Are You There?

Yes, we are still here and doing well. We enjoyed a very nice Christmas with my mom in Jacksonville, and it has taken me a few days to recover from our visit and trip. We have a lot going on right now, so I have not had a chance to update my blog with Christmas posts. I have been keeping up with my daily blog reading--just haven't had time to sit down and comment. Check back in throughout the week, as I will have much to share . . . Christmas pic's, updates, etc.

The Word Became Flesh

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:14

At 7 months pregnant, I have found myself thinking a lot about Mary this Christmas. I can only imagine how overwhelmed she must have felt being told by an angel that she would become pregnant (as a very young virgin) by the Holy Spirit, carry, give birth to, and raise the Son of God. I wonder what it was like to give birth to a tiny baby who was God and man. What was it like to love Him as His mother and know God sent Him as your Savior. One of my favorite songs,entitled "Mary, Did You Know," addresses this very issue. This song gives me cold chills every time I hear it and try to imagine the reality of Christ humbling Himself by taking on flesh in the form of a baby, that he may ultimately (for the joy set before Him) endure the cross as an appropriation for our sin. It is so amazing and beautiful to imagine that when Mary held her little baby and kissed his tiny face and hands, she was kissing the face of God--the Great I AM. Wow!!! I pray I will never cease to be amazed and completely overwhelmed by the story of Christ's birth.

"Mary Did You Know?"

Mary, did you know

That your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Did you know

That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know

That your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered

Will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know

That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Did you know

That your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?

Did you know

hat your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

And when you kiss your little boy

You've kissed the face of God

Mary, did you know?

The blind will see

The deaf will hear

And the dead will live again

The lame will leap

The dumb will speak

The praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know

That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Did you know

That your baby boy will one day rules the nations?

Did you know

That your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding

Is the Great I Am

"Away In A Manger" & Christmas Cake

Hannah and I started a family tradition this year. Yesterday night we made a "Christmas Cake" to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Hannah loves to help mommy bake, so it is a fun way to celebrate and spend time reflecting on the birth of Christ. I have uploaded a video of Hannah talking about the cake and singing "Away in a Manger." She is proudly sporting her new Christmas apron (a gift from a woman in our church), and she is also wearing a Christmas night gown that my mom made for me when I was two years old.



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In order to keep it simple we used a box cake and store bought icing. Hannah helped to frost the cake. She asked if we could put a "sprinkle star" (her words) on top of the cake, and I thought that was a great idea, as it could represent the star that God placed in the sky to show the way to the stable where Jesus was born. I think Hannah had the most fun adding the yellow sprinkles--it was the most fun to clean up too! Haha.


Hannah is ready to bake!


Hannah being silly.


The finished product. Hannah is sneaking some icing.

Say, "Cheese!!!"

Ok, so here is a picture of my "braces-free" pearly whites. You can't even tell that I still have bottom braces when I smile . . . but rest assured, they're there!!! I got my retainer (complete with cool retainer case) on Wednesday. I felt like I was back in the ninth grade. I have been a good girl and faithfully worn my retainer except when eating. I'm still learning to talk while wearing my retainer, so please don't say, "Merry Christmas" to me, as I cannot say it back. It sounds something like this . . . "Mawwee Cwimas."

2 Year Old Logic

Here are three funny scenarios that happened today. You never know what to expect from the mouths of babes . . . especially when you are dealing with two year old logic.

1. We have been to the post office several times in the last couple of weeks--sending packages, buying stamps, etc. I always let Hannah carry one of the smaller envelopes or packages to help mommy. The postal workers always love to see Hannah and offer her a piece of candy. We only had one envelope today, but Hannah asked to carry it, so I let her. When we got to the desk, she handed the envelope to the lady and said, "I need my candy!" Apparently Hannah thinks you trade in envelopes and packages at the post office for candy. Mommy had her ask again-- politely. We had a good laugh over Hannah's blunt request (demand).

2. I was cleaning up a spot on the carpet when Hannah screamed with sudden urgency, "Mommy, I have to go pee pee." I said, "Ok, thank you for telling me. Go on, I'm coming." I continued to rub the spot on the carpet, and she said, "Mommy, I have to go pee pee. Put it down." I said, "I'm cleaning the carpet where you spilled. Go take off your pants, and I'll be in there in a minute." Within seconds I was finished, so I threw down the wash cloth and began to follow Hannah to the bathroom. She stopped, turned around, and said, "Good girl Mommy. That's a good girl to put it down." I guess Hannah reasoned that if she's a "good girl" when she obeys Mommy, the reverse is true as well. We are in the process of teaching Hannah that parents don't have to obey their children. I guess she hasn't fully comprehended that idea yet.

3. I was wrapping up a phone conversation with my sister-in-law Kim, when Hannah flew into a full on tirade--attempting to open Christmas presents, flinging herself on the floor, crying, etc. I quickly got off of the phone with Kim in order to deal with the discipline issue at hand. I reminded Hannah that we do not fuss or react in anger, and that her behavior was not acceptable because it didn't honor mommy or glorify God. Then, I said, "What's wrong? You have to calm down." She brushed her sweaty hair out of her tear stained face and said (in a very "matter of fact" tone), "I need a nap." Then she took off running toward her bedroom. And so, she sleeps!!!

"All I Want For Christmas Is My Braces Off!!!"

While most second graders want their two front teeth for Christmas, this 28 year old just wanted her braces off. Well, I'm half way there. Today, Dr. Edwards asked me if I would like my braces off--did he think I would say, "no?" I was elated!!! They took off my top braces today and made an impression for my new retainer. The bottom braces will come off in a few more weeks. I was so excited when they said, "You can go brush your teeth now." Oh how good it felt!!! I'm still not quite used to the feeling of naked teeth, as they feel really big and slimy. I go back on Wednesday to pick up my retainer, and you better believe this mama will be wearing her retainer every night for the rest of her life (unless of course I get dentures-haha). I think braces two times around is quite enough!

Annual Hay Ride & Caroling

Last night our church went on our annual Christmas Caroling hay ride. We travel around the town on a flat bed trailer full of hay, stopping to sing at the homes of elderly church members who are "shut-ins." Normally it is quite cold on the night of the hay ride. Hannah and I have worn gloves, scarves, and coats for the past two years. This year, however, it was a balmy 66 degrees; and, the ride was quite comfortable. The kids had a lot of fun singing and riding. Hannah would yell, "Hey Grandma," when the elderly church members emerged from their houses to listen to our caroling . . . so cute!

*Picture (from the left): Samuel, Nicholas, Me, Kenleigh, and Hannah

Oh The Weather Outside Is Frightful!!!

12 Days until Christmas, and this is our forecast for today . . . high of 79 degrees and a very chilly low of 66 degrees. I know that this beautiful tropical weather is a part of God's design and His creation, but after three years I still can't get used to such warm weather during the winter.

Week 28 Baby Appointment

We had our 28 week baby appointment on Tuesday. I am officially 7 months pregnant. It is hard to believe that we only have 3 months to go before baby girl arrives. Dr. Murray said everything looks great. I only gained three pounds this last month . . . woohoo!!! While exciting, that means I only have 14 pounds to go before I hit the weight I was with Hannah . . . and I still have three months to grow. So, it looks like baby girl is going to be a big one too! Hannah was 8 pounds and 10 ounces, and I am only 4' 11.75" (that 3/4 means a lot to me!!!). So for my small frame, she was a big baby. However, we had no problems or complications. Dr. Murray had already indicated that he would want to induce this baby earlier than Hannah (Hannah was induced on her due date), and I was a bit uncomfortable with his making that decision at the onset of my pregnancy. Thankfully, he clarified his thoughts for me at this appointment, and he plans to see how things progress and wait until the final weeks to make such a decision (based on my size, baby's potential size, how far I've dilated, etc.). I am much more comfortable with this scenario. Ultimately, I know that God is in perfect control, and He alone knows the number of baby girl's days (Psalm 139:16). She will come at whatever time and in whatever manner He has ordained.


Baby girl continues to grow and squirm in my "tummy," as Hannah says. I thought Hannah was super active, but this baby gets the trophy for actually hurting mommy when punching, jabbing, and taking her dear sweet time to roll over. She has recently started getting the hiccups. I always think it is so funny to see my stomach bounce rhythmically, but after 5-10 minutes I feel bad for her. As you can see, baby girl remains nameless. In actuality we have the list narrowed down to just a few names; but, I know some of you (Uncle Jimmy, Tim) have been anxious to share your most creative and hideous name combos . . . so go ahead! What do you think we should name baby girl?

Perhaps A Bit Ambitious!!!

Ok, so perhaps I was being a bit ambitious when I stated that I hoped to make Hannah a quilt for her big girl bed when the baby arrives. I do want to learn to quilt, and eventually I hope to make quilts for my children, but I did not take cost, amount of supplies, or "know how" into consideration. I often read up on a subject online and then teach myself how to do it (knitting, cake decorating, refinishing cabinets, etc.), but I think I am going to need a sensai when it comes to quilting . . . or at least need to pick a few experienced friends' brains. I looked at quilting supplies when we were in Fort Myers yesterday, and was overwhelmed by the cost of "starting out supplies." So, I will be spending the next few months reading, researching, and hunting online for the best priced quilting accessories (quilting foot, quilting guide, rotary cutter, etc.) and then maybe I can begin my quest to quilt. The good news is, we found a great deal on a "shabby chic" looking quilt and shams at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for Hannah's big girl bed. So, Hannah will still have a cozy, girly, quilted bed to sleep in when the baby moves into the crib, and mommy will at least make her curtains and throw pillows.

I already visit several quilting websites, but if anyone knows of a great beginner's quilting book let me know!

Oh Brother!!!

I have recently benefited greatly from a dear friend and sister in Christ's generosity. I am the proud owner of a brand new Brother 2000-77 stitch, computerized sewing machine!!! Woo hoo!!! This dear friend of mine is a sewing diva. She makes wedding dresses, expensive quilts, smocks dresses, etc., and I am forever picking her brain about sewing techniques. Well, she had some used and new sewing machines in storage (I think she used to teach classes or something). . . and one day she mentioned that she had a machine she would like to give me. I thanked her and didn't think much more about it. Well, last week my friend called and said she would like to drop something by the house. Can I just say I had tears in my eyes when I opened the door. I hugged her and jumped up and down and made quite a scene. I walked past the box for days--quite overwhelmed, as I am only accustomed to my mom's old 4 stitch Singer. I finally got up the nerve to take it out of the box this week. I have read the manual, and even hemmed a pair of pants. While I can thread it, use the quick set bobbin, and use the basic sewing functions, I am still overwhelmed. I have ambitious goals to practice and learn to use many of the other functions, and I actually hope to take up quilting. I have been reading up on quilting web sites, as I hope to make a quilt for Hannah when she moves into her big bed.

I think one of the neatest things about the whole experience, is that my friend chose to give me one of the new machines, because she wanted to encourage me (as a young wife and mom) in my endeavors to be a creative and thrifty homemaker. My friend has truly blessed me and my family with this very generous gift.