Procrastinating

My girl's in bed, and I have a million things to do that aren't my favorite, so I thought a little blogging was just what I needed. I tried to upload a video 2 weeks ago of my special girls 2nd birthday, but it wouldn't cooperate and haven't had the attention span to write anything since!

Anyway, here's my sweet baby on her birthday.

 I think she likes her present!

Thank you, God, for every milestone that we get to celebrate with our special gift! 

 

Reminiscing

As the 23rd and the 26th of October approach, I'm reflecting on the past 2 years. The 23rd. was the day we received the phone call that would change our lives forever. On the 26th, we met the beautiful young lady who would give us the most special gift we could ever be blessed with. However, we chose to keep this a very private matter, basically only telling our immediate families and a couple friends! I've never been able to keep a secret, not to mention one that was SO EXCITING! I even looked back in my blog archives, and although I didn't write often, I never even slipped any details! Here's my post from Oct. 29, 2009

"I just realized it's been that long since I've updated my blog. We've been busy helping my Sister and Bro-in-law move into their new house. Working lots, finishing our new bathroom, and spending time with family. (DID I MENTION BUYING NURSERY FURNITURE, PRINTING DIRECTIONS TO THE HOSPITAL, WASHING ITTY BITTY BABY CLOTHES, STERILIZING BOTTLES, AND FINALIZING PLANS????)

Here's some pictures of the awesome job my Hubby, Dad, and Brother did on our new bathroom!

Love it!

It's so nice to finally have 2 bathrooms in the house, even if we don't want to use the old one at all!!!

Bathrooms? Who cares about that. WE HAVE A BABY ON THE WAYYYYYY!!!!!!!

(That's what I really wanted to say!)

"I recently started reading the Prayer of Jabez. I remember people talking about it before, but never got interested enough to actually read it and study it. I started reading the words everyday last week. It's pretty amazing. Today, I started reading the study guide. I already feel it's going to do great things for us. My favorite line I read today says,
"Think of it this way: instead of standing near the river's edge, asking for a cup of water to get you through each day, you'll do something unthinkable- you will take the little prayer with the giant prize, and jump into the river! At that moment, you will begin to let the loving currents of God's grace and power carry you along. God's great plan for you will surround you and sweep you forward into the profoundly important and satisfying life He has waiting."
-Bruce Wilkinson


The prayer is found in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 if you're interested.


Oh, Bless me indeed!"

Man, I'm still impressed I didn't burst at the seams as I withheld such wonderful news! Hee hee hee! I love looking back and putting our journey into perspective. I wouldn't change a thing. 

Gratituesday: Hand-me-downs!

When I was growing up, my wardrobe consisted of them. I didn't appreciate them until I was older. Since Mira has 3 older girl cousins, she's the lucky girl to get theirs. She doesn't appreciate it yet, but I'm so thankful for all the adorable clothes that she gets to borrow! I buy her a few things here and there, but clothes are so dang expensive, I can't imagine needing to fully outfit her!

What are you thankful for this Gratituesday?  Write about it on your blog, then come link up with us here.  If you don’t have a blog, be sure to leave a comment letting us know what you’re grateful for!

If you are linking up a blog post for Gratituesday,
please copy and paste the following sentence into your post!  Thanks!

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Dear Journal,

The day started off pretty well. My usual breakfast for the Hubby, before sending him off to work. Sipping my coffee over Facebook stalking, then a shower and making Mira's breakfast. She woke up on the right side of the bed, and cooperated completely with a diaper change, breakfast, then getting dressed. The plan was to run to Babies R Us for new sippy cups, then the grocery store before returning home for lunch and nap. The trip was great, NOT EVEN 1 TEMPER TANTRUM!

I was thinking I would do another "Through the Eyes of a Child" post today, as Mira and I had to take a ride on an escalator. She was so excited, and trying to figure it all out! She kept looking up and down, saying "Up Up Up!" and "WOW!" When we were leaving, it was the same excitement, and "Down Down Down!" Oh, the simple things!

The first stop took a little longer than expected, so we skipped the grocery store and went straight home just in time for lunch and nap time.  I was all excited about the new sippy cups, so I decided to wash one up and try it out.  Sassy Grow Up Cup turned out to be rocket science to me! I washed it and filled it with water, and the stupid thing kept leaking when I tipped it up. Then once I got it to my mouth, one drop would drip out, and that was it. I let the toddler try it out, and the same thing happened. Only she LOVED it! Of course anything she can do to make a mess is right up her alley! I was already convinced that the cup was terrible and it and the other 3 I bought were getting returned! After Mira went down for her nap, I decided to investigate a little better. I took it apart, and started over. Well, this time I got it together the right way, and figured out where exactly the liquid comes out of, and hit the jackpot! It's an awesome cup! Doesn't leak, and you sip from the outside rim and the liquid comes right out! Genius! I didn't feel stupid, because it was difficult! Just hope no one saw me drinking from it!

Naptime = Bliss and it lasted for 3 hours! I was extremely productive, doing laundry and de-cluttering a little. However, the 3 hour nap pushed our shopping trip back later than anticipated. Back to the rough part of our day, 4:00. Typical meltdown hour around here! I took plenty of entertainment and snacks to tide her over, since we would still have to make dinner when we returned. (I'm ever so organized and prepared! Ha!)

The trip was great, again, NO tantrums, she sat nicely in the cart and waited patiently in the checkout line! Getting her in the car seat is usually a fight, so I gave her my keys to play with. She loves to push the beep beep button! I got her strapped in and without thinking shut the door. I heard a click, and looked down. She locked the doors. OH. MY. GOODNESS. My heart was in my throat as I looked at every door lock, and realized my baby was locked in the car. Crap. What am I gonna do????? I started yelling at the window for her to "Hit the beep beep button!" She just laughed and waved the keys at me. I said it over a couple times, and was reaching for my cell when I heard the click. SHE ACTUALLY UNLOCKED IT. I grabbed the door handle as quick as I could (she usually pushes the button over and over again!) and opened the door. AAAGGGHHHHH!!!!!! I burst into tears, as I couldn't believe I made such a stupid mistake, and she just giggled and giggled!

By the time we got home, I could finally laugh about it. I quickly carried Mira in and brought in the groceries. I was planning to make Potato Soup, and I quickly learned that you can't rush a pot of soup! I was making a huge mess. I ran down to check on Mira (who was watching The Wiggles) and she's holding a plastic bag. As I get closer I realize what USED to be in that bag; a doz. eggs, which are now inside the Pack 'N Play with her! I accidentally left them on the couch next to her and she pulled them in. Crap. I grabbed them before she stepped on them, and not one was broken! Are you kidding me????

Someone was really watching out for me today! For some reason, the roux I was making to go in my soup flopped completely and was more like batter, but I managed to salvage what I could, and it actually turned out pretty well! I will be searching for an easier recipe though :-)

Gratituesday: Nieces and Nephews!

I am so thankful for the super sweet and adorable children in our family! How can you NOT love these

precious gifts from God?????

 

What are you thankful for today? 

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Gratituesday: Laughter

I apologize for the blurry cell phone picture,  but I couldn't find my camera fast enough to capture this moment. This sweet spunky silly goose has brought more laughter into my life than I could have ever imagined. Oh, there's tears and frustration, no doubt. But the laughter and joy that we share far out-weighs the other. The sound of children laughing is one that I have longed to have filling my home. I can't imagine my life without her, and I'm so thankful for this super silly goose!

 

Psalm 126:2

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 

 

What are you thankful for this Gratituesday?  Write about it on your blog, then come link up with us here.

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Through the Eyes of a Child

I always enjoy watching Mira experience new things. Sometimes even the simplest little things bring her such excitement. One that sticks in my mind the most is when we cross a bridge over a body of water, and she says, "Wow!" This usually happens every time we drive by Canonsburg Lake, which happens often since we live close by. She still says it every time, and it reminds me to appreciate life's little moments. Pay attention to the little things. Appreciate the beautiful creation that we are surrounded by. Thank the creator for the tiniest miracles.

I've been having a terrible time at writing blogs lately, because I have so much in my brain I can't seem to type it in a way that makes sense. I think I may need to start writing short, simple, to the point posts just to get it out, instead of waiting until there's so much jumbled up in there that it can't come out right.

Maybe.

So today I have a heavy heart about many things, but I think what's on my mind the most is that there are many children heading back to school, with parents who work. Normal life, right? I am sad for the working parents who are not able to work it out to be there when their children get on and off the bus. I can't imagine the stress and worry that you would be facing, knowing there are crazy people in the world, who are preying on children and trying to lure them into their cars from their bus stop. I'm praying for the children all over the world, who are coming home to an empty house, the parents who are working so hard to make a better life for their family, and the sick people who are intending to do harm to innocent children. Every time I hear a story about this on the news, it sickens me. I pray God will change the heart of the evil ones, and protect the lives of the sweet children.

Gratituesday: A weekend away

Justin's cousin got married in the beautiful mountains of Virginia, at The Homestead. I was very thankful that my Mom was available to have Mira for that weekend, so we could go and enjoy ourselves! We had the most wonderful time. It had been way too long since we last enjoyed being together, just the two of us, and had that much fun!

The most beautiful location, for a beautiful couple to pledge their love to one another. Weddings always give me a renewed outlook on my relationships, both with my Husband and my friends and family. We were so thankful that we were able to be apart of this celebration! May God bless this marriage and give Rebecca and Scott many happy years together and many children to fill their home with love and laughter!

What are you thankful for this Gratituesday?  Write about it on your blog, then come link up with us here.
If you don’t have a blog, be sure to leave a comment letting us know what you’re grateful for!

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

And another.....

Love this girl!

August Four

I haven't been blogging much, because 1. we've been really enjoying summer, and 2. I have WAY too many thoughts in my head, and can't figure out how to funnel them into posts that make sense.

I will eventually write a post about our beach vacation. Promise.

Anytime I feel like I'm lacking in the good parenting skills department, I will remember the events I witnessed while playing with Mira at the park tonight. A mom, (and I use that term lightly) screaming expletives at her young children, over and over, instead of teaching them right from wrong. I'm not perfect, by any means, but i pray I will never be anything like her. 

My heart is heavy for friends of the family who have lost a loved one today.

We have a very busy weekend ahead of us, and it will pretty much be the same for the rest of this month. Lots of fun things to come, and school will be here before we know it!

Tomorrow we will be meeting up with some wonderful friends at my sister's house for a play date. We can't wait!

Justin has been working hard around the house, sprucing some things up in the front porch department. We have a long term plan for getting ready to sell. I stress the long term part. :-) We're not rushing into anything, but dream of a quaint little house on a quiet street with no neighbors in sight.

Mira makes us laugh all day long. She's so quirky I love watching her learn and grow, and develop her own little personality. Have I mentioned before how blessed we are to have her in our lives? ;-)

I was trying to upload a video, but it's not happening for some reason tonight. So, I'll say ni-night for now, and add it later.

Oh man.....

I won't bore you with a catch up post. It will take several! I don't even want to see when the last time I wrote an actual blog was! Needless to say, we have really been enjoying life around here! This child that we have been blessed with is more fun than we could have ever imagined! We have our moments where I have to remind myself that she's only 20 months old and WE are responsible for teaching her how to react to every situation, but there are many more moments of laughter and joy than frustration and tears! Tonight while I was rocking Mira before bed, I prayed that God would always give me the gentle reminder of how blessed I am to have Mira to care for, and to never let that responsibility become a burden.

The 3 of us are really learning how to work together to be a family. Justin has been working on projects around the house, but it's only a few short weeks before he starts coaching golf, then it's BACK TO SCHOOL already! Mira is really talking up a storm, and is such a fun, silly, quirky kid! I think I solved a mystery we've been having with a new word she's been saying. Bobby=lovey, which is what we call the little blanket she sleeps with. Sometimes is sounds like bubby, but we have not had a clue what she was trying to say, until today when she went it picked it up, and said, "bobby" very matter-of-fact! So the only word mystery now is the phrase, "suby-si". She has been saying this for a very long time, and we have NO idea what it means! I hope she remembers when she's older, so she can enlighten us! lol!

I'll leave it at that, and try to at least update once a week. We might be caught up by Christmas!

No I did NOT forget my blog address.......

One of my favorite pictures from the beach. I swear I will post more soon.........

What we've been up to.......

We love to visit the Spring House, and we are there at least once a week to pick up milk. However, this week we made a special trip just for ice cream, and playing! Here's Mira with the baby cow, and this picture didn't capture the emotion, but she was ALL about the cow, UNTIL it turned and came right over to her! She wasn't so thrilled!

Ok, Mister, that's close enough, you stay right there!

We had a picnic out on the patio. She was mid-CHEESE when I snapped this!

Look Da Da, I'm helping! 

Hard at work again! There's so much to do, so little time!

This girl LOVES rocks, just like someone else I know!

Hold on 1 second Momma........I've gotta make a call.

Hello Mother Nature, um, yeah, this is Mira. I just wanted to thank you for this GORGEOUS weather! Oh wait, I've got another call coming in........

Hello? Oh, Hi Kayleigh! How are you?? 

Yeah, I'm really busy over here, got lots of work to do. Ha ha ha ha ha! 

WHAT? I can't hear you, you're breaking up???? Oh well, guess she'll call me back.
Gotta get back to work. 

Gratituesday: Let the Sunshine!

We've really been soaking up the sun, since the rain has given us a break! I love being able to take Mira outside and watch her chase bubbles, play with rocks, play ring around the rosie, and swing for hours! I'm so thankful to be home with her, and to be able to enjoy the outdoors with her! We went swimming for the first time of the season in Pap Pap's pool! She was a fish!

Sunny days are good for the soul, and boy, has my soul been feeling good! Loving EVERY minute of it! 

 

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A Day in the Life.......

Gratituesday: A day late!

Our roots say we're sisters, our hearts say we're friends.  ~Author Unknown

This was taken on a very special day for me, the day my sister finally got to meet my daughter!

 

I am so grateful for my sister! (AND not just because she bailed me out yesterday and watched my kid! ha!) 

We have always been close, but not necessarily got along. We fought constantly, ripped each others hair out, pinched/gouged/scratched, and screamed. Fought over boyfriends, she always "won". We are different flowers from the same garden. I can't imagine what my life would have been like if I grew up without her. Now that we are grown, she is my best friend. We have shared many special moments, but the most amazing was when she asked me to be in the delivery room when her daughter was born! I will never forget that, mostly because I rubbed her butt for 30 hours of labor! That amazing, miraculous moment of birth is such a special thing for a Mommy, and she allowed me to be apart of it. I am forever grateful!

  We are still opposites, but have similar goals and dreams. We talk everyday, and see each other every week. Our daughters are close in age, and will hopefully grow up to be as good of friends as we are! 

She displays strength and patience every day, even when she doesn't think she is. Her life isn't easy, but she keeps on trucking. She's the peacekeeper, devoted wife, loving mother, faithful Christian, and loyal friend I only pray that I can be. 

I wanna be just like her when I grow up! 


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Philippians 4:6-7

6. In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

This is such a difficult thing for me to do. I often worry about things, and try to figure it out on my own, and then I think, "Duh, you can't do this alone". It still amazes me that even though I've grown up in the church, and been a Christian since forever, I forget that God is in control of every move I make, every minute of every day. Our plans really mean nothing, because he's already written the master plan. The peace that washes over me when I give my worries to God is a feeling like nothing else. My prayer for today is that we can all live our lives with the feeling of peace, knowing that we are safe in His loving arms. Man, what an awesome God!

AND because I never write a post without a picture, how about this adorable trio.......

I just CAN NOT get enough of them!

Part of Me

I've had this title in my head for a very long time, and couldn't come up with the right words to fashion a post. Well, it's 4:53AM and it's finally hit me. Here it goes........

18 months ago, we met a small town girl, wanting to make something beautiful out of a bad situation. Since that day, I have not been able to get her off my mind, or out of my heart. Although we don't know her very well, I look into her eyes everyday, wondering how she is. I wonder if they act the same? If she had the same little curls in the back of her hair? Do they giggle the same, smile the same, talk the same? Sometimes I see Mira's Birth Mom in her, sometimes I very much see myself. I know that Mira is part of her Birth Mom, but when I look into those hopeful blue eyes, I can't imagine her being anymore a part of me. I am so blessed not only to have my little Mira*cle in my life, but equally important, her Birth Mom. Even though we don't talk a lot or see her in person, there's not a day that goes by that she isn't in my thoughts, on my heart, a part of our life, a part of me.

 A Birthmothers Love

As I watch my precious child drift off to sleep

My thoughts are with you with love so deep

We prayed that someday a child would come

although we had no idea where she'd be from

You carried her with love beneath your heart

knowing your lives would be lived apart

You searched for parents that could raise her right

to love her, read to her and kiss her good-night

When we first met there was such a connection

you choose us to parent with little hesitation

Delivery day came and with that a beautiful daughter

and we want her to know the LOVE of her Birthmother

A part of her life we asked you to stay

so she could know you and your loving way

For if it weren't for your love and unselfishness

This bright little girls life we would have missed

God blessed us beyond our wildest dream's

a child, our family and YOU

Written by: Shelia Davis

Gratituesday: Mums the word!

They say you don't truly understand, until you become one yourself. I think I may have gotten it a little sooner than that, maybe because I was older then most when I became one. I'm writing about my 2 Moms for gratituesday, because this weekend I plan on posting about another very special "Mom" in our life.

I was blessed to be given such a wonderful, loving, supportive, hard-working Mother at birth. Being the middle child was a hard role for me, but I never felt that my Mom loved me any less, just had to deal with the older and younger siblings attacking me from both sides! (Yeah, I still love them!) Man, when I think about all the things my Mom sacrificed for us growing up, I'm very humbled. We didn't have a lot growing up, but we never went without, and I'm thankful for both my parents teaching us to have faith in God, and to work for our dreams. I pray that I will be as wonderful a role-model to my children as my Mother is to me.

When my Hubby and I started dating, I hadn't really given much thought to his family, but once I met them, I realized they were like mine; loving, supportive, hard-working, and welcoming! One of our first dates was to his family reunion, where I was given a "We are family" t-shirt and stuck in the family photo! Guess they liked me! My Mother-in-law is also one of those Moms who has sacrificed many things for her family through the years, and like my Mom, has worked hard to raise her family and provide them with what they needed. She'll tell you I'm her favorite Daughter-in-law. (I'm the ONLY daughter-in-law!!!)

My gratitude today is to my Mom, for loving me and always supporting me in all my craziness, and to my Mother-in-law, for raising her Son to be my perfect mate, and for welcoming me into the family, and for both Moms loving us and supporting us unconditionally.

This is one of my favorite pictures, it was taken a few days after I became a Mommy, and it was the first time our Moms met Mira. 

(Notice the Grampy's in the background, in line to wash their hands!) 

This is the first picture that was taken of Me as a Mommy. I will never forget this moment!

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Holy Moly!

So I missed two weeks of "Gratituesday" and still haven't blogged about celebrating our birthdays with Justin's family, not to mention all the other things we've been busy with lately! Bad blogger. Bad.

Hmmmmm, I don't know if I remember back that far! Ha! It's a fun, crazy time when we get everyone together, and I can't seem to hold on to my camera long enough to photograph the events! Maybe I need a longer strap so I can wear it around my neck. Here's a couple from the day we celebrated our birthdays with the Whites, I think!

Mira and her beautiful, Big Cousins

 Owen, trying to stay as far away from those silly girls as possible!

I think next came my nephew Jake's birthday, and we went to the play place with him to celebrate, and then had a party the weekend after. Mira got sick and didn't make it to the party, and I was only there for a short time, and don't think I had my camera.

Isn't he handsome??

So that brings us to April! We had a spaghetti dinner to help raise funds for two of my cousins who were injured at work. What a HUGE success. Thanks to all our friends and family who helped in that effort.

Then it was Owen's first birthday! What a handsome boy. Can't believe how fast the time flies by! It was a Mickey party, so Mira LOVED it!

 Photo Courtesy of Kristen Durkin

Donald Duck balloon art from the party!

 We went to an Easter Egg Hunt,

 and Mira liked the food the best!

Kayleigh turned 2!!!

 Crazy Mira in the baby doll stroller!

 Total silliness!

Easter Sunday

 Friends at church

 Enough with the camera, Mom!

Sweet Cousins!

Poor Jake has had enough of this nonsense!

Ok, that wore me out, but that's what I get for neglecting my blog! Good thing I have a few pictures to jog my memory.