Top 11 of 11

My friend Amber from Click.Pray.Love along with two other bloggers, is having a year end link up of our favorite 11 photos of our children. I think it's a wonderful way to remember this past year!

Here are my favorite pictures of 2011 (not all of them taken by me)

I love this picture because it was the first time Jack started to copy us. We had tried many times to get him to wear sunglasses, but as soon as he saw Steve and I wear them he would not take them off! It was very sweet.

This was during father's day as we were giving Steve his presents. Jack was being a ham and trying to get everyone to laugh. He reminds me of bepop (Steve's grandpa) in this picture.

This was during Jack's first memorial day trip. He loved the water and sand and it was such a joy to watch him.

This was the first time Steve and Jack caught a fish. Quite the memorable day!! I'm glad we got a few pictures as this was a very special moment for them.

This was during Bepop and Memaw's 80th wedding anniversary. I just love the laughter in Jack's face and how his aunt Jessi is looking at him!

This picture was taken by aunt Jessi during 4th of July. It is a family tradition to go down to Anna Maria Island that weekend, and Jack loved being there. It was a special and memorable weekend.

This was during my short getaway with Jack to Anna Maria in September. I love the chocolate dripping all over his face- he is such a boy!! And it was his first full ice cream.

Had to include this picture of Jack running through the water the same day...

This picture was from our visit to NC with Winnie and Miles. I love that they all somewhat match and are actually looking in the same direction. Will always cherish this picture!

This picture was taken by my friend Amber at Davis Island. She did such a wonderful job of capturing Jack and I'm glad she got this sweet picture of us.

This is a picture of Jack looking at the trains under the tree. He loves watching them go round and round, and this was a very special moment captured on camera.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe New Year's!

Boy oh boy!

On Christmas day we found out with family we are expecting another little boy! Over the past month I've thought a lot about the ultrasound, the health, and whether this baby would be a boy or a girl... part of me hoped for a boy and part of me hoped for a girl.

When I was a few months pregnant, Jack and I went down to Anna Maria Island for the day as I blogged about here.

While we were at the beach, there was a group of four little boys under 5 years old playing with each other. They had built a fortress and a little pond and were having a blast! It was really fun to watch them, and Jack was sitting next to me watching them play too. Their mom must've felt bad for us staring at them by ourselves, because she came over and asked Jack if he wanted to play with them to which he quickly said 'Yes!!'

At that moment I really wished for Jack to have a little brother to play with, and of course thought about how it 'might have been' like had Andrew been with us. I hoped that Jack would have another brother one day.

But another part of me wished for a girl. My dear friend Bethany is expecting her second child just a few weeks apart from me and she's expecting a little girl! I've thought about how much fun it would be to have little boys the same age, and little girls about the same age too. So of course I would've been thrilled with a girl as well.

Two nights before we found out I was laying in bed thinking about two dear friends. Both of them due in May 2012. Both of them have lost children before. My first friend lost two boys one at full term, and the second one at 16 weeks. And just a few days earlier she had a GOOD anatomy ultrasound and was very excited to have another little boy! Just as her heart desired.

Then that night I found out another friend who had previously lost her second-born precious little girl, was expecting another girl too! Just as I'm sure she hoped for.

I told Steve that night- "Both of them are having what their heart desired... But I'm not sure what I'm hoping for- boy or girl?" And he responded wisely "Your heart simply desires a healthy baby and the Lord gave us a good ultrasound". And he was right!

So all that to share that while I would've been happy with a sweet little girl, there is no dissapointment and I am just as happy with a sweet little boy! Thank you Lord for graciously allowing me to be pregnant and for giving us the desires of our hearts, even if I don't know what that is at times.

Multitude Mondays

I am very glad to finally be catching up with blogging today. We've had family visiting from out of town for Christmas so it has been difficult to stay up to date. Also I'm looking forward to (and a little nervous) to be a guest speaker at our local MOPS group -Mothers of Preschoolers- on January 3rd and all my free time has been spent preparing for it. Hopefully I'll be able to get all my thoughts on to blogging here soon!

These past two weeks I've been thankful for...


December 12

916. Good news from my friend Shelly as she had been praying for
917. For Jack's laughter tonight

December 13

918. Good news of a friend who has lost two babies, now having a good ultrasound and healthy little boy
919. For the kindness and frienship of an old co-worker we met up with today
920. For Jack's laughter as Steve chases him around the mall
921. For relatively good health this flu season

December 14

922. For neighbors and new friends we had over for dinner
923. For good laughter (tears rolling down my eyes) as Steve and I talked to David over the phone tonight

December 15

924. For Steve letting me sleep in this morning, praying for me, and getting breakfast ready!
925. For my perspective being more steady and positive overall about staying at home

December 16

926. For being able to take a good nap today
927. For good weather tonight
928. For a fun night with family and friends at my father in law's Christmas party

December 17

929. For Steve putting our family first and making sacrifices to take care of me and Jack
930. For being able to rest this afternoon which allowed me to feel much better

December 18

931. For feeling significantly better and almost over my cold
932. For Steve feeling more upbeat this afternoon

December 19

933. For the wonderful news of a healthy ultrasound today!!

934. For the miracle of being able to see little toes and hands
935. For the relief and peace I had today

December 20

936. For a morning visiting Jack's old sitter and how much they love him at her house
937. For Jack's increasing vocabulary and how he's able to tell us how he feels at times

December 21

938. For the best cup of coffee this morning!
939. For a fun visit with Kindra this morning and Jack playing well by himself
940. For my sister Mariela's joy as she got to hold and kiss Jack today.

December 22

941. For wonderful news that my dear friend Natasha's good ultrasound and is expecting a little girl

December 23

942. For my mom arriving safely today and her excitement over seeing Jack
943. For a photoshoot with the grandmother's so they can have nice pictures they will cherish forever

944. For my mom helping me with cleaning up the house and allowing me to rest tonight

December 24

945. That despite a busy and hectic day trying to get all of our family together, it went better than planned
946. For being able to make it to service today as we were not able to last year
947. For my mom's delicious cooking and an evening with both sides of our family

December 25

948. For the anticipation and joy as we celebrate Christ's birth today!
949. For a second Christmas with Jack in which he has good health
950. For finding out this morning this baby is going to be a boy! (The video is pretty funny and will try to share it here at a later time)
951. For being able to be with family today as I know many people are not able to be with their loved ones
952. For wonderful gifts that we do not deserve

2 years and 3 months

Dear Jack,

You are now 2 years and 3 months... and I can't believe how fast you are growing up. You are now speaking in short 2-3 word sentences and I am loving hearing you talk. Although at the same time, you can be very particular about what you want or don't want, so that has been a little bit more challenging for me as well :)

Everyday at some point during the day, you will sigh real big and then put your arms up towards me and say 'Miss me Ma-ma, Miss me!'. I can't tell if it's your own way of saying 'Pay attention to me' or 'I love you'. I will take either.

Very often lift up your shirt, point at your belly, an tell me there's a baby in there!! Shall I dare to say 'Only mommies can have babies, boys can't have babies', you quickly reply with 'Yes mama, yes baby!' and point back to your belly again to let me know you are right. Then you will go on to say 'Roman baby belly too' and then smile- which I'm guessing means that you think your friend Roman is also having a baby. Not sure what is going through your little head, but you always make me laugh.

You are very busy, curious toddler and with lots of energy these days. Way much more energy than I have, as I'm usually wiped out and ready for a nap in the afternoons- while you are not crazy about yours. However you have been napping consistently these past few weeks which has been a huge blessing. It's incredible what  few hours of down time to get things done or rest can do!

You love trucks, balls, cars, and pretend fluffy animals. You are all boy and love to be outdoors and 'run fast' as you like to say.

I am very proud of you and thankful for this season we have together.

With love,

Your mama

Multitude Mondays

I'm glad to have continued keeping my gratitude list these last two weeks, but somehow I have not been able to find the time to post it. I'm excited to be past the 900 mark, and haven't yet decided if I'll continue to post past the 1,000 gifts.

I have lots I'd like to share in regards to how the pregnancy is going, an update on Jack (and the funny things he comes up with these days!), among other updates- so hopefully I'll be able to find time this week to put them all in writing.

These past two weeks I've been most grateful for...

Monday Nov 28

880. For the opportunity to minister to a friend today
881. For two little boys in the backseat of my car

Tuesday Nov 29

882. For a good doctor's appointment today and a strong little heartbeat!
883. For Steve faithfully being by my side at every doctor's appointment
Weds Nov 30
884. For a delicious and much awaited free pumpkin spiced latte on a cold morning
885. For the opportunity to open up our home and host others for lunch

Thurs Dec 1

886. For  a safe delivery 30 years ago after my mom had severe complications
887. For the incredible blessing of another year of life with good health
888. For a changed perspective on birthdays I learned through Andrew- that they're not really about glorifying us, but gloryfing the Lord and thanking Him.
889. For the safe arrival of Austin Joseph Smith today. So glad we get to share birthdays!
890. For celebrating with Steve's family today over dinner

Friday Dec 2

890. For fun conversations with dear friends over dinner
891. For a late night Starbucks outing with Amber and Kindra after dinner
892. For my mother in law kindly babysitting for us tonight

Saturday Dec 3

893. For the promises God has made in the bible to us
894. For being convicted to have a quiet time before watching TV

Sunday Dec 4

895. For being asked to speak at our local MOPS group in January
896. For the freedom I've experienced in certain areas of my life and the joy in being able to share it with others

Monday Dec 5

897. For a routine day with my sweet and funny little boy

Tuesday Dec 6

898. For hot cocoa and cookies
899. For little Jack and Roman playing around in the softball field and having a blast
900. For being able to come to Steve's last game of the season

Weds Dec 7

901. For the time to learn God's word and grow in my relationship with Him
902. For building new friendships
903. For conviction to look a little bit nicer when Steve gets home from work
904. For the book "The stewardship of Life" which has prompted me to make the most out of every opportunity these past 3 months

Thurs Dec 8

905. For time to catch up on the house and completing errands
906. For Jack's laughter as I chased him around the sidewalk today

Friday Dec 9

907. For a beautiful day out in the park
908. For Bethany's kindness in bringing crafts for the boys to play with

Saturday Dec 10

909. That after a 6 month process, today Steve and I are finally cleared to volunteer at Everday Blessings
910. For stories about foster children which really touched my heart
911. For a much needed date with Steve tonight
912. For being close to family and the help they're always willing to give

Sunday Dec 11

913. For my father in law's kindness in treating us out to lunch
914. For finding a good present for Jack in Craigslist that was affordable
915. For being able to rest today

It's the Big Day

December 1st marks a big day in my calendar for many reasons. The most exciting reason is because  the Advent Basket will have been delivered to the anonymous recipient, and along with the anticipation and excitement... there are also some question marks and surrendering as well.

I keep wondering if she will actually get the basket or if it will be stolen from her front door. Or if some of the verses/presents will hurt more than they will bless her. Or if she figures out who it's from, or the opposite if she asssumes it's somebody else. I've had SO many second thoughts today, but I know I just need to surrender this basket... I've done as much as I can and now I just need to let God do His part. Because it was anonymously given I don't think we'll ever find out how she liked it or if it made any difference at all. I am hoping and trusting that it will.

Tonight Steve delivered the basket, knocked the door bell and took off running- ha!! He scraped his knee jumping on he back of his brother's truck as he was driving away. I must say he probably liked a little adventure on his day :)

Another reason why December 1st is such an important day is because my dear friend Christina is scheduled to be induced with their first baby boy. So hopefully he and I will share the same birthday date! She has been so anxiously anticipating this day, specially these last few weeks when it's just plain uncomfortable. I am both nervous and excited for her... there is nothing more life changing than the day you hold your first child into your arms and life is never ever the same!

Tonight is my very last day in my 20's as I'll be turning 30 tomorrow. Yikes! I've never had trouble with getting older, but this one has really been a difficult one. I am not looking forward to turning 30 and I am just feeling plain old and not very attractive these days.

This morning during my bible study, a friend shared that she didn't have a difficult time turning 30 as she was married and had children, things she had wanted to accomplish by then. She was very kind and encouraging. It wasn't until tonight when I realized just how much I am missing Andrew this week. My life is very different than I had planned it to be, and although I am ok with it- well this week it's just hitting me a little harder.

And a reason why I look forward to this day.... it's the free Starbucks drink that they mail me on my Birthday!! It's a coupon for any drink, any size in the menu. Love, love, love! For some odd reason they mailed me not just one, but three free coupon drinks making it even better- quite excited about my decaffeinated pumpkin spiced latte! (and yes I still order that even though it's Christmas). 

(Picture from online)

And of course December 1st is the first day of Christmas! Since 2008 I have stopped looking forward to Christmas, but this year I am again back to really looking forward to it again. I am ready for it this year- Christmas presents bought and wrapped, and Christmas cards ordered and ready to be mailed.

And on a last note I wanted to share about a Pregnancy Cards Giveaway my friend Amber is having at her blog Click.Pray. Love. There are five different giveaways, so the chances of winning are even better! Even if  you're not pregnant yourself, this would make a very cute baby shower gift.  

She mailed a set last week, and I was taken back at how encouraging and detailed these prayer cards were. They really touched me and I know they would be an encouragement to anyone who receives them.

I think that about wraps it up... big day tomorrow, let's hope I'm ready!

Multitude Mondays- December

Giving thanks to God is what ushers one into the very presence of God. And this is why He asks us to always give thanks- Ann Voskamp

Giving thanks this week for...

Monday Nov 21

861. For the precious new mother and baby kit donated by Shelly

862. A package from Amber including these pregnancy prayer cards, encouraging me to pray specifically for this baby week by week

Tuesday Nov 22

863. For the extra 2 hours I had this morning before Jack woke up
864. For a tangible reminder of the miracle of being pregnant, after learning of the loss of a friend
865. For the passion my husband has for playing softball and how much joy it brings him

Wednesday Nov 23

866. For interrupted time with Lora and her newborn baby Jake
867. For Steve coming home early today and spending the afternoon with us
868. For being able to rest this afternoon

Thursday Nov 24

869. For the overall health of our family
870. For a roof to protect us from the rain and heat
871. For the abundant food we have available today when so many have none
872. For the blessing of my chidren- Andrew, Jack, and this little one on the way
873. For my loving and supportive groom
874. For having family to spend today with

I was not able to get pictures of everyone

Friday Nov 25

874. That the Lord is a righteous God and he will make all things right one day, as I am sad over a friend's loss
875. For surrendering little things to the Lord even though they are very small

Saturday Nov 26

876. That Andrew is a wonderful and ever present reminder to not worry over the small things
877. For small business Saturday and having a lunch treat today

Sunday Nov 27

878. For a wonderful message about adoption that touched my heart
879. For time outside to enjoy the cool and sunny day

Multitude Mondays- Thanksgiving

Last Monday I was not able to find my gratitude list- but thankfully I eventually found it and I'm able to catch up today.

With this week being thanksgiving, I am glad how writing down things that I'm thankful for has changed my perspective this year. It hasn't always been easy and at times I have struggled to write down my list out of laziness, but specially during my most challenging and difficult weeks. As my friend Amber said when I started all of this, during the most difficult times I am in most need of focusing on things that I should be grateful for (and ironically that is when I fail). I hope gratitude will become a habit way past the 1,000 blessings mark, which hopefully I will get to soon!

Wishing everyone a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving week.

Monday Oct 7th

824. For a beautiful day outside with friends and their children.
825. For being treated out to lunch by someone else's unexpected kindness.
826. For a good groupon!
827. That despite feeling sick and tired this evening, my husband extends extra grace.

Tuesday Oct 8th

828. For a friend helping me by playing with Jack this morning, so I'd be able to deep clean the house.
829. For my father in law who is always willing to help when I need him the most.

Wednesday Oct 9th

830. That for the first time in what it feels like a lifetime, Jack went down for his afternoon nap without fussing and slept well.
831. For friends who encouraged me to not give up on napping when I was genuinely ready to do so.

Thursday Oct 10th

832. For good enjoyable conversations with other moms at MOPS.
833. For being able to find fresh and affordable produce close to our home.

834. For Jack who is no longer grumpy, but happy and back to his old self
835. For being able to encourage a friend who is walking through a path I've been through before

Friday Oct 11th

836. For an unexpected visit from my mom and sister today for the weekend

837. For them arriving safely

Saturday Oct 12th

838. For fun and laughter with dear friends this morning

839. For a few hours to myself which I don't get very often
840. For Amber's talent in taking family pictures of us and working on them despite a busy season

840. For one on one time with my sister Elizabeth this afternoon which I haven't had in months.

Sunday Oct 13th

841. For joy as I go through mundane tasks today
842. For slowly but surely having more energy each day
843. For Jack wanting to be held tonight and rocked a little before going to bed

Monday Oct 14th

I did not write down my list today

Tuesday Oct 15th

844. For hearing the genuine and heartfelt testimony of a friend this morning
845. For the encouragement praying with friends always brings me

Wednesday Oct 16th

846. That despite being tired today, I was able to find some energy and get a lot done today
847. For new friendships at BSF

Thursday Oct 17th

848. For being encouraged today when I was feeling down about something
850. For a friend making us lunch today
851. For an ice cream date with Jack this afternoon
852. For being able to nap and get some rest

Friday Oct 18th

853. For a desire to make crafts and more creative activities with Jack
854. For time with a friend in the park and finding we have a lot in common
855. For the encouragement I receive through my quiet time in parenting Jack

Saturday Oct 19th

856. For finally purchasing the rest of the gifts to finish the advent basket
857. For having a good idea of what will encourage others during a time of grief
858. For the joy and excitement this has brought me, and not being discouraged along the way.

Sunday Oct 20th

859. For time spent with family decorating our Christmas tree

860. For traditions in our family to be passed down to future generations

How to make an Advent Basket

This Christmas I'm really looking forward to giving an 'Advent Basket' to someone who has lost a loved one and is not looking forward to the holidays. Working on this has brought joy and much excitement to our home!

Although I grew up knowing the meaning of Advent, I had never heard of an 'Advent Basket' until reading it in Molly Piper's post on Oct 2010. Her family had given her one the Christmas after she lost her daughter Felicity at 39 weeks, and she wrote about how much it helped her that first Christmas.

What is an Advent Basket
An 'Advent Basket' contains 25 gifts, one to be opened each day of Advent leading up to Christmas. I add a bible verse and/or an encouraging note. Each gift is numbered so the receiver knows which one to open, and on the 25th day the note reveals who the basket is from!

How to put together an Advent Basket
Step 1: About 4 weeks in advance, decide who to make the basket for and who you would like to contribute. Do you want it to just be a family project or would you like to include others? When others are involved they are excited as well and it gives them an opportunity to contribute. It also helps from a cost perspective.

Step 2: If you decide to include others, put together an email or letter letting them know the details of the Advent Basket. You could include some gift ideas, specially if you know the likes and dislikes of the recipient. And provide a deadline of when to turn the gifts in by so that there's enough time to put it all together.

Step 3: Find a basket big enough for all the presents! Michael's usually has the best options and they run pretty good sales. It's also a good idea to purchase the basket in January when it is 60-75% discounted  since large baskets can get rather expensive. Here is the one I bought for this year.

I added the Christmas flower ($1.20 at Michael's) and I think it gives it a cute touch! :)

Step 4: Once you have all the presents, add the bible verses or notes to each gift (and wrap them inside if possible so they are a surprise). This takes some time so allow 1-2 weeks to complete. Another option- you could ask the gift givers to include their own note to each gift.

And make sure that on day 25th the note reveals who the basket is from! If you decide to reveal who it's from.

Step 5: On December 1st, ask someone who does not know the recipient to drop off the basket in their front porch. This one can be kind of tricky since you don't want anyone to steal the basket, but you also don't really want the person to see who is dropping it off!

Step 6: Continue to pray for the recipient during the Christmas season- that God would bless them through this basket, but most of all for grace and healing over their loss.

Last Christmas I organized a basket for my dear friend Natasha, who had welcomed and said goodbye to her daughter at birth 6 months earlier. It was a group effort, and many of our friends at church were quick to contribute very thoughtful gifts and verses. I wish I had the picture of the final basket, but unfortunately I can't seem to find it :(

This year the basket will be for a widow who unexpectedly lost her husband this year. I won't share a lot about her, since Steve and I have decided to keep the basket anonymous this year...  Keeping it anonymous actually makes it more joyful to give!

As I've been typing out bible verses for each day, I've gone through my bible to find the verses which were most helpful that first Christmas... and I've been brought right back to that difficult season.  Despite the pain, a part of me is thankful that I can relate to those people who are hurting and can understand in some ways what they are going through.

I know this was a long post, but I hope it will bless someone out there.

Multitude Mondays

Giving thanks to God is what ushers one into the very presence of God. And this is why He asks us to always give thanks- Ann Voskamp

Giving thanks this week for...

10/31

800. For getting early for my quiet time and how it always changes my day
801. For time with Chrissy and Bethany this morning, before Chrissy left for Knoxville, TN
802. For a genuine conversation with Kindra
803. For Steve's family who is close by and always willing to come to family activites

11/1

804. For a doctor who is compassionate and understands my struggles with this pregnancy
805. For hearing the baby's sweet heartbeat today!!
806. For how funny Jack's stinky toes are to him

11/2

807. For the message at BSF to persevere when opposition comes up
808. For a reminder to rest on Sundays

11/3

809. For Bethany willing to help me out even when it's not convenient for her
810. For a morning seminar on learning on how to share the gospel with others
811. For Jack's playfulness this afternoon and him listening better
812. That neither Jack or I have been sick yet this flu season

11/4

813. For a husband who encourages me and knows exactly what to say
814. For meeting an inspiring woman at the library this afternoon, who adopted and is raising her great-grandaughter... and how she changed my perspective for the day

11/5

815. For the many ways God freed me from fear and pain after graduating from college
816. For God softening my heart to know him, during a time when I was very spiritually blind and distant from Him
817. For a very fun afternoon celebrating my dear friend Amy's birthday
818. For time spent with old college sorority sisters, their parents, and now their little ones, who I haven't seen in a while

11/6

819. For worshiping with friends at church this morning
820. For being able to rest this afternoon as I wasn't feeling well
821. For watching little boys run through an open field as the sun was going down
822. For Amber's gift of photography and how good she is at it
823. For an enjoyable and relaxing evening

An Unexpected Blessing

Last year I found these very cute prayer cards on Etsy. I'm not sure how I found them, but they came at an absolute perfect time, as I was struggling to pray for Jack (as I posted here) and had little direction on how to pray for him.

I loved these cards SO much that I contacted the owner to let her know how much they had blessed me. Molly quickly responded and was very sweet and welcoming. She lived all the way in California, where she started her home-based business to be able to spend time with her two children. It was easy to tell she loved the Lord and was passionate about her work.

Last year Molly read this post I wrote on keeping a 'Prayer Journal'.

I'm not sure where I had gotten the idea, but it was simply a small three-ring binder in which I wrote down all my prayers. Each day of the week had a tab, in which I would pray more specifically for a family member or friend. I had a small picture of the person at the top (So I could see them when praying for them) and below three or four specific areas on which to pray for them.

Molly loved the idea, and we emailed back and forth on the details of how the prayer journal worked. She was very excited about the idea of making them for her Etsy shop, but at the time she was unable to for various reasons.

I was glad to hear from her a few weeks ago, as she had finally started production on her version of the 'Prayer Journals' and she mailed one to me. And I have to say she has done a wonderful job!

I love these prayer journals. They are cute, sturdy, practical, and encouraging. She not only included tabs with each day of the week (along with a spot for a picture)- but she added additional tabs at the end.

One of the tabs has names for the Lord and the meaning of them...

Another tab has a list of things we can be thankful for everyday...

Another one a calendar... for daily notes... etc

I've been greatly blessed by this journal already. I would do a giveaway, but they are not for sale on Esty yet.

I am amazed at how God works in unexpected ways. I'm glad this idea reached Molly and she was able to start producing these 'Prayer Journals'. From the first 75 journals she made, they have already flown off the shelf and that people seem really excited about these. I hope many more people will be blessed through using these journals!!

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" Isaiah 55:9