So much....

Wow! I don't know where to begin b/c it's been a little bit TOO long since I last wrote, but that's ok, since my life has been almost too full to write. ha! Let's see....since March...ALOT happened....I got very pregnant w/ our 3rd angel. Along w/ a difficult pregnancy, being sick the entire time, I had my 2 precious, rambunctious boys to juggle. What a whirl-wind, but what a blessing to be a wife & mother! May 14th, 2010 @ 1:30 p.m., God brought our sweet Annabelle Hope into our lives! It was an amazing experience, yet again, giving birth is the most beautiful thing I think I will ever go through. Truly, what a beautiful little girl God gave to us! A day that was full of so much hope! Annabelle is 7 weeks & I am feeling so much better. God truly carried me through those first weeks....that were very difficult. My emergency c-section was so unexpected that up until now, I was so sad & bitter about not having Annabelle vaginally. BUT, what JC & I knew all along, was that GOD KNEW and was in control the entire time. I am now, resting in that, have let my sadness go & am trusting & finding peace in the arms of Jesus. My hiding place. My king. My comforter. My peace. That is where I desire to find myself everyday.

Now, as July has set in...& we are a family of 5...I am embracing each new day as it comes. Trying and tiring at times, but God shows me how to channel all of my thoughts, emotions, desires so that I can raise these precious little cherubs as best as I can. It's not easy, but I cherish every moment.

I have lots of photos that I will post soon....I'm actually backed up on doing that & regret not doing it sooner. :-( Getting these photos developed is a whole 'nother ball game. I want to, but it's so time consuming....so for now, I will post.

Today is a new day! I have been given much so much that I am thankful for. I pray that I walk in humility & revere to all that God has done for me.

Away from it all....

Been out at my dad's house in smithfield for a few days.....

just a random idea I had earlier this week...& it worked beautifully!

We've been going through A LOT....& I needed some sort of change of

pace/scenary. So do the kids....so they have really enjoyed playing out

here....and best of all, the weather has been impeccable! Today is

supposed to be even warmer!

It's been a blessing to 'retreat' here....just sort of away from

all the hustle & bustle of 'life'. I don't have to stare at my bills

on the desk, or continue w/ the endless cycle of laundry. Just

nice to 'breath' for a bit.....do something different & not my usual

weekly routine. I like that I gave myself freedom & grace to do

this b/c it was def worth it.

We may go back home today b/c I don't want Garrett to miss another

day of school, but until then, I'm going to sip on my cup of coffee and slowly

enjoy my day.

Hope

I love this picture....I'm posting it to remind myself, that my hope in God, is all I need. He will never leave or forsake me...& my trials & challenges in life, have ONLY drawn my heart closer and closer to Him.

Boys & the grateful heart!

Well, spring is almost, officially here! ha! We have been really enjoying these days of 60 degrees! What a difference & a treat! Those 20's & 30's were ouchy! I'm not a fan of cold weather & dark, gloomy days. So, my favorite time of the year has begun and our boys are loving it too. JC is best at making great memories w/ them & lately, it's been kickball in the backyard, building them wooden swings, hung from our oak tree or a ride around our yard in the wheel barrow. Fun, fun! I love that my boys have this awesome yard to run & play in. What a blessing! I am 29 weeks & feeling 'in bloom'! ha! Enjoying my last days of carrying this precious girl & cannot wait to hold her. About ten more weeks & she'll be here! We are so excited! We'll be painting her room this weekend & adding girlie touches to it. What a treasured time of life!

Thank you God for all the many blessings as we grow as a family!

Spring...

I am getting more & more excited about the upcoming weeks & months. God has been 'birthing' beautiful things within JC & I, & it's been hard work, but we are already seeing the benefits of the 'seeds' we've planted start to bloom. This week, I plan on washing some baby girl things, picking out paint color for her room & hopefully deciding 100% on her name.

I am seeing, as I pier through my windows, on this chilly, yet warm, sunny, spring day....trees & flowers budding. I love it! We have a dogwood tree in our backyard that I CANNOT wait to see bloom. Right now, it has tiny, precious buds. JC worked in our flower beds this weekend and

spruced them up a bit. I dead-headed my pansies one last time before they die off. They have perked up and & are happy to look at.

Spring has sprung....and we are very thankful!

Growing boys & our baby girl!

Wow! I really can't believe God has given me three precious, gifts: my two boys & baby girl in utero! wow! How honored and thankful JC & I are! The boys are growing like weeds...literally, eating everything in our cupboards & have energy like to marathon runners! They are my daily cup of joy! Garrett, who will turn 5 in May is in his last year of preschool, hopefully headed to kindergarten next year! He's growing & learning so much! He's lost all his baby fat, slimming out...it's wild how he's looking like a young boy, rather than that toddler faze. He's amazing - brings a smile to my face all throughout my days. He is an awesome big brother too. Gideon & he play so well together...although, at times, it's like WWIII in here, but I love how they are with one another. Gideon just turned two, so we are attempting potty training, hopeful he will be out of diapers once baby girl has arrived in May! Lots going on, but oh so thankful & soaking up every moment!

I am 27.5 weeks pregnant with our girl! We are thrilled beyond words! We are narrowing down the name, but not 100%. God will show us. I am well. Tired, bloated & still dealing w/ my naseau, but regardless, we are thankful we have a healthy baby girl! JC has been incredibly patient and understanding...such an amazing husband & father. I am so blessed.

We are now in March...THANK YOU JESUS! Last couple months have been a very "dry season" financially for us, BUT, we've learned alot about managing our money, budgeting, using only cash...& taking Dave Ramsey course has been incredibly helpful. We are entering our 6th year of marriage, with 2 boys, 3rd one on the way....and having learned a great deal about life & where our hearts should be....it's been alot, but we would rather learn now, then later. God is healing & restoring things in our lives & teaching us so much about forgiveness and repentance. It's been beautiful seeing the healing & growing taking place.

As March is now here, JC will be starting his landscaping contracts back up...which will be a huge relief & blessing. I pray as we enter this new business season, we watch where we spend our money, how we spend it & manage it. That God would give us wisdom & discernment to make certain we don't repeat the same mistakes. Our goal is to learn & then teach our sons (heritage) how to be good stewards of what God has given to us. One step at a time, planting "fruitful" seeds, sowing Godly seeds, so we can reap the benefits of the kingdom.....carrying that on for our children.

Will post new photos of us & the kids here soon.....I love writing, even if noone reads it. :-)

Blog on my friends, blog on....

New seasons....

I cannot believe how long it's been since I've blogged...so much going on, yet so little time, to actually sit down & compile all my thoughts, memories, hopes & dreams! Yet, today is today & I desire to jot down a few things that bring me much joy!

Boys are doing amazing...we have ALL entered a season of health! Thank you Jesus! December & part of January was filled with doctors appts, medicines, fevers, coughing, sleepless nights, & aches & pains! BUT -- in the midst of that, I've been carrying this precious LITTLE GIRL! Yes, we are having our girl & completely thrilled, excited, overjoyed & THANKFUL! God, you are SO good.

So, even though we endured tough moments w/ sick kids & sick us, we've managed to plow through, & thank Jesus for carrying us, making us well again & being hopeful of so much.

This little girl, we are anticipating the arrival of, is going to be such a treat - for ALL of us! The boys can't wait to have a little sister. And, me, well....I'm smitten. We haven't chosen a name...YET. There are so many beautiful ones....so time will tell. We may surprise everyone with her name. I am 22.5 weeks....she is healthy & so am I. That alone, is more than an answer to prayer.

In the meantime, we are enjoying life & all that God continues to show us. It's almost february, my favorite month b/c Gideon will be turning 2...it's full of red & pink hearts & it's a short month! wahooo! I am truly thankful & blessed to be a mother to the most beautiful kids.

JC is my rock. Words cannot truly describe how thankful I am to have such an amazing husband. He walks with me through "thick & thin". We are an amazing team. I am excited about our future together.

Love to you all....& God-speed to all you mommies....you are treasures to your kids!

Christmas....

I anticipate this time of year so much b/c it almost makes me feel like a kid again! I love Christmas, the excitement, the wonder, the family, the fun, the coziness of just being in my home w/ my husband & kids & always, a beautiful time to reflect on the birth of my savior. It's not so much about going crazy shopping or seeing myself strive to make the holidays perfect. I simply love how Jesus is my center even more this time of year. JC & I enjoy showing the kids what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. It's neat to see their faces when we talk about baby Jesus being born, the wise men...the story is magical & such a beautiful reminder of God's love for us.

This time of year as well, is a difficult time for JC's job. Work really slows down, so it really forces us to put on the breaks with spending & yielding our temptations. Which has actually been a healthy thing. It's not easy, but it realigns our focus even more, which we hope will teach our kids a thing or two about the meaning of Christmas.

I've got some photos....so enjoy....more thoughts I will write soon...today w are baking Christmas cookies....fun, fun!