Its Summer Time!

As of today at 9 am our neighborhood pool will FINALLY open!! The kids have had an ongoing countdown on our wipe off board and all conversations end with... I can't wait to go in the pool.

As of 8:30 this morning the weather is cloudy with a LARGE chance of thunderstorms... God is GOOD!! I don't think I can handle putting my toes in cold water... not to mention I STILL need to order my cute maternity bathing suit before I even attempt to float around in public. BUT Im ready for summer. Im ready for lazy days floating around the pool, fresh fruits for lunch and watermelon for dessert. I will enjoy this summer to the fullest. Next year I will have a squirmy baby to occupy but this year I will enjoy!

Tonight is date night!! Hubby and I are so excited. A night out with nothing but hand holding and adult conversation.

I must be off. Im a busy bee all day. I will leave you with a verse I found in Joshua. I reluctantly went to the Dr. and while waiting and waiting and waiting I read my bible. This verse popped out at me. I need to write it all over my walls.... I just have to share...:

"Do not let the book of the law depart from your mouth;

meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful

to do everything written in it.

Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous .

Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,

for the Lord your God will be with you

wherever you go."

Joshua 1:8-9

Fear Cont....

A few days ago I wrote about the lingering FEAR that has been lurking around inside my head...

I had mentioned that the bible has 365 verses on fear!!! One new verse for every single day and every single worry. A sweet reader wrote me and asked me to list some verses for her as they will be helpful to sooo many. Sooo...

here are a few of my fear verses that I go to (run to) when my mind gets the best of me....

When I am worried about finances or our future...

"I was young and now I am old, Yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread."

Psalm 37:25

When I need strength :

"So do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you." Psalm...

"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." 2 Chron 20:12

"you are my hiding place ; you will protect me." Psalm 32:7

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower ; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverb 18:10

As I have said many times before... Fear is no stranger to me. As a matter of fact it is just ONE (of many) that is my stronghold... (and will BE GONE after my next study.) I struggle with fear of all context... it has gotten much better and thru my conquering I have "fear" verses written all over the front pages and inside of my bible. When I have moments I just open my bible and WHAM... there they are. written in my handwriting with the dates I wrote them. I read them, I pray them and I get peace.

Im going to leave you with something else I have written on the pages of my bible. I forget where I got it from but its GREAT!

I know who hold the future

and I know who holds my hand.

With God things don't just happen...

EVERYTHING by Him is planned.

Confessions and more....

I think I am back on the blogging wagon again!!! I have about ten THOUSAND things to tell you all. My first trimester yuckiness is almost far behind me and Im coming back to life!!! Along with that comes some confessions I must admit to. Im also feeling a bit spunky today so please extend lots of grace to me as I write, I mean no harm. Perhaps its the very yellow bright shirt I am wearing. Who knows. Anyway, my New Years Resolution was to read the bible thru in one year. Our church publishes a small book that neatly divides it up. I was doing so good for so long until March.... I fell behind. Way behind and I have yet to even begin to catch up. Between company and my morning/afternoon/night sickness, my bible reading has suffered immensely. I am so upset. Whenever I pull out my reading book and see all the days I am behind, I get so discouraged. I did at one point try to "catch up" and found myself reading without studying the word. I knew Gods ultimate goal is not how much you can read, but how much it penetrates your soul. I knew He would be ok with me not reaching this man made goal I had set for myself but instead, taking my time and really listening to what He has to say to me.

Around the holidays I also started a great Esther bible study with the ladies at my church... that too I did not get to finish... (do you see a pattern here?? Gulp) So, a few days ago, I walked over to my bookshelf, took down the book and dove in head first. I can't get enough. Beth Moore is amazing and her words jump off the page and speak to my heart. It really is no surprise. Even when I was doing the study at my church, I was constantly amazed at all that was revealed to me.

Last night I sat on my front porch enjoying the southern evening breeze and just read and read. I studied verses and found myself all over the bible. It was amazing. God spoke to me about fears. ( Lord knows I have a zillion) I can't wait to have my quiet time again today. Sometimes its so hard to find time alone to study Gods word. Like last night for instance... kids just seemed to follow me... and then when they do find me they talk and talk and talk my poor ear off. Usually I don't mind but it was 7:30 p.m and I declared 30minutes to myself. I shooed them inside to eat their pudding pie with their daddy while I studied as much as I could. I knew if I waited until they were all upstairs in bed, I too would be fast asleep.

Anyway, I already have another study I want to do as soon as I FINISH!!! this one. Its another Beth Moore book called "Breaking Free." Its all about breaking spiritual strongholds in your life. Lots of times we claim personality traits as "genetics.." Or we just say well my mom or dad was that way and I take after them... when in fact they are strongholds that we continue to live under and pass down to the next generation. I don't know about you, but there are PLENTY of strongholds that run thru my blood. Besides our amazingly good looks (wink wink), my gene pool is nothing to brag about. As a matter of fact, I talk about some issues that run rapid on the ladies side of my family. I could toss it up to bloodline but would rather cover it under stronghold. I need to learn to deal with these issues in my life so that I don't pass it along to my precious girls.

I know God can do this too!!! God can do anything and deliver us from all. After all He MADE US!! and He can FIX US!!! I am a living example of how God can lift you out of the pit and place you on solid ground. As a matter of fact, EVERYONE who claims is a follower of Christ should be able to say that... and those that say that they have never been in a pit... well, perhaps you need to re-evaluate who you are worshipping.... just sayin!

So Im really excited to get into my bible studies. I think this is the perfect time. I have 5.5 months before the new baby comes and with that comes fears and expectations. I will be celebrating PEACE AND FREEDOM by October!!! AMEN!

In other news, Has anyone ever dealt with skin rashes while pregnant?? I have this weird skin rash that really itches and is driving me CRAZY!!! I have some over the counter stuff on right now but if it does not heal soon, im off to the Dr.... and I HATE the Dr.

Its really crampin my style... but...

If I turn the other way... you can't see a thing. =)

Right now my Banana is singing the books of the Old testament out loud in hopes to finish all her Honor steps for her stars program. She has been working hard to complete all of her work and memorizing so many scripture to get her crown!!! She will be the very FIRST one crowned in our family!!! Emma never finished the program as the pull of youth group got the best of her. Motivation clearly was not there but my banana is determined... and most of all, she is just DYING for a fancy dress. I promised her the prettiest dress and the best hairstyle a girl could dream of. I can't wait!!!

This weekend Hubby and I have a DATE NIGHT!!! I can't wait. We sooo need one. We are desperate for some adult quite time. Its been a long few months filled with sickness and company and all sorts of road blocks. We are supposed to get rain storms but I won't let that spoil my fun. Im already counting down the seconds and can't decide on a restaurant. Its a toss up between Joes Crab Shack, Olive Garden, Carabbas or one Downtown... oh why oh why does it have to be so hard....

Im off though, chaos is erupting in the form of Old Testament names and Emma needs my help converting fractions to percentages or something like that. I HATE math and just want to declare it a play day but I can't...

Until Next Time

Xoxo

14 Weeks and 5 Days

This is me!!! In all my pregnancy glory. I usually have NO pictures of me pregnant. I hate pictures of me with a huge belly and round face but things have changed and I embrace all that comes along with my roundness!

I also wanted a picture of me at exactly this stage. This is exactly how I looked when I felt baby #6 kick for the very first time!!!! YIPPIE!! I am so excited.... or at least I think it was a kick. It felt just like an early little flutter ( I pray it really wasn't gas =() I was at the computer late last night when all of a sudden I felt movement. It was so sweet and special. This morning I felt it again... in the same area. I think I will count it as a kick and treasure it forever...

Which leads me to finally saying goodbye to this little pink pill. Im actually gritting my teeth in this picture. This pill and I have had a very rocky relationship. I was taking one dose at night, right before bed every day for 12 weeks. In return, I prayed it would help me keep this baby and it made me 100% psycho-crazy. Im talking hormonal, mean mommy/wife to the fullest. Synthetic hormones are evil and I don't agree with them at all. I bid thee farewell and pray I never ever see you again!!!

But despite it all, I praise God for giving me the desire of my heart!

Busy Busy Busy....

Daddy's favorite pudding pie

Emma's infamous cooking pose...

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

Oh sweet heaven... I LOVE new clothes...

Just some of our COSTCO goods...

Those are the only 3 words in the english language that could possibly describe this weekend!

Friday was my hubby's birthday!!! So along with preparing his awesome GAMECOCKS birthday party, we welcomed his family who just drove 14 hours to see us!!! Along with hosting a birthday dinner for my extended family (my Aunt and Uncle who were also visiting and my cousin and his wife)

We had a great time. The weather was perfect and conversation abounded. The boys came home with a bag full of skirt steak and after exactly 8 minutes on the grill we were dining on the most wonderful, tender and juicy beef south of the Mason-Dixon line.

Saturday was a complete washout. Threats of tornadoes came all throughout the day into the evening. Our dinner plans at Red Robin were quickly squashed after an hour wait, so off to Applebees we all went and had a very delicious meal.

Sunday was our last full day together with our houseguests. The storm blew thru with minimal damage in our area and lots of rain to water my gardens for the next few days. Mississippi was not as fortunate. My heart broke as I watched the news of the devastation from the tornadoes that blew thru. Please remember to pray for them as they pick up the wrecked pieces of their life...

During our last day we split up. Boys and girls went in different directions. The boys did boring boy stuff and us girls went SHOPPING!!! We headed to my new favorite store and my mother-in-law treated me to some new,cute, beautiful maternity clothes. I am so excited!! I hate to spend money on clothes that will only be worn a handful of months but this treat was such a blessing to me! I am thrilled with everything that I got!!!!

Then of coarse COSTCO was hit pretty hard. We met up and we went in full force. 2 carts and 9 different opinions....

1 hour later we left with a years supply of garbage bags, toilet paper, detergent, cheese, cascade and anything else we managed to shove in those huge carts.

Today the house is quiet. Our guests are gone and the kids are outside enjoying the evening. Its nice to have the house back but we are so thankful for all the time we were able to spend with those we love so dear...

My What???

On this sunny, glorious thursday morning, I am reminded on all I have to do to prepare for our family filled birthday weekend. Hubby's family arrives tomorrow and will be staying with us and a big birthday dinner will be planned for him. Cake will be made, laughs will be had but first... unfortunately certain things must be done...

Like my huge pile of laundry... 4 loads to be exact. It looks small, but don't be fooled. Behind those baskets lies even more towels and clean undies. Did I mention my dryer and washer are also filled???

What about my sippy cup stained rug?? This steam cleaner waits patiently in my foyer to be put to good use. That way when guests start to arrive, I can play the part of happy hostess who always has a clean house. Hee hee...

And those GAP bags. Don't be jealous. I did not go on another shopping spree (yet). A dear friend handed me clothes for Noah which I have yet to put away!! Don't get me wrong. Im eternally grateful. This gal loves hand me down and I happily went thru the bag in my foyer... but somehow, someway they never made it up the stairs and into the first bedroom on the left!

So as you can see, on this glorious sunny thursday I have loads to do. But first a quick trip to the store. After all, I have some shopping to do.... =)

My Secret Haven...

I have a few blogs that I read and anxiously await for the next post. SUGAR PIE FARMHOUSE is one of them.

I don't even remember how I found her but the moment I did, I was hooked! One night I sat at my computer and read thru every single post she had.

What a refreshing blog of good down home recipes, Christian encouragement and happy thoughts. She writes as if she is a dear ol friend who misses your company.

Her home is just darling... well larger than darling but has love oozing from every nook and cranny and that kitchen... OH MY HEAVENS!!! That kitchen is to die for!!

So if you want to just grab a cup of coffee and read something good for the soul, then click right on over to Sugar Pie Farmhouse. You won't be disappointed!

Do Not Worry...

The bible has 365 verses on worrying.... one new verse for every day of the year. Jesus spoke many times during his ministry on NOT worrying...

Yet for some reason, we ( I ) insist on still carrying this burden.

Worrying changes nothing, gives me a belly-ache and puts me in a sour mood....

but still the worrying goes on.

Today I am worried about the baby... is she/he ok? Will the baby make it till the due date? Will I be able to hold him in my arms? My next drs. appt is on my birthday... will I get good news? Will I get bad news??

The list is endless.

I think I will look up all 365 verses over the coarse of the next few days. Those words need to soak into my brain... and the peace that passes all understanding is bound to come....

Something Happens....

Something happens in my second trimester. It happens without fail in every single pregnancy...

My shopping gene is activated. Don't get me wrong, I have always had it but it intensifies, it becomes my craving and I start to hit the stores....

Perhaps to make up for my growing belly, perhaps I mourn all my clothes I can no longer squeeze into or perhaps it early "nesting." ;)

Regardless of the reasons, its back. Pretty shoes have found their way into my closet. New chunky jewelry is now nestled in my 3rd draw in my vanity...

And just today I visited the store and came home with 6 new shades of lipstick and 2 new eye colors... ( if it makes you feel any better it was BOGO!!!)

The list keeps going, sunglasses are collected, cute shirts and purses are usually on the list and Im guaranteed at least ONE drastic haircut.

I don't know what gets into me??? By delivery day my closets and drawers are busting. Thank Goodness we moved into this home. Our on suite bathroom and walk in closet have plenty of space for me to fill.....

Xoxo

Morning Sun

Don't mind my tacky shadow in this picture, I don't mind. I love the way the morning sun shines on my home. The flowers are starting to bloom and its just a great reminder on how God makes all things new!!!

As the world gets more and more uncertain, God always remains constant. His love and mercy are new every morning and are just enough to get you through the day... no matter what the day holds.

Joy comes in the morning for those that seek it. Sometimes its harder than we want to find, but its there... between the pages of that great book or in the shadow of our prayer closet. Its always there.

When the sun rises in my neck of the woods, I never know what lay before me. What mood I can be in, how crazy the day can be... but if Im certain to start the day off in prayer or praise or bible time, I can be sure it can be better !!

Tell Me The Truth...

Is this picture not the cutest?? My baby at 12 weeks and 4 days kicking and twirling around! I was filled with joy at the drs office so much that everyone thought it was my first. Beaming was an understatement.

My little red house is once again busy busy busy. The kids and I are trying to catch up with school work so we can enjoy the pool opening on May 1st!!!

Hubby's b-day is in one week and I will be having a big family dinner at my house along with cake and presents to celebrate the BIG 33 !

My Aunt and Uncle will be in town all next week to secure living arrangements for when they move here next month and my in-laws will also be arriving next weekend for some house hunting. How exciting! I will now have a bunch of family close by!

Every morning I putter outside and visit all of my growing flowers. My sunflower seeds and morning glory seeds have all germinated and continue to grow. They are small but strong.

My rose bush is almost up to my chest now with more buds than I can even count..

My lavender had a bad winter and had to be pulled. I was so sad but I replaced them with my Mini Phlox Pearls that were getting hidden by my big front bushes. They are quite happy on display and I anticipate a bloom any day now.

My elephant ears are back!!! 2 out of my 4 have sprouted and are peeking thru the ground. Totally unexpected as I didn't cover with heavy mulch this past fall and we had a harsh winter... But they survived and are sprouting up to say Hi!!!

My butterfly bush is going to double from last summer. I can tell already. Its almost at the same size it was at the end of last year and its only April. Sheesh!!! What to do...

I will be taking pictures of my garden and post them this weekend so you too can enjoy the wonders of spring and all the new life it brings!

Happy Friday =)))

Easter

We were late to church

this is the only documentation I have of our Easter Sunday.

But they sure are cute!!

Excuses Excuses....

Are you all ready to hear all of my lame excuses as to why I am about 2 WEEKS behind on posts??

In my defense Im still battling those yucky early pregnancy days. They have gotten better and some days Im actually great. I will be 12 weeks on thursday and go for that very important sono on monday.... to check to see if the baby is still alive and well. As the day gets closer, I get more nervous. Im trying to just pray and get peace to see me thru.

Spring/Summer has arrived in the south. My flowers are blooming and my perennials are thru the soil. Most mornings, after the kids are settled with their school work I head outside.

You can find me pacing around my Little Front Lawn checking on each and every flower, seedling and plant. I water, weed and get so excited with every new growth I see. My morning glories germinated and my rose bush doubled in size.

My clematis literally grows about 2 inches daily!! And that is NO exaggeration! The hostas came back up to say hi along with my Phlox, cone flowers and many others.

Our veggie garden is planted (halfway) and I can't wait to pick my very first red tomato of the season!!

Every morning as I look at the beauty around me I can't help but think about how much God loves us. That He created beauty for us to enjoy... simply because He loves us so. It makes me wonder what heaven will be like....