Someone to watch over me...

Two years ago, heaven became sweeter when 

my Grandma joined Jesus there.

I think about her often and wish with all my heart 

she could have met Jack and our Keegan.

 I can't help but recall my Dad's weekly conversations with her.

He would call at the same time every week on Saturday.

I would listed in and smile, as it was obvious that no matter

how old my Dad was he would always be 'her Joey'.

What a wonderful blessing as Christians to know that she is free from

any bodily pain she was in.  Gone is that wheel chair and breathing machine,

and in their place is a restored, perfectly healthy Grandmother, who I 

have no doubt is watching down from heaven.

Love and miss you, Grandma Cookie...

Hello Baby || Week 28-29

Dear Keegan,

Can you believe it?  We are finally in the third trimester - home stretch! :)  It is so wonderful to think that in less than 3 months you will be here...

Just this week, Daddy put together your crib and then we went ahead and put the sheet on it.  Daddy confessed to Mommy that he keeps walking in the nursery just to look at the crib.  I have done the same as well and love imagining your little body laying peacefully in it.

A couple of our friends have had babies in the last month and it has really made Mommy anxious for you to get here.  I see them looking at their babies with awe and wonder and I can't help but get a little teary and hold my stomach...oh I can't wait to meet you!

We are going to have so many adventures; you, Daddy, and I.  Life is an adventure waiting to happen and I cannot wait to share it with you.  I know that our world is about to change and that nothing will ever be the same.  I know that no longer will Daddy and I be able to make last minute decisions and do what we want when we want.  From now on, we will factor in a third person...YOU!

I hope that Daddy and I can show you just how much we love you and I pray that our love for each other and Christ will bring you to salvation at a young age.  I love you my little man; forever and always.

Love,
Mommy

PS We eat a smoothie just about every day and love them, especially with strawberries.  We also enjoy eating poptarts! :)

She's getting married!

Sisters.

 They are God's gift to you as you are to them.

I don't know what I would do without mine.  They have always been there and so  many of my favorite memories were made with them by my side.

The years have passed and we are not little girls arguing over who gets to sit in the front seat.  We are not little girls having slumber parties together taking turns reading our journals.  In fact, we don't even live together any more and our times together are way too short and far between.  But, despite the distance and changes in our lives, my sisters are my closest friends.  Their joys are my joys and their sorrows as well.

This past week, my youngest sister - the one whom just yesterday, Brooke and I referred to as being "SOOO twelve" - was engaged.  How did this happed?  Where did the years go?  How is my baby sister going to be getting married?  Yet, she is.  

 Next summer, she will be marrying the guy whom she thought was cute the moment she saw him at college registration.  And it will be another great memory made.  And Brooke and I will be there, smiling through our tears, and thanking God for the wonderful gift of sisters. 

 I love you, Lauren and am so happy for you and Matthew.  You make a wonderful couple and I look forward to the upcoming months of wedding planning!

A Valentine's Post - Seasons of Life

Something has been on my heart for a little while now and I thought I would share in hopes of being a blessing to a reader who may come across this post.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and at this time of year I cannot help but think of single ladies, because I was in your shoes not that long ago and I don't ever want to forget that season and all God taught me through it.

This past year, while attending a wedding, a minister was giving the challenge and he said something that made me stop and think.  He said that young ladies who seem to be given that "extra time" at home should treasure that season in their life, for they would never get it back.  That being single is a blessing from the Lord and should be used to further our walk with Him.

I listened to him and recalled to mind the years that I was single and watching friends and classmates get married and move on.  I remembered with mixed emotions and then it hit me.  In a strange way, I missed those days.  Now, please don't take me wrong.  Anyone who knows me, knows I adore my husband and love the life God has given us together.  But, there was something I "missed" about that season and I couldn't put my finger on it.

Somehow this thought has stayed with me throughout the year and just recently I realized what it was that I missed from my single years.  In the years leading up to God bringing Jack into my life, I had to REALLY learn to trust in God and Him ALONE.  I claimed scripture after scripture and saw God answer so many prayers - some so little that only I could appreciate them.  My faith was strengthened and I learned to be content with the season of life God had me in.

You see, being single is not a bad thing:

• I had an extra 4 years at home
• I was able to help and assist friends and their weddings
• I developed hobbies
• I served in my home church
• I got more time in the kitchen
• God increased my faith
• I saw prayers answered

So, with Valentines under two weeks away, I want to challenge any young lady who thinks being single is a troublesome trial to keep your head up.  Trust God in this season of your life, He can do so much through you as you learn to lean on Him more and more daily.

Marriage is worth the wait and I can honestly say I look back with fondness on my "single season."

Happy Valentines, my single friends - you are in my prayers.