The Story of Us

Ah, 1:00- the sweet silence of nap time.  All the kiddos are down for their nap and in an effort to avoid cleaning my kitchen, I'm posting this fun "Love" survey I saw on Blue-Eyed Bride.  I'm linking up over to From Mrs. to Mama, where this survey is originally from.

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?
We started dating in October of 2002, which means we've been together for almost 9 1/2 years.  Wow.  That's a really long time.  (this is the oldest picture I have of the two of us that isn't a print... yeah, THAT makes me feel old!)

2. How did you meet? {What’s your “love” story?}
We met at he BCM at the University of Central Oklahoma.  I became good friends with his sister, Emily.  Micah began to spend more and more time with us, which I assumed was totally the norm.  After almost a year of spending time together in groups, he finally cornered me (he literally had to chase me around the BCM!) and asked me out.  I said yes and the rest is history!

3. If married, how long have you been married?
We have been married for almost 8 years. We got married on July 24, 2004.

4. If you are married, where did you get married? Big or small wedding?
We were married in my hometown of Central High, OK.  I'd say it was a medium-ish wedding.  I don't know exactly how many guests were there, but that small town church was packed!

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!
We really don't.  Micah isn't a fan of nicknames, nor does his name really lend itself to any!  Go ahead and call him Mike... see what happens.  Oh, he does like to call me "shorty" just to irritate me...

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.
He is hands down the wisest, most humble and godly man I know.  His love for the Lord is so consuming, yet never displays itself in any kind of pride.  His love is completely unconditional, and nothing shakes it.  He is my rock- the steady hand that calms me when I need it most.  He challenges me to be the best version of myself and to grow in my relationship with the Lord.  I'm pretty sure that's more than three, but I could keep going forever.

7. Tell us how he proposed?
Setting the stage: My love language is words.  I love them.  You can hold my hand or sit by me for hours and that's great- but write me a letter and I'll cherish it forever.  Also, I may or may not have given him a timeline to propose... so he had told me we were going to Tulsa the next weekend for our "Christmas date."  I just knew that was going to be the night he did it.  Now, let's move on.  He picked me up on a Saturday night with roses and a card.  Nothing too out of the ordinary, so I wasn't suspicious yet.  We went to Starbucks, drank coffee and played board games- which we loved to do on our dates.  While we were there, he gave me another card, saying he couldn't decide between the two.  Still not that weird.  Next we went to Panera, site of our first date (rain had ruined our initial first date picnic plan).  As we ate our supper, he gave me a third card.  At this point, I'm getting suspicious.  We went back to my apartment to watch the first Lord of the Rings movie so I would be prepared to watch the next one when it came out later in the month.  I thought for sure we'd get there and he would propose.  And then he turned on the movie.  So we're sitting there, watching the stupid movie and I was SO MAD.  10 minutes into the movie (exactly, he later told me he was watching the clock the whole time!) he paused it and said he would be right back.  He went out the door and came back with a fourth card.  After I read the card, he got down on one knee and read a poem he had written for me.  We both cried; I said YES!  I ran across to my cousin's apartment and told her, then we drove to my parents to see them and tell them the good news!  It couldn't have been more perfect!

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?
Neither?  I'm not really either of those types of girls though. I usually get flowers and something I've been wanting. 

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?
Relax on the couch, definitely.  That's not to say I don't love the beach or sunsets, but I love to be relaxed at home.  I especially enjoy being in my sweatpants. :)

10. Tell us one thing you’d like to do with your significant other one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?
Honestly, the thing I love doing the most with Micah is serving.  I guess my dream would be going somewhere that let us both use our gifts.  Oh, and it would be cool to see Israel.

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine’s Day.
Since having John Mark, we've always spent the actual Valentine's Day at home with him.  We order heart pizza from Papa John's and eat it picnic style in the living room.  Last year I wrote little things I loved about both of them on hearts and put that around on the floor.  We always go out just the two of us either before or after.  This year we're going out on Friday.  Dinner at a yummy restaurant and maybe a movie.  I'd really like to see The Vow.

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine’s day?
Nothing in particular.  I'm horrible at thinking up things I want under pressure.  It's always after the fact that I think "oh man, I really wish I would have asked for ________."  But of course, my best gift ideas for others usually come to me randomly!

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.
Treat each other the way you want to be treated.  Give him the grace you want to receive.  Laugh a lot and don't take life too seriously.  Remember why you fell in love.  Fight hard to keep your marriage a safe place.  Never, ever talk bad about your spouse to a member of the opposite sex.

14. Show us a picture of what love means to you.

here and there

I always love when other bloggers post random lists of things on their mind, but for some reason feel silly when I sit down to do it.  Here's to getting over it and posting a random list.

1. I'm not sure what's up with Oklahoma weather this winter, but it hasn't really been COLD.  We've had cold days here and there, but overall it's been a fairly warm winter.  I'm not complaining- it's a lot easier to get out and about with a baby when it's not FREEZING.
2. Speaking of the cold, baby girl has totally messed up my temperature.  I am hot all. the. time.  I've pretty much lived in t-shirts and cardigans this winter, even on the coldest of days.  Which makes me wonder how in the world I survived the heat of summer after I had JM.
3. I started watching my niece and nephew a couple of weeks ago.  I only have them twice a week, and I absolutely love them to pieces, but man I am exhausted at the end of those days.  You moms of lots of littles who are close in age, I commend you!  You rock!
4. I'm pretty much obsessed with the website SkinnyTaste.  It's got the best, simple recipes, and they're all healthy.  In my effort to a- lose baby weight and b- be healthier, I've been using at least two of her recipes in my meal plan each week.  So far they've all been awesome!
5. I joined a gym close to my house last weekend.  It's tiny and doesn't have a ton of the extra stuff, but it's cheap, had treadmills and a few weights.  That's really all I need.  I went for the first time last week and attempted to run.  I've got a long way to go, but it felt so good to get moving again!
6. JM is home from school today.  He woke up last night with a fever and nasty cough.  I gave him  medicine and put him back to bed in our room.  Of course, he woke up this morning feeling fine and fever free, but I kept him home and am giving him benadryl to try and dry up his snotty nose!
7. Something about nursing makes me hungry all the time.  I think the last time I went to the grocery store I bought equal parts meal food and snacks.  The snacks are all gone.
8. A long time ago I started a post about words I hope JM never says right.  I need to finish that, because those words are quickly becoming right, and it makes me sad.  I want him to stay little forever.
9. I have started watching Gilmore Girls again.  I love everything about that show and have always wanted to live in Stars Hollow.
10. I started going to a mom's bible study at my church a couple of weeks ago.  We're going through the book "What's It Like to be Married to Me?"  It's such a great group of moms and I always leave feeling so encouraged.  Plus it's nice to have real conversation during the day!

Baby Club

Last March, Jamie and I met up with our friend Natalie in Dallas for a girls weekend.  While we were there, Natalie told us that she was pregnant.  It's been so fun going through this pregnancy with her.  A few short months later, Jamie told us that she was pregnant too, due in May!

Natalie's little boy, Crosby, was born at the end of September and this week they flew into town so our babies could officially meet.  We spent our days feeding babies, talking, changing diapers, eating and laughing.  Nothing glamorous, but so much fun being together.

On Tuesday, we went to lunch with Jamie's sister-in-law, Robin, who had a baby only a couple of weeks before Crosby was born.  It was so funny to see all of us with our babies, juggling car seats, diaper bags, spit up!  I'm sure the people at the restaurant wondered what was up with all these babies!

Thursday we got around early and spent the morning drinking coffee, tea and frozen hot chocolate at Cuppies.  Lucy and Crosby did a great job just hanging out and looking around at everything.  We mommies enjoyed the quiet (it wasn't very quiet any time the two big kids were around!) and spent our time talking with each other. 

We had such a fun week together.  All our fingers are crossed that she and her husband will end up back in Oklahoma when he finishes his residency/fellowship next year!

Lucy Kate- month 2

Dear Lucy-

Today I was thinking about your name.  Everyone always comments on it and wonders where it came from.  It started a few years ago, long before we ever knew you would be here!  Your daddy has always loved The Chronicles of Narnia, and I've always liked the name Lucy.  It was perfect.  Anyway, your name means "light."  Little did we know just how much we would need a little light at the end of a very dark year.

You light up my heart everyday.  You've started to smile big when I come into the room and start talking to you.  Nothing melts this mommy's heart more than that.  You're also finding your sweet little voice and I love it when you "talk" to me.  Precious.

You are sleeping really good at nights- sometimes 6 hour stretches- but you are not a fan of naps!  You only like to sleep if I'm holding you... which I love to do!  You eat every 2.5-3 hours, and your spitting up seems to be doing better.  You wear 3 month clothes, and size 1 diapers.

This month you got to do several firsts.  You stayed in the nursery at church on Sunday and did great.  The ladies loved you and said you are the sweetest thing!  This also means that you finally decided to start drinking out of a bottle.  I started watching Ethan and Elliana a couple of days a week, so that makes those days much more exciting!  You also got to meet Crosby- a whole post about that is coming soon!

2 month stats:
-Weight: 12 pounds, 6 ounces- 90%
-Length: 23.25 inches- 90%

I love you so much, my little goose!  I thank God for bringing this beautiful light to us everyday.

Love, Mommy

just another morning

Today was one of those mornings that if you don't laugh, you'll cry.  It all started with all of us oversleeping.  Micah was going into work late, so he was home and at 8:15 he finally got me to wake up.  John Mark was cranky, got in trouble  because he refused to brush his teeth, so I was already not in the best mood.  Here is a timeline of what happened next (all times are estimates...):

8:30- Make it out the door and into the van.  Think to myself, 'I don't have keys to the house... I really should move those to my new key chain... oh, but that's ok we'll just go back in through the garage.'

8:31- Spend the entire trip to school trying to convince JM that there is NOT enough snow on the ground to make a snowman.

8:37- Drop JM off at school.  Remind him of the things he needs to give to his teacher.  Lucy starts screaming because it's time for her to eat.

8:42- Open the garage, get Lucy out of the car and run in.  Grab the door and remember- I didn't leave through the garage, so that door is still locked.  Start freaking out.  Run around to the front door hoping maybe Micah didn't lock the door... no luck.  Realize I'm going to have to just drive to his office.

8:44- CRAP!  I left my cell phone inside too... this means I'm going to have to actually go INTO his office. 

Here is where I point out that because of how late we woke up, I haven't done ANYTHING- brushed my teeth... looked at my hair... heck, I haven't even gone to the bathroom.  Oh, and Lucy is still screaming because she's starving.

8:45- Back in the van.  Start praying that maybe Micah got held up and will miraculously just be in the parking lot when I get there and save me from some embarrassment.

8:52- At a stop light, frantically try to make my hair look less like I just rolled out of bed (because, HELLO, I just rolled out of bed!) and search the van for gum or a mint... curse myself for making a vow to keep the van super clean and take everything inside.  Decide I'll just have to keep my mouth closed the whole time.

9:00- Roll into Micah's office looking super classy.  Try to sneak around to his office without anyone seeing me... fortunately, Lucy has decided she likes her pacifier, so the screaming has stopped.  Get keys from Micah; talk a bit to the ladies he works with (from a safe distance, obviously).

9:08- Run back to the van through the bitter cold.  Lucy has spit out the pacifier and is screaming her head off again.

9:12- Realize that there are a million police cars and fire trucks blocking off the road I need to turn on.  Turn the van around right there in the middle of the street, not even waiting for the police to reroute us.  Think to myself, 'I hope I don't get pulled over for that, since I also don't have my wallet with me.'

9:20- Arrive home.  Get screaming baby back out of the van, and go inside.  Leave her in the carseat crying while I run to the bathroom and grab two packages of valentine heart cakes to eat for breakfast.

And that is the story of the time it took me an hour to get home from taking JM to school.  Anyone else have a crazy morning?

spare moments

"Fill up the spare moments of your life with praise and thanksgiving."
-Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

I've been going through Jesus Calling for my quiet times and came across this line that stopped me in my tracks.  *sidenote: I highly recommend this devotion book, especially for busy mommas!  It's the perfect blend of quick but deep, with extra scripture to read when you have more time.  Love it.* What would my life be like if I filled up my spare moments with thanksgiving and praise?

When I'm frustrated with John Mark because he's jumped off the couch for the 18th time- what if I took a moment to thank God I have a healthy boy who can jump... if I was thankful for the energy he brings to our home?  How would that change my response?

When I'm picking up shoes and clothes and toys at the end of the day- what if I praised the Lord for those material possessions and a home to keep them in?  Would I stay annoyed that others didn't put their things away?

When I'm driving around town or rocking my baby... when I'm in the carpool line or washing the dishes... when I'm talking to friends or eating my lunch...Life is made up of spare moments- moments that can be filled with grumbling and complaining or praise and thanksgiving.  I'm asking the Lord to change my heart, to make me aware of how much I've been given.  I want my days to be filled up with His grace and peace.

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:18

a beautiful day

Yesterday was one of those days that make me want to freeze time.  The weather was beautiful.  John Mark was in a great mood.  Lucy was happy and content.  I got sleep the night before...
There was nothing spectacular about the day.  We didn't do anything amazing or spend a lot of money.  We did ordinary things, together, and it was lovely.

John Mark and I spent a lot of time outside before lunch.  He is always asking me to come outside with me, but it's always difficult to make that happen.  Lucy was sleeping, and Micah was inside with her.  We threw a ball at each other.  We kicked that same ball.  He spun around... he ran and jumped... he drove around in his gator...  most of all, he just enjoyed my attention.  Beautiful.

Tiffany, Russell & Tanzi met us at the house and we went to lunch at Cow Calf-Hay.  It was so enjoyable to sit with family that I love and be together.  Tanzi threw her crayons on the ground.  John Mark played with Darth Bear.  We talked and laughed.  Beautiful.

After lunch we made the short drive to Crescent to visit Micah's grandparents.  They hadn't met Lucy yet, so we spent the afternoon talking with them.  They admired Lucy, laughed at John Mark and told us stories from their lifetime.  Beautiful.

Life isn't always easy- there are days when we don't get out of our pajamas... the baby cries... John Mark is crazy and I'm cranky. Yesterday was a beautiful reminder that life isn't always about the big things.  Great joy is waiting to be found in the little things, if only we will look for it.

"It's a beautiful day
Don't let it slip away..."
-U2

making friends

God has blessed me richly with many friends from different stages of my life.  I have friends who are younger than me and friends who are older than me...  I have friends in high school, college, married, single...  friends who have seen me at my best and at my worst.  Like I said, I'm blessed.  These relationships mean the world to me.

When we moved churches in the middle of last year, the thing that scared  me the most was the prospect of making new friends.  See, for all those relationships in my life, I'm not very good at actually making friends.  My list of reasons for this is a million miles long-  I'm not super outgoing.  I've never been one of those people who is comfortable talking to anyone.  I've been called "snobby" and "scary" more than a few times.  Small talk and getting-to-know you conversations can feel so forced and awkward.  Throw a kindergartner and new baby in the mix and you've got yourself a recipe to never make new friends again.

It would be so easy to take all these excuses and stay exactly where I am.  I mean, didn't I just mention all the wonderful people in my life?  But I don't want to be a person who just goes to church and never builds relationships.  The early church was filled with people who loved each other deeply; believers gathered together and cared for each other.  They helped to meet the needs of those around them.  None of that would have happened if those people had stayed in closed circles.

One of the things I want in this new year is to build relationships with these new friends God has placed in my life.  I want to pour my life into younger believers; I want to drink from the wisdom and knowledge of those who have walked a different path.  I don't want to let my fear of people's opinions to keep me from obeying God's command to "love one another."

"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer... All the believers were together and had everything in common." Acts 2:42, 44

she smiled, i got a new camera...

Lucy finally smiled for the camera.  That plus my new camera and the lens a friend let me borrow resulted in lots of photos this morning... I apologize in advance.

peace out, 2011

I'm ready for a new year.  And while there are no guarantees this year will be any better than last year, it is my prayer that the lessons I learned this year have prepared my heart for whatever may come. 

I don't have a ton of lofty goals for 2012.  I know this year will be all about new lessons- being a mommy to TWO kids, juggling schedules, spending less, building new relationships... So I've been thinking a lot about what I'd like to accomplish in this new year, and I came up with three goals.

1. Survive- life is different these days with a newborn in the house.  I'm relearning how to handle a baby, and doing that with a 5 year old who has been our world for his whole life isn't easy.  So surviving the year- all of us- is goal number one.
2. Meditate- I know that I don't have hours to spend in the Word... but I also realize that a little bit is better than nothing.  And in order to achieve goal #1, I'm seriously going to need Him to be in the picture.  Memorizing verses.  Reading a few verses instead of facebook or pinterest in some of those quiet moments.  These are the little things I'd like to do more of in 2012.
3. Simplify- Life gets so chaotic and it's easy to lose focus on what really matters. I want to find the things that bring me the most fulfillment and joy and focus on those things.  I want to get rid of the clutter, both in my home and in my heart, to make room for the things that really matter.  I want to stress less about the little things and let peace reign.

So there you have it.  I feel like those things go hand in hand, and in achieving any of them, I will be finding growth in the others.

“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland."
Isaiah 43:18-19

my 2011 book list

I love to read.  It's one of my favorite ways to pass the time.  In fact, I'd almost always choose to read a book over watching TV or a movie.  I read more this year than I have in a long time.  The Kindle I got for my birthday probably has something to do with that.  Especially once the library started to offer free downloads to Kindles.  I love that.

This probably isn't a complete list, because I wasn't the best at keeping track of my books in Goodreads (be my friend!) before I got my Kindle.  Anyway, here is the list of books that I read in 2011.

1. Her Mother's Hope, Francine Rivers
2. Her Daughter's Dream, Francine Rivers
3. Sundays at Tiffany's, James Patterson
4. Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen
5. American Wife, Curtis Sittenfield
6. The Nanny Diaries, Emma McLaughlin
7. Nanny Returns, Emma McLaughlin
8. Firefly Lane, Kristin Hannah
9. The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd
10. The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls
11. Mini Shopaholic, Sophie Kinsella
12. The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, Ree Drummond
13. True Colors, Kristin Hannah
14. Winter Garden, Kristin Hannah
15. Night Road, Kristin Hannah
16. Redemption, Karen Kingsbury
17. Remember, Karen Kingsbury
18. Return, Karen Kingsbury
19. Rejoice, Karen Kingsbury
20. Reunion, Karen Kingsbury
21. Fame, Karen Kingsbury
22. Forgiven, Karen Kingsbury
23. Found, Karen Kingsbury
24. Family, Karen Kingsbury
25. Forever, Karen Kingsbury
26. Til We Have Faces: A Myth Retold, C.S. Lewis
27. A Billion Reasons Why, Kristin Billerbeck
28. Life's a Beach, Claire Cook
29. A Lineage of Grace, Francine Rivers
30. The Book Thief, Markus Zusak
31. Something Borrowed, Emily Giffin
32. Something Blue, Emily Giffin
33. Baby Proof, Emily Giffin
34. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, J.K. Rowling
35. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling
36. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, J.K. Rowling
37. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling
38. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, J.K. Rowling
39. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, J.K. Rowling
40. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling
41. Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery
42. The Bay at Midnight, Diane Chamberlain
43. Before the Storm, Diane Chamberlain
44. The Courage Tree, Diane Chamberlain
45. The Midwife's Confession, Diane Chamberlain
46. Cold Sassy Tree, Olive Ann Burns
47. Shanghai Girls, Lisa See
48. Dreams of Joy, Lisa See
49. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Stieg Larsson
50. The Girl Who Played with Fire, Stieg Larsson
51. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, Stieg Larsson
52. Matched, Ally Condie
53. The Paris Wife: A Novel, Paula McLain
54. The Sugar Queen, Sarah Addison Allen
55. The Peach Keeper, Sarah Addison Allen
56. Safe Haven, Nicholas Sparks
57. Unbroken: A World War II Story..., Laura Hillenbrand
58. The Baby Sleep Book, William Sears
59. Bringing up Boys, James Dobson
60. Everyone Runs: Run to Win, Christine Caine

So there you have it.  Some of those were re-reads (Harry Potter!) and some of those are boring mom books, but hey- I read it so it counts, right?

What have you read this year?  Leave me a comment- I'm compiling my "to read" list of must reads for 2012!

a very merry Christmas

I started this post 3 days ago and am still not finished.  A little girl has decided the only way to sleep in the day is laying on top of me... but she's asleep in her swing right now, so let's try this again!

family of 4

We did Christmas with my family the weekend before Christmas, since my grandparents were going out of town over the holiday.

my two babies

In the past, John Mark has been the only kid at Christmas.  Boy, was that different this year!  We had JM (5), Tanzi Rose (1), Lucy and Wyatt- both babies.  It made for an interesting, busy, LOUD weekend, but it was so much fun.

John Mark with his cousin Tanzi

We ate a big lunch and opened presents on Saturday afternoon.  That evening we ate finger foods (my favorite meal!) and then played cards.  It took us forever to play one game, thanks to diaper changes, feeding babies, etc.  But so worth it.

miss Tanzi Rose

cousin wyatt

 Sunday we went to church, then ate lunch at Nanny's.  Lucy slept through the whole service and was happy to be passed around to all of Bebe's friends.  It was a beautiful weekend, filled with the family I love the most.

our family

 Christmas weekend was just the four of us.  It was a little strange to be alone at home, but in the end I loved it.  We baked sugar cookies, watched a couple of movies and opened Christmas eve gifts (PJ's and a movie for us to watch together).  After JM went to bed, Micah and I filled their stockings.  Stockings might be my favorite part of Christmas morning.  It makes me smile.

showing the cookies he baked with daddy

Christmas Eve jammies

 Christmas morning I got up at 6 with Lucy, then got to work getting everything ready for the big morning.  By 7:30, I had Christmas lights on, lunch prepped, and cinnamon rolls baking.  I woke up Micah and JM, and we all gathered in the living room to have our Christmas.  We opened presents, ate cinnamon rolls and got ready for church.  Mom & Dad met us at church, then came home with us.

baby girl with her presents

my present from JM

daddy and nart

It was a great Christmas weekend.  I'm so thankful for my wonderful life.

Lucy Kate- month 1

Oh Lucy girl, in one short month you have stolen the hearts of everyone who meets you- most of all mine!  Spending my days with you is such a joy.  I love holding you, kissing your squishy cheeks and staring into those dark, dark eyes!

 You were eating for 20 minutes every 3 hours, but at your one month appointment, the doctor had me cut back on the length of time you eat to see if that would help you not spit up as much.  We've cut back to 15 minutes, and it has helped so much.  I'm extremely grateful that you are a quick, efficient eater because with your brother running around, I don't have hours to devote to feeding you. What can I say?  You LOVE to eat!

Nights vary as to how long you sleep.  You have gone stretches as long as 5 hours, but mostly it's awake every 3-4 hours.  You usually drift back to sleep quickly when you're done eating.  In fact, there are times I have to fight to get you to eat the full time.  But I've learned it's worth it to do that when we're both awake rather than letting us both fall asleep for 30 minutes when you remember you're hungry!

You have moved on up to a size 1 diaper and are still wearing mostly 0-3 month clothes.  Dressing you is one of my favorite parts of the day, although you're not so much a fan of having your clothes changed.  You wiggle and scream the whole time I'm putting clothes on you.

Month One stats:
Weight- 10 lbs, 11 oz (90%)
Length- 22.5 inches (90%)

 

I love you so much, precious one and I am so thankful God chose ME to be your mommy.  You have given our family a joy-filled bright spot.  I can't wait to see what the next month holds.

Love,
Mommy

'tis the season

I love Christmas.  I love everything about it- the twinkly lights, parties, food, buying gifts for those I love... but I especially love the music!  As I sat here this morning with my cup of coffee and sleeping baby (scratch that- screaming baby), listening to my spotify Christmas playlist I was inspired to write a little post about my all-time favorite Christmas songs.

1.  O Holy Night- Point of Grace
This is my favorite Christmas song- hands down.  And I will forever love the Point of Grace version of this song.  Judge all you want, but that first Christmas CD they did will go down forever as one of the most played CD's in my collection of Christmas CD's... 

2.  Come Thou Long Expected Jesus- Chris Tomlin
A close second, the lyrics of this song make me want to cry from their profoundness.  And the a capella version on the Chris Tomlin CD is beautiful.

3.  Christmas Don't Be Late- Alvin & the Chipmunks
Don't try to be cool and pretend you don't love this song... and when Theodore belts "meeeeeeee I want a hula hoop" you can't help but smile.

4.  Away in a Manger- Brad Paisley
When I think of this Christmas carol, I have vivid memories of sitting with my nanny in the little church I grew up in singing this.  The Brad Paisley version of this song fits those memories perfectly.

5. Where Are You Christmas?- Faith Hill
I just love this song.  It's sweet and perfect.

6.  Baby, It's Cold Outside- Lee Ann Womack & Harry Connick, Jr.
This was a tough one to decide on my favorite version.  This one edged out the new Lady Antebellum version, but just barely.

7.  I Believe- Natalie Grant
The lyrics to this song are powerful and the true message of Christmas is so clear.  And Natalie Grant has a gorgeous voice.

8.  We Need A Little Christmas- Glee Version
I have always liked this song, but Glee put it on my top 10 list.

9.  O Come, O Come Emmanuel- David Crowder Band
Another song with powerful lyrics.  There are a lot of great arrangements of this song, this one just happens to be my favorite this year.

10.  All I Want for Christmas is You- Mariah Carey or Michael Buble
This one is a classic that everyone knows all the words to.  I love the original, but I love all things Michael Buble, so this one is a tie.

There you have it.  My top 10 list of Christmas songs for your playlist.  I was going to link to these songs on amazon or something, but that's a little impossible to do when trying to feed a baby and type.  So go find them yourself. :)

What songs make the season for you?

introducing

Now that we have the past year out of the way, let's get back to life as we know it today.

One of the biggest blessings of this past year arrived on November 18, 2011.  Introducing Lucy Kate Rigdon- 8 pounds, 7 ounces of pure JOY!

Lucy Kate

We arrived at the hospital at 5:30 Friday morning.  They checked us in and we settled into our holding room until surgery.  Micah and I sat in the room, watching random TV and waiting for 7:30 to roll around so we could meet this little one.

waiting for surgery

 Soon the nurse was walking me back to surgery.  They got me good and numb; I laid there shivering in the SO COLD room.  Micah came in and we sat there talking.  Before too long, I heard that sound I had been waiting 9 months to hear- the precious cries of my baby girl.

first glimpse of my girl

As they took care of me, Micah was with Lucy getting her cleaned up.  It was so surreal to lay there, thinking this tiny person I had waited for was finally here.  She was here and perfect.

first kisses for my sweet girl

When I got back to my room, they brought her to me.  Micah and I sat there, just staring at our precious daughter.  After we'd had our time with her, the family got to come in an meet her.  To say that her big brother was in love would be an understatement.  He sat on the couch, holding her and just talking to her in the sweetest little voice.

big brother love

And just like that, we became a family of four.  My heart overflows with love for these precious gifts from the Lord.

family of four

"The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy."
Psalm 126:3

finally- a post

I'm not going to lie.  This year has been hard- quite possibly the hardest year of my 30 years.  I've experienced enough change, heartbreak, and pain to last me for quite some time. 

Throughout the year, as trial after trial has rolled over my heart, one thing has not changed.  My God has been faithful.  In those moments when I found myself overwhelmed with heartbreak, He was there.  When the tears fell on my pillow in the darkness of night, He was there.  On the days when anger and bitterness threatened to overtake the hope in my heart, He was there.

Is this the direction I would have picked for my life?  Not at all.  Do I miss the way things were?  Sometimes.  Am I happy?  Most of the time.  Am I at peace?  Most definitely.

So, while I am not at all sad to see 2011 come to an end, I am ending it with a full heart.  Surprisingly enough, I find myself with infinitely more blessings than when this year began.  These blessings have come in unexpected places- lessons learned, deeper relationships, a new church family, appreciation for my husband.  The greatest blessing of all comes from somewhere deep within- a place of deeper intimacy with my Savior.  And at the end of the day, I would walk through another year like this one to know Him more.

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
--always, by kristian stanfill