@ the Lake

A few weekends ago, we had the opportunity again to visit the Bissot's lake house. It was wonderful as ever. It was just Jonni and I that went, and it was such a nice break for us. That lake house is so peaceful and beautiful. We did make a short visit to see one of my friends from work, Buster. He is such a hoot! We went out to eat with them on Saturday, and then went back to his house afterwards to meet his cows! Jonni got to ride his tractor too! It was so much fun! Buster and his wife are such wonderful people, and we were glad to be able to spend some time with them that day. I got a video of Jonni on the tractor, but it is on my phone. If I can get it off of there, I will post it for you to see. Too funny! Thanks again to the Bissots for the absolutely wonderful weekend getaway. We love you guys!

Birthing Classes

This past weekend we had our birthing classes at the hospital where we will deliver Grace. I must first and foremost give my wonderful husband kudos for going, and not against his will. It just so happened that the only day we could sign up for the class was the same day of the SEC Championship game!! Most husbands I'm sure would have given their wives a hard time about having to miss the big game, but my Jonni was wonderful. Actually, most husbands probably wouldn't want to go even if it wasn't the same day as the SEC Championship game. He is really taking his part in this whole labor and delivery process seriously, and getting excited about it with me. He even was asking questions during class and getting involved through the whole thing. I am so thankful that I have him here to help me through this, and to be by my side supporting me. I am so blessed to have him as my husband and best-friend. I don't know how I could do this without him.

I do have to rag on him a little though, because he cracked me up with his facial expressions during the videos that they showed. They are very graphic, and pretty much show everything, which I'm sure is necessary and good for us all to know what to expect...but his faces were priceless!! We laughed and had fun through the whole thing, and I am so happy we did this together. I especially like the part where they taught him how to massage my back and feet and hands during delivery. Yep, that was nice. When they were teaching us the breathing techniques, they actually gave us clothes pins to pinch on our ears so that we would have a pain stimulus during the exercise...and as you can imagine, that was pretty funny too. Luckily, we got out early, so we didn't have to miss too much of the game after all.

Going to this class was such a great thing for us to do, and I fully recommend anyone who is pregnant to attend some type of class like this. I feel so much more prepared. I know what my options are, and feel more in control no matter what happens that day. Mentally, I am so much more excited going in to this now, whereas before I was still fearful. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, and I had a lot of questions and read a lot online about how that was going to affect my labor and delivery. There were so many other questions that I had as well, but they were all answered. So we are both very excited and can't wait to meet our little Gracie!!

Thank you again my wonderful husband! You're the best!

Thought You Might Want To Know

We finally found out!! Thank you all for your patience. We traveled home to SC for Thanksgiving, and decided to announce in person the sex of the baby. We didn't know ourselves until the night before Thanksgiving! It was a long wait, but well worth it to see the expression on all of our family's faces.

We have decided to call her Grace. Don't have the middle name set in stone, but we definately love Grace. Jonni and I are sooooooo excited!!

Thanksgiving was soooo wonderful as well. We got to visit alot of family and friends that we had not seen in a long time.

Nap Time for the Babies

My Christmas Kickoff!

I am so excited! We put up our Christmas tree and decorations this past weekend. I looooove my decorations. We are going out of town this Thanksgiving, so I wanted to get everything put up early, so that when we get back, everything will be done. I put some pictures for you to see. Notice, this year we got a little mini stocking for the baby! Aaawwww.

I can't believe that I have actually agreed to this, but I told Jonni that next year he can decorate for Christmas however he wants. You see, we come from totally different Christmas decorating backgrounds...I like white lights and fancy trees, he likes colored lights and fun trees. So every year, we joke about how I get to have all the fun decorating. He always likes to sneak tacky stuff on the tree to see if I notice...which of course I always do. So I finally agreed that one in every three years, he gets to go nuts and decorate for Christmas however he wants. I really don't think I know what I have gotten myself into. But next Christmas will definitely be a Christmas to remember. I'll get a lot of good laughs, and Jonni will have fun for sure!

1400 Diapers!!

I had a surprise baby shower at work the other day, and it was wonderful! Everyone decided to get me diapers, and I ended up with around 1400 diapers! Can you believe that? What an awesome gift! I calculated it out, and if I am estimating correctly, that should get me through the first three months for sure! The also got me a huge cake and a gift card. What wonderful people I work with. I am so thankful!

Peace

We have been baby sitting our neighbor's sister's dog this weekend. She has a Wiemeriener (sp?) named Sweetie, and she is very sweet and well behaved. Her and Sunshine has been playing together very well. This morning, however, they both started prancing around the room at 6:00 wanting to go outside. Sweetie has the advantage over Sunshine in that she is big enough to poke me with her nose while I am still in the bed. So after the second cold nose poke, I decided to get up and let them out. I was not happy because we stayed up late last night and I was very tired, but the moment that I stepped outside and felt the cool morning air, and heard how peaceful and quiet it was, I was immediately thankful for having been woken up.

I wish that I was more of a morning person, because the early morning hours are so quiet and peaceful, especially outside. It is like the calm before the storm. The time where you can just sit and rest and reflect and pray before the business of the day begins. So that is what I did this morning...cup of coffee, candle lit, quietness, reflection...peace.

We pack our schedules with so much to do during the day. It is a shame that we miss these times of just sitting and resting and not being so mentally and physically active. I think God intended for these times of rest, so that we can just empty ourselves from all that is going through our minds and going on around us. And then He can fill us back up with the things that He knows we will need to get through the day. I think that is why it says Jesus would get up in the early morning hours to pray. Usually if I am up in the early morning hours, it is to go to work. But not today. I think that an hour of this everyday would give me more energy than and extra hour of sleep. Does that mean I am going to start waking up an hour earlier everyday...not sure. But I would like to. Maybe I'll give it a try.

Baby Shower!!

We had a baby shower this weekend, and it was wonderful!! We were so blessed to have my mom and dad and sister come from out of town to join us. It was a quick trip for them, but Jonni and I both are thankful that we got to spend quality time with them. Tricia, Devon, and Lea Ann hosted my shower, and I must give them some major thanks and compliments to pulling together an amazing baby shower. They all worked so hard. My favorite gift was from my mom...she has kept for all of these years the bear outfit that they brought me home from the hospital in, and now I get to use it for my baby! But I did receive so many other wonderful gifts. I was looking around during the shower and I realized what a blessing it is to have the friends that we have. Jonni and I are surrounded by such wonderful people. I think the guys had fun downstairs watching football on the big screen and playing ping pong. And ofcourse I can't forget to mention the scrumptious chili that Lea cooked! Everyone raved about it. It was bangin! Thank you to everyone that came and for all of your wonderful gifts...and thank you for your friendship. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives.

Fall Is Here!

Moday marked the first day of the Fall season. I love the Fall. It is my favorite season. Those brisk mornings just make me feel alive! I love having the windows open in my house and breathing in the fresh air. I love when the leaves start to turn colors. For some reason fall always seems to me like a season of excitement. Like there is so much to look forward to in the next few months. Fall reminds me of my mom. She loves fall too. Loves hiking, and being out doors...or hidden away in some little cabin in the woods with a fire and a book. Every year during this time, I always think of and miss my mom. This time of year reminds me of when we go to our cabin in the woods and just relax. I love those times. Just getting away from the world, with no tv or distractions, just a fire, good music, christmas lights strung everywhere, candles, fuzzy slippers, fresh cold air, walks in the woods, hot chocholate, sitting on the porch in rocking chairs all bundled up in blankets gazing at the stars...you get the picture. I just love the Fall...and I love my mom.

5 Month Prego Pics

I had a lot of requests for recent pictures of me now that I am pregnant. So here you go! By the way...I feel fat!! ;O) But it is soooo worth it!

Psalm 23

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship!
I shall not want = That's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul = That's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That's Guidance!
For His name sake = That's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = That's Tribulations!
I will fear no evil = That's Protection!
For Thou art with me = That's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies =That's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil = That's Consecration!
My cup runneth over = That's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life =That's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That's Security!
Forever = That's Eternity!

Ultrasound Video

I could only get a portion of the ultrasound video to load, so you only get the first minute of the ultrasound. But it's pretty cool. Check out the baby!! We're so proud!

Meet The Baby!!!

We had our 19 week ultrasound yesterday afternoon!! It was really amazing! They also gave us a DVD of the ultrasound, so I got a lot of extra still-shot pictures from the video. We did not yet find out what the gender of the baby is, but we will let everyone know as soon as we find out. They said that the baby and all the organs look very healthy. It weights about 10 ounces, is about 8 inches from head to rump, and the heartbeat was 154.

It's been awhile...and then some!

WOW! It has been about 3 1/2 months since my last blog! I apologize for being gone so long. I will be really surprised if anybody even looks at my blog anymore. Well we are back, and so much has happened since I last wrote. First big news...I'M PREGNANT!! I am actually 19 weeks tomorrow!!! So far the pregnancy has been great! I got a little sick and alot tired in my first trimester, but I am doing great now. I will post more prego pics soon. What is really exciting is that two other women very dear to me are pregnant at the same time. My sister-in-law Franchesca and my friend Lea Ann are both about a month and half behind me!! Let's see, not much else is new. There has been a lot going on, but too much to type now. I guess you'll have to just settle for missing out on 3 1/2 months of my life...I know your disappointed. ;O) But I said lastnight to Devon that I would get back into the blogging, so here is am! It really is a great way to keep in touch and know what is going on with everyone. Take care!

Let's Face It...Quickly!

1 Samuel 17:48 "As Goliath moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him."

This is the kind of strength and power that we can have when facing life's trials if we are abiding in God. David quickly ran to face Goliath!! Are we cowering in fear? Are we turning back? No! Be strong, and do not fear, for the Lord your God will be with you always! He will fight for you and give you victory. Let's face it...quickly!

Worth Saying

The most destructive habit...worry.
The greatest joy...giving.
The greatest loss...loss of self-respect.
The most satisfying work...helping others.
The ugliest personality trait...selfishness.
The most endangered species...dedicated leaders.
Our greatest natural resource...our youth.
The greatest shot in the arm...encouragement.
The greatest problem to overcome...fear.
The most effective sleeping pill...peace of mind.
The most crippling failure disease...excuses.
The most powerful force in life...love.
The most dangerous pariah...a gossiper.
The world's most incredible computer...the brain.
The worst thing to be without...hope.
The deadliest weapon...the tongue.
The greatest asset...faith.
The most worthless emotion...self-pity.
The most beautiful attire...a smile.
The most prized possession...integrity.
The most contagious spirit...enthusiasm.
The most powerful channel of communication...prayer.

Just Chillin'

Jonni picked me up from work yesterday and took me out on the lake. I kept thinking I saw aligators...but it was just old rotten wood floating in the water! haa haa! I know, I'm a dork! Oh how I would love some property on the lake. Jonni and I always joke about getting an RV or a camper and parking that on some water front property because it would be cheap, and we could just build a porch around it, etc...you get the picture. But then we laughed it off, because that would be really redneck, you know? But apparently not!! Yesterday we saw at least a hundred places just like that on the river! Ha! My old yankee husband is fitting right in down here, aint he?!?! ;OP



Here's a picture from the boat of the plant where I work.



And ofcourse, Sunshine has to be right at our feet. She is so sweet!

Samuelitto

He makes some of the funniest faces...just like his daddy! But isn't he so cute?!?

Jonni Playin Softball

Here's Jonni playing softball with the church league.




Real men pray!!

My Sunshine

Isn't she sweet?

Hawks Beat the Celtics!

Last Monday night we went to Atlanta to see the Celtics play the Hawks. We got really cheap tickets and decided at the last minute to go. It was me, Kayla, Jonni, Tim, and Samistheman. We found out on the drive down there that Tim is a "paper pooper!!" No skids! Haa Haa! Sorry Tim, I had to share. I got to ride the Marta for the first time, which was fun. It was a great game, and surprise surprise, Hawks won! Apparently they won lastnight too! Talk about an upset! I was cheering for the Celtics, but Jonni was going for the Hawks because he always goes for the underdog. I brought my binoculars, and I saw Dominique Wilkins (haa haa...I originally put "Hawkins"...doofus), and I was so excited! I had his basketball card when I was little. It's funny how the players just seem like a bunch of normal guys playin some ball when you watch the game live at the stadium. Without all the special effects, they don't seem like such superheros. And they get paid millions of dollars to play basketball...amazing. When it was all said and done, we got into bed at 2 a.m. and had to get up for work the next morning...but it was well worth it!

The Old Rusty Anchry

We went back to SC to visit my dad a couple of weekends ago, and had an absolute blast. We went to the museum, ate sushi (not at the museum), and looked at motor cycles and motor homes. We just hung out and caught up on everything that has been going on. It was a really great weekend. Dad's wife Kathy came, and I can't remember the last time I saw her, which made me super excited to see her! She is so wonderful, and a wonderful wife to my dad (you old rusty anchry you...inside joke dad!) Late in the evening we got to laughing so hard that Jonni missed his turn, Kathy got into a coughing fit, and dad caught and awful case of the hiccups!! It was sooo funny! So we stopped at IHOP, and I'm sure they thought we were all drunk, but we were perfectly sober. Thanks dad and Kathy for coming to visit...it was a wonderful weekend!! Can't wait to go on our camping trip...they better get ready for this rowdy crowd!! Until then...xoxoxoxoxo

Sacred Versus Secular

Some excerpts from OS Hillman's book "Faith and Work: Do They Mix":

"More and more people are desiring to know how to practically implement their faith with their work. Is there really a move of God in the workplace today? How can I make decisions in the workplace that make a radical difference?"

Have you heard those that say they are called to the mission field...and they are referring to China, Africa, South America, or some other third world country? We fail to remember that our mission field is exactly where we are! Our home, our workplace, the marketplace, our neighbors, and our schools. OS Hillman says "They are all fertile fields requiring full-time missionaries! True, some are called to the foreign mission field, but all are called to the mission field no matter what the landscape is like."

A.W. Tozer says "It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it. The motive is everything. Let a man sanctify the Lord God in his heart and he can thereafter do no common act. All he does is good and acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For such a man, living itself will be sacramental and the whole world a sanctuary. His entire life will be a priestly ministration."

Psalm 90:17 "May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us: establish the work of our hands for us--yes, establish the work of our hands."

Col. 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Proverbs 18:9 "One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys."

Col. 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

SACKCLOTH SUMMIT

I copied the following article from the news today:

Sackcloth Summit Tonight
Birmingham mayor calls for citywide prayer.
By Jim Faherty
Friday, April 25, 2008
They will be breaking out the burlap sacks at Boutwell Auditorium this evening. Mayor Larry Langford has declared today a citywide day of prayer in Birmingham. Langford recently ordered 2,000 burlap sacks, to be worn by community leaders as they pray for a reduction in violent crime. Langford has cited Biblical passages in saying that God is more likely to hear the prayers of those who humble themselves before Him, and that the sacks and ashes are intended as symbolic representations of that humility. The prayer service is set for 6 PM at Boutwell Auditorium. Sackcloth and ashes will be made available to those who attend.

I first heard about this on the radio this morning on the way to work, and I got really excited! I am very proud of our mayor for calling this night of prayer, and for encouraging all of the leaders and officials in the city to participate. God says in his Word in 2 Chronicles 7:14 "14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." What are we all praying for in our lives? How are we humbling ourselves before God? Are we seeking more to see Him answer our prayers versus just seeking to know Him? I know there is so much in my life that I want to see accomplished and so many wounds to be healed, and I don't think that I have yet fully understood or appreciated the power that is in prayer, and the power that comes from true humility before God and others. I know I need to know Him more. I want to know Him more. And the more that I do know Him, the more that I will be changed within.

God, please teach us all the meaning of true humility so that we may experience your presence and your power. Search us and try us to see if there is any false thing within us, and Lord help us to change. Help us to purify our hearts and minds. Mold us, shape us, and refine us please. Lord please forgive us and heal us. We confess our shortcomings to you. You God are mighty to save and mighty to heal! But God we seek your face, and not just your hands! I pray for Mayor Langford, and thank you for his leadership in this city. Please continue to strengthen him in his work and give him an increasing measure of wisdom and revelation.

New Truck!!

We traded in the Sequoia this week and bought a new truck!! We absolutely love it! We took it with us to South Carolina this past weekend and got broken in. I put lots of toe prints on the passenger side of the windshield, and even dropped some fries in between the seats...just kidding on that last part Jonni! ;O) The poor Sequoia had almost a 100k on it, so we traded her in. Jonni wanted to really red-neck it up and put a rack on the front...but I said no! Well...I guess I won't be so mean. I'll give the guy a chance...take a look at the picture and send in your vote!

He has already asked me if he can put a Gamecock flag in the bed and get a CB antenna with a tennis ball stuck on it...and I resounded with a big NO!! You see...Jonni is really a closet redneck. Haaa Haaa!!! I'm just kidding...he's not that bad. We have been having a lot of fun with the truck so far.

What's Crackin??

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!

What we have here is the perfect Kodak moment! Samuelitto bustin' a sag!

He is such an angel!

@ the lake

So we haven't been too faithful to the blobbing so far. ;O) It's taken us a couple weeks to start posting...but we're BACK!! A few weeks ago we went to the lake with our extended family, the Bissots (who are also my blogging accountability partners)! We had such a wonderful time. It had been too long since we hung out, and it was so nice to catch up and just chill with them the whole weekend. Not to mention they have two of the cutest boys that we know!

We had some bad weather and tornados...but did get to go out once or twice on the boat. I was happy just to chill out on the couch and the porch the whole time. I attached a picture of it for you to see...so beautiful! We played Rock Band on Xbox 360, played Battle of the Sexes, and of course Jonni went fishing. Mr. Zep was potty training, and always had to have Sunshine (the dog) and Jonni to go to the bathroom with him...so funny. After he would use the bathroom, he would yell out "Woooooo Whooooooo" and then go get some M&M's. And Mr. Bright Eyes showed us his fearless nature when he grabbed a minnow out of the fishing bucket with his bare hand and put it out on the deck...like no biggie! Sunshine did pretty well with the boys too, and loved when it was dinner time so she could clean up the floor under the high chairs...and Zep loved to give her bones.

All in all...it was a much needed, relaxing, and fun weekend! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INVITING US...we love you guys!

I ain't got no class!!

I am finally done with school...for good!! I just finished my master's program, and it is such a relief! We plan to have a bunch of people over to help us officially celebrate...really just an excuse to get everybody together. As you may well know, it has been a while since we have seen alot of our friends. Life is too busy. Let's see, since I have been in school for the past three years now, I should have some profound words of wisdom for you...but right now my mind is moving slower than a herd of turdles in peanut butter. Haa! Haa! (My husband gets all the credit for that redneck saying!) Peace out!!

Our first blog ever!! So excited!

Our very first BLOG!! So exciting! We are hoping this will be a great way to keep in touch with our family and friends. More to come soon...