Will You Be My Valentine?

Growing up, this day was always something that I remember as getting festive candy from mom and dad and giving my friends and family little "love" notes. As I got into my teen years, I still enjoyed sharing notes and giving (and getting) ;-) candy on this day. Finally, as an adult woman I still continued this tradition, even though I didn't technically have a Valentine.

Last year was my first time with my very own Valentine but we spent it a 1,000 miles apart. So, today as I finally spend this Valentine's Day with my dear Hubby I am again reminded of God's faithfulness to me in bringing me a man who is true to God's word, who does not compromise what he believes is right, and who loves me steadfastly and truly. He never gets angry with me, raises his voice, or ignores me. He isn't perfect and has his little quirks and annoyances (as do I, and I am sure I have many more than he does) :-P, but I could never have dreamed up a husband who is more and more like my Knight in Shining Armour. God is the perfect and ultimate matchmaker. I am 100% convinced of that!

I have seen that my life was not empty without Michael, but He has given me Michael to complete His plan in my life. I have had Jesus in my life since I was 7 years old. He is enough for me. It wasn't until I fully relinquished all rights for marriage that God gave me complete peace. I was never what you would consider marriage obsessed, but I still wanted MY way about it. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done saying to God "If you want me to remain single the rest of my life, I will do it and I will serve You." It was two years later that I met my husband. Now, I am not saying that these are some magic words that will bring a husband to you single girls. I said it thinking that it may be what God wanted for me and I believed and lived it. And you know what? I was so very happy to be that way until I met Michael and then I knew (with much prayer mind you) that God had this as the next step in my life.

If I had married Michael because I thought marriage would solve all my problems and fulfill all my needs, I don't think we would be very happy right now. We both know that God brought us together in His timing and in His will. We ARE blissfully happy, though we may be barraged by me not feeling well, Michael being in school and working, bills, etc. God has consistently provided for us and has given us a deeper love and understanding for each other in these last 8 months.

Lest I sound preachy, remember that this is my story. :-) You may very well have already done this. I am not telling you to squelch your desire to be married or giving you a formula for what to do in your life. God works in different ways in different peoples' lives. This is just my life and how He has worked miracles with this little girl who is full of faults. And who says you have to listen to me anyway? ;-) *grin*

So, to my married AND single friends, may this day be a reminder of what Jesus did for us, and may we tell our husbands (or sweethearts, or just some little children who may not have encouragement in their lives) today what they mean to us and how much we love them.

I love you Michael. Happy Valentine's day AND 8 month anniversary. :-D
<3 <3 <3

34 weeks...

Apron giveaway...

http://www.mamakatslosinit.blogspot.com/

A Sound Kick in the Ribs...

This baby loves to kick me… which is probably indicative that he is one energetic little boy. :-P He does NOT like the Doppler and it will usually jump and try to kick it away from him. He is moving a lot more and it has been thrilling for Michael and I to watch my belly shift as he does his little gymnastics. It is such a wonderful thing to see! By the way, his is not going to be a itty bitty boy. My midwife told me that she thinks he will be at LEAST 8 ½ pounds. I will be 32 weeks on Wednesday (yep, thus starts the 8 week countdown!), and was measuring 34 weeks this past Saturday.

As for my health, I am being very careful of my sugar intake (I don’t eat any processed and refined sugar… but I am trying to watch my natural sugars as well) and am also not eating any breads and stuff except for an occasional whole wheat pita or tortilla. I am also staying away from any corn products because it is an inflammatory. I can’t believe how my energy levels have dropped in the past week, resulting in TWO days where I had two naps (one in the morning and one in the afternoon and still went to bed at a decent time and slept good)! It must just be pregnancy, because I am taking Supermom, cod liver oil, vitamin C, chlorophyll, and calcium.

BTW, any of you pregnant ladies struggling with heartburn, you do NOT have to take Tums! I had it horribly and started using raw apple cider vinegar and papaya enzymes and it has gone away for the most part, unless I eat something I shouldn’t. When that happens, I take a few enzymes and it vanishes within minutes.

It has been SO much fun preparing for his arrival. Since my mother is making beautiful baby bedding, I don’t have to worry about registering for any (I never could find anything I really “loved” anyway until she showed me the fabric and asked what I thought. It is perfect.) God has really been providing... baby clothes, a bassinet, a crib and changing table, a pack n’ play, etc. I m so grateful to Him! I don’t have to put any of these things on my registry and can now put other smaller things like diapers, a diaper champ, etc. It does seem funny to be registering again, considering I was just registering for my wedding eight months ago. :-P :-D ;-)

The apartment is coming along, and I was even able to teach lessons on Saturday! It has been wonderful putting everything in order. The bathroom and kitchen are pretty much in place, but our bedroom, closet, and knowing what to do with all the boxes of books (there are probably 400 books in all!) is proving a bit challenging.

I am excited about all the people who have said they want to come and visit this summer and meet Peanut! :-D Any and all are welcome, though you will have to get a hotel or stay at the Dallas Training Center.

The Lord has been really good to us and I praise Him for His goodness and mercy!

Prayer Requests…
* More voice and piano students for me.
* Either free or REALLY inexpensive bookcases!
* Michael’s school… that he would grow in wisdom and understanding AND get good grades and be able to do all his assignments in time. God has really blessed him with almost perfect grades so far and he wants to continue to do his best in all that he does!
*That baby will continue in his head down position and continue growing healthy and strong.

A Very Special Day...

"The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him."
Proverbs 20:7

On January 4th of this year, I celebrated a very special anniversary day.

25 years ago, a wonderful man who I call Daddy officially gave me his last name and I legally became his daughter. Since the moment he came into my life when I was 14 months old, he has been a source of love, joy, peace, wisdom, caring, and steadfastness. He was a 32 year old bachelor when he married my mom and took the responsibility of two little girls. Up until Michael came into my life, Dad has been the most godly man I have ever known. He has also loved my mother unconditionally, which has been a great example to me!

Someone recently asked me to sum up my relationship with my dad and this is what I said...
My dad has always been constant and consistent. He knows what he believes, and always had certain rules but they were given because he loved me. He always took the time to listen to me and never discounted anything I ever said to him and tried to always understand me. i think the key to our relationship was showing genuine love and understanding and him putting my life, feelings, and well being before his. I didn't ask him to do that, but he did it anyway because he is unselfish. As you can tell, I love my dad very much. :-)

I love you Daddy!

Life is Splendid...

30 weeks. I am now 31 weeks, but there isn't much of a difference. :-P 9 more weeks until D-Day! :-D I can't wait to meet my little man!

2008 in a nutshell...

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Got married, moved to Texas, got pregnant, was a official nanny, had a white christmas, made a snowman, ate some new things (scallops, crawfish,

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I made a goal to eat healthier, get in shape and lose weight. I lost 25 pounds by the time my wedding came around. Of course, I've now put it all back on but with good reason. ;-) I also resolved to grow closer to Jesus and He now means more to me than ever before!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My sister had my niece Lilly in July and Betsy just had little Jack this week!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
no.

5. What countries did you visit?
None this year.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
a lot of things

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 14th when I married the love of my life!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being pregnant and working two jobs... AND making dinner for my hubby every night!

9. What was your biggest failure?
Worrying way too much about what people think of me and trying to keep way too many people happy and pleased.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Morning sickness :-P

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My maternity coat! It feels so nice to have a warm belly.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My husband for taking care of me so well when I was so sick!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
a lot of unmentioned people

14. Where did most of your money go?
wedding, bills, rent, food

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Getting married, getting pregnant, and all the ways God has provided for us

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini... the song I walked down the aisle to!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: happier or sadder?
much much happier (not that i was unhappy before, I am just ecstatic now)!

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
spent even more time with my family

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
worrying over little stuff

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With family.

21. How will you be spending New Years?
We are just spending time as a family... eating pizza, popping popcorn, watching a movie, and then ushering in 2009 with some yummy Wildberry pomegranate non-alcoholic bubbly!

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Monk

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
nope.

26. What was the best book you read?
The Woman in White

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
can't think of anything new

28. What did you want and got?
my hubby

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Prince Caspian

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
we were on our honeymoon and michael got some sparkling non-alcoholic grape juice from the Blltmore and we got chinese take out and a boston creme cake and had a fun evening talking and eating. :-)

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not worrying so much about pleasing people through the whole wedding process.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
I decided to wear what I wanted as long as I felt pretty and wonderful in it! Therefore, I wore extremely feminine dresses and tops. Loved them!

34. What kept you sane?
Jesus, Michael, and much prayer

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I love Tony Shaloub... though I wouldn't say I fancied him. :-P

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
the whole presidential election... sigh

37. Who did you miss?
my family

38. Who was the best new person you met?
hmmm... I have met a ton of new people... would have to say Jen Bullinger.... but i also have enjoyed getting to know Shanna R., the Knight girls, the girls I met in Arlington from the Crossings, Michael's friends, the Daughtry's, Joe and Joanna Howard and their little munchkins, the Armitage's, and so many more!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
letting go and learning how to live a life of faith

Happy new Year everyone! May this next year bring you closer to our Lord Jesus and may you find many opportunities to share Him with others. Love y'all!