Happy 3rd Birthday Ava!

It’s so hard to believe that another year has gone by…and yes, this will be a constant starter line to Ava’s birthday blog entry for years to come!  

Three years ago today, a precious gift was placed in my arms and my life was eternally changed.  Inasmuch as I can hardly remember what life was like without her, I can hardly believe how much 3 years can feel like 3 days because it has gone by so fast.  

Those first 8 weeks of sleepless nights felt like an eternity and I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d ever have a full night’s rest again.  Fast forward to the present and my mind races to capture every moment in the in between as I grasp the revelation that time is fleeting ever so quickly away.  Chubby cheeks, chubby arms, chubby legs that could hardly crawl have developed into, well…she still has chubby cheeks but her arms and legs have slimmed down and she’s gone from looking like a baby, a toddler to looking like a little girl and my heart melts.  Her baby gibberish has been replaced by a fully understandable vocabulary that is, at times, annoying, but ever so much more heart warming and hilarious!  

In the last couple of weeks she’s learned how to write the letter “A” and recognizes it in EVERYTHING and proudly declares, “Mommy, that’s MY name!”  I just agree, for a full explanation that it is merely the letter IN her name will begin a cute debate of “No, its not” and “Yes, it is.”  I’m learning to pick my battles wisely for the sake of not expelling too much oxygen….I will need a good supply when the next tantrum comes my way.  :o)  

She’s grown so much and surpassed many milestones in the last 12 months.  Potty training was, by far, the most challenging parenting moment thus far.  I’m proud to say that she was fully and officially potty trained over the 4^th of July weekend…and we all shouted and clapped and I, exhaustedly, brushed the back of my hand across my forward with relief!  I sought much advice from parents of toddlers and the recurring advice was, “she’ll do it when she’s ready” and “One day it will just click.”  Guess what!  One day, it just clicked!!!  I really thought there would be more to it than that but there wasn’t.  This new “big girl” status is bittersweet; no more diapers, no more baby….Be still time - I’m still trying to embrace each day, each moment.

As I’ve watched my beautiful little girl’s personality develop, God has been stirring my heart to understand the depth of the responsibility He’s given Jordan and I as her parents.  My heart is overwhelmed to think that God had this precious little life that He wanted to send into the earth with a purpose.  He spanned the globe in search of the perfect parents for her.  In choosing us, I believe, He thought to Himself, “The gifts, abilities, talents and calling I have placed on this life can be nurtured, pruned, awakened, strengthened, and encouraged by Jordan and Christy Williamson.  They will recognize her gifts and her call and they will teach her and equip her in ways that will bring every plan I have for her to fruition.”  I’m not saying that to brag as if we are some great parents.  Trust me, I’m learning as I go and I truly believe, if you have children of your own, God thought the same thing about you.  I’m saying that because what God has been revealing to me in the past few weeks is immeasurably humbling and I feel the weight of the responsibility He has placed on us.  We are not parents to simply provide food, clothing and shelter for our children.  God had a much greater plan for us.  Our children are the hands and feet of Jesus in this dark world just as much as we, currently, are supposed to be the hands and feet of Jesus today.  If Jesus tarries and we pass from this earth, our children will be left to carry the flame.  Will they know who Jesus is?  Will they know their purpose in this life?  Will they use everything God’s placed inside of them to further the kingdom of God?  Will they fulfill His call for their lives?  It’s our responsibility to raise them up to know Him and teach them to trust Him with their lives wholeheartedly.  “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” – Luke 12:48.  Because God has been dropping this revelation in my heart and in my spirit, I am held even more accountable now.  I want to look back over my life one day and know that I loved my Jesus with everything within me and I taught Ava and my future children to love Him and to serve Him all the days of their lives.  To invest into my children is the highest calling I have first and foremost.  When I stand before Jesus, I want to hear Him say, “Well done.”  I believe I have lives yet to touch myself but I believe Ava and my children will touch even more lives than me.  Everything God’s placed within me I want to invest into my children.  I’m filled to be emptied.  It’s said “you can’t take anything with you when you go”.  Today, I reflect on that not only referencing material possessions but also the truths, wisdom, knowledge and experiences we’ve had along life’s journey.  

I want Ava to know:

- Jesus is faithful in the darkest of days.  

- Jesus can be trusted when there is no one else who seems trustworthy.  

- She can experience the love of her heavenly Father and abide in His love every single day.  

- She can do ALL things through Christ and that He will be her shield and defense. 

- When life’s storms are raging all around her, I want her to find peace in knowing, personally, the One who whispers, “Peace, be still.”  

- I want her to live with an understanding that people will let her down and sometimes fail but when her foundation is built on Jesus Christ, she can never be shaken because He cannot and will not fail.  

- I want her to face everything head on because she is confident that Jesus Christ is for her and He wants good things for her.  

- She will be successful at everything she puts her hands to because God’s favor will rest on her.  

All the lessons we’ve learned through our own experiences, our own tests and trials, I want her to know because through them all God was preparing us and equipping us.  It’s been a part of the process and it’s never been easy but it’s always been worth it.  She will have her own trials and tests but through them all she can face them boldly because she will know what they produce in the end.  I want her to know how much she is loved by her daddy and me.  Loved SO MUCH!

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Ava in our lives.  Daily give us the grace and wisdom we need to raise her in the way You desire so that she is fully equipped for the plan you have for her.  I thank You that she is full of personality, determined, sweet, compassionate, funny, smart and the most incredible little person on the planet!  We are so in love with her and so blessed that You chose us to be her mommy and daddy.  

Happy 3^rd Birthday my sweet Ava! 

Happy Father's Day

I know it’s been ages since I blogged last. I always have such good intentions of blogging on a regular basis but when our schedules get jam packed, it’s really difficult to find the time to tap into my creative writing niche. When I write, I like to put thought into what I have to share and that takes some quiet time, which is extremely rare with a two and a half year old running around; therefore, blogging, writing, creative thinking is foreign in my world most days.

As Father’s Day is approaching, albeit in a mere three days (no, this has not snuck up on me in any way! Insert deep sigh), I have been in deep thought on gift ideas for Jordan. I’m a thoughtful, sentimental, gift giver. What gift can I give to Jordan that will honor him as the amazing daddy he is to our sweet Ava? I searched online for Father’s Day crafts that Ava could do; nothing. A Hallmark card? Too expensive. Clothes? Thoughtless. Coffee cup? Redundant. So, what? A blog post? Yes! It would be thoughtful and well within budget. Smile. Don’t worry. He’ll get an actual gift too. I’m still thinking about that one though!

Having grown up most of my life with an alcoholic father that left our family often, I had dreams of the kind of father my future husband would be to our children one day. Jordan not only has been the fulfillment of those dreams but has exceeded every possible expectation imaginable.

I love when he gets giddy about waking Ava up some mornings. He is, seriously, as excited as a kid asking if they can have ice cream for dessert or a kid being told they’re going to Disney World! You’ve seen those commercials, right? Well, that’s Jordan in those moments. For Ava, daddy encompasses every aspect of the word “fun”. She giggles contagiously as daddy sings silly songs to her or tickles her while rolling around in the floor. I am, equally, as excited as she when we hear his key in the door as he comes home from work. Ava stops whatever she’s doing and screams, “Daddy! Daddy’s here!” Then she bolts for the front door and he can’t put his laptop bag down fast enough to scoop her up into his arms.

There are many times I sit and watch their times together and I bubble over inside with humble gratitude that God sent me a man who would be the daddy to my daughter that I had always dreamt of having myself. I marvel at the times we sit and discuss parenting; the challenges, our hopes, our expectations, our dreams for Ava (and future children). Hearing his heart for raising Ava to know Jesus and speaking so much life into her, even at this young age, is such a tremendous blessing in my life. In these moments he makes this wife and mother feel more secure than anything in the world.

Jordan is instilling in her that she is Jesus’ Princess and she is Daddy’s Princess and I know this is something he will continue to instill in her from now until her wedding day…one day…a long, long, long, long time from now!! I can hear him at night as he tucks her into bed asking her this same question, “Are you Jesus’ Princess? Are you Daddy’s Princess?” And my heart melts as she bashfully whispers “Uh huh”. She will know her worth and know how deeply she is loved every day of her life and will never have to search for that love and acceptance from any one else. And as I continue to eavesdrop on their bedtime routine, I hear them break out into the silliest rendition of Jesus Loves Me that you can imagine. They’re singing off-key as loudly as they possibly can. This is, immediately, followed by a spontaneous burst of tickling by daddy and an eruption of hysterical cackles from Ava. Soft gentle prayers follow to bring a sweet peace and stillness back in her room; goodnight hugs and kisses, sweet dream wishes and lights are out. Unforgettable moments engraved in my heart.

Jordan, I honor you this Father’s Day for not only being such an amazing daddy, but also for being understanding, forgiving, gracious, a loving husband, my best friend, encourager, confidante and man of God. You stir up a desire within me to be a better person, to love deeply, to chase dreams, to believe in the impossible. I’m so thankful that during the darkest season of our lives, in the midst of not knowing God’s plan in that season, we clung to each other, we sought God’s heart together and together we believed that God was faithful and together we have discovered His new plan and direction for our lives. An amazing journey lies before us and there is no one else that I would rather travel this path with than you. I love that you are a part of my life and I love doing this life with you. Thank you for who you are as my husband and for being such an incredible daddy. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a daughter so in love with her daddy as Ava. My heart is full and I am blessed. When baby number two, three, four or however many God blesses us with comes, I know you will still be just as amazing with them as you are with Ava. I love and adore you. Happy Father’s Day! xoxoxoxox

Inspiration

Every morning I do my Bible reading from the One Year Bible that my church is doing. They print up thousands of calendars with the daily Bible verses for each day so we can read through the entire Bible in one year. I really love it! One of the Bibles I have includes a little Life Lesson for certain chapters and verses; sort of like a little devotional. I happened to read the one for my Proverbs reading this morning and really loved what it said so I decided to share it here. I hope it will bless you today as it did me!

Life Lesson

Proverbs 3:1-35

Situation

God promises to guide those who obey and trust Him. Those who obey must actively explore God's Word.

Observation

Depend on God in every part of your life, and He will guide, protect, and comfort you.

Inspiration

This expression "God's guidance," or "God's will," is really quite confusing. It seems so far removed from selling insurance, cleaning house, or taking the dog to the vet for his shot. It seems to imply being constantly ecstatic over "finding Jesus," or living on Cloud Nine without interruption. I suppose this could be part of it. But so many Christians, new and old alike, drape so much glamorous ecclesiastical jargon around it, that it gives the impression of being for an elite few "spiritual" or "saintly" people. That would leave out most of us, wouldn't it, God?...Jesus told His disciples that He was going away and would send someone to carry on for Him. This one would be a Comforter, a Helper, to remind and to guide. If He wasn't supposed to guide us in all things, how would we know when He was guiding and when He wasn't?

It occurs to me that if I'm tuned in to You, Jesus, I'm guided in everything I do. It could include simple things at the office, housework, even answering the presumptuous ring of the telephone to give some lonely forgotten soul a bit of myself. After a lot of trial and error, God, I think I've learned something about Your will in my life. And the key is so simple. So often I have stubbornly knocked and banged my head against a door of decision or opportunity I wanted to push open. And so often nothing happened. The door just wouldn't budge. At other times when You and I were tuned in to the same channel, I barely touched the latch, and the door swung open. Everything poured out: happinesses, opportunities for creativity, spiritual presents, deeper relationships with friends, and, when the timing was right, a chance to share Your love with someone...Your guidance kind of snowballs, God, from relying on You for dozens of little actions and decisions, we learn to seek Your guidance in times of big events, even tragedies, in our lives. Gradually we begin to rely on You in everything we do, no matter how insignificant.

(From Struggles of a Sinner-Saint by Lucille Lavender)

Application

Is your life like a hotel, with certain rooms marked "Do Not Disturb"? Open one of those rooms to God. If you are a pianist, give your practice or performance to God. If you are a basketball referee, give your game to God. No matter what your role in life or your occupation, live every aspect of your life to honor God.

Exploration

Guidance-Joshua 1:9; Psalm 48:14; 118:8; Proverbs 2:1-5; Matthew 2:13; Luke 9:24-25; John 4:13-14; Acts 8:26

I pray God blesses you today and that you would discover His perfect will for your life!

~christy~

Lightroom 2.0

Check MckMama's site for a chance to win photo editing software-Adobe Lightroom 2! My fave program ever!!!!!!!!! www.mckmama.com

You'll love it!

Win an HP TouchSmart 600

Visit Kelly at Kelly's Korner for details on how to win a touch-screen computer! Awesome contest!

http://kellyskornerreviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/hey-who-wants-to-win-free-computer.html

*hugs*

Making promises I cannot keep?

Could I possibly promise to stay more up to date on this blog? Would it be any different from all the other times I've said I'd like to blog more often? Will I find myself spending a lot of time in front of this blank blog screen and endlessly sharing the goings on in my life? Nope...I just cannot make any promises that I cannot keep! But I can say that I WISH I could make that promise because I WISH I had more "free" time to do so. Therefore, I can only say that I will blog when I can think about blogging and have time to blog. I don't know that anyone reads this anyway so I don't think I'm letting anyone down! :o) It's just a fun thing to do from time to time. I should try to create a special Header for it so it looks all cute and stuff. We'll see how that works out!

Anyway...

What's new in my world?

Ava is almost 16 months old now! Such a big girl and such a cutie pie! Her vocabulary is expanding and just a little over a week ago she has learned how to use the word "no" in context...and she loves it! :o/ Much to my dismay! But it is still kinda cute in a way! She tries to repeat words we say like tree, bird and dog. Her most favorite thing in the world is books!!! She would rather sit down in the floor and flip through a book than play with any of her other toys. She loves to copy what her daddy does. Jordan stands with his arms crossed when he's talking to you and Ava will cross her arms and very intently watch what he does with his arms. If I kneel on the floor with both knees on the floor, she will get down and do the same. It's just the cutest thing! She loves marshmallows bananas, cheese, fruit loops and any kind of bread! She eats good healthy stuff like fruits and veggies too. She's a healthy little chunk. She weighed 26 pounds and 9 ounces at her 15 month checkup. She's just a tiny bit tall for her age but right on track with everything else. She still sucks her thumb and loves her "Bear". She's trying to whistle and thinks its so funny when I whistle for her. She has her own little dance that we have named "The Chicken Wing". She'll flap just her right arm up and down while wiggling the rest of her body to any music beat. We're still trying to get that on video! We are still loving every little second with her and every little inch of her!

As for me...I've been taking college classes since August and I've really been enjoying it. Looking forward to finishing and getting my degree but I love all that I've been learning. It's been a challenge to work a full time job and be a mother and a wife but Jordan has been a phenomenal help to me. I love that he also supports me in this new adventure. Jordan himself will be starting back to school in January. We will see how we'll manage all of that when the time comes. I'm really excited about the direction we are headed and the path we're on in our lives right now. God has been so gracious to us! I pray He will just continue to direct our steps.

I think that's about all we have going on right now. We are looking forward to celebrating this Christmas with Ava. She still won't be fully into the excitement and opening gifts this year but it will still be fun!

If I do not post again before Christmas, I hope you all have a blessed Christmas holiday with all your family and loved ones! Remember the Reason for this Season--The birth of Jesus! I pray you can feel His love surrounding you not only during this season but throughout the New Year!

*Hugs*

Christy

And here are a few pictures of my little ham!!!

Ava's Birthday

One year ago today, I was lying in a hospital bed hooked up to monitors and I.V.'s anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first baby. Four weeks earlier than the expected due date and as unprepared as I ever prepared to be! Blood pressure issues/preeclampsia sent me to my doctor the afternoon of August 4th. What I expected to be instructions of bedrest or some quick medicinal intake to keep it under control, I was struck with, "I need you to be in Labor & Delivery at 4:30 this afternoon. We'll induce first thing in the morning."

Seriously?! Immediately, I was flooded with panic. I have to get back to work and give Kim, my co-worker, the last minute instructions on what to do when I'm on maternity leave. I don't have my bags packed. I didn't wash Ava's new outfit for her to come home in. What about this? What about that? Aaah!!! Through the panic and anxiety, I was also full of anticipation and expectation for the very thing I had waited what seemed an eternity for, was finally in my arms. I could hardly wait for my eyes to behold the most precious gift I could ever have been given.

Labor and delivery NEVER goes as planned, expected or even hoped. My plan was for no epidural. I had "come from a long line of easy births" as my mother told me! I do have a high tolerance for pain so I really felt I could manage. I do, honestly, believe that had I not been surviving on no sleep in 24 hours that I could have managed just fine without the epidural. However, it was 1pm, 4cm dilated and I was worn out from exhaustion already. Since I didn't have a specific time of when I could expect to deliver I felt it might be a good idea to get the epidural and maybe I could rest. Well, the epidural was nice and brought relief but still no rest. So, baby #2 will be my attempt for no epidural! Guess we'll see how that goes!

My doctor discussed the possibility of a c-section if I didn't make any more progress but my cervix was thinning more with each evaluation so she let me continue to progress. About 7:45pm the nurse allowed me to start pushing. Once Ava crowned the nurse paged for my doctor to come. We waited and waited...she must have taken a dinner break! Ha! At 8:03pm on August 5, 2009, Ava made her grand entrance.

So, today is the marking of the first year of her life! Today I celebrate the awesomeness of my beautiful daughter. There are feelings and emotions inside that I know only another mother can understand. She is the definition of who I am. One of the reasons I was born. Every thought contains her. She is loved beyond the comprehension of the word itself. What astounds me even more is to know that I am loved by my Heavenly Father even more than I love HER and He loves HER even MORE than I can love her. How can one contain so much LOVE? He IS love! This has been the most life changing year of my life...and the BEST year of my life! I look to the days yet to come with a new hope, a new expectation and more days of watching my daughter grow...bloom and blossom!

So Happy Birthday my little Pumpkin Head! Thank you for being mine and being the sweetest little thing I ever could have hoped for. You will forever be loved unconditionally, just as you are. You will always be the smile on my face and the sparkle in my eyes. You are Daddy's Little Girl and Mommy's World...loved inside, outside, upside, downside and all around!

*Hugs & Kisses to you!*

8 Days old

To One Year Old

Bargain Carousel

It only comes around once a year...like Christmas! It's the largest family yard sale I know about. It's just not in someone's yard or an outdoor location. It's an indoor, 1,000+ family sale. All proceeds benefit different charities in the Birmingham area. My first experience with Bargain Carousel was last year. The phrase "the early bird gets the worm" is something to take into consideration for the BC! I drag my husband with me b/c I like his input on things and he helps me make decisions. Last year our focus was strictly on baby stuff...furniture especially. We scored last year! I furnished Ava's entire room for around $175! I wish I still had some pictures on my computer to show you right now. I had to re-paint most of it but when I finished you would never know I didn't buy it straight from a store. I bought a crib $30. Changing table $10 (and its a heavy duty piece of furniture). Desk with a book shelf and a little chair $75 (the most expensive thing I bought). Chest of drawers $20. Book shelf $7. Also, found some other miscellanous baby items too.

This year I planned on going again. However, I did not have a focus on what I'd like to get. Some furniture for the house would be nice but not a necessity. You have to pay $5 per person when you get there and they give you a number and then line everyone up by their numbers. I am convinced that ALL departments stores should implement this strategy for the day after Thanksgiving sales. I do believe it would result in better crowd control. Anyway...

Last year we were like in the 180's range. This year we were a stinking 308-310. I was disappointed b/c my goal is always to leave the house at 5am and get there by 5:30. It never fails that we don't even get out of the house until 5:30 and then Jordan must stop at the gas station for a drink. So another 15 minutes passes before we are officially on our way.

Regardless, we always have an enjoyable time and end up finding some really great deals. So our main intent was for stuff for the house. But as you'll see from the pictures below, Ava rules! :O) We found mostly some bigger toys for her. She's really enjoyed her new stuff and I've enjoyed watching her play! My biggest steal, in my opinion, is the little wooden riding toy. That would have cost $100 or more in the store but I paid $8! I was so pumped and just love it! So, go ahead and check out my Bargain Carousel purchases below. I'm already looking forward to next year!

These are some wall sconce shelve things. Plan on adding these to the photography office!

$2 each

A really nice large picture that is going to look just lovely above my couch! $10

Ava's table and chairs...we don't have a dining room table but Ava does! lol

$20

Ava's walker $12

Radio flyer wagon and a riding/walking toy

Wagon $8

Toy $5

This is one of those black round chair things. I actually got this at a yard sale we passed on our way home. $5

The wooden toy!! LOVE!

I bought this rug at the same yard sale with the black chair. The rug is for the office and looks really good there! It's a $90 rug from Target. I paid $30. She'd only had it for 2 months and its clean and looks brand new!

I love to yard sale!!!!!! :O)

Pray for Baby Stellan

Please visit http://www.mycharmingkids.net and pray for Baby Stellan! He's already a miracle baby and now he's in need of a brand new touch from the Master's hand. Or you can click on the MckMiracle button to the right of my page to go to MckMama's blog and read all the details on Stellan. Praying earnestly.... christy

Babies Don't Keep

I was reading one of the blogs I follow daily, MckMama, and she had the words of a poem by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton posted there. I read it and my heart melted. It's called "Song for a Fifth Child". I, by no means, have 5 children! I have only just begun my family with just one precious little girl. However, I understand the principle and concept behind the words. I feel quite sure that Jordan at times wonders if I'll ever clean house again; dust, sweep, mop, wash dishes, clean the toilets, etc. because to be honest, since Ava's arrival I have not been the diligent "keeper of the house" I once was. I have the greatest husband ever because he understands and although I'm sure it bugs him just a little, he doesn't get all bent out of shape over it and for that I am so thankful! I am aware of how precious time is and even more so of how precious time with my daughter is because I do not get to spend all hours of my day with her because, unfortunately, I have to work a full time job. Once I get home from work my time with Ava becomes the most enjoyable time of my day until Jordan gets home (yes, Jordan, I enjoy my time with you when you get home from work!). I love snuggling with her, making her giggle and smile (which really takes no effort at all b/c she is the happiest baby I can ever recall knowing), feeding her, changing her diapers (yes, I really do) and anything that involves her, I love...because I love HER!

So, when I read the words it was my route of justification for the lack of attention to housework and it just seemed so "fitting".

Song for a Fifth Child

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,

Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,

Hang out the washing, make up the bed,

Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?

She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,

Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo.

Dishes are waiting and bills are past due

Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo.

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew

And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo

But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo

Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?

Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow

But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!

I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

Beautiful, isn't it? Mothers will understand and appreciate it! I certainly did! Feeding Ava her last bottle before bedtime as she falls asleep in my arms is my most favorite time with her. That's when she has the softest, sweetest, most peaceful disposition of the day; just like an angel. I want to hold her forever just like that. Having a child is such a HUGE blessing from God and it breaks my heart for those who desperately want a child of their own to hold who struggle with infertility or other complications. My prayer is that God would grant them the desires of their hearts and allow them the opportunity to experience such a gift!

Love to all!

~christy~

For Valentine's Day...

In honor of Valentine's Day...a day of LOVE...I wanted to post a SPECIAL blog for the LOVE of my life. My wonderful husband, Jordan (a.k.a. Jordy & Daddy).

I know I posted once before all the things I love about this man. That was last year for his birthday. This is this year...for Valentine's Day and there have been new things to make The List this year.

Jordan, just in case you didn't know already, here are a FEW reasons (14 for Valentine's Day)why ILOVEYOUSOMUCH!

1. I love how you stand by your convictions, regardless of what others think.
2. I love how you love Jesus and how passionate you are to be close to Him.
3. I love how much help you have been around the house since Ava was born.
4. I love how you took ownership of bottle washing and became the Bottle Washing King!
5. I love how you have been patient with me while I adjusted to the new role of being a mommy and you have sacrificed your own time for that.
6. I love when you warm up my side of the bed before I get in it b/c you know I don't like cold sheets.
7. I love watching you play with Ava.
8. I love to see her face light up when you walk into the room...you have that impact on her and she adores you...I love that!
9. I love to leave the baby monitor on in the mornings when you're getting her dressed so I can listen to you talk to her and hear her "talk" back to you. I smile the whole time!
10. I love seeing you hold Ava in your lap while you read your Bible in the mornings...setting a beautiful example for her even this young.
11. I love how you still hold my hand in the car.
12. I love how you dream and you have not let situations and circumstances crush those dreams!
13. I love your smile, your personality, how you make me laugh, how you make me smile.
14. I love that you are mine!!

You mean the world to me and I would not be who I am without you!

I.LOVE.YOU.SO.MUCH!!

P.S. Ava lovesyousomuchtoo!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

My family...

It is not often, quite frankly, extremely rare to get any pictures of my mom. She just doesn't like to have her picture taken. So to have planned an actual session with her included was a very amazing thing. I'm sure if it had not been for my grandmother this probably still would not have taken place. My grandmother lives in Florida and does not get to come visit us often. In fact, I have not seen her since my wedding in 2003!!! Terrible, I know! She was able to come spend a few weeks with us during the Christmas holidays and it was such a wonderful blessing. She's actually on an airplane headed back home as I type this. My mom bought her a digital picture frame for Christmas and the whole reason for this photo session was to have some pictures of all her great grandchildren and her daughter to go on the frame. Hence all of the images below. It was a spur of the moment plot all taken and edited last night but I am happy to have some pictures of my mom and grandmother together....something to be cherished for a lifetime!

Have a safe flight home Grandma and hopefully we'll see you again much sooner next time! We love you very much!

My Grandma's hands...I love this!

Grandma with her Great Grandchildren

Mother & Daughter

My mom with Ava

I've wanted this shot for the longest time and I'm so glad I was able to get it last night!

My Absolute Favorite!!!!

My mom with all her grandchildren (so far)

Goodbye 2008

It is with a joyful heart that I say goodbye to 2008. With excitement and anticipation I embrace 2009. As pastor Chris said Sunday, "Bring the good from this year into the new year and leave the bad behind." My goal for 2009 is to do just that. There will be no resolutions b/c a resolution is just something you do to change an outward situation. No resolution but a revolution to change from the inside out. I will pursue my purpose like never before. I will look inward and improve on my shortcomings and failures. I will serve my God with a sincere love for Him. I will focus on pleasing God and not man. I will give obediently...willingly...joyfully. Obedience not obligation. I will set goals...personal ones...spiritual ones...financial ones...business ones. I will meet them one by one. I will seek the heart of my Savior. I will seek His Word for Truth. And 2009 will be the best year of my life....so far! Following are some Scripture verses that speak volumes to me right now. "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." ~Isaiah 43:18-19 "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 3:13-14 "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud." ~Proverbs 16:18-19 "Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'" ~John 8:31 "Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." ~John 8:36 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage....For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." ~Galatians 5:1, 13 "For thus says the Lord God: "Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out...so I will seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered....I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick...and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bands of their yoke and delivered them from the hand of those who enslaved them." ~Ezekiel 34:11-12,16,27 "We ought to obey God rather than men." ~Acts 5:29 "Also do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. For many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others." ~Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 My prayer is that we all take the time to look deep inside and admit our own failures despite our human pride. That we restore relationships, renew friendships, and forgive hurts...love people for who they are not for what they can do for you. And that each of us will become better people and more productive for the Kingdom than ever before. Happy New Year! ~christy~

Pray for Baby Stellan

Click on the MckMiracle button to the top right of my page for more details on Baby Stellan. This baby is a miracle already and he is very sick with RSV right now. Spread the word to all the prayer warriors you know and keep checking the blog for updates on how he's doing. Our God still works miracles.

She's 4 months old...

ALREADY!!! Everyone has told me how fast time would fly. I believed them but you still cannot comprehend how fast until you count up the weeks, months, years, etc. And then you look back and wonder where it went. I remember when I was pregnant with her and knowing I only had 4 months left before her due date...it still felt like forever away. Four months came and another 4 months went, just like that! I cherish each day and love her more and more with each passing moment. She is such a sweet, content and happy baby and I know I am so fortunate and blessed. Here she is:

Rebel for a Cause

Everyone click on the button to the right of my page titled Rebel For A Cause. This will transfer you to a site where you can read about an incredible prize giveaway and help out some great ministries at the same time. The Canon Rebel XSI that is being given away is the exact same camera that I use for all of my photography. It's a great camera and this whole package giveaway is worth a great bundle. But what is best about this contest is that ALL of the proceeds will benefit the following 3 ministries: Proceeds will go to String of Pearls, a beautiful ministry that offers a nurturing and safe place for families as they navigate the path following a fatal prenatal diagnosis that will result in the death of their baby prior to, or shortly after birth. String of Pearls provides guidance, compassion and practical suggestions as plans to honor the life of pre-born babies are crafted. Proceeds will also go to benefit No Hands But Ours. No Hands But Ours is a China adoption resource site, specific to special needs adoption. It was created to provide information, encouragement and support for families of the children who wait and for those who wait no more. It is their hope that God would use this organization to encourage and equip ordinary people to do an extraordinary thing in the life of a special needs orphan, to give the gift every child needs and deserves...a family. The Elison Project helps to provide grants to families adopting special needs children from China, and collaborates with No Hands But Ours. Proceeds of this Raffle-Way will allow families to make an incredible difference in the life of a child. Your donation will help to bring His children home. Click on the button for more details on how to enter. The contest ends December 14th so hurry on over!!!!!

"I like my thumb and I cannot lie"

I should have seen it coming. I saw it with my own two eyes during an ultrasound. The pictures below show that she finally figured it out. Usually the thumb is in the mouth with the other 4 fingers plastered to her cheek sideways. I try to extract thumb and insert paci whenever possible. But when she loses the paci in the middle of the night and finds her thumb its not the end of the world. And its also just too cute to boot! I pray she grows out of it and we'll deal with the issue if it continues as she gets older. Until then, I'll just laugh when I watch the fingers get close to the mouth and see the birdlike behavior until she finds the thumb just where she wants it. You'd really have to watch the process to really appreciate its cuteness!! And lately, she prefers the thumb over the paci...silly girl! Below those are just some other random pictures. *See, I really am doing better*

She LOVES her little play mat and could lay there for hours squealing at the toys that hang down. Don't you just love those cheeks?! She's such a chubby butterball!

These pictures were taken after she finished her very first bottle with cereal in it. She liked it but it didn't make her sleep any longer like everyone told us she would! She's always been a great sleeper anyway so it's not a big deal in our world. I can hardly wait to see how she enjoys some real deal baby food! Just a couple more weeks and we'll find out.

Pictures of Newbie

Here are just a couple of pictures I snapped of Newbie this morning before I came to work. He was rather hungry so he didn't want to be still (hence the blurriness). See the claws...yeah...they hurt when jabbed in your leg at 6:30 in the morning! Theresa (the animal expert) says he's part Siamese. He's a pretty kitty! :O) I'll try to get better full body pictures when he's not hungry!

Newbie

Let me be the first to say that I am not a big pet fan. Certainly not a cat fan. I have nothing against pets at all. I just feel that I already have enough to take care of so the last thing I need is an animal to feed. If I were to have a pet I would want it to be a chocolate lab like the one Jordan and I had when we were dating. However, I still have no strong desire to have one right now. A few nights ago, Jordan and I were cooking supper in the kitchen when we kept hearing a cat meowing. Jordan looked on the back deck. I checked the garage. I opened the door to the basement. We could not figure out where the sound was coming from. Jordan opened the front door and in runs this vanilla colored cat (about 8 months old). My first thought was, "Oh, no! We are not keeping that." It had obviously been an inside cat and was used to people b/c it ran straight up to Jordan. The poor little thing was starving. We put it in the garage and opened up a can of tuna fish for it to eat and gave it some water. It scarfed the tuna down in seconds. Jordan put it back outside in hopes that it would wander away and maybe find its original owner. Yet days later, its still around. So, it appears that we are now the new owners of a cat. Since it has taken up residency at our house on Freedom Lane we decided it should have a name. We don't know yet if its a male or female so we chose a non-gender specific name. We wanted it to have meaning b/c of how it just appeared on our doorstep and the fact that its a solid almost white color which represents good things to me. We agreed and settled on Newbie...short for New Beginnings. The number 8 represents New Beginnings (2008), Ava was born in August (8th month) and this year has just been full of New Beginnings for us so the name just seemed so perfect!!!!! It's a sweet little cat and for as long as it sticks around we will claim it as our very own. I never thought I would have a pet cat but here I am anyway!!! So welcome to the family Newbie--we hope you like it here!

7x7

I am a blog stalker...in a good kind of way. I could not even tell you how I have stumbled upon some of the blogs that I follow regularly. A link here, a link there and then I'm hooked. Here is a link to one of the blogs that I follow. http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/ Angie is the wife of Todd Smith who sings with the Christian group Selah. You can read about her and the story of Audrey on her blog. The 7x7 button on the right side of my page is a link to a list of 7 prayers that she prays over her children every day during certain times of the day. Click the button for more details. I am sharing the information with anyone who would love to join us in praying over our children. It is something that I have begun to do with Ava and for the times that she is awake and I speak these prayers over her she just illuminates with smiles and squeals. Call it coincidence or call it knowing her Creator's Words, either way, she LOVES it! And I know that it will begin to bloom and blossom in her life. So hop on over to the link and begin praying for your child(ren) today!!!!

Sad to say...

I am a photographer. I LOVE taking pictures. I take pictures for other people a lot. I love editing each image and seeing results that make my heart sing. When I was pregnant with my precious little girl I just "knew" that I would take a picture of my ever expanding belly month by month. I had all expectations from myself as well as others that my little girl would be the most photographed infant in the world. Yet I blog this today having only had 2 official photo sessions with her and that was at 8 days old and 4 weeks old. She is now 3 months old. Below are not even official photo session images...just some candids that I paused briefly to snap. And the images with mommy and daughter...THE FIRST of the two of us together since her birth. It's really sad...I'm not happy with myself. I'm quite disappointed and want to hang my head in shame. I believe it was yesterday when the explanation developed into my rational...no, irrational mind! I have not taken the time to do my own photo sessions with Ava b/c I've just been lazy. I have not taken pictures of the two of us together b/c of the complication of photographing myself. I have not taken pictures of her with her daddy b/c I have been lazy (and he's not thrilled about having his picture made either). I, also, have not taken pictures of her b/c I am a perfectionist. If I cannot take images that make my heart sing and follow all of the rules in my photography brain then I just do not take them. Thus I have not taken any. And I should be punished! So I have finally concluded that no longer will I not pick up my camera to just snap fun candids of my little girl to capture all of these growing and developing months. Whether they turn out to be the professional images I would hang on my wall or not, I shall capture my beautiful daughter as she grows. Because I never want to forget each stage in her life. So, I, along with everyone else who follows this blog, should EXPECT more images to come! I must change my ways and it must begin now!!! :O) So below are pictures of Miss Ava...3 months old and 13 pounds. The cutest little chunky monkey in the world!!! She has the smile that lights up my entire world!! And yes, she is strongly resembling her daddy these days. I'm unsure if I'm ok with that or if I hope she grows out of it! LOL It still will not change how adorable and beautiful she is!