I believe

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of Heaven and earth;

And I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virign Mary;

suffered under Pointius Pilate, cruicfied, dead, and was buried;

the third day he arose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, 

and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;

from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic church, the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen.

This time of year I see more and more articles and debates regarding the ‘true’ meaning of Christmas.  Within these articles and debates, I always see the comments where a Christian is being torn apart by a nonbeliever.  My heart always sinks.  Many times, I'm the Christian being attacked. It's an awful feeling, it really is.  I always wonder in these instances why nonbelievers get so defensive and, a lot of times, rude to us believers.  Why does my belief anger these folks?  

It was only a few short months ago, I got into what I thought would be a friendly debate on a 'friends' Facebook post regarding my faith.  It turned ugly, fast.  I felt like I had been chewed up and spit out because I was a Christian.  I was called ugly names and was harassed to the point that I was literally curled up in a tiny ball and crying my eyes out all night.  Not only was I hurt that people I considered 'friends' could speak to me in such a way, but my heart hurt because I couldn't help but wonder what in their life was hurting them so badly that the thought of me being a Christian angered them.

Admittedly, I don't study my Bible regularly.  I miss church more than I go.  And I sin on a regular basis.  However, I believe wholeheartedly in Jesus Christ and I believe He's my Lord and Savior.  I've seen his presence and I've witnessed his miracles.  

In a six months’ time, I experienced life and death.  In August 2008, I gave birth to my own miracle, Avery.  For 37 weeks, I carried this angel in my tummy.  I felt every movement and I excitedly watched my belly move around daily.  From the first ultrasound where my baby was only a spec, to the day I delivered, I knew without a doubt that Jesus existed.  No amount of science could explain the love I had for my baby. 

As I celebrated the life of my newborn baby, six months later I found myself standing at my Pop's bedside.  I'm watching my Pop's chest slowly rise and then slowly fall.  My 6 month old baby was one room over cooing and babbling.  We all knew it was just a matter of time before Pop left this world.  His face grew paler and his breathing got slower and slower.  He looked sick and uncomfortable.  He gave my Nanny one last squeeze on the hand and took his last breath.  At that very moment the most peaceful presence came over my Pop's body.  No more pain, no more suffering.  I knew that instant that I had just felt the hands of Jesus.  I'll never be able to adequately explain the feeling, but I felt Jesus more than any other time in my life that day.  He took my Pop straight to the gates of Heaven and he made sure his love sustained us all through our grief.  We would need it badly.  Three months to the day later, we were in the same house, saying goodbye to my Nanny.  As we prayed over her and sung our favorite hymns, Jesus came and took her home.  I saw that same peace and I felt His presence.  He was there, my friends, He was there.

To me, the presence of the Lord isn't defined by literature, history notes, or 'lack of scientific proof.'  I don't need it to feel the love of Jesus.  I feel it in my bones, in my heart, and I've seen it with my eyes. The love of Jesus is real.  He is the reason for the season.  He is the reason we celebrate CHRISTmas, and he is the one I live for every day.  No nonbeliever will take that away from me.  My faith can’t be shaken.  I encourage all of you who believe to not get discouraged or angered by those who try to tear your faith down.  Don't give them the power.  Instead, pray that they too find the peace you have found in Jesus and continue to share His love with all.  Amen!

hello world

It's been a while since I last posted. Please accept my apologies. Life happens, ya know?

Here is what has been going on with our little family:

1:: I started back school a few weeks ago. I'm taking 3 online courses and things are rockin' there. Doing everything online has changed my life! It beats a 3 hour lecture class, any day.

2:: Avery had strep throat last week. He ran a fever for 3 days and had painful headaches. Poor guy was feeling rough. He stayed so warm that he didn't even want to cuddle like he normally does. So, so, so pitiful. 

3:: A Pre-K school has been decided on for Avery, and I'm still in denial that he's old enough to go to Pre-K. {He's really old enough to go to kindergarten, but with a late August birthday, I think holding him back is best.}

4:: Trevor was accepted into the gifted program at school. We are so proud of him!!!

5:: Little Rat {the Beta fish} was flushed the other night. Poor fishy was on it's last fin, and we euthanized him via the sewer method. A new fish, Kitty-Kitty, has since taken up residence in the fish tank.

6:: I've still been in a crafty mood. Yarn wreaths have swept my imagination and are now in production in my living room.

7:: I bought a monogram machine the other week. Be prepared for monogram madness and applique awesomeness to hit the blog soon!!!


 Now that you are caught up, I hope you have a marvelous Monday and an awesome week!

ramblin'

***You are forewarned that this is a post in which I ramble***

::I love my husband, he's my rock.

::My children make me strive to be a better person.

::We had a great weekend.

::Sometimes I want to fly off at the mouth and tell people what I really think of them-but for all sanity purposes, I bite my tongue, hard!

::I love karma only when she's good to me.

::I'm convinced that certain fabrics cause B.O. Seriously, some of these winter sweaters, no matter how much D.O. you put on, you still feel like you smell.

::I'm addicted to Grey's Anatomy and would really love a day that I could sit in my jammies all day and do nothing but watch episodes.

::Men standing around talking about sports annoys me.Yes, I like sports, but not enough to debate every play of last nights game and scratch my crotch while doing so.

::I love sautéed Brussels Sprouts.

::I start Zumba this week, so if you don't hear from me in a while, I'm either too sore to move, or dead.

::My youngest child has to poop every time we go out to eat, or every night at supper time. I believe this could be my new weight loss tool. I can't seem to get my appetite back after standing in a public bathroom, waiting on my kid to poop, and watching him touch the toilet seat with his hands. {I've tried to teach him, I really have.}

::I really couldn't think of anything else to blog about today besides writing random sentences that really had nothing to do with each other, so you're welcome!

::Happy Monday!

mama went shopping {what-what}

This mama needed a few wardrobe updates. After work yesterday, I pulled the ole' grocery-getter {aka the minivan} into Old Navy and added a few cute items to the closet. Oh snap, Mama's gettin' down with her bad self. Who said a grocery-getter drivin' mama can't dress cute? It certainly wasn't me!

Here are a few of the items I picked up. I'm so stinkin' excited. I love fall weather and leggins and I'm really diggin' the BRIGHT skinny jeans! I got a blue and green pair! Oh yes indeedy, mama's steppin' up in the world of COLOR!!!

I also found another new love the other week:

These bad boys are more comfy than a baggy t-shirt, leggins, and no bra...weeeeelllll, almost. Since purchasing these little gems, over a week ago, I've worn them every.single.day! I may be the really cool mom and go get them in every color. {Well, the kids don't know how uncool I really am, yet...so technically I could get by with it, right?}

little things {and big goodbyes}

When the house I grew up in sold a few weeks ago, we all should have been elated. In this economy, anything that sells should be celebrated. That's not the case here.

Truthfully, I feel as though I'm being selfish, and in some ways I most likely am, for getting caught up in losing what I called "home." In the grand scheme of things I'm lucky to have had a home. However, my sadness doesn't come from the drywall and wood that made this house; it comes from the memories made within those walls and the beautiful land that made it "home."

I rode many hours on the golf cart, 4-wheeler, go-cart, and even scooter on this land. I raised my cows, mowed many acres of grass, and pulled many weeds at the family nursery. This house held many birthday parties, graduation parties, Christmas', Thanksgivings, Easters, and even a wedding.. The last Christmas we had as a "whole" family was at this house. I miss my grandparents coming in the door just to come visit. I miss having my entire family around the dinner table. Although I can't bring back my loved ones, this house held the memories of the ways things used to be. The laughs, tears, giggles, late night talks, and early mornings held within our time on Rays Church Road are something I have always cherished, and will continue to cherish forever.

This move was the end of something beautiful. My parents are getting divorced and "home" will never be "home" again. The dynamics of my family will never be the same and my heart hurts. In all this pain I truly believe there is beauty. I know the phrase "beauty through pain" is becoming somewhat of a cliché, but I firmly believe it can happen. I'm marrying the love of my life next month, I have two beautiful boys, and my own home to make memories with my little family. The growth I've seen from my loved ones during these difficult days (and years) is amazing. God has held my family tightly and I know without a doubt HE got us through these dark days.

come on girlfriend {get it together}

Wow! I haven't blogged in over a week, I'm getting married in 67 days, and I've got a cold. Girlfriend needs to get it together.

So today's post really has no rhyme or reason to it. I haven't had much blog-worthy stuff lately. Avery's been with his dad for a week, Trevor doesn't get too excited when I pull the ole' camera out, and to be frank, I haven't had much spare time.

My mom sold her house and has till the end of the month to move. Not sure where she's going, but she has to be out of her house. It makes me sad watching her pack up what I call "home." I'm going to miss it. Hopefully she'll find a new place that she likes just as much and will be very happy there.

Avery has a stye on his eye right now. This is his 2nd one this summer. Do any of you have issues with this with your kids. He got them around the same time last year too. Weird.

I'm now in my mid twenties and drive a minivan. Who would have thought? Not me, that's for sure. I had to trade in the new Chevy Cruz for a Honda Odyssey. I loved my Cruz, but it just wasn't cuttin' it as a family vehicle. (Shrugs)

Have you ever had a summer cold? I don't remember having one. Ever. From what I hear, these summer colds can linger longer than winter colds. Hope that's just a myth.

I'm getting married in 67 days. Random number, I know, but 67 days. Whoa nelly! I have a place to get married at, my cake lined up, and a dress. That is all. I'm talking nada, zip, zilch, nothing else done besides those three things. 

Okay folks, that concludes today's rambling mess. I'm sure there are grammar, spelling, and other errors and such, nothing new, but just go with it people. Loves!

head spinng kinda busyness

I don't think I've had a terribly busy week in a long time. Weekends can get hectic, but this week is going to be super duper, mama's head is going to spin right off her neck, I don't know where to begin kinda busy.

Starting tonight, I have course 2 class 1 of my Wilton cake decorating class. Then it's prepare, prepare, prepare, prepare  for Trevor's 8th birthday party. I've got grocery shopping to do, a cake to make, food to prepare, a banner to make, a house to clean...whew, the list goes on and  I'm worn out already thinking about it. Not to mention, Chris and I are taking each other to Atlanta on Wednesday to see Neil Diamond in concert. I bought him the tickets for his birthday and since it's my first annual 25th birthday on Thursday, we are making a mini trip out of it to the big ole A.T.L. I'm so excited, I'm literally about to jump out of my skin.

Also, I have to take Avery to the doctor today for his check-up and to get shots. Oh.My.Goodness.Soul am I nervous about it! Little dude hasn't had shots since he was one. I don't think this is going to go over well and my stomach is already in knots. So if you have a sec today, please say a little prayer for us!

Happy Monday to you all!

cha-cha-changes {a post in which I catch you up on our life}

Goodness gracious alive! I've got so many blog post to catch up on. Mainly pictures of my goofy boys, but blog post nonetheless. I just have this strange obsession with wanting to edit my pictures, but never having enough time to do so. Anyone else have this issue? Raise your hand if you do. Whew!  I knew I wasn't the only one.

We've got BIG changes going on at our hizzle-fo-shizzle. No, I'm not preggers, and no we're not engaged. We are building a SHED! Yes friends, a shed. A shed that will soon be filled with all of our, ahem, junk excess valuables. I couldn't be more excited. I'm visually doing cartwheels around our house because we are going to have so much more room.Chris and I are moving our room to the master bedroom, which is now a playroom/junk room, and each of the boys will finally have their own rooms.Yippee!!!

I'm excited to start painting and decorating our bedroom. I've got Pinterest ideas bouncing off my cranial walls right now. Oh, the excitement is pouring out. I know we are on a tiiiiiiiight budget, but a few DIY crafts can change a room in a second.

Stay tuned for upcoming post. New colors, new rooms, new pictures, new cha-cha-changes!

confessions from a mother of a {3} year old

1. My child is 3 and rarely sleeps through the night. So when he slept through the night the past 2 nights, my body didn't know what to do. So it woke up and left me sleepless anyway. Just for kicks and yawns I suppose.

2. My child prefers to urinate outside. Yep! We've gotten into heated debates, my three year old and I, over how we should tee-tee inside.

3. #2 isn't even the worst of the outdoor potty usage. I caught my child pooping in the woods the other day. He was imitating the dog. I asked him what he was doing.  His reply, "I poop in woods like La-La too, Mama."

4. My child is convinced that "boom-boom" (thunder) has a mom, dad, bed, house, car... and I can't figure out a way to explain to him "boom-boom" just disappears with the clouds because clouds have a mom, dad, bed, house, car... too. (Any tips mama's?)

5. I've got one friendly little guy on my hands. He will stand in the yard and wait for anyone to walk or drive by. He says he's telling his "fends hewwo." I can't help but smile, especially when a neighbor stops and talks to him.

6. My 3 year old is very concerned about my old car. He asks regularly "where mama white car go?" Saddie the Saturn must have left a lasting impression on him.

7. I've listened to "Big Green Tractor" about 1.5 million times in the last month. It all started because a certain  3 year old was pitching a mega fit (imagine that) at the grocery store and I found "Big Green Tractor" with tractor pictures on YouTube to distract him. All I ever intended was for him to watch the video so I could  peacefully finish shopping. Little did I know it would become an every.single.day.must.have. Gotta love it.

8. I have introduced my child to a stuffed animal. Most children have "loveies" or "blankies" that they have slept with since infancy. Avery never took to that tradition. However, since we have a big fear of "boom-boom" I thought, hmmm, may a little stuffed puppy dog who would "watch" out for boom-boom while child in reference slept...just maybe...ahhh, yes, now we have Puppy Dog. Yes, that's his official name. Such an appropriate name for a dog dont-cha-think?

9. According to my 3 year old, he doesn't not like "Green Eggs and Ham." He must have really been paying attention to Sam I am.

10. Despite the sleepless nights, the 3 year old tantrums, and the inevitable messes I have to clean up, I'm one lucky mama who is covered in love and joy from one sweet little 3 year old!

Life...

...keeps moving on.

Avery turned 3 years old last week. (Time just seems to have flown by. I still don't understand how my itty-bitty baby is now 3. ) We went to Your Pie and ate pizza and got ice cream on his actual birthday and then we had a big party last Saturday. I'm pretty certain he had a blast as he was worn slap out for the next day or so.

Avery continues to go to speech therapy 2 times a week. His SLP is very impressed with his progress, as am I. I still have the daily struggle of trying to figure out a lot of what he's saying, but any progress is great!
I've gotten all of his paperwork into the school system and am now anxiously awaiting to hear back so I can set up his evaluation. I feel like the process is taking forever, but hopefully now that his paperwork is in things will speed up. I've briefly talked to him about going to school and he's super excited. Every school we pass by he asks if that "his 'tool." Precious!

Besides the speech issue, I'm currently struggling to get Avery to sleep through the night again. I've read numerous articles on how to handle this situation and hopefully with some adjustments we will be on the right track soon. (A mother can hope, right?)

As for me, I start school back Monday. I'm so close to applying into the nursing program, I feel like I can finally see the light! I'm really nervous about it, as it's an extremely competitive program. I am trying to stay positive and focused, so hopefully things will work out well.

I hope everyone is doing well and I'll catch up with ya' again soon!

My Mother's Day

Hi! Just checking in here on the ole' blogster. I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day! Mine started off with breakfast cooked for me, Church, a yummy lunch, a precious card and money from my Avery, a nap, and grilling hamburgers for dinner.

Avery was a little cranky for one reason or another this weekend. Poor thing has been battling a cold and ear infections. I guess it would make me cranky too. He's on an antibiotic for his ear and I've tried Benadryl and Zyrtec for the cough. Lordy Gordy do the Benadryl and Zyrtec make him bounce off the walls. Whew! He seems to be on the up for now though. Poor little buddy!

All and all we had a great weekend. Stayed pretty busy and played a lot outside. Picture fanatic me didn't take one single picture on Mother's Day, so I'll leave you with a picture of me and sweet Avery on my very first Mother's Day.

Ramblings

I feel like I've been neglecting my blog. I probably feel this way, well, because I have. Not on purpose though; I've just been busy, busy, busy.

Avery and I are in the process of moving. Yes, moving. Not a situation I'm going to talk about here, but for those who personally know me, you know this has been a very difficult time.

Since I've been moving, I've also been going through all my stuff. When I say all my stuff, I mean, ALL.MY.STUFF. It's crazy how much you hang on to. I used to be on the verge of hoarding a lot of stuff, then I finally realized there is no point! So bags and bags of stuff are being packed up and ready to go sell at the local flea market.

I also started Jazzercise. WOW! What an amazing way to exercise. I feel so much better the days I go. Every instructor I've had has been amazing. The upbeat environment, encouragement, and the overall attitude of everyone there simply amazes me! I've never looked forward to exercise, until now!

I'm also selling Thirty-One. I have a party next week and two in October. I love selling Thirty-One. It's so easy to sell; the products sell themselves. It is still taking me time to get used to all the ends and outs of this company, but now, I've gotten most everything organized and am ready to crank this business up!

School starts back soon. Whew, there goes all my free time; not that I had any free time before. I'm excited to start this quarter and get back in the swing of things. I feel like I've been in school forever. Please keep me in your prayers this quarter.

Avery and I, aside from being super busy, are doing well. We have so much fun together, as mother and son. I think this two year old is the funniest person I know. He is always up to something and is always making my days interesting!

I promise to have pictures up soon.