, the lights, the smells, even the craziness of the mall, the twinkle in the eyes of young children (and the 'young at heart')!

I especially LOVE that it now when most of the world atleast CONSIDERS Jesus...
my prayer is that my focus would not be on all the Christmas STUFF, but on CHRIST.

God's Will

2005-11-18T10:03:00.000-08:00

I SO often have tried to pinpoint "God's will" in my narrowmindedness as the details of my life like my career plans, where we live, and other "important" things waiting and praying for God to reveal His divine plan. When this morning, I was reminded of this frm I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
To know that when my life is full of JOY, PRAYER and THANKSGIVING, it brings ALL those details into perspective and reminds me that this is God's Will...it is SO much bigger than MY mind can comprehend!
So here are things that have brought me JOY and make me SO thankful...
knowing God is "knitting together in [MY] womb" something WONDERFUL!
having an opportunity to spend time with family as the HOLIDAYS near!
realizing God is faithful and He demonstrates it DAILY in BIG and small ways!

Time FLIES!

2005-11-15T12:13:00.001-08:00

It is NOVEMBER (nearing Thanksgiving), and I cannot believe it!
Today is also the 10th week of pregnancy...that too AMAZES me! I am 1/4 of the way through my pregnancy...UNBELIEVABLE! Though I haven't felt 100%, I have had NO morning sickness...(ONLY once in the afternoon) and some major food aversions.
However, I am GRATEFUL that I am able to work and live with some tiredness rather than spending all my time sick!
As Thanksgiving nears, I am reminded of my self-centeredness...and want to grow in GRATITUDE so I will add a few THANKS! for the next few weeks.

I am grateful for the memories of the past and the opportunity the future holds. The past provides me an opportunity to see where God has brought me...HE IS AMAZING.
It reminds me of His Faithfulness, and everyonce in a while I see how much growth HE has brought...though often I see LOTS of "room for improvement" and so I am thankful that He is not through with me!
The family and friends God has placed in my life are UNBELIEVABLE blessings I have had and will have, and I am grateful for them...even when the future is a little uncertain. Friends from my hometown, to couple friends who have mentored us in various ways, to both sides of our family, I am grateful for
I am grateful for my job...even though EVERY MORNING, I dread getting out of bed, I enjoy the young, unique boys and girls, and I have the opportunity to shape their young minds...and I am grateful, even when there are whiners and snotty noses and I feel like NO ONE is listening!

God, Teach me to be thankful for I am SO often self-centered rather than YOU-centered. Open my eyes, ears, and heart to see how GREATLY I am blessed!

Time FLIES!

2005-11-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

Some FIRSTS!

2005-11-02T09:45:00.000-08:00

Some important firsts,
Happy Birthday to DAVID on his thirty-FIRST Birthday yesterday!

Also, yesterday, I went to the doctor WITHOUT fainting!This is a BIG FIRST for me!!
Finally, we got our FIRST PICTURE of our 8 week old baby which is forming in my tummy!
Yes, I know this sonogram photo somewhat resembles a peanut. BUT...still,
it is pretty UNBELIEVABLE to see the forming of a human life INSIDE ME right before my eyes!
Only at 18 mm long, it is AMAZING how greatly that tiny person has changed my life, and caught our attention even though he/she weighs about an ounce!

Test To Remember- October 19

2005-10-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

Over my years in public school and then in college, I have taken THOUSANDS of tests.However, not one even compares to the "No Thinking Required" test I took yesterday.I did not think; I just filled up a little cup; took it the nurse; and my life will forever be changed.
I AM excited! And overwhelmed and sometimes worried, but as I remember, God has been, IS, and will be faithful...I am not alone and HE will take care of us. This IS an AMAZING opportunity to be able to participate in the CREATION process with MY Creator.
Even with a NON-obtrusive doctor's visit, I managed to faint TWICE! Even in my OBVIOUS weaknesses, God is STRONG. I realize now more than EVER that it is His strength, and not my own, which will last! It will be an EXCITING journey into motherhood for me, as I walk alongside Dad-to-be, and as we share this joy with our families!

What A Week- October 14

2005-10-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

Within ONE WEEK, more than I could have imagined has made its way into my little reality. After my first ever speaking opportunity, my yearly evaluation, and some time near a trash can, it has definitely been eventful. Now, that time of "afternoon sickness," may mean a little more than I ever imagined...oh but the unknown alone leaves me a little queasy....or is that more morning sickness on this Friday afternoon????

All I can say is "We shall see..." In the next few days, I MAY have a more clear idea if this means I am making my way into motherhood, or not. Though with my history of fainting and being a wimp in most realms, I am to say the least overwhelmed at the thought.

Well, feel free to commment, but at this point I consider this a personal journal and am hoping no one finds this little spot in blog world.

Blessings!

Life Can Be Rough- October 11

2005-10-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Only when I thought that locking my keys in my car, THREE HOURS from home was the WORST thing that could happen EVER, I am proven wrong. After making it through a Monday at school, and THEN throwing up over a trash can in my room, I realized that things can always get worse...yet, they will eventually get BETTER. And even still, I am thankful for my husband who gave me sprite and crackers and a warm wash cloth, and for a warm bed to sleep away the aches and pains, and at least for now, I am thankful, I haven't had to find anymore trashcans.

I wanted to record these events which I deemed the end of the world, though I realize they are NOT...that even in my high drama, down and out moments, I am richly blessed!