Thursday Thirteen

13 Things I can't wait to see when I get them out of storage!





Avery's nursery, brings back so many memories, she was so tiny way back then!









Some of those pictures I've been missing, talk about preggo! Avery loved eating at her "big" girl table. She refused to sit in the high chair once a friend gave us this table. I ended up just leaving it in the kitchen.

Thirteen Things I can't wait to see when I get them out of storage.

1. My clothes, actually having the right outfit for the right occasion and finally packing away those maternity clothes!

2. My wedding vide0

3. Anything from my kitchen that would actually let me cook! Who knew I would miss those pots and pans, he he he!

4. Avery's bedroom decor, I made most of it and can't wait to transition all of her stuff to a big girl room.

5. Reece's nursery decor, never been out of the packaging yet!

6. My bags and shoes, I'm a girlie girl, I love me some handbags and cute shoes.

7. My books, I know kind of nerdy, what do you expect from an English major. I even miss my college world lit textbook!

8. The blanket my Mom made when I was born and the teddy bear my dad gave me when I was born.

9. The antique school chairs that my grandpa refinished and my mom gave me.

10. All the photos of Avery's life, most of them are on the computer, but there's nothing like holding the real thing!

11. My piano, it's time I used that so -called talent for Jesus. Even if it's just singing by myself, off key, at the top of my lungs in praising him. I'm sure my parents would appreciate me actually doing something with all the money they spent on lessons!

12. My photo printer, going to get film developed is a pain! How spoiled I am!

13. Anything I pull out of a box or unwrap and it is MINE!!! (Does it sound like I've been around a two year old?) :)

Congratulations Mama and Papa Carver!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

After trying for almost a year, they're pregnant!!!! This is Shane's brother Nic and his wife Amanda. Since we've moved to Virginia, they are only an hour and a half from us and we are absolutely loving getting closer to them!

We are so excited about this little bundle coming in June. And I am so excited to have a newborn to knit for again!

By the way, I had a dream she was pregnant just two nights ago! How exciting. So many people praying and to see that God is bringing another image of him into this world. They are in for the ride of their lives and I am so stinkin excited to live close enough to get to know this new little person and be there to help if they need/want it! WE LOVE YOU BOTH!!!!

A few words Wednesday

He's only 5 months old! He's trying to crawl already!
So proud of himself!
I thought he looked so sweet lying there. Then I found out he was making me a little present!
He's going to keep me on my toes! What a cute little bum!
I can't ever get enough kisses on this little man!

Just some random thoughts...

Well, I decided that I wasn't beating this nasty cold and went to the doctor. Big surprise! I have a sinus infection. I use to get them all the time before I was finally diagnosed with allergies when I was 19! But after my miscarriage, two pregnancies and nursing, I decided to give up all the meds. My doctor, who is amazingly organic and doesn't push meds, told me that I would just keep getting these nasty little boogers (literally) if I didn't take something. So as I gag down this antibiotic, I've given in. I'll go back on the allergy med for a little bit anyway. I decided I'd rather Reece get some Claritin than antibiotics all fall. It just makes me mad that I eat all organic really healthy vitamin packed food, but I still got sick.

And then I remember that I am living in a sinful world and germs are just part of that life. It is hard to believe that when we get to heaven we will NOT ever be sick. NO sickness, no acne, no medical intervention. And I can't wait to eat the food (if there is food). Our food is so laced with chemicals and has so little nutritional value that the heaven food has got to be unbelievably delicious. Instead of that tired yucky feeling after we eat, we will be so energized. Yum Yum I can't wait.

I guess I've been thinking a lot about heaven lately. Reading Adrienne's blog and hearing some of the stuff on t.v. has got me thinking that I'm going to be there sooner rather than later. (I'm not being morbid, just feels like heaven is closer to me now.) In the course of the last few days I have heard (on local and national news) the terms: global society, human microchip, cashless nation. Ok, is it just me or does this sound like it's making way for the antichrist? This is insane! I don't know if God is going to come back today or a thousand years from now. But man! are we ready? The signs are every where that this world is falling apart. I don't mean this to sound doom and gloom. Just the opposite actually.

How amazing would it be to be part of the rapture! I can just picture Shane and I holding Reece and Avery in our arms and rising up to meet Christ. How stinkin cool would that be! God's word seems so alive to me right now. And the song,"People get ready, Jesus is coming, soon we'll be going home" keeps running through my head.

So being cooped up in this little cabin I've kind of forgotten God's power. That's why I have a picture of the beach at the top. There is nothing more telling to me of God's strength than the ocean. Calm, serene, and beckoning one minute. Angry, powerful, and overwhleming the next. I never feel closer to God than when I am standing on the sand breathing in God's creation.

Well, I ended up writing over the whole course of the day and I'm not sure I got my thoughts out very well. The flow is kind of a mess, but these are the things that are popping into my head and heart!

A few things from this weekend...

This is the hat I made to donate at the Knit-In my Mom and I are going to this weekend.
Reece's head was a little big for it! But I needed a model.

We've got drywall up, it's looking like a house now!
"Mom, this thing is a little small. I am getting a headache."
A care package from my littlest sis came. Made my day since I woke up Sat. with a nasty cold.
Avery not feelig too good either. So we bummed on the couch and watched Cinderella.

This is a video of Reece in his Jumperoo. He's pretty wild in that thing.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen things I love about autumn...

1. I like typing the word autumn, yes I am a dork. I think it's fun that there is an mn. How many words have that combination?

2. All of the trees turning colors. Virginia is beautiful!!!! Nevada was pretty much brown all year, not much change to see there except dead grass!

3. I love fall decorations. Can't wait to see that candle that looks like a pumpkin.

4. Halloween costumes and all that candy, yum yum yum! I wish Hersheys would go organic!

5. Pulling those comfy cozy sweaters out.

6. Being outside and breathing in the crisp clean air.

7. It just smells good.

8. School supplies. I miss buying school supplies. Teacher's are suckers for anything that writes, you can write with, or label! Nothing like a "bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils." (You've Got Mail)

9. Seeing family at Thanksgiving, eating, eating, eating

10. Moving into my new house.

11. Taking Avery trick or treating. Last year we went to three houses before she wanted to go home.

12. MOPS started, YEAH! New friends, a few hours alone, Avery is having fun too.

13. Carving pumpkins, one time a mess doesn't bother me. Ok, it actually does, but it doesn't stress me out like all other messes.

Knit booties- check, warm clothes for Reece-check check

My sweet handsome

boy=priceless!!!

Life-Giving Words

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19: 14

I haven't realized the effects that living in "limbo" has caused on me internally until the last couple of weeks. This rental house (although a HUGE blessing) is falling apart and I never realized how the stress I feel over that has effected even how I am being a mom. I was getting to the point where I would lie in bed at night so stressed that I felt like at any moment my body was going to go into a panic attack. I have never had these problems before. I also noticed how short I was with Avery. I have felt like I was doing a good job in terms of my words and tone with her. But when I started realizing how on edge I've been and how short I have been in my patience towards her; I cringed! I read my Power of a Positive Mom devotional today and it has been another eye opener. My other eye opener was last week, but I'll get into that later.

So one of the verses is Proverbs 18:4 "A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook..." I have not had too many words of life-giving water lately. Can you imagine LIFE-GIVING! Those two words are so powerful. I forgot how the littlest things I say, the tone I use, the shortness, and lack of patience can effect my daughter. She's been clinging to me lately, really insecure. And I think this is why. I've been so frustrated with her not listening or doing what I THINK she should be doing. Then it dawned on me. She just needed ME! She needed me to put Reece on the floor and just play with HER! Oh, the tears are flowing again. I want my daughter to have patience and confidence in herself because that's what I showed her. Not that there isn't room for correction. But, I have been severely lacking gentleness lately. I want to be an encourager, wise, gentle, and life-giving. One of my favorite passages in the bible is Proverbs 31. I don't think I could ever get tired of studying it. "When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instruction." Proverbs 31:26 So this week I am praying for life-giving words and that not just my words, but my heart and thoughts please my Lord.

My first wake up call was when I stumbled on Adrienne's blog regarding her son, Noah. She has used her words and her heart to tell the story of her baby son and her words are so pleasing to the Lord. Noah became very sick at 2 months and after tests and a five months hospital stay, he lost his life. Adrienne gives all glory, through her pain, to God. Her candid words, beautiful pictures, and honest heart ripped me apart last week. I can't begin to tell her story, but she wrote on her blog (noahsteven.blogspot.com) that she is writing a book about their journey with Noah.

It got me thinking about the lack of my impact I have in my little world.

I've been too isolated, which to some degree is always a factor in a cross-country move, but still. I don't want to get to heaven and have Jesus ask me why I didn't do more. He is giving me all I need, more than I deserve, and a lot of what I want. I just don't want to leave this life and have no legacy. Whether it's my words, my actions, my heart: What should I be doing for Jesus? I can't be shy anymore. I can't be stressed out. I can't feel ill-equipped. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart..."

Just one more row...

So I am now completely obsessed with this Koigu yarn. The only downside is that it takes forever to knit anything because it's such a small weight! I was hoping to have this done for the holidays, but with my charity projects, a sweater for Avery, and more hats and baby booties for Reece, I might be looking at more of a spring deadline. I love this pattern from CLASSIC KNITS, so far it's easy enough to work on in between taking care of the kids. It's stockinette stitch, but the varigated colors make it less boring. Some day there will be a post with me wearing this. HOpefully by then I will be in my "skinny jeans" and my skin will be back to normal. Pregnancy was not kind on my skin! And don't even get me started on my braces or my lackluster hair. Ok, this is completely off topic. Pity party over. Reece is awake and I can't to give him kisses.

Is that Uniqua from Backyardigans walking down the street?

So Avery decided to try out her Halloween costume last night. The weather has cooled off and we were able to go on a walk without suffocating in the heat. It was one of those crisp autumn nights that are perfect for being outside. Reece has been really fussy with teething and he was perfect the whole time. We had to take some pics along the way. At the end of the street is a little farm with two horses so Avery was in heaven. Once the air got a little too cool for our little man we headed back and I could hear the neighbors chuckling at our little pink dinosaur! (or is she a lizard?)

First Moments

By the time I arrived at the hospital I was 10 centimeters. The nurse said the only reason I didn't deliver in the car is because my water wouldn't break. He came out wanting to eat and hasn't stopped since! He nursed right away and the only time he left my side was to get shots or weighed.

I can't believe he's five months old now. He's growing so fast. Today I had to pack away his newborn clothes. They were so tiny! I got pretty emotional. It was the final reality that we had turned a corner in his life. He wasn't a little baby that just cried and slept. Now he's a little person and what a character he is!

Those newborn moments fly by so quickly. I love when they start to arch their back to stretch and it's a whole body experience. I wish I yawned like that sometimes. I would never want to go back, but it certainly makes me want to have more (not for a little while though!)

I am so enjoying this little man in my life. I'm trying to cherish every moment. The way he smells, his silly grin, the way he loves to bounce. He's already getting so much personality. I wonder what path his life will follow.

Thursday Thirteen

13 Things to Wildly Rejoice Over:

Due to the selfish, whining, and ungrateful heart I have had the past few months...

1. I have a beautiful two year old daughter. She is healthy, happy, and teaching me to enjoy the littlest things. Today it was the awe over a squirrel eating an acorn.
2. I have a gorgeous five month old son. He is teaching me to be VERY active. He's teaching me to slow down, hold him a few more minutes, and to relish the way he fits in my arms. Some day he is going to tower over me.
3. I have a husband who is wildly in love with me. I never doubt how he feels and I trust him with all of my heart.
4. I have full confidence in my Lord and Savior and the fact that some day I am going to get to heaven to see him. I also have full confidence that he is going to introduce me to the baby I lost. What joy to know that a piece of Shane, Avery, Reece, and I is already in God's presence.
5. Shane is healthy and strong and taking really good care of us.
6. I have all of my immediate family and Shane's as Christian brothers and sisters.
7. I live in a country where I can raise my children as Christians.
8. I rejoice in the city that we have moved to this year. It is clear that God has cleared the path for us and I am excited to see how we are going to be used for him and how we are going to grow.
9. I am rejoicing in the many friends I am blessed with in my life already. From high school to college, to my adult life, and now even in blogger world.
10. I am healthy to take care of my home although a little more (or a lot) exercise wouldn't hurt!
11. I rejoice in knowledge. I love to learn, I love that God gave me this desire, and am thankful for outlets in my life to satisfy this craving.
12. I have found hobbies that allow me to create and show that God created beauty and creativity.
13. Most importantly, I rejoice that Christ died on the cross, washed me white as snow, and desires to mold me into his image. For this I am truly grateful!

Shame on Me

It's suppose to be Wordless Wednesday. But I've got too many words on the edge of my tongue to be quiet. Shame on me is all I have to say. I have spent the last half hour surfing through blog sites and I am humbled. There are women dying of cancer, losing their babies, struggling in their marriages and then there's me. Whining and complaining because I only have two spoons in the drawer and the rest are in storage. Whining and complaining because the market's bad and we are losing boocoo (spelling) bucks on our house. Whining and complaining because my kids have colds and I can't go to bible study tonight. I'm so frustrated with myself that I can't even cry about it because I think that would even be selfish. I've had my share of struggles but it seems I have forgotten them and how life could be. God's kept things pretty tidy for me lately and it's time I thanked him for it.

Thursday Thirteen

13 Things I love about my new house...

1. It's brick and I've never lived in a brick house.

2. There's a neighborhood playground and nature walk.

3. The downstairs is totally open except for one area which can be the playroom.

4. The masterbedroom is on the other side of the house from the kids rooms.

5. The masterbath has a door. ( My old house was open, didn't like that too much)

6. The laundry room is upstairs with the bedrooms.

7. It's just plain gonna be purdy!

8. There is another 1000 square feet in the basement. Talk about sewing, craft room!

9. My two black labs will feel small in this house and will be less antsy with room to run outside.

10. My husband will get the whole garage for his tools and woodshop. I'll get pretty furniture!

11. Lots of room for family gatherings. My family is coming for Thanksgiving. Am I crazy to be planning this three weeks after we move?

12. There's a halfbathroom for potty training this winter!!! I just spent 80 dollars on two sizes of diapers at Sam's this week!

13. And the best reason is that it IS NOT THIS YUCKY RENTAL HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Finally Going Home...

After five months of living in a pretty yucky rental house, we finally bought a house. Shane kept it a secret all last week! I had one of the most depressed weeks of my life. We had narrowed it down to two houses and Shane said we were buying the "stinky" house. I was horrified, upset, sad just to name a few. I spent the whole week praying about supporting my husband, but my heart was really not there. Well, after 4 days of fighting about it, Shane gave me my birthday card early. Inside was a picture of this house with the words, "The papers were signed on Thursday." WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wanted to hit him and kiss him all at the same time. It was the house I really wanted. After I literally sobbed for about 10 minutes, I thanked him. He had no idea the spiritual roller coaster I had been on for days! Sometimes his sense of humor and desire to suprise goes a little too far! Oh well, I knew darn well what I was getting into when I married him. The only bummer in this story is we don't close on it until the end of Oct. Well, the Lord carried me this far, what's a few more weeks. I told Shane though that once I move into this house, it will be a long time before I consider having a moving truck show up at my door any time soon. For heavens sake, I have lived in five states since 2001!