Not Enough Words

Jeffrey's last post, Busy, Busy, Busy was fitting for our lives. My thought was, "If we weren't so busy, we wouldn't know what to do."

You know how I love words, but did you know that sometimes there aren't enough words to express your feelings?

There are not enough words to express how much I'll miss my dear husband while he is in Chicago.

There are not enough words to express how thankful I am to work with such a great group of ladies and 3 guys who were so good to our family at "Carter's party."

There are not enough words to express how badly I feel that my Carson has a yucky cough that is making him gag and vomit.

There are not enough words to express how anxious I am to see if we have a nice turn out for our Sunday School breakfast this Sunday.

There are not enough words to express how proud I am that my boys are complimented on their good behavior and manners.

There are not enough words to express how thankful I am that Carter will be here before Jeffrey goes to South Carolina.

There are not enough words to express how swollen my feet are at the moment.

There are not enough words to express how thankful I am that my doctor's appointment went well Wednesday.

There are not enough words to express how excited I am to meet this precious baby soon.

There are not enough words to express how grateful I am to my heavenly Father for all He has done for me, although I am so undeserving.

I have been blessed in so many ways. God continues to provide for me and my family, bringing us closer together in everything we do. There are not enough words to express how much I love Him.

Poetry by a Pregnant Woman

It is with swollen ankles and feet that I sit here.
Watching the snowflakes out the window,
I know a change for me is near.

Thirty-six weeks ago, God blessed me with a gift.
Because of that, this “big girl” occasionally needs a lift!

As I waddle down the halls of school,
I try to remain fashionable, stable, and cool.

Because the belly bump sticks out so far,
My oldest child, bless his heart,
Worries about his mommy driving the family car.

Even though I’m feeling quite huge, you won’t hear a complaint from me.
For my gift from God is a new child, you see.

I can’t wait to meet this new little guy,
To touch and to kiss’em.
I know he is truly a blessing from God,
And for this I will praise Him.

It won’t be easy being a mom of three,
But it’s a job I accept with gladness.
Already the only female in the house,
I’ll rejoice in the pure madness.

So today and each day ahead, I’ll pray
Thank you Lord for this wonderful life,
For making me a mom and a making me a wife.

Preparations

We were eager to get out this weekend and shop for our new little one. One of the items we were wanting is pictured below.

It has been unbelievably difficult to find this. We thought we had scored when we found it at Babies R Us in Nashville. However, all they had was the display. Sue and I called stores (all the way to Evansville) and looked online in search of this. However, I have come to the conclusion that since we can't get our hands on it without ordering it from Amazon, we don't really need it.

We did have luck in purchasing a baby book. I love filling out the books for Colin and Carson. When I found this book at Barnes and Noble, I had to get it. Carson absolutely loves the Guess How Much I Love You book. I couldn't pass it up.

Tuesday is my shower at work and Saturday is my shower at church. I'm looking forward to "playing" with all the cool stuff we will be blessed with. After that, we will go buy other necessities that we didn't recieve as gifts. We are grateful to have so many wonderful friends and family member who are eager to help us out.

Today has been a day of relaxation. My left foot has been swollen for two days. This morning when I was getting ready for church, I realized that my black shoes wouldn't fit. I searched under the bed, but none of the black shoes would work. So I had to wear my comfy, stretchy brown shoes I wear to work daily. Jeffrey told me to just wear my houseshoes. I should try that at work tomorrow. Wonder what my principal would say? By husband's orders, I have been on the couch with feet elevated. The swelling hasn't gone down much. I guess it is just that time. While resting here, I have enjoyed watching the boys play Wii and being just plain silly. I'm waiting for Colin to smack the TV or his little brother with the Wii remote as he plays ping pong and sword fights. Its quite hilarious actually. I keep reminding him to scoot back.

Speaking of Colin, he finished up his Winter Super Saturdays class at WKU. He must have thanked me a dozen times for signing him up. In the fall, we will try a different type of class since he has taken two technology classes. Now it is time to get ready for baseball. He will play Pee Wee again this year (Go Cubs!) and Carson will play T-Ball. I was really hoping that Jeffrey or I could coach Carson's team, but that isn't going to be possible. I would love to coach soccer again for his team this fall, but not sure how that will go with a new baby! We will just wait and see. I'm glad that the boys get interested in all sorts of activities. I want them to be well rounded.

My next doctor's appointment is Wednesday. I am curious to find out how "things" are progressing. I do love being pregnant, but I'm so excited to be getting closer to meeting our new little one. I have been vivid dreams of what he looks like and getting to bring him home from the hospital. I think Colin and Carson are getting excited too. I'm cracking up at the fact that I'm still steadily gaining weight. Its got to be mostly baby and water retention. I have no real appetite. Usually I don't eat all my food. I drink a lot (water, juice, sweet peach tea). My favorite things to eat are eggs, toast, butterscotch or chocolate pudding, and salads.

I really appreciate everyone who is keeping up with this blog. I hope I am able to bless you in some way by whatever my thoughts are for the moment. That's the whole point anyway. Be sure to leave a comment to let me know that I'm keeping that promise. I like to see what you have to say.

If you haven't been to Angie Smith's blog, you have to read her post titled Ministry and Grocery Carts. I loved it! It makes me think of the opportunities we have to minister to people, but rarely take advantage of. My dear friend Glenda is really good at taking advantage of those opportunities (gas stations, check out line, gym). Right now, she has a guest in her home for two weeks who has never given any thought to life after death. I pray that she will be able to minister to him for the remainder of his time here. I would like to be more comfortable with taking advantage of the opportunities as well.

While I'm Waiting

Have you seen the movie Fireproof? I know, I know. It has been out for a while. I have to say it is a wonderful movie. I absolutely love the song While I'm Waiting by John Waller. When I watched the movie and that song played, I struggled so badly to fight back my tears. No, not that I was experiencing anything from the movie, but just waiting in general for God to reveal something, to put an end to something, to just admit that I needed to live the way the song said in whatever I have to wait for.

Tonight as I searched Tangle, one of my favorite sites, I came across the video and would like to share it. Be sure to mute the playlist before playing the video.

Back to Normal???

We finally went back to school yesterday. I guess things are normal for now. I'm totally worn out. Those snow days spoiled me. During the middle of the day, my desk chair and I became quite good friends. We spent a big part of the afternoon together! Colin and Carson seem to be glad to be back with their friends, even though they gripe and complain about having to go to bed and then get up. Next week should be a normal week. By that, I mean a five day week. However, Kelly Baxter says we will miss Monday and Tuesday! We have testing next week plus picture day, so not real sure how normal of a week it will be.

Other than getting back into the swing of things, we are still anxiously awaiting the arrival of our new little one. We are 5 weeks from my due date. I'm anxious to see what the doctor says at my next appointment to see how "things" are progressing.

Enjoy the sunshine!

Help Colin Help Others

I try to teach my kids to help others in any way possible. We are actively involved in Relay for Life and we donate to other organizations such as the American Heart Association and St. Jude. Colin is now participating in the American Heart Association's Jump Rope for Heart program. If you would like to help him and his school, you can click HERE to visit his webpage.

Snow Day #9

Yes, that's right we have now missed 9 days of school due to snow. But you know, that is ok.



I hate driving on slick roads. Even more, I don't want to risk getting out and falling. I'm not known for being graceful! Actually, no one in my household is. Some of us (Carson) can make falling look intentional. As a matter of fact, last night as he chased Big Dog through the house, he tripped, falling to the floor. Instead of making a scene, he did some sort of army crawl the rest of the way.



The boys are getting spoiled by these snow days and teacher work days. It is so hard to get them in bed at night. Last night was no exception. Colin got in bed and Carson was throwing a fit to watch a movie. Well, that just tore Colin up. It just wasn't fair, even though I reassured him that Carson would not be watching a movie. Well, Carson finally said, "If you don't let me watch a movie, then I'm not going to bed." I looked at him and replied, "Oh yes you are." His final answer??? "Well, ok." I don't think that worked out the way he had planned!

Today, I am either nesting a bit or feeling guilty for watching the NCIS marathon yesterday and doing nothing. Regardless, it looks like the laundry will be done today (maybe). I have a VERY tired 3 year old who is just pitiful. Or maybe the cat is more pitiful. By looking at these two pictures, what do you think?

Notice Happy had enough. His paws are wrapped around Carson's face. Luckily, Happy was declawed after we got him. Oh, do you notice my friend Lazarus in the background? He has made his way from the den to the living room door. You just never know where he is going to "pop up" next.

Colin was excited to have another snow day. We had a little argument last night about it. I figured we would have another day off, but at bedtime, school had not been cancelled. When he woke up this morning, he said, "See, I told you!" He enjoys playing all day, going from laptop, to reading, to watching TV, to playing toys, to computer, to having a snack and starting all over again. Fighting with Carson is usually thrown in there several times too.

I did get a new devotional that I am very proud of. It was stuffed in my new diaper bag I got for Valentine's Day (with the new Toby Mac cd).

I like that it has the scripture and author's devotional along with quotes and tips that go along with it. What a great gift from my wonderful husband!

How I Love Thee

Happy Valentine's Day!

What a wonderful day to honor those we love!! If you are like me, you want those who are special to you to know not just today, but everyday how much you love them. We go out of our way to show them.

Shouldn't we then go out of our way to show God how much we love Him? Afterall, we know from John 3:16 how much He loves us: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Each day, let your Heavenly Father know that you love Him. Pour your heart out to Him in prayer. Thank Him for the many blessings He has given to you. Thank Him for the trials that have made you stronger. Thank Him for Jesus Christ.

Cards, roses, and chocolates don't matter. Cards get lost or thrown away, roses wilt and die, and chocolates melt or get eaten. But the love of God lasts forever!!!! What better gift to receive?!?!?!

Although I am at home with a sick little one today, not able to sing and worship with my church, I will praise God in all I do, thanking Him for his LOVE, GRACE, and MERCY. This will be my gift to Him on this Valentine's Day and everday.

What Are We Up To?

Oh, about 25 extra pounds! Seriously now............

I'm sitting here flipping back and forth between NCIS and the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Carson is playing Max and Ruby on the PC while I'm on the laptop. Jeffrey and Colin.......they are having a boys night out. They went to the Temptations show at the Sloan Convention Center. Several weeks ago, Glenda (my dear friend and Sunday School teacher) was telling about a former student she had that was now doing a Temptations Tribute in Las Vegas. Well, he is in Bowling Green tonight for a show. He was also named Hometown Hero by WBKO. Colin loves the Temptations. I'm glad they got to go and can't wait to hear how it went.

I was saddened by the death of the Olympic athelete from Georgia today. What a bittersweet moment for that team. I was freaked out when they showed the actual accident because Colin was sitting there. Usually they give warnings about that sort of thing before they show it. Either they didn't or I was too busy eating my pizza to hear it. He asked what happened. When I told him, Colin said, "Mama, I feel real bad about that." I know, honey, I do too.

Hope you like the new background. Can you tell I am getting excited about our new little one? We are about 5 1/2 weeks from our due date.

Colin and Carson are excited as well. I've been asked "the question" by Colin recently. He was fine with "sometimes the doctor has to cut a mommy's belly open, but usually the doctor gets the baby out of the mommy's special place." He then wanted to make sure that my belly wouldn't be cut and that I had a special place. Carson has decided that "the baby will have brown hair and brown eyes like us, not hair and eyes like Colin and Daddy."

I was hoping to be able to go to the Clarksville Toys R Us sometime this long weekend, but the weather may not allow it. They've got to have the best baby selection I've seen. We've gone in there a couple of times when we've gone to Fort Campbell for army things.

Someone asked the other day what type of cravings I am having. Can you believe none???? Food is not appealing at all (even though I have gained 25 lbs). I love to eat, but throughout this pregnancy, I have experienced food aversions, especially with chicken. About the only chicken I can eat is from Zaxby's (the chicken finger plate). Salads usually sound good, especially the bite sized shrimp salads from Captain D's. Probably the best tasting meal I've had this whole time was from Lone Star the other night (onion strings, chicken fingers, and potato skins). Do I sound like I'm advertising??? What can I not get enough of? Sweet, peach tea from Sonic, Orange Pineapple Banana Juice, toast, eggs (would you like to guess how many eggs I've eaten since the beginning of this pregnancy), and water. Oh, and NCIS. Yea, I know that's not food, but I have become addicted to that show. I am thankful for On Demand because I was able to watch the new episodes during basketball season. Jeffrey said he's going to buy me the sets for each season to watch while on maternity leave and during my sleepless nights. What's he waiting on???

People ask me if I'm ready for this pregnancy to be over with. No. I am ready to meet this precious baby, but being pregnant is such an amazing experience. I don't want to wish it away This one has really flown by. I feel like my life is a calendar (doctor's appointments, meetings, events, practices, games, Super Saturdays, holidays, birthdays). Now there are things I would like to be finished with like the swollen ankles and acid reflux (which I have NEVER had up until the last few weeks). I always miss feeling the baby move and watching my belly change shape. Speaking of which.....last night at Colin's parent teacher conference, I was watching Carter's movements across my belly when his teacher called us into the room. She's a friend from high school and a mom of 3 as well, so I was not embarrassed at all.

Speaking of emarrassement, some people say the darndest (is that how you spell it) things to pregnant women. Here are some of my favorite pregnancy comments:

• My goodness! You look like you are about to pop! (Gee thanks! Would you like to stick a needle in me to see if I do?)
• Are you sure of your due date? (Um, I think I was there.)
• Now, there's just one in there, right? (One what?)
• I don't think you could get any bigger. (I can. Trust me.)
• That baby ain't fell out yet? (No, I think he's still hanging in there.)
• How many weeks? Oh, you'll never make it. (Oh, are you a doctor?)
• Oh, are you pregnant? (Um, just a little. What gave it away?)

I have to say that Jennie made my day this afternoon at Wal-Mart, "How are you? You look so wonderful!" Thanks Jennie (another young, busy mom of 3).

Thankful and Forgiven: Post 101 and Snow Day #8

Here it is, another snow day. Can I say that I am more thankful for today's snow day than yesterdays????

Reason 1: Carson decided to go to sleep last night at Sol Azteca. Slept the "entire" night, except to get up to go to the potty. Needless to say that because he conked out at 5:30, he was ready to go at 4AM! Today would have been our Valentine's Party at school. I don't think I would have been able to function. Even though I had lots planned to do (a test we missed yesterday and getting Caroline's class caught up with mine in science), I believe it would have turned into a movie day, probably Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Yeah, I could connect that to language arts (fiction, character, plot, setting, problem, solution, theme) and science (weather).

Reason 2: My appointment went well yesterday. Love hearing that strong heartbeat and knowing that my baby is growing well. I go back in two weeks and will be going once per week then on. The big day is getting closer and closer. I'm excited to be able to see and hold this sweet baby.

Reason 3: I am blessed to have a such a precious family. I have the most wonderful, caring husband and wonderful, loving children in the world. These guys melt my heart, make me laugh, and fill me with joy.

Reason 4: I am forgiven. Colossians 3:13 says,

Bearing with one another, and forgiving
one another, if anyone has a complaint
against another; even as Christ forgave
you, so you also must do.

You know, when I stop to think about the things that I have done to God and that He has forgiven me, I realize what a wonderful gift that is. Why then should I not forgive those who have hurt me? Lots of things have happened in my life that I could very easily show unforgiveness or bitterness. But what kind of life is that? Holding a grudge does nothing but kill your spirit.

I know people who are sure to bring up someone's wrongs and say, "I will NEVER forgive him." These people are supposed to be Christians. None of us are perfect, so why should we expect others to be?

I thank God each day for the forgiveness He has shown me. I pray that I will always be willing to show forgiveness to others.

Consider this....
What if your child did something that upset you and he asked through his tears, "Mama do you forgive me?" and you replied, "No." What would that do to your child? As parents, we want our children to know that they are loved and there is nothing they could do to change that. As an adult, I want those I know to know that I love them and there is nothing they could do to change that. So, the next time you are wronged, offer forgiveness. You and those you forgive will be sure to receive a blessing.

Snow Day #7

Enjoying being at home on yet another snow day.

I hate that Colin will have to make up these days, but they are a blessing to us. I get to take it easy and rest, and the boys and I get to enjoy our time together. Today it is just me and Carson. Colin has headed out to spend time with his cousin Connor and friend Cooper at Aunt Ann's house. Not sure what they will get in to, but knowing those 3 boys, they will have a blast. Carson and I have been playing the Wii and reading books together.

I go for my 34 week check up this afternoon if the weather holds out. Just praying that all will go well just as it has with each previous appointment. Carter is quite active still. I've been having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions. Last night Carter got into this crazy position and Colin cracked up at how my stomach was shaped.

The boys had their "big brother" class last week. They loved it. Carson has now decided he will come visit me in the hospital because he will get to cuddle in the bed with me and Carter. Colin is ready to eat at the Subway located in the hospital and look at the babies in the nursery. They will be great big brothers! Colin already is and he will definitely teach Carson a thing or two.

My coworkers are having a baby shower for me in two weeks (if it doesn't snow!). Hilarie, Sue, and Mary are having one for me as well at church. I've washed up all the clothes, socks, and bibs I have.

I can't wait to get to hold this precious baby. Carson was playing with my belly last night. I asked him what he thought Carter was going to look like, and he said, "He's going to have brown eyes and brown hair."

There's a lot to do here at the house, but little motivation to do much. Guess that explains why the Christmas wreath is still on my door!

Oh, I did get a "nice surprise" last night when I got home from parent teacher conferences. My husband met with Dale Rose yesterday to give back Lazarus. However, when I walked through the back door, Lazarus was standing across the room waiting for me. I feel him watching me everytime I walk in and out of the room and I'm just waiting for him to yell, "Boo!" as I come out of the utility room. Hopefully, Lazarus will be fixed up soon and can go back with Bro. Dale.

Stay safe and warm.

Am I Doing What I Had Hope?

Last January, I wrote my very first post on this blog.

I am very excited about the fact that I haven't gone without words to continue this blog. I only hope that I am using this wonderful technology to inspire someone. Whether I am posting about my family, my job, or the devotional ideas God leads me to or adding new songs to the playlist, I hope that I can touch someone's heart.

That, afterall, was the point. To allow God to use me to touch others through this blog.

My prayer is that somewhere along the way, something I have posted here or a song that you've heard has given you a little bit of hope or inspiration, that you've felt the love of God here. There has been times that when I've sat here typing away, I've felt God's loving arms around me, giving me love and strength when I've had a rough day or felt lost in a situation. I thank Him for that.

I thank you for continuing to check in on me and this blog. I pray that as I continue to post, that I will be able to touch your heart in some way. Although I do share a lot about my kids (what proud mom wouldn't), I pray that something I say will stand out as God's love.

The Woman I Want to Be

I'm a sucker for a good love song. I guess that is why I like country music so well. There is nothing like a man pouring his heart out in song to reach the woman he loves.

There is a song by country artist Chris Young called The Man I Want to Be. Have you heard it? The first time I heard it, I saw the video: this guy and his girl have split and he talks to a stranger about it. The stranger convinced him to go around back and give "God a call." I really liked it. This morning, the video was back on, and I focused more on the lyrics than the story in the video.

The chorus says,

I wanna be a good man
A 'do like I should' man
I wanna be the kind of man the mirror likes to see
I wanna be a strong man
And admit that I was wrong, man
God I'm asking you to come change me
To the man I wanna be

As a I think about those words, I think, "You know, that's what I want. I want to be a good woman, a do like I should woman, the kind of woman the mirror likes to see. I want to be a strong woman, but an admit that I was wrong woman. Each day, I ask God to change me to the woman I need to be."

Its one of those things where you have to be careful what you ask God for, or you just might get it. Some people are "happy" with themselves for the simple fact that they aren't willing to admit they are wrong or need to change. It is easier to find faults in others than ourselves.


Matthew 7:4 says How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

Lots of times we are eager to help change other people, point out their faults and imperfections, but how dare someone do that to us.

I remember back in high school, I found out a friend of mine had asked her Sunday School class to pray for me. I was furious. I felt that she had betrayed me, afterall, there was nothing wrong with me. Years later, I sent my friend a note telling her "thank you" for praying for me. There was something wrong with me. I wasn't a Christian. I was failing to admit my sins and open my heart to Jesus. Now, it is so easy for me to say, "I am wrong" or "God, I am nothing without you." When I do that, He can change me and make me the woman I need to be.

Last year when I did the Esther Bible study with some wonderful ladies, one thing we talked about was why it is tough to be a woman. We all agreed that we have to be so many things to so many people. As part of my prayer, I ask God to make me the wife I need to be, the mom I need to be, the daughter I need to be, the teacher I need to be, the friend I need to be. We may think that to be all of those things, we have to have different personas, but that isn't true. When we allow God to change us to the women (or men) that we need to be, He molds us into the Christians we need to be. When we are the Christians He wants us to be, we can then be the mom, husband, wife, son, dad, daughter, friend we need to be. As we are asking to become the men and women we need to be, we need to be sure that our hearts are in the right place. If we ask just to get something we want, our prayers won't be answered.

God will never be completely finished with us. So, each day, I will sing....
I wanna be a good woman
A 'do like I should' woman
I wanna be the kind of woman the mirror likes to see
I wanna be a strong woman
And admit that I was wrong, woman
God I'm asking you to come change me
To the woman I wanna be