Stellan and Daniel

Baby Stellan

As you may remember from previous posts, I have been following a blog since this summer, that has truly touched me. I read as this family was told that their unborn son would not live due to heart failure. I read as he was born completely healthy with NO sign of a heart condition. I read as sweet Stellan came down with RSV, and was treated with a drug that caused his heart to leap into SVT (supraventricular tachycardi.) For over four weeks now, this family has dealt with an unimaginable chain of events. Baby Stellan is due to have a very risky surgery tomorrow to try to correct his heart condition. I ask for your prayers for this sweet baby and his family. I pray that you ask for peace for this family. I pray that you ask the Great Physician to heal this little boy.
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BABY DANIEL IS HERE!!!

My heart is full of joy for a dear friend who became a mother this afternoon. She has longed for this baby boy...and she has been truly blessed. I praise God for this healthy baby! I know this mommy will do a great job with her boy, and that her son will know God! Congratulations, Jenna! I can't wait to meet Daniel!

Good Friday and a Little Easter

Good Friday - "Stations of the Cross"

Our family has been attending Community Church for a little over a year. I strongly believe that the Lord has lead us to this place in our lives. On Good Friday, I had the opportunity to experience a walk through the crucifixion and the events leading up to Christ's death. Twelve "stations" were set up in a dimmed room, each with scripture and directions for thoughts and prayers. I walked through a candle-lit room, and experienced the Lord's Supper, accusations, the betrayal, the beating and bleeding, the crown of thorns, carrying the cross, the nails, casting lots, kneeling before the cross, the last breath, the tomb, and the resurrection. I must say that it was a moving experience, but also an experience that caused great reflection on my part. One of the stations required me to write a prayer, reminding me not to be self-righteous, but to live for Christ. I want to share it with you, as it has become a daily prayer for me.

Lord, in EVERYTHING,
let me look with Your eyes,
love with Your heart, and
act with Your Guidance.

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A Little Easter

We had a great time on Easter. Service was wonderful and so was the family time. You may have heard the expression, "The best laid plans of mice and men..." Well, I am VERY familiar with that one. I had my camera all ready for all the "egg shots," but I came up short. I do have a few pictures to share from Easter, though not all the ones I wanted. I hope you enjoy them anyways!

Getting Ready for Easter with NaNa and Pop

Getting Ready for Easter
Yesterday, Matthew, Logann, and I went to my mom's to dye Easter eggs and to do some baking. I had a blast! It reminded me of my younger years...I missed my sister and brother though. Logann just kind of hung out and looked cute. Matthew, on the other hand, was quite busy while at his NaNa's. He played with his cars (of course), played doctor with his animals, looked for bugs outside, swept the patio, watched "Wubzy," ate lots of food, colored eggs, and helped "prinkle" the cookies we made! Here are some photos from the day.

Little Logann
Future Doctor
Cars and Cookies
Making Eggs

Aren't they beautiful?
Mommy's Matt-Matt
Looking for Bugs!
Big Kisses

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Yesterday was also Chris's Birthday! We went to The Cheesecake Factory last night for dinner. It was so yummy! (I wish I had taken some pictures.)
Happy 28th Birthday, Chris!
I love you!

A Few "Matthewisms"

I thought I'd share a few of the funny things that Matthew says on a regular basis that make me laugh every time!

1. Subject: Cheese Sandwich - "I want a grilled cheese...but don't cook it and don't cut it."
2. Subject: Chocolate Milk - known as "Chocolate Milky Shaker"
3. Subject: Teeth Brushing - "You forgot to brush my tongue."
4. Subject: Generic Batteries - "Mom, Kroger batteries???"
5. Subject: School Discipline - when discussing his behavior for the day..."Mommy, I didn't have to go to the office today!"

Though children can cause stress, I think they are a gift to help relieve stress, too!

In Search Of...

I am in search/pursuit of many things these days. The following list contains most of my current quests. Please read them and, if you don't mind, pray over them!

• God's plan for my life
  
• a church home
  
• more patience
• deep friendships...I am so blessed in this area already
• more compassion for others
• a daily reminder that I should judge no one
• a healthier lifestyle

Matthew's Obsessions

Matthew currently is obsessed with two things... CARS and LOGANN!

Obsession #1: You cannot find Matthew at home, at a grandmother's house, or even at school without one. His love of cars began almost 2 years ago. We have seen the movie CARS about a million, I mean billion, times. Chris and I know it by heart. Matthew can hear a portion of a song from that movie and know exactly what it is. He will spend forever lining up, rearranging, and re-lining up his cars. We race them all over the house. If you step on something in our house, it is either a goldfish (cracker) or a car!!!



Obsession #2: Matthew is completely enamoured by his sister. He looks at her with such loving eyes. He talks to her and tries to comfort her when she cries. He plays patty-cakes with her feet. He loves to hold her, feed her, play with her, and give her her pacifier. He comes running if he hears her crying. He kisses her (thanks for the germs) and gives her hugs. Sometimes he's a little too enthusiastic. Like the time he tried to pick her up when she was about 6 days old, uh oh! Not a good mothering moment! Enthusiasm = He thinks he needs to poke her eyes, stick his fingers in her mouth, and "rock her" when she is in her carseat. I don't know if Logann appreciates all of this energy. This enthusiam could prove useful when they are a little bit older and I need a watchful eye! Having two children is the hardest thing I've ever done, but they have already brought me such great joy!

Returning to Work, Bath Time, and 3 Month Pictures

• Returning to Work

It was not as painful as I thought it would be. I spent most of last week dreading Monday morning, and spent many nights crying myself to sleep. I just did not want to leave my baby girl. I don't feel too bad about leaving Matthew at school these days because he absolutely LOVES it! Logann's just a baby though. God and I had a heart to heart, and He gave me peace. He gave me perspective. I took Logann to school Monday morning, did not shed a tear, and felt complete peace when I left. This peace was amazing! It was then compounded in greatness, by the realization I had when I returned to school. I saw the faces of my children, some who live in situations that would upset even adults, and I KNEW I was where God wanted me to be. Not that He does not want me to be with Logann and Matthew, but that He DOES want me with these children. He wants me to love them unconditionally. He wants me guide them. He wants me to show them Jesus. I will not go into detail about what I know these children are going through, but they need God. I have a bracelet that reads "I may be the only God some people ever see." I wear it to school often to remind myself what an influence I can have for God. All that said...I am already ready for Spring Break! Is that bad????
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• Logann Loves Bath Time!

Both of my children have always loved their baths. It's fun to watch Logann in her bath. As I mentioned in a Not Me!Monday, she gets a bath every night with her Johnson's Bedtime Bath. She (I mean we) love it! She has the best time splashing around. I put her tub on the bathroom counter. She makes me laugh because she sees me in the mirror, and does not realize that I am standing right beside her! She laughs, smiles, kicks, and splashes the whole time she is in the tub. I had to share a few pictures. Enjoy!

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• 3 Month Pictures
  

These are some of Logann's 3 month pictures. I think they're precious, but I am the mommy!

***I will post more about Mr. Matthew soon! I haven't forgotten about him!***