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.

Hello Baby || Week 24-25

Dear Keegan,

We are just under 4 months til your due date and we are ever so anxious to meet you.  I cannot wait to nuzzle your face, count your little piggies, and stroke your skin.  You are now gaining 6 ounces a week and are weighing in at 1.5 pounds!  Such a big guy...:)  It is amazing how God has formed you; at just 24 weeks your face is fully formed and your ears are getting sharper.

I also am certain you are going to be a strong little man.  I find it quite humorous that nearly every time I am eating or have just finished eating, you will start moving around very excitedly; even your daddy has been able to feel you!  Sometimes you kick me so suddenly and hard that I jump in my seat with surprise, which always makes me smile...

Daddy and I have started to prepare the nursery for you.  We found a great deal on a highchair, pack and play, and diaper bag all in the same Eddie Bauer design - we can't wait to put it all to use!  We also painted our old dresser white for your room and Mommy has put all your clothes in the drawers in anticipation for you.  We are going with a nautical theme and just last week your Gram helped Mommy make you some burp cloths to match your nursery colors. :)

I love you, I love you, I love you, my little man.

Love,
Mommy

PS We love bagels, protein bars, apples, and crunching on ice...:)

{Your 2nd ultrasound picture}

I think you are soooo adorable and perfect! :)

Mommy's baby belly (23 weeks)

{Your burp cloths made from cloth diapers}

Holiday Recap

Jack and I had a wonderful holiday starting with Christmas with the McDonnell family...

Nate received this suit from Reid and Emily.

I am thinking he liked it... :)

Jack got these sweet camera cuff links from Rick and Lizzy.

Papa McDonnell.

It is so exciting to think that next Christmas he will be holding yet another grandchild...:)

It is always so much fun to watch little kids unwrap presents...

Jack and I did Christmas morning together and then went up
to Chesterton to finish Christmas day with my family.

Dad always distributes all the gifts...

Mom, of course, always has a beautiful table and spread.

Even Keegan had his own stocking and plenty of presents for us to unwrap for him! :)

The weekend after Christmas, we headed to Iowa for a surprise birthday party 

for Grandma Eddy!

The McDonnell clan! :)

Needless to say, Grandma was very very surprised...

The Eddy children.

Almost all of the Eddy descendants were able to make it; I enjoyed getting 

to meet some that I had never been able too! :)

This guy.<3

We had a wonderful holiday and are looking forward to all that the Lord

has in store for us in 2014!

Grandma's 80th Birthday