Time!!

I was reading Terri Curtis's Blog (link is located on this blog) about rethinking Christmas and watched some of the video clips and the comments about how we spend our time. I agree that time is one of our most precious resources. The richest rich and the poorest poor all have the same resource of "time." You cannot earn time, buy it, or save it for another day. However you can WASTE your time. We are all born with a certain amount of time on this earth and we do not have the ability to know if tomorrow is our last day or if we have another 20 years. Jesus died at the age of 33. I think about all the things I have wasted my time on and it seems overwhelming. I'm currently reading a book about raising children and the theme of time keeps reoccurring over and over. Your TIME is the best present you can give your children, your friends, and family. When I reflect about our Christmas this year, I will never remember what was bought and who got what. What I will remember is the TIME that was shared with people that matter. As we approach another new year, I hope that I can keep this in the forefront of my mind so that I can make good use of my time and share it with others. Have a safe and Happy New Year!!!

Christmas Day 2008

Christmas morning was special because we had breakfast together and then was able to spend some time with Ava and her new toys. It's fascinating to watch her learn new things and to see her excited face. Christmas afternoon was spent at George's Grandmother's house for a meal and more presents!!!

Saturday the 27th we had George's parents over for Christmas and we played some card games and of course had an evening meal together. Ava enjoyed more presents and wrapping paper and enjoyed being the center of attention for the day. We are certainly blessed!!!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve it is our family tradition to attend Christmas Eve church services, have a home cooked meal together, open a few presents, and play some games. This was Ava's first Christmas and she had a lot of fun with the wrapping paper and gift bags. She thought her new toys were cool, but not as much fun as the paper they came wrapped in. After she went to bed, George, Ashley and I watched the Jim Carey version of "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" It was a peaceful and pleasant night to spend quality time with the people I love the most.

Captiva Island Vacation - Pictures

Captiva Island Vacation

We just got back from our vacation to Capitiva Island, Florida and this was Ava's first trip on a plane and her first vacation. If her behavior is any indication of how she will be on vacation, we will ALWAYS take her. She was SO good and SO happy the entire trip. She loved the on-site pool and she loved the beach and the Gulf waters. We stayed at a resort that was right along the Gulf of Mexico and the weather was wonderful. The weather and Ava was the two positive things on our trip, as the resort was disastrous! From the time we arrived, until the day we left, we had nothing but problems with our cottage's( yes, we tried two different cottages). It was mostly maintenance issues and staffing issues. There were too many things to list of what went wrong, but it almost became comical. Unfortunately George and I never really were able to unwind because of all the issues and it rather tainted our stay in Captiva. We were glad to come back home, but not glad to come back to the cold weather. I'm ready for another vacation!!!

Ava loves her toes! She can still reach them while in her stroller. George and I were laughing at how happy she was to get her toes in her mouth.

Ava did wonderful on her first plane trip! She slept on the flight down to Florida and on the flight back home. We were lucky to have the extra seat.

Tips for Family Photos Shoots

Since George and I have learned the hard way in taking family photos without bad moods, sharp tongues, impatience, crying, etc. (I'm talking about the adults) I have put a list of items that may help others to make family pictures more enjoyable....unless you have already learned the hard way.

1. BE PATIENT
2. Plan ahead...pick date,time,place, and what everyone will be wearing ahead time to avoid arguements. Example: We are taking our family photos on Saturday here at 11:30 am and we all have something picked out to wear that coordinates with each other.
3. Eat something...Make sure everyone has ate something before the photo shoot. This avoids bad temperments and low blood sugar.
4. Put pets away....unless they are going to be in the picture. Animals tend to want to get in the way or distract little ones from looking at the camera.
5. Have all props thought out ahead of time and gathered before your photo shoot.
6. Get little children ready last and make sure they have a bib on until right before the picture is taken. Invariably, they will spit-up, spill, or soil, their nice new outfit. I recommend a Large plastic bib.
7. If little children are involved....Make sure the photo shoot is early in the day.
As the day goes on, children get tired and restless. Mornings are your friend in this case.
8. Take short breaks. This can help reduce a tense moment during the shoot.
9. Relax and Smile
10. Remember the best laid plans sometimes don't work out. If it's not going well and your not getting the photo's you want...Reschedule for another day and always remember rule number one!!!

Tradegy in Toronto

Every year George travels to Louisville for the RV Manufacturers show and this year brought sad news. George's dealer in Toronto is suffering the unthinkable!
His daughter was murdered on Saturday from multiple stab wounds and her husband and two of their sons (3 & 5 years old) are fighting for their lives in critical condition. The other two boys (11 & 13) hid upstairs and were unharmed. The daughter also worked at the dealership and George just saw her in October. It's a very sad circumstance and it was by someone they knew who had come to their oldest son's birthday party. The man that committed these vicious acts was shot by police at the scene and he was known to have a history of mental illness and recently lost his wife to cancer and lost custody of his son. When I hear stories like this it makes me sad that desperation and despair were the catalyst that tipped the scales for this already mentally ill man, but it makes me the saddest to hear that innocent lives will forever be change by this event. As hard as I search, pray, and try to understand, I will never understand why God allows innocent people to suffer on this earth. It will likely be a mystery to me until I can ask this question one day in person. Until then, I will continue to search for answers and pray for wisdom.

Ashley is going to Mexico in 2009

George and I have been encouraging Ashley to do some different things with her life and she finally followed through. She attending a meeting on a mission trip to Mexico, that will take place in June of 2009, and was completely excited about it. She turned in her application, background check, and her first deposit to hold her spot. She will be gone for a week and I've been praying that this trip will be transforming for her, as well as for the people she will be helping in Mexico. She will be sending out support letters sometime after the first of the year and we ask that all our friends and family will cover her in prayer. Please pray as you are directed, but also for the following:

First and Foremost that God will be Glorified through Ashley.
Secondly, that the children and the people she meets in Mexico will come to know and love Jesus.
That Ashley will go with a open and humble spirit so that she may hear the Holy Spirit.
That Ashley will be connected to others that can use her gifts.
That Ashley will see the bigger picture of this world and how she can be used for God's Kingdom.
That Ashley will go with a Servant's Heart and be impacted and transformed by helping others.
That Ashley will be protected both physically and spiritually while she is on this journey.
Last but not least, that Ashley will keep her feet pointed in the right direction.

O' Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree...

Every year, George and I go to Eby Pines and cut down our Christmas Tree. This tradition is especially sentimental because that is how George asked me to marry him! This year the cold/flu bug came to our house and interrupted our plans. Although the chain of tradition was temporarily interrupted, George brought home the most beautiful tree we've ever had. Ashley reminded me that I say that every year, but I really do think it is the most beautiful tree. It's perfect!

Thanksgiving 2008

This year we changed up the norm and made a different plan. We decided to spend it with some friends and then have George's parents and our family (Ashley, Ava, George, and I) together in the evening for a meal and games. Ava put a wrench in the plan with a pretty bad cold that started on Wednesday night. I stayed home with Ava and George brought me a delicious plate from Lori and Larry's. We still went forward with our evening plans and had a good meal, good company and played a few games. Overall, it was relaxing and enjoyable. We took Ava to the Doctor on Friday and the prescription was "time" with lots of fluids and lots of rest.

Abby likes the Bumbo Seat Too!!

We had a scare before Thanksgiving with our fourteen year old cat Abby. We took her to the Vet and she is currently on medication and doing well. If she continues to do well and her symptoms clear up, she will be out of the woods. So far..So good. Abby loves Ava's Bumbo seat as seen in the above photo.

New feats and perspective's for Ava

Ava is doing something new almost daily now. It's like she wakes up and tries something new and George and I look at each other and say how did she know how to do that??!!! She is now sitting up, sucking on her toes, making lots of vocal sounds. She hasn't figured out VOLUME control yet. She is completely and totally mesmerized by our cat Opal. She now knows her name and will respond when you say her name. She would make a good farmer-early to bed..early to rise!! She loves her new walker because she can move around the house and get close to the cats. Unfortunately for me, she also likes to watch football with George. Maybe it's just a phase. She loves her sister and smiles when she comes home from work. I love how her little personality is developing and how much fun she is to be around.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas.....

Today we all woke up to a winter wonderland. It was SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I took Ava outside for her first snow day and she seemed to like it. I started playing Christmas music already. Normally I wait until Thanksgiving weekend but the snow seemed to draw me into the Christmas spirit. George will be ready to cut the speaker's out of the ceiling by December 25th as he will be hearing Christmas music all day long for the next 39 nine days!! My friend Rapture from Texas would love this weather and she can testify first hand of my love for Christmas music as she had to hear it all day long when we were working together. "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear" (From the movie "ELF")

Third Year and still inspired!

Every year for the last three years, George and I find a single Mother and her children to adopt for Christmas. Every year we are inspired by the love and perserverance of these Mother's when they are faced with providing for their families. It gives George and I great joy to help in their circumstances as I was once a single Mother myself, raising a daughter without a father or financial support. I've had people help me along the way, and God put people in my pathway to give me direction, love and support. This year we adopted a single Mother with a newborn baby that has mental and physical challenges that lay ahead. We were able to meet with her and her beautiful baby girl on Sunday and what a joy it was to see this tiny baby. I hope that our help will have lifted some of her burdens and we hope to continue to see her and her baby in the coming months. Please take a moment to join George and I in our prayers for this baby's upcoming surgery and challenges!!!

Visit from Indianapolis

This weekend we had my niece Brooke, her husband Corey and their cutie pie baby Malin here for a visit. Malin and Ava are only 3 weeks apart! It was fun to see them interact together and Malin sat up for the first time on Friday night.

It was a great visit and we look forward to spending time with them as our daughters grow up together. We look forward to our upcoming visit with them in December!

What's new for Ava

I keep forgetting to let people know what "Little Ava" is now doing. She has progressed to three meals a day of baby food and eight bottles. She is now turning over from back to stomach, and close to turning from stomach to back. She can somehow find her way across the room when I leave the room for just a couple of minutes. She is Mobile!! She loves to stand up on my lap and look around at all the things in each room and she loves to look outside. She has just started to use an activity saucer and she and the cats have begun to size one another up. Opal tried to rub her head against Ava and Ava grabbed for the fur. Yikes! She will be Six months old on Thursday and she is growing up SO FAST! George and I look back at video's and pictures of her when she was born and we can't believe how the time has gone. More updates later.

Happy Halloween!

This is Ava's first year for dressing up and I didn't think I was going to get a costume but.... my friend Kim Kalman and I were shopping at Target after our lunch at Uptown Kitchen and I couldn't resist this lobster costume!! She is SO CUTE!!

Saving Time & Money

With the recent decline in the economy, we have taken another look at our outgoing cashflow and found some savings. Thought I'd pass the information on to others.
Martin's Grocery Store: They have a pet club, baby club, and prescription club. Just go to the service desk and fill out a short form and they start tracking your purchases and then you get $10 coupons to be used on grocery items. I've already received twenty dollars off. The prescription club is a little different because you have to keep a punch card. However, if you have a prescription for antibotics, have them sent to Martin's because their FREE.
Trash Pickup: We didn't realize that when we signed up for trash service almost five year's ago, that we were on the highest bag level. We recycle most of our items and only have two to three bags per week. So...we called and we got a reduction of $88 per year.
Verizon Cellular: Went back and reviewed my last six months of use and realized I was always below my minutes. I called and reduced my minutes and monthly charges by $20 per month.
Capital One Visa: We switched from Chase to Captial One to gain travel points to use for airfare and hotels. There are no restrictions or blackout dates and your points never expire. We now put all our outgoing expenses on the credit card and then pay it off at the end of the month.
Hulu.com: This is a time saver. George and I get irritated with all the commercials during prime-time TV. Now we just log on to Hulu and watch our favorite TV shows like "The Office" with only one or two 15 second commercials.

Riverwalk-Mishawaka

Yesterday afternoon we went to the "new" Mishawaka Riverwalk to get out in the sunshine and walk with Ava in her stroller. My sister had told me how nice it was, so we decided to check it out. It was so beautiful!! The sidewalks were nice and wide and the views along the river were very scenic. There is lots of beautiful landscaping, water sculpture features, benches, picnic areas, large grassy areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball diamond, public pavillions, rock gardens, bike racks, fishing areas, fish cleaning stations, fish ladder for the salmon, and everything was well maintained. The Riverwalk route is well marked with signs and lots of lighting if you are planning a evening walk. If we lived closer, this would be my daily walking routine. There is still a lot of construction going on and I'm excited to see what else they are going to be adding. We walked the entire route that has been finished so far, and it was approximately five miles. It was a great way to enjoy the outdoors with my family!

Look what the cat dragged in!

Most of you know that we have a LARGE pedelstal dining room table in our house and the table cannot be moved without the help of 4-5 strong men. So...if I want to clean underneath it, we just take a broom and hold it parallel to the ground and sweep out what's underneath. This is also the place where most items end up, that have come up missing due to our cat Opal's mischievous nature. This last week when we cleaned underneath the pedelstal, this is what we found: (Yes, it's hard to believe, but true)
1 drink coaster
8 trash bag ties
1 small wasp nest
3 rocks
1 lid to my honey bottle
2 outlet safety covers
1 headband
1 hairclip
2 catnip mice
2 water bottle caps
1 rubber ball
1 milk bottle tab
2 artificial flowers
1 acorn
1 Dr's receipt
1 kleenex
1 rubberband
5 hairbands
1 Cracker Barrel receipt
3 felt discs
1 wad of carpet fuzz
1 8 x 10 drawing-folded

Carving Pumpkin's- A study of patience

Thursday evening after Ava went to bed, George and I decided to carve pumpkins together. I pulled out a book of stencils that I had bought several years ago and have yet to use. After I read the instructions for how to use the stencils on your pumpkins, I opted to go for the quick and easy route and George, being the patient man that he is, picked a stencil marked "difficult".
Two hours later, George ended up with a GREAT looking pumpkin and I ended up with a basic design that took me 20 minutes. I have posted pictures of the pumpkins next to each other. It goes to show you that patience is a virtue that can take you further than the fast and easy route. Unfortunately, our cat Opal decided to bite off one of the tower's of George's pumpkin right after these photo's were taken. Ironically, then George lost his patience!!!

Indian Summer at the Pumpkin Patch

What a Gorgeous Weekend!!! Today we decide to take Ava to the pumpkin place on Douglas Rd. and take some pictures and pick up our pumpkins. Ava fell asleep on the way over there and so she is pretty somber in the pictures, but we were thankful that she wasn't crying. She is so happy during the day that we thought we picked a good time to go. We left there and ran a few other errands and ended up at Granite City Brew Pub and ate lunch on the outdoor patio. The food was good and Ava then showed everyone her smiles and laughter. Wish we could have captured that on film. I say that a lot. She gives us these precious little moments of fun and glimpes of her sweet personalty and we rarely get to capture that moment on film or video. It's like those moments are just for George and I to cherish!! The colors of the trees and the reflecting sunshine made today the perfect day of fall!!!

Breast Cancer Walk-October 11th

What a beautiful day for our walk!! Ashley and I participated in this years Breast Cancer Walk in South Bend. George and Ava came to cheer us, and to take pictures along the way. We walked with Ashley's boss and her daughter Chloe and had a great time and good conversation. I was pleased that Ashley and I was able to spend some time together, and to also be a part of such a great cause. It was emotional to see the breast cancer survivors line up at the starting line. We really can make a difference and these survivors were living proof! Afterwards, George, Ashley, Ava, and I went to LePeeps for Brunch and enjoyed the warmth of the sun at an outdoor table. It was a great morning for many reasons and I'm grateful to all of those that donated and supported us on this cancer walk.

September 12th - George's Birthday

George's favorite Asian restaurant is "Big Bowl" up in Chicago. It has become a standard stop when we are in Chicago or close to Chicago. Yes, he will drive out of his way for his favorite 'Kung Pow Chicken." This year we discussed what he might like to do for his birthday, and he wanted to drive up to Chicago to eat at Big Bowl and then drive home. However, I wasn't ready to leave Ava for an all day adventure yet, and our sitter was only available after 6:00pm. Sooo... I thought instead of going to Big Bowl, that I would have Big Bowl delivered down here. Yes, it was quite the undertaking and after many brainstorming conversations with Adam Bryant (Big Bowl GM), we finally had to give the idea up. Adam enjoyed helping out with a fun project like this and he made many calls and inquiries on his own, to no avail. The great part was that he sent George a letter for us to have a free dinner and overnight stay in Chicago, compliments of Big Bowl. My second idea for George's birthday which included fishing, golfing, and kayaking didn't work either due to schedule conflicts and also the monsune rain that we had. The third idea worked out great and was planned at the last moment. I called some friends and we all went out to eat at Noma in South Bend. They gave us a round table in a separate room so that we could all talk and they printed special menu's that said "Happy Birthday George" on them. The meal and the service was excellent and George ended up with a Very Happy Birthday afterall.

Music for You and Your baby

I recently was given a gift of baby lullaby's set to the music of the Eagles and my niece in Indianapolis gave me a CD of lullaby's set to the music of Coldplay.
It's very cool! This is music your baby will love and it's also music you like and can relate to. What a great idea. Here's the website for those that may be interested. www. babyrockrecords.com

Where does the day go??

I recently was wondering where has all my time gone over the summer and how is it that I look at the clock in the morning at 5:00 am (first feeding of the day) and the next thing I know, it is 5:oo pm. So, I decided to break it down by numbers. What a surprise coming from an Accountant.

8 bottles a day = 280 minutes = 4.66 hours of feeding
12 diaper changes =60 minutes = 1 hour
Twice daily wash, dry, and make bottles = 60 minutes = 1 hour
1 load of laundry daily (baby cloths, blakets, etc) = 30 minutes (gather, fold, put away)
1 bath per day-Ava (get bath ready, bath, dry, re-dress) 20 minutes

This adds up to 7.5 hours devoted to just the basic needs for Ava. This DOES NOT include holding her when she needs me or when I need her, playing with her, rocking her, and any of the other miriad of things that can add to the time of doing the above. This also DOES NOT include things I do for the household, George, and myself.

This was not meant to sound whining or complaining. It's the best job I've ever had. It has the best rewards and benefits program and it comes with a new challenge every day. I have a renewed respect for all of the mothers out there doing it day after day. I worked as a career woman for over 20 years before I
became a Domestic Engineer and I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to stay at home with Ava. However, I must admit I look forward to be past the bottle stage.

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

I'm a political news junkie and this year's primaries and conventions have kept me glued to the TV news channels. I've listened to BOTH the DNC and the RNC, even though I typically vote Republican. I think this election will be a tough and a hard fought race and either ticket that wins will be a historic moment. However, after hearing the civil forum answers from Saddleback Church, hosted by Rick Warren, I believe McCain will be the man of character, integrity, and leadership that this country has longed for. It's one thing to claim what you might do in difficult circumstances, but it's entirely a different story when you ACTUALLY make difficult choices, and McCain has done that. After hearing his running mate, Palin, speak at the RNC, I was completely convinced that this will be a team that can and will deliver results in Washington. Additionally, Obama's proposal of taxation for American's, if he is elected, would put most of us in a much worse economic position than ever before. Obama is purposing a 28% Capital Gains tax on ALL home sales, a 39.6% Dividend tax on ALL investment vehicles (mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement, IRA, stock market) Obama is purposing taxes on Inheritance, and higher payroll taxes for employers. New and higher gasoline and natural resource taxes. New taxes to pay for his socialized medicine plan. New taxes on homes more than 2400 square feet. The list goes on. His is purposing higher Taxes for anyone making over 50K per year. With all these taxes, how will any of us ever get ahead. I hope that all of you that read this blog will do your homework on what each candidate is purposing for our country over the next four years, and get to the polls and vote on November 4th. If your not registered, it's not to late. I believe it's one of the most important rights we can exercise in this country. Don't let the opportunity and freedom to vote pass you by. It will be another four years before you have a say again. VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

Miles of Smiles

Isn't it amazing when a baby smiles! Babies smile purely for the reason that they are happy to see your face! No hidden agenda, just pure love!!! It hit me the other day that God planned a baby's development in such a way that smiling is one of the FIRST signs we see of our baby's development other than the basic needs for survival (eating, sleeping, crying). They smile before they sit up, roll over, crawl, hold a object, cut a tooth, walk, talk, eat baby food, etc.... I believe this is God's way of reminding us how wonderful it is to smile at others. I know when my little Ava smiles at me, I feel like the most blessed person on the planet. It's a connection that is unspoken and yet speaks volumes. I know that no matter what kind of bad hair day I'm having, or a clothing crisis, or my face just broke out because I'm on my period... the best thing I can do for myself and others around me is to SMILE!! It's the best accessory item to wear and it never goes out of style.

Second attempt at Family Photo's

August 10, 2008 is my daughter Ashley's birthday (she is 22 this year) and we made our second attempt at family photo's. This time everyone cooperated and the pictures turned out beautiful. They were taken in our backyard and afterwards we all went to lunch at Houlihans and Ashley was able to get her french onion soup that she had been craving. It's hard to believe that we have a 22 year old and a fourth month old!!! What a combination. They each give us a different set of trials, but the moments of joy and pure love make it all worth it!!!

First Full Nights Sleep

July 25th was Ava's first full night's sleep. I woke up and freaked out and ran into her bedroom, but she was fine. We got so excited about getting some sleep that we took her to St. Joe, MI for a family day and tried to take family pictures.
It was a beautiful day but we didn't use our time wisely and decided to try and take family pictures at the end of the day instead of the beginning. As you can see from the posted picture to the left, she was not having any of it. She has been consistent with sleeping through the night for us, and George and I feel human again. You cannot fathom how precious sleep can be until you live without it.

Father's Day

George had a great Father's day as he was able to go fishing in the morning with his Dad and in the afternoon the weather cleared up just in time for a short cookout with George's family here at the house. Ava wore a new dress for her daddy and stayed awake for several hours. Ashley gave George a Father's day card on Saturday and called to wish him a "happy father's day" on Sunday. He is doing a great job with both our girls!!

TOP TEN Signs you may be exhausted or have a newborn

1. Your husband looks at you and says when the baby gets a little older, let's get a sitter and get away for a night in a hotel room and have the S..... word. Most people are thinking we mean sex. George actually said SLEEP. I actually AGREED.
2. You are too tired to find a coaster for your drink and you pull out your breast pad and use it. Hey...It's round and absorbant, so it does double duty.
3. You garble two words or sentences together because your tired and your tired spouse actually understands what you just tried to say.
4. Daily showering becomes optional
5. You go to pick up chinese take-out and fall asleep waiting the "10 minute" turn around time.
6. Hands down...you pick sleep over food
7. You are attempting to make formula and you've lost count of how many scoops you just added and have to start over again, and again, and again. Yes this really happened. Note: I was only counting to six!!
8. You are driving and not sure how you got to your destination because you zoned out while driving. SCARY but true
9. Someone is talking to you but you just cannot focus on what they just said. I call it brain fog or brog for shorthand.
10. You laugh hysterically at things that normally would make you cry.

Ava Arrived May 13th

After seven days in the hospital and 20 hours of labor, Ava arrived into this world with a cry and a shout! We are completely thankful and amazed at how God's work was evident throughout this process. Each day in the hospital, the Dr's would be surprised that I had not gone into labor yet, even though my water had broke. My body was continuing to make Amniotic fluid and the fetal stress tests came back excellent each day I was tested. The Dr even agreed that science only goes so far. We felt our prayers were answered by Ava remaining in my womb for one more week. We know we had alot of people praying for us and George and I were spending many private moments in prayer. Each day she remained inside was two days she would not have to spend in the intensive care unit. As it was, they finally decided to induce my labor and prepared us for worst case scenerio's. They said it was likely that her lungs would not be developed and assistance in breathing would probably be needed. However, although she was born six weeks early and had to remain in the NICU unit for two weeks, her lungs were fine and no additional medical treatment was needed. She is now home with us and we are SO HAPPY to have her home in our arms. She is so beautiful and precious!! She will be a four weeks old on Tuesday, June 10th. George and I are completely exhausted with her sleep/eat cycles but wouldn't trade it for the world!!!

Baby Shower -May 4th

My baby shower was a very touching and memorable day for me! First of all, my Mother was able to attend.... which was a pretty special gift for me. She is 85 and suffers from Alzheimers. My daughter Ashley was also there, and had crafted a picture frame with a "priceless" poem written by her...for me, about Ava. I was completely surprised! All the friends and family that was able to share in my special day was such a blessing and I had a wonderful time. Everyone was so generous and thoughtful and I was touched by all the BEAUTIFUL gifts!! I joked that day that I was so overwhelmed by emotions, that it would put me into labor. Ironically, two days later my water broke.

Vacation to Hilton Head

George and I took a wonderful vacation to Hilton Head Island this year and our resort was right on the beach. This would be our last vacation before Ava was born. We flew into Savannah and stayed in a bed & breakfast for two days and then drove to Hilton Head for the remaining seven days. Most of our days we spent at the pool or walked or biked the beach. We saw lots of marine life which included many up close sightings of Dolphins swimming in the surf. We took a boat ride one day and also had a couple's massage on the beach one morning. The seafood selection and freshness of the food was spectacular and we tried to eat as many meals as possible outside and near the water. Ava kept us guessing from having contractions one night to the next day not feeling her kick until we decided to head into a women's clinic to make sure everything was fine. Little did we know then that she would be born soon after we came home. We are hoping to take a family vacation next year with little Ava and Hilton Head would be the perfect destination.

Spring Fever or Nesting ?

George and I have been very busy with spring cleaning and finishing projects around the house that we have put off waaaayyyy tooo long! I can't believe all the things we have accomplished in the last week. At first I attributed it to the nice weekend weather that I'm sure drew even the most stubborn couch potatoe outside, but upon further reflection, I think we are going through that nesting phase people talk about when the birth of their child is getting close. I am 29 weeks along and feeling very awkward in most tasks that I try to do. Ava is moving so much that I wonder what that will translate into when she is born. I can't believe that this special time of pregnancy has gone by so fast. Some days it make's me sad to know my time carrying Ava is coming to a close, and the end of an era for me as a women. Carrying a child is such a spectacular miracle and the experience has been fascinating for George and I to witness the daily changes and growth. It is an added dimension to our relationship that we will always cherish. However, with that said, we are anxious for her arrival and can't wait to hold her and to kiss her. We already love her with all that is in us. It's also very scary to know she will be here soon and we are responsible for another human being. WOW!! Some days I just don't feel prepared. I don't know it you can every truly be prepared for a child. My Mom always told me that if you wait until you have enough money, wisdom, patience, etc. you will never have a child. Having children is a daily lesson in love, and I pray that God will equip George and I to our very best.

Spring is here!!!

The daffodils and hyacinths peeked above the ground today to wish me greetings as the sun kissed my cheeks hello. The squirrels are scampering to find their mates and long lost nuts securely buried during the long winter months; and the Koi fish seemed to wave their fins at me as I walked up to survey our pond. Spring is a time to rejoice!!! re-birth of all that was lost in the harsh winter and rejoice and rememberance in the resurrection of our saviour. Even though the bitter wind tried to dampen my spirits today during my walk, it can hardly touch the joy I carry inside. With every stride I took, my body seemed to sing Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah to Spring and the King!

Corned Beef and Easter Eggs and Birthday's

As many of you know, I enjoy celebrating all the Holidays on the calendar (Hallmark or otherwise) and I love birthday's as well. Last week and this week we were showered with All. I didn't decorate my house this year because I didn't know whether to put up St. Patty's day decorations or Easter decorations. I guess I could have decorated with green eggs, but then it could be confused with Dr. Seuss (Green eggs and ham). So..I combined a few holiday activities. Last Wednesday, March 12th I started a corned beef roast with potatoe's and carrot's in my slow roaster to have for dinner to celebrate George's Dad's birthday and for St. Patty's day. However, for lunch on March 12th, I put a blanket on the floor and spring nature sound's in my CD and had a picnic lunch with Melisa,Lily, Terri, Sophia, and Cooper. Afterwards, it was great fun to watch Lily and Sophie color easter eggs together. I enjoyed watching their excited faces as the eggs transformed into beautiful spring colors. It was a truly memorable day for me to celebrate some fun Easter and St.Patty's Day traditions, Birthdays, and especially spending time with people that are so close to my heart. Happy Birthday to Larry Best (March 12th), Happy Birthday to Jakin (2 yrs) Stewart and George Schmidt Sr. (March 14th) and Happy Birthday to Stanley Edward Curtis III, a.k.a. Cooper Curtis (March 21st)

Sacred Parenting Seminar

George and I just finished attending a two day Sacred Parenting seminar through River Valley Church by author Gary Thomas. It was not a "how to" class but more of a philisophical viewpoint with sound scripture as the cornerstone. The first night was especially emotional for me as we talked about how to model gentleness with our kids. This is such a hard concept for me to understand and MODEL; I equate gentleness with weakness of character. This is a learned concept from my youth, but after hearing this seminar, it really made me look at things differently. This author pointed out through various scripture that gentleness is an attribute of God. This is not to be confused with letting your children "run" the household or not setting consequences for bad choices. It is just adopting a manner of gentleness or a manner of the messiah in order to get your message accross to your children. Consequences and method of discipline can still be strict but the WAY we communicate these consequences should be modeled after Christ. This will and has been a good lesson for me to learn. I was always just concerned with the Method (how) and the Message but never concerned myself with the Manner of what I would say to Ashley when she was growing up. It makes me sad to know that I failed miserably in this area. However, this is still something I can begin to apply with Ashley during conversations of disagreement. Hopefully Ava will be able to glean the benefit from this approach also. We are always a work in process and I pray that God will continue to conform me to his likeness. The second night of the seminar had to do with fears and limitations of parenthood. There are many parents that manage their children and households out of fear and guilt. The author's point was that this is very damaging to not only our children, but to ourselves. Especially in the United States this has become the prevalent trend. American's tend to coddle and overprotect (out of fear and guilt) our children from disappointment, pain, adversity, conflict, etc. and therefore raise children that lack a strong character and do not have the skills/tools needed in life to be emotionally healthy adults. This second night of teaching was a confirmation of what George and I see on a weekly basis around us. Even our local school systems have bought into this way of thinking and teaching. The question we should be asking is what is more important, Comfort or Character? I know George and I would not be the people we are today, had we been raised under this new "trend." Let's hope that as with all "trends," they tend to fade away. I would highly recommend this author as a speaker and he is going to be doing a Sacred Marriage seminar the first week of May at another local church. For more information, visit Gary's website at www.garythomas.com

Labor Class

Tonight George and I had our first labor class together. Although the information and how it was presented was very elementary and basic, it was exciting to share this moment together and know that we are truly on our way to experiencing the birth of our child! The best part for me was to be able to sit on a exercise ball while George gave me the "double hip" pressure release. It actually relieved some of my lower back pain. I was also pleasantly surprised with the suggested items we could bring into the birthing suite. Some things have progressed since I had Ashley twenty-one years ago and other things unfortunately have stayed the same. George's favorite part of the evening was the short video we saw on a couples journey through the birth of their child. He was glad to see that he can be an important part of how the labor progresses. George and I couldn't stop giggling during the breathing relaxation techniques and I am glad we have only one other class to practice this. Our next class is on pain relief and the last class we will be taking a tour of the labor/delivery suites. We have also enrolled in a baby CPR class and will be attending a parenting seminar next weekend through River Valley Church. March is our month of preparation!!!

Lunar Eclipse

Where were you between 8:45 and 10:00 pm on Wed, February 20th? George and I grabbed a thermos of hot chocolate, two chairs, the camera, tripod, and plenty of warm clothes and drove to a street that had very little light in order to watch the lunar eclipse. What a wonderful show it was. I guarantee it was better than anything on the television. Approximately 3 billion people around the world could have witnessed this spectacular event and another chance will not occur until Dec 21st, 2010. These facts are rather staggering and while we were there in the dark, I wondered how many people took the time to see God's majesty in action. I wondered who across this world that I may be sharing this experience with. People from Europe and Africa and Western Asia. All from different walks of life and yet our God brings us together in a common and sublime way. It made me sad to think that George and I don't take advantage of more of natures daily acts of beauty. When was the last time you saw the sunrise or a sunset? Our last time was in September, on top of Warren Dunes. Most of us, including me, take for granted that we have time to see and appreciate those things "another day". Wonder if today is our last day? We all get tied up in the rountine and rut of daily living with schedules, meals, appointments, meetings, cleaning, TV, etc.; These are all things we do to keep life moving. However, I hope I can challenge all that read this and a reminder to George and I, to take time out for the beauty of God's majesty. There is a worship song at church that we sing and one of the lines goes something like this: Undeniable, Indescrible, You put the stars in the sky and you called them by name....You are Amazing God.

St. Valentine's Day

George and I shared our Valentines Day dinner with a few of our friends. Love is not just to share with your spouse, but with those around us. When I was single, many of my friends would get the blues around Valentine's day because they didn't have a boyfriend to celebrate with. I learned long ago that Valentine's Day was a special day to show love to your parents, siblings, children and friends. Ashley and I would get dressed up for Valentine's Day and have a special dinner together. Our traditional meal when I was single, was BLT's. It was special because we were thankful to share this day together. Friends sometimes joined us in this little tradition and I never felt that I was missing out on a big day that is traditionally dubbed as a "couples" day. This Valentine's day dinner did not include the BLT's but I'm sure glad that I spent it with friends and with my spouse. It was filled with laughter, good conversation, and most of all love.

Our Pregnancy: The half-way point!

We are so so thankful to be pregnant!!! We can't believe that we have reached the half-way point. We are having a baby girl and her first name will be Ava but we are struggling with her middle name. We took some pregnancy photos tonight to record this moment in our life, and will try to continue to document this AMAZING process. According to our pre-natal book, Ava can now hear sounds from the outside world. George has been talking to her in hopes that she will recognize his voice when she is born. We are excited to be on this path and look forward to the day she will announce herself to the world.

GAP MAN, My Valentine

As we draw close to Valentine's day I begin to reflect on Love and what it means in my life. Each year that passes, I feel like I understand the word better and what it looks like to live it. This is a lifelong learning curve and a wonderful ride to be on. It is preached and taught in churches across the world of how Jesus came to fill the GAP for our sins, that we may know the Father. He died on a cross to fill that GAP and give us eternal life. I am thankful for this sacrifice of pure love. God's love and provision has also granted me the opportunity to love and cherish an earthly "GAP" man. My husband George willingly fills the GAP for me and my shortcomings and loves me in spite of them. He is there for me when I need prayer and he stands in the GAP and prays for me. He is my intercessor. He is there for me when I'm frustrated about situations with Ashley and he stands in the GAP and takes the brunt of the conflict. He is Couragious and Fair. He is there to stand in the GAP regarding decisions and directons of our life and weighs the possible outcomes. He is a Leader and a Provider. He stands in the GAP when I need a person to share my feelings, emotions, thoughts and dreams with. He is my Friend, Partner and Lover. He Stands in the GAP when I may not deserve his love and respect and he offers himself to me anyway. He is Selfless and Committed. My husband is my earthly GAP man and I love him more each moment we share.

WHATEVER IT TAKES....

Last night I prayed the same prayer I prayed four and a half months ago....
It was for my daughter Ashley, and the prayer starts out as, "Lord, do whatever it takes to bring Ashley back to YOU, and keep her safe. Keep her safe spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Please Lord, whatever it takes." God has answered this prayer BOTH times I prayed this, but not in the way I expected. The first time I prayed this prayer for her, she had been kicked out of her apartment, living in her car for two days, and had less than a dollar to her name. I had no idea she was in this circumstance but I was worried about her life choices and I had run into a friend's Mother who shared her story of this same prayer for her daughter many years ago. That night I sobbed and pleaded this prayer for many hours and the next day my daughter called and asked for help, and to move back home. She stated she had hit rock bottom and once George and I met with her, we knew she was in a place to hear us. I knew my prayer was not a coincidence to her phone call, and at first I was humbled and grateful that we had received such a clear answer from God. Then my selfiness set in and I began to worry about the stress and problems that may occur having her live with us. You see, George and I had been on a long journey of trying to have a baby and we had just found out we were pregnant. Stress was the last thing we needed, but obedience and faith that God had this worked out for us pulled us through. The second time I prayed this prayer was last night during the winter snow storm. We had not heard from her after many messages and texts sent. George had the opportunity to come home a day earlier than expected from business travel and we went to bed and tried to sleep. I went in and out of a fitful sleep and then started to pray the "whatever it takes" prayer. Several hours later, this prayer was answered by her calling at 2:13 am and crying out for help. She had drank too much and couldn't see any further to drive and pulled into the next available parking lot. It was a church of course and George and I rushed to her aid on the icy roads. We brought her safely home and we realized how active God is in our lives when we turn things over to him. The way God answered both of these prayers was not what I expected, but he answered in a way that we could know him more closely and model many of his characteristics through Love, redemption, sacrifice, grace, and forgiveness. MY solution to my prayer never involved George and I, but God's solution made us part of his great story and made us know how much he love's us all.