Reflections of the past and a tiny glimpse into the future.

February 8th came & went, but it didn't go by without some serious reflections.  You see, that day marked the one year anniversary of our move to Minnesota.  It's crazy that it's been that long.  When I think back, I can still feel that same fear and hear those same questions that went through my brain. 

 Some may call this lack of faith. :)

How were we going to handle being12 hours from family with a 3 week old baby?

  How was I going to survive without family close?  

Can we raise this baby, literally, on our own?

Will we survive a Minnesota winter?

Can I handle this much CHANGE?

I wish I could say those were all of my questions that I kept asking the Lord, but I know there were lots, lots, lots more.  We have had an incredible year of lots of changes.  It all started with finding out we were pregnant, then finding a new church and finally the job situation.  God reminded me daily, even among all of my doubts, that He is Faithful and through Him I find courage.

Now for the glimpse into the future.  I'll let Deacon show you.

Yes, that says "Big Bro."  It's true.  Baby #2 will arrive around October 2nd.  This was planned ONLY by the good Lord himself.  We had nothing to do with this decision....absolutely nothing. 

 So now, the questions start again. :)

How am I going to take care of TWO kids?

How do you function from lack of sleep?

Can I get through this pregnancy and still take care of a 1 year old?  

...and on and on and on and on they come.  I'm always reminded that God is Faithful and it is only by His Grace that I survive my everyday anyways.  So, as I look to the future, I can only trust that He will give me the daily dose of Grace that I need.  

Am I the Only One?

Today, as I was doing a mad rush to clean up the house at 5:00, I wondered to myself.  Am I the only one who waits until the very last minute to straighten up the house before my hubby gets home?  I mean, I don't want it to look like I did "nothing" all day. :)

This is only half of the mess...

Yes, that is lunch that has not been cleaned up....at 5:00 :)

Icy Wonderland

I'm not sure if I'm the only one, but when I hear reports of bad weather, I get this antsy, excited feeling in hopes that Brent will get to stay home from work.  Well, my hopes got way too high.  As icy as it is here, it wasn't enough to keep him home.  The beauty of the ice covered trees amazes me.  Yeah, it's probably not the safest to have heavy, ice-covered branches, but it looks so beautiful!  Check out what God's been doing in Covington.

Overcoming Jealousy

I wish I could say by the title of this post, that I read something in God's Word that really stuck out to me today, but I'm just suffering from crazy, green, jealousy.....of my mother & father in law.  They get to experience the Hawaiian Paradise for 2 weeks!  I do wish them well, but I do wish I was with them...and Brent too.  It is an amazing celebration of 40 years of marriage, so they deserve it.  Have I mentioned that I'm green with envy? :)  I'm just reminiscing of 5 1/2 years ago of our amazing 10 day honeymoon to the Tropical Paradise.  Someday again.  I hope.

Excuse me as I remember.

Our first glimpse of Oahu.

Nothing was like falling asleep to the sounds of the waves.

My new husband. :)

First experience at para sailing.

Boat ride to Molokini Crater.

Waikiki Beach.

Diamond Head.

Early, early morning.  Even with a 1 year old, we still struggle to be morning people.

Gift from our hotel.

Last night in paradise.

 Oh how I miss the days of dates whenever we want and vacations that don't take much preparation.  I do miss it, but then I look at our smiling son and am once again reminded of how blessed we are.  We wanted a child for 10 months before the Lord saw fit to give us one....and oh how we love him.  Thank you Lord for past memories and future ones to come.  We love you Mom & Dad.  May God bless your trip and keep you close to him as you experience the closest thing to Heaven. (in my opinion-Colista would say Grand Cayman ;) )

Debut.

Well, if you forgot what I looked like in the virtual world, I'm back...only in different form.  I'm hoping blogging won't overtake my life like Facebook.  If so, it's quite possible this page will get deleted as well. :)  I'm not real sure what blogging is all about, but I've read many, and have come to the conclusion that I will not be near as thought-provoking.  So, if you've come to learn about the most, amazing theological book I just read or the 12 steps to a happy life, you're in the wrong place.  Mostly you'll probably acquire that my life is hectic & unorganized.  I usually have a messy house, but choose to enjoy it, because I know someday I'll miss the 1 year old whom messed it up.  Laundry day usually turns into 5 and sometimes I'll go 2 weeks without even making it to the grocery.  But after days or weeks like that, I'm reminded of my ever-patient husband and most importantly, my ever-patient Father.  Nothing has taught me more about the grace of God than having a child of my own.  So, when life continues to go NOT as planned, I will rejoice, because I know, this season will end all too soon.  And now, I will enjoy the craziness....and that's only life with ONE! :)

**Wait, was that thought-provoking? :)


Because I think blogs are boring with no pictures, I've added a few of Deacon's first birthday.  Yes, I said FIRST!  There are no tears....no tears.

Birthday Boy.

Lots and lots of help opening gifts.

                                          

Deacon's Birthday buddy, Tanner Long.

Deacon's 1 year pictures.

                                          

Deacon was supposed to have a guitar cake.  You can see how well that turned out....a phone call was made to Wal-Mart bakery the night before the party. :)

                                  

Sweet, sweet Cooper Mack.

                                            

He really likes his new ball.

                                            

At first he wasn't real sure about his cake, but it didn't take him very long.

                                        

Chocolate Smiles.