Waiting...

Waiting for tomorrow and the news it brings. My heart and mind are filled with emotions and fears. I am transported back to August 2009 when I had another important ultrasound on the horizon. By that point, we already knew something was terribly wrong. This time, we have no expectations, just waiting... I have not felt anxious up until now, but with the day approaching, I am filled with anticipation. I just need to hear those words: Your baby is perfectly healthy. I was reminded of this verse this morning while getting ready for the day:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

How comforting those words are, but how difficult to actually put into practice. I haven't bought anything for the baby yet, not even a bib or a pack of diapers. I am afraid, and I need God's peace. My appointment is at 12:30 pm tomorrow, please pray for us if you think about it! I will post as soon as I know something... thank you all!

A Little Update

So, I'm still here... Been busy the last few weeks. William left for Montgomery in January and is due back very soon (thank you Lord!) I am so very over these long stretches apart. I am praying for the Lord to provide a more family friendly job one day in the future, despite a bad economy, we cannot keep the status quo of never seeing each other. I am ever thankful for the steady income and I know of so many in financial straits right now; but I cannot help but wish for something better. I am always reminded that there is something much better to come... that's what I cling to right now.
On that note, my dear sweet great grandmother, affectionately known as Kakky passed away nearly two weeks ago. She was 98 years old (would have been 99) in March, and lived a rich, love-filled life. She brought about three more generations in her lifetime and enjoyed watching all of us learn and grow. I am so glad to know she was a believer and had come to know Jesus more deeply in her last few years. She is now with many of her family members, including her husband and her great great grandson Henry. I wonder if he was there to meet her and if she is holding him for me? Heaven is such a marvelous mystery, isn't it?
The kids and I had the opportunity to fly to Mississippi for the funeral. The last funeral we attended was Henry's, so it brought back many emotions. Burials are such a strange and unnatural thing; anyone who tries to make a celebration out of it is in denial. I once went to a funeral where they wanted it to be a celebration. I remember standing there thinking I was odd for being sad. Yes, when someone is a believer we rejoice they are with God, but it is also a time to grieve our loss and the unnatural, ugly sting of death. It makes me love Jesus all the more for suffering it with us. What a personal God we serve.
But of course, as they say in Steel Magnolias 'life goes on'. We came home Wednesday night and Thursday morning I had an OB appointment. There it was, coming in clear over the doppler, the bump bump bump of my 13 week old baby's heart. Strong and in the 140's, perfectly normal they said. What a relief.
"Life goes on"... one life departs this earth and another is forming.

On a side note, my ultrasound and testing is scheduled for Feb 17. Please be in prayer all is well and our baby is healthy and strong. Thank you!

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

Coming August 2012

BABY!!!!

To all of you who have showered us with your prayers the last two years, I am asking you to once again pray for us and this precious little peanut. The heartbeat was strong and every thing is looking good for now. I am due August 8th, but it will be a little sooner with a scheduled c-section. In February, we will be sent to Ft. Worth for a detailed ultrasound and a chromosome screening. I am a little anxious because we never had genetic counseling after Henry was born. I have been reassured by many doctors that I shouldn't worry, but I am only human! Pray for peace and for God to calm our fears. I fell in love as soon as he/she popped up on the screen! :-) I can't wait to begin to feel those little flutters in a few weeks! Thanks everyone and I will keep you posted!

Christmas and San Antonio

Here are some photos from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and our New Years trip to San Antonio. We had so much fun, we all came home sick :-( It was a great Christmas break. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

Also, the blog music has changed since it's no longer Christmas. I'm feeling a little playful in this New Year so I've included some of my Dad's faves on this playlist. Here's to a great 2012!

One BIG Post: Liam's Birthday and Christmas Fun

The last few weeks have been busy, but in a good way. Maisie was in the Nutcracker for the first time ever! William and I attended two Christmas parties and hosted one in our home, we got to see Behold the Lamb for a second year in a row (wonderful), and Liam had his 4th Birthday!

Maisie was a mouse in the Nutcracker and I couldn't have been more thrilled. I was so excited that she got to do something that I wish I had done when I had the opportunity so many years ago. She was the cutest little mouse EVER. I wasn't allowed to take photos of the performance, but I took this during intermission when she got to come sit with us.

Maisie was also in a school Christmas pageant. Here she is posing afterward for her proud mama.

I was actually sick on Liam's real birthday, but we made it up to him this past Saturday by taking him to Rainforest cafe and Legoland in Grapevine. We had a blast as a family spending the weekend in Dallas.

Sunday morning we went to one of our favorite churches, Park Cities Presbyterian. The service was amazing, with beautiful Christmas music and a great Christmas message about how Jesus came to serve. Maisie and Liam were very excited (and very cute) dressed in their Christmas finest :-)

We are really excited about Christmas around here. This time of year is a culmination for me after a rather depressing Fall. This season brings new hope and a renewed sense of peace. At night we've been reading "Behold the Lamb: An Advent Narrative" by Russ Ramsey and I highly recommend it for your family for any time of the year. In the stories from the Old Testament we see the Fall of Man, the waywardness of God's people, and a weariness from sin. Just as Creation is letting out a long, load groan... God hears them and He answers. A baby, fully God and yet fully Man come for the sole purpose of dying in our stead. I can't get over hearing that; I need that Gospel every day of my life!

I leave you with these words from a new favorite Christmas hymn, "Nations That Long in Darkness Walked":

Nations that long in darkness walked
Have now beheld a glorious light;
On them who dwelt in shades of death
The light hath shinèd heav’nly bright.

For lo! the virgin’s Child is born;
To us the Son of God is giv’n.
Upon His shoulders shall be laid
The government of earth and Heav’n.

His Name is callèd Wonderful,
The Counselor, the mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace,
Peace dearly purchased with His blood.

His government shall know no bounds,
But far and wide o’er all extend;
And happy peace, the glorious fruits
Of His just reign, shall know no end.

O’er David’s kingdom, on His throne
To rule, and ’stablish it secure
With judgment clear, and justice right;
His reign forever shall endure.


Hallelujah and Merry Christmas!


P.S. Have you noticed it's snowing on my blog? I love it!

Happy Birthday, Liam!

Happy 4th Birthday (yesterday) to my precious Liam. You are a sweet, wonderful gift and we cherish you. We plan on celebrating officially this weekend with a trip to Legoland in Grapevine. Pictures to follow!

Thanksgiving Fun

We had a blast in Mississippi with my family for Thanksgiving. Here are some highlights:

Two Turkeys

Sisters

All girl picture. We had fun with this one!

Sleepy Liam with his cousin Kendall

Maisie and Anna Kathryn making some crafts

Uncle Stuart and William playing some good ole RUF hymns

A mother/daughters photo gone awry with uncontrolable giggles... oh well, we tried!

Maisie and Liam playing some piano for our listening pleasure!

I loved every minute with the family. Can't wait to do it again next year! Now on to Christmas... enjoy the new blog music!