I retreated into the state of pregnancy months back and am just now in the mood to even look at this place. Sorry! Just keeping it honest and real! I didn’t care one bit about writing my thoughts because most of the times I couldn’t gather them enough for a decent phone conversation. So, here I am now…

I am almost 7 months along. As I type that, my heart begins to quicken and I have a scrolling list that rolls across my eyes like a reader board reminding me of all the things I wanted done before this baby arrives. The list is long, the time is short, and the money these things might take is “missing” somehow. I have somehow managed to finish a major project in the last week, though. It gives me hope for the others left undone. I finally finished all of Micah’s big boy bedding and window treatments. If there was a little spare change, I might have added a bit more to it, but baby girl will be needing things a little more pressing ,so I am content with how everything turned out. I’ll post pictures soon. It seems like every time I remember to take the pictures, he is napping!

I can’t even begin to figure out how I will ever get everything sewed for baby girl’s room! It will take lots more time in comparison and I still haven’t managed to find the different fabrics I want to use. I have the main fabric purchased, but nothing to go with it. I am hoping this weekend will be fruitful…I am going to Little Rock to visit family and celebrate birthdays, so I plan to hit the fabric shops there. I have gathered everything from the garage that we will be needing soon, so her room is filled with lots of “mess” at the moment. I have hit several garage sales looking for clothes and things to get us going. I don’t remember worrying and scrambling this much with Micah. What is up with that???

Meanwhile, life at home is good. I am enjoying our family times more and more. Last night as we got Micah ready for bed, I felt so happy. I look forward to watching Daddy give him his bath in the “pretty bubbles” (I am nearby getting jammies and enjoying all their noises), getting him in bed, Daddy reading stories to us, and our prayers and songs. It is such a sweet time! I know that the whole dynamic will change in the months to come, so I am trying to cherish these sweet moments of “just us”. (Some day, if baby girl reads this, I will have to explain this a bit…or else tell her to wait until she has children of her own!).

I really have a wonderful husband. I have known this, but I am reminded a lot lately. Yesterday afternoon, he was so willing to praise my efforts at home. Now, when I say efforts, think the dishwasher got loaded, kitchen swept, and two loads of laundry (yep, it has been pretty sad around here lately!). I have been a bit sickly and exhausted and have been letting things slide significantly. His encouragement gave me strength to go further and fix dinner (not something from a box or 3 ingredients or less). Sounds so silly, huh?! I was really down and was letting it get in the way of stuff that needed to be done. I would say I got lazy! I am putting it all out there because maybe the embarrassment of revealing it will motivate me to do what I should be doing without the praise and encouragement my sweet spouse gives me!!!

Just because I feel random today and I haven’t posted in ages (I am sure I have no readers at this point, but that was never the purpose of this little thing anyway), I flashed back to the time I came home from the hospital with Micah. Jonathan was so sweet! He took care of as much as he possibly could and that first night, it required a trip to Wal-Mart. Now, my sweet husband was given the kind of list that would send any husband into a tailspin of panic and stress. The list had medications that people might blush while buying, some necessities for a nursing mother, and (to make it even more embarrassing) “granny panties”. I had a c-section and the incision was very tender, so they were needed, OK! My sweet husband said nothing about the list. He just went and got the items and returned with a smile. That has stuck with me!! He will admit that it was a daunting task and he got lots of help from kind ladies working there, but my hubby took care of me! He didn’t balk and pretend he forgot something was on the list. He just did it! That image sticks with me when I get discouraged or tired. I have to remember that this man would do these things and more for me, so I need to keep up my part….I will do better!!!!

So, there you have it…my thoughts for today! Do better, girl!

***Dude!! I published this on Monday, but it never appeared!! Good Grief!!! ****

Saturday, we went to the recording studio in Tyler to record our first song in a group I am in (evenstill). I was really nervous because I prefer not to hear myself singing. That makes recording sessions a little interesting. However, after I finished waiting for most of the day for my turn, it really wasn’t so bad. I was terribly nervous, so it took a few tries for me to settle down, but then I was fine. I actually enjoyed the day. I liked watching my husband savor each part. I can tell he really likes this stuff! We took lots of pictures that I will have to share with you later today after Jonathan comes home with the laptop (all the photos are already there).
I dreaded this process, but in the end it turned out to be enjoyable. I will admit it was very tiresome, though! We were in the studio for 13 hours and finished ONE song! I know the process will speed up in the future because we now know what to expect and how to attack better the next time.
Meanwhile, Micah stayed with church friends and had a blast playing with two older boys. He got to see a basketball game, an indoor soccer game, and go to a birthday party. He was eager to tell us all about it.
Now, I have a nice sinus infection (Thank you, God, for keeping it at bay until recording was over.) and am trying to relax and keep the breathing passages clear. Hope you had a great weekend, too!

I have dropped off the face of the earth for a while as far as blogging goes.  I will be the first to tell you that I am not much of a writer.  I am not eloquent or clever, really.  I just write for my own entertainment.  Unfortunately for this blog, my entertainment was found elsewhere as we got our house converted to home and had a holiday travels.  We have kept busy, but I kept thinking about my sad, neglected blog.  I have had ideas of things I would enjoy writing about, but never got time to sit down and actually get my thoughts together.  I hope I will get better at setting side a time for blogging instead of wasting moments with a little Spider Solitaire (my simple, mindless time passer for those days when I need a brain unload).  On those days when I don’t feel words coming, maybe I will be better with giving a picture of the week, a quote, or a Bible verse that’s on my mind.  I know someting small is better than nothing at all.  My goal this week, is 4 posts.  So, we shall see how this new motivation goes.  I bet I can stretch those four posts with our new home pics and the progress we made to make it ours.  Anyway, here’s to a better start this year!

Sorry I have been away for so long, my friends! I have been renovating a home, moving, and unpacking. It has been a while since I have had time to even look at the computer, let alone sit down and write anything. Later this week, I will give you a view into all our work on the house. We have replaced flooring throughout, painted everywhere, and added needed features to make it feel right for us. We are very excited to be here now. Our only frustration is the unpacking and finding the right place for everything. I have a long list of little projects that need to get done - most of which I will need a little help to accomplish. I am rather handy, but some things I am just unfamiliar with. Jonathan has learned a lot of new skills through this process.

Through out all of this process, I have learned even more of what I already knew! I have wonderful friends! My Sunday School class members were the ones to help with all our projects, move us from the apartment, and help empty our storage building. They have been amazing. Some have stayed into the night working on painting, flooring, wall removal, etc. God is good! What a blessing to have people willing to give up their own time to help make our house a home. I am forever grateful!!

Today we closed on our house!  We are thrilled, but now it is time to get down to work.  We have flooring to replace, paint to apply, appliances to purchase, light fixtures to replace and a wall to remove.  Sounds like fun, right?  :)  I will show off our work once we get going, but for now… here is our front lawn.

you get a little teary eyed while watching Disney’s Cars with your son.  We were watching the part where Sally explains how the interstate changed everything for the town of Radiator Springs.  Yes, I am sappy!

This is a first for me. I have been tagged by a blogging friend (Amy) to write about how I am preparing for Christmas. Such an easy topic for me at the moment. She asked if I was ready to get my jingle on! I am ready!! It helps that we are moving to a new house. I am looking forward to decorating and seeing where things will go in the new house. We normally put up two trees (one is the family tree and the other is the “fancy” tree), but I am considering a third. I just have to find a bargain for the actual tree!
I am getting really excited about digging through the boxes and finding places for things. My favorite part is putting out my Granny’s nativity. So many fond memories flood the senses when it comes out each year. I have already planned what to do to the front of the house (outside).
Micah will be old enough this year to really help Mommy and understand what is going on. He got a Little People nativity for his birthday that will have a prominent place in our home this year. I can already hear him picking up Jesus and saying “baby”!

I will certainly post pictures as we get things all fixed up!

Now, time to tag others!

Denyse

Lori

Your turn, girls (and anyone else who wants to join in)!  How are you getting ready for the holidays?  Are you ready or not so much?  Are you ready to get your jingle on?  BTW,  I am much more motivated and eager today because the weather has turned cold.  That always get me in the mood for all things homey!  I want cocoa and baked goods smelling candles (don’t plan to actually bake right now).  Warm Sugar Cookie and Spiced Pumpkin, here I come!

Some days I feel like I am constantly going and going. Either the house needs so much done (that I have neglected) or there are errands and events to tend to. This week has started off in high speed and I am a little overwhelmed. We are dealing with all the fine details of buying a home, issues from our previous home (long story), and everyday life mixed in, too. I am realizing more everyday that in order for me to keep my wits about me and function like I should I must focus on scripture to remind me of my purpose and focus. So, today I thought I would share a few that I am pondering (or will be from this point on).

Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 29:17
Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.
***just found this one and threw it in after a few frustrating moments this morning***

Psalm 62:5
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.

Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Just a few I thought about…