Remember when...

Are there certain places you walk into and are flooded with memories?  Do certain scents trigger memories for you? Do you get a knot in your stomach or a lump in your throat when that happens?  I know I do! Tonight, I am laying on a horribly uncomfortable "bed" that I am convinced is only good for making parents miserable while their children lay peacefully sleeping in the more comfortable bed beside them.  Carson and I are spending the night at the Sleep Lab at Children's Hospital.  We have been here before but it's been a few years, and he doesn't remember it at all so this is a brand new experience for him.  I am so thankful for the majority of the staff here at Children's and all the remodeling and updating they are doing here to make children and parents more comfortable.  This newer Sleep Lab is very nice and I am very pleased so far.  

But I wasn't so pleased driving over here.  On the way to a hospital I am all too familiar with I began to have a nagging feeling in my stomach; a sense of dread, nervousness, and uneasiness!   All the while I was reminding Carson that this was just a sleep study, I was also reminding myself of that very thing.  This is easy; come in, check in, get hooked up to wires and go to sleep.  Easy, yes! And believe me, I am incredibly thankful that we are only here to sleep, I will take a trip to the hospital with no surgeries or tests any day! 

There is just one thing that I don't know if I will ever get over, that knot in my stomach the minute we pull into the parking garage.  I park the car, take a deep breath and open the door...that's the first step.  Next it's gathering up all the things we need, plus Carson, plus the armloads of things to occupy him, distract him, and keep him comfortable.  Those steps from the car to the hospital doors have been some of the longest and some of the shortest steps of my life.  Once we walk through those door, I am surrounded by that hospital smell...that sterile, stinky soap, very distinct smell...it makes me want to turn around and walk right back out (or run).  But I never do, we just keep on walking.  If there are tears in my eyes or a lump in my throat I do everything I can to make it go away, and instead focus on Carson.  This isn't about me after all, this is about the brave, strong little boy who is with me.  The one who needs his mommy to tell him that everything is going to be fine, that this is another adventure, that we are in this together!  After we make it to the correct floor and step out of the elevator it's time for the paperwork that I can fill out in seconds, the list of surgeries a mile long, the medications he's taking and then waiting to see the doctor, specialist, surgeon..whoever it might be that particular day.  We have done all this so many times it's second nature to us now.  We know how to "do" doctor's visits, we know the drill for surgeries and test; Carson knows the routine and goes along quite willingly most of the time. 

So as I lay here just listening to Carson sleep, my thoughts are going in two different directions. First, I am wondering when will I ever get used to this? When will it not bother me to see or smell certain aspects of these things?  Will there come a day when this is all just a faint memory?  The age 6 has always been a big number for us.  That's the age we have always been given when doctors say he "should" be much more improved.  We have seen marked improvement over the years but I'm not expecting perfection by six...only five months to go! But if it's true, if by 6 years old he is a more "normal" boy, than I will praise God.  I will praise Him in the trials and in the celebrations! I look forward to seeing what God does with my boy over these next months and years.  I am spending this year praying that 2013 with be our first year with no surgeries.  We have come so far and everything that has happened is because of the goodness and greatness of our God.  

And second, we have it pretty good!  Has Carson had more surgeries, procedures, tests, doctors appointments, medications than the average kid? YES! Are there children out there who have it far worse then we can ever understand? YES!  Over the years God has brought children into our path to remind me of what it could be like, what its like for these other mommas, and how I should never ever take for granted how good He has been to us.  We know children who have had cancer, who are in remission, and one who is a cancer survivor at the age of 5.  We know children who by all medical standards probably should not have survived being born at 26 weeks instead of 40 but God had much bigger plans for them.  We know children who are sick and in the hospital constantly, who's futures are unknown, and who can do nothing but rest in the arms of God. What a mighty God we serve!   I just ask the Lord to always remind me of these children and their parents, that I will pray for them and that I won't focus only on myself and how this affects my life.  But I pray I will rejoice, I will celebrate how far we have come, I will teach Carson what it means to give thanks always and see the good in every situation.  

I guess tonight I am just thankful...I started out a little sad, unsure, and thinking how unfair this is.  But God has reminded me to rejoice!  Looking back can be painful, but it can also show the healing that came from the pain.   You can see where the wounds have healed and even though there are scars, they are reminders of a faithful and loving God who is directing our path and guiding our steps.  He is always there, He will use this, and I pray that He will use me.  

Tonight, as I sleep in a hospital room for what feels like the hundredth time, I am reminded of the Psalm that says "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep. For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

Life Lessons

I just realized something this afternoon.  It's something I should have probably already been thinking about, something I should already have known, but I just hadn't really thought about it.  Here it is...kids are going to make fun of Carson.  They are going to stare at him when he coughs, laugh when he breathes funny, and not understand why he is "different."  The thing is all kids get made fun of in one way or another, at some point in their lives.  The most "normal" kids out there will have something that will get them teased...the way they dress, talk, laugh, run, etc.  I know that!  I was teased, I was the one doing the teasing, I said hurtful things, and hurtful things have been said to me!  That's life, right!?
RIGHT! Until it comes to your kids and you don't want anything to ever hurt them or make them question what an amazing gift from God they are!
Ever since Carson was born people have stared, strangers have walked up to me and asked if he was ok, people were nervous to keep him in the church nursery, and lets be honest I was pretty defensive.  I was thrown into being a mom with no expectation that this would be my normal.  I, like every other first time mom, dreamed of my perfect little bundle of joy; 10 fingers, 10 toes, normal, and beautiful.  With Carson there were 10 fingers and 10 toes and he was beautiful...normal though?  not so much.  Back then, just a little over 5 1/2 years ago, I had never heard of a TE Fistula, Esophageal Atresia, or anything related to a NICU and I was a naive, clueless, sheltered girl.  It didn't take me long to educate myself, know everything I needed to know, and be ready with lists of questions and concerns at each and every doctor's appointment.  I was his voice, his advocate, his protector, and his mommy.   I hated being stared at, I hated the looks of pity and concern, I hated being questioned on my parenting ability, and I hated not understanding why God chose me to be this little miracle's mommy.  I wasn't always nice, I wasn't always sensitive...I guarded my heart and my baby.
Well he isn't a baby anymore...he keeps reminding me that he is MORE than 5 1/2 now and almost a 1st grader.  He is smart, aware, sensitive, and so many other things that are such amazing attributes.  He is my miracle!  But not everyone knows his back story, not every adult or child knows that his cough is normal or that his breathing noises are ok.  I still see people stare, I hear snickers as we walk through a store, and I still get defensive but I have gotten better. I'm tougher then you might think but Carson? How strong is he?  Probably stronger then I will ever know but I can not grasp the thought of him being teased or stared at....what will his reaction be?  Will he have the right answers? Will he be defensive or will I be able to teach him to be strong and stand up for himself? Will he accept that although he sounds different that he is just like all the other kids? Will I be able to help him understand what an amazing miracle his life is?  Will he care?
Kids don't always mean to be mean, they don't always say things to be hurtful...they just don't understand.  I want to help Carson to understand that, I want him to know that every single time I hear him cough, and every single time I hear him make noises when he breathes that I am reminded of what an incredible, amazing, wonderful gift from God he is.  God gave me Carson to teach me over and over again about the goodness of God, His faithfulness, and how His mercies are new every morning! There have been challenges, trials, and fears but I have learned to "rejoice in the Lord always....let gentleness be known to all men....be anxious for nothing...in everything by prayer and supplication and with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God...AND the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds.   (Phil 4:4-7)
I am overwhelmed right now thinking about anyone hurting Carson, or that time that may come when he wishes he wasn't different or wishes he could be more like the other kids!  I pray with all my heart that I will be able to say and do just the right things.  I pray that he will have strength, that he will not be defensive, that he will be able to laugh and smile and know that people don't mean to be hurtful, I pray that he will always have a sensitive heart and be aware of others.  There are children out there that are even less "normal" than Carson, I pray that Carson will be their friends, that he will protect them, love them, and understand them.
I am looking forward to seeing what else God has for Carson...I look forward to the day he asks Jesus into his heart and how God will use his precious, wonderful life.  I am incredibly thankful for Carson, he completely changed my life!   I am thankful for the lessons I have learned and the ones that are still left to learn.  I am thankful for this day....even though it weighs on my heart and mind that he may be teased or made fun of,  I am thankful that I do not have to worry about that...God has it all under control!   I am thankful for the example Carson is to others...a living, breathing example of God's amazing grace.
So, although I want to shout it from the rooftops, have shirts made, or pass out fliers that say "HE IS FINE, IT'S NORMAL, I PROMISE! I will just keep trusting in God and asking for wisdom as I raise Carson and Aden.  I pray that I am kind and that I show Jesus to others. I pray that I will not be anxious or worry but that I will trust that God will give all the strength, faith, and mercy that we will need!

12 Extraordinary Women ~ Part 7

I had hoped that this series of posts would happen in a more timely way, closer together so that it all went smoothly and flowed from one to the next.  Clearly, that did not happen...life definitely can "get in the way" of sitting down to blog!  In case you have missed Part 1-6, I am doing a series of blogs about 12 extraordinary women in my life.  After doing a topical Sunday School class on the book 12 Extraordinary Women by John MacArthur I was inspired to tell you about some very special women in my life.  As I have said several times before, I am abundantly blessed to be surrounded by amazingly extraordinary women.  There are so many that you and I could list off quickly and obviously but my goal in this was to tell you something about the less obvious ones.  These are women who have impacted my life, who are a great example, and who follow hard after God.  They are doing God's will faithfully, consistently, and without much fanfare or attention pointed their way.  They are not always recognized and sadly not always noticed.  These are the women who I want to tell you about, the unexpected, extraordinary women.
Today is my 7th women in the series, she is someone who I knew as a young girl and then reconnected with just a couple of years ago.  She is several years younger than me but still such an example.  Heather grew up at Graceway as a little girl and until just a couple of years ago I had not seen her since she left so many years ago.  I remember she walked in one evening to church when I was working in the nursery, she filled out visitor cards for Haidyn and a couple of other kids she had with her, and we chatted for a minute.  I told her she looked so familiar to me and thats when I realized it was little Heather Wright all grown up!
I am so thankful that God brought Heather back to Graceway and that we have been able to become close over the past year or so.  Carson and Haidyn are the same age...exact same age...same birthday and everything! Eli and Aden are a year apart but Eli can hold his own with anybody!
I have loved watching Heather grow in the Lord, study His Word, and learn more and more what it means to be a godly woman, wife, mother, and friend.  She is probably one of the happiest, smiliest people I know.  She makes me laugh and just enjoys life.  I love her spontaneity and her outlook on life.  She is energetic, fun, outgoing, and full of life!
Not only does she have this fun, bubbly personality but she also loves the Lord with all her heart and she exemplifies Him in all she does.  I love her desire to know more, I love the questions she asks me, I love how she has written all over her Bible as she studies, grows, and learns.  Heather challenges me, she makes me want to do better, she motivates me to study more.  She lives out loud and shows Jesus to everyone she comes in contact with.  I have very seldom heard from her complaining, grumbling, or negativity.  She can see the positive in almost any situation.
Heather is faithful and obedient.  She follows what God commands for her life and is an example to her husband, children, family, and everyone around her.  She is following hard after God, she strives to be like Him, love like Him, and point others to Him.  She is a great example of an extraordinary woman!
Heather, thank you for being my friend!  I am so glad God brought you into my life!  I am beyond blessed as I watch you learn more and more what it means to follow God!  I love your love for His word and how you desire to be obedient and do His will!  I love that through challenges and trials you are faithful and consistent. You are learning and growing, and you don't give up or waiver.  You are a great friend and encourager.  Keep doing what you are doing, God will bless that!  I know He has amazing things in store for your life as you continue to become more like Him as an extraordinary woman!  I love you!

12 Extraordinary Women ~ Part 6

Halfway there!  I had no idea when I started this that it would take me such a long time.  It is not from lack of choices in extraordinary women but more lack of time to really sit down and write exactly what I want to say about each of these women.  The things I have said about each of them barely scratches the surface on some of their amazing qualities and the way they live their lives.  It is such an honor to know so many extraordinary women.  As I have said before, these are not the women that stand out immediately in our minds; these are the women who are quietly, faithfully serving God who are not always recognized for the great things they do and way they live their lives.
Today I am going to tell you about one of my favorite people in the world.  She is someone that I look up to, admire, and wish I could be more like.  She is definitely an extraordinary woman.  Gaye is an incredibly godly woman, she loves the Lord with all her heart.  She is an amazing mom, grandma, daughter, sister, wife, and friend.  She takes amazing care of the people in her life.  She is giving, sensitive to the needs of others, selfless, and such a hard worker.
Gaye is someone who I have been blessed to know at church and working together in the nursery.  She is an outstanding nursery director; she loves each one of the children that walk through the doors.  She speaks so kindly to them, knows how to communicate so well with their parents, and keeps things running smoothly.  A few of us try to fill in when she isn't there but no one can do it like Gaye does!  She is missed very much when she isn't there but I am thankful for the times she is able to rest or take care of herself and let others minister to her.  Gaye and I have spent many, many, many hours together over the past several years and I have loved every minute of it!  She has such wisdom and Biblical knowledge.  She gives great advice and when she doesn't have the answers she will pray about it and always come back to you with some words of wisdom! She is an encourager and a cheerleader for the people in her life.  She makes you feel at ease and like you could pour out your whole heart to her if you could.  I respect her so much.  She is a faithful servant of God, obedient to His will and call on her life.  She is steady and consistent.  She is full of joy and peace that only comes from the Lord.  She is a prayer warrior and true example of Christ's love.
Gaye is someone who does her "job" at church with a joyful heart and a burden for the lives of children.  She too often goes unrecognized for all the hard work she puts into her ministry and we tend to take for granted that she will be there or will take care of things.  I am personally wanting to do better about thanking Gaye and other people in church ministry for all of their hard work, dedication, and devotion to the church and the things of God.  Without women like Gaye things would be very different.  I love that Aden loves to see "Miss Gaye" and runs in (almost) every time he sees her.  She makes him want to be at church.  The nursery is a place that is peaceful, exciting, and filled with love for all of the children.
I also love how Gaye loves her family and friends.  She loves life, she spends quality time with people, she is devoted to the people in her life, and she cherishes moments with them.
Gaye, thank you for being such an extraordinary woman!  You have made a huge impact on my life over the years and I feel incredibly blessed to know you and to call you my friend.  Thank you for all you do! Thank you for loving the Lord, loving His call on your life, and loving others like He does.  I see Jesus in you!  You inspire me and motivate me to do better! Thank you for all you have taught me and for all the things I have yet to learn from you.  Thank you for loving my children and showing them Jesus.  You are one of the most faithful, consistent, gracious, knowledgeable, enoucoraging, patient, godly women I know!  It really is an honor and blessing to know you!  I LOVE YOU!

12 Extraordinary Women ~ Part 5

I have a friend who I admire so much.  She is someone who follows hard after God and makes extraordinary look easy!  She made my college years much more fun and she always made me laugh!  I have an incredible amount of respect for her and I love how she loves the Lord.
Stacy is a few years younger than me, we met while I was at USAO.  She and I were both in Deaf Education and had LOTS of classes together.   She was a mess...I love how she never really cared what people thought of her.  She did her own thing.  She loved life and made it exciting.  Going through all of our classes together we became friends and I am so thankful for that.  We became close while we student taught at the same school.  I loved spending everyday with her and getting to know her better.  The more I got to know her, the more I saw that her zeal for life came from her daily walk with the Lord.  She was bold in her faith, she was an encourager and example, she made me want to do better.
Fast forward to today, Stacy is happily married to an awesome guy and has two adorable kids.  She is still all of those things I said before.  She is steady, consistent, faithful, and strives to be like Christ.
She is a godly wife who loves her husband.  They laugh together, they make memories, and they love one another just like scripture says.  Stacy is a great mommy who is raising children in a home filled with love, laughter, and a desire to live for God.  She is also a pre-k teacher who loves those children as well.  She works hard and does what is right in every area of her life.  Stacy is faithful to her  church.  She is active and involved.  She is committed to doing the things of the Lord in ministry.
What I love about Stacy is she doesn't take things too seriously, she is relaxed and at peace.  The light of Jesus shines through her and I have never seen her waiver.  She makes people feel at ease and comfortable. She loves others, she loves like Jesus.
Stacy is a great example of an extraordinary woman.  I have seen her at high points and low points but never did I question her faithful to God.  I am so grateful that I have been able to be a part of a life that is so molded into the image of Christ.
Stacy, thank you for being an example.  Thank you for doing right.  Thank you for being consistent.  I have so much respect for you.  Your knowledge of the Bible is amazing.  Your love for the Lord is inspiring.  You are one of my favorite college memories! :)  I am blessed to know you and I am so glad I have such an extraordinary woman in my life.

12 Extraordinary Women ~ Part 4

It's challenging to sit down and write a blog about amazing women when you have been hit with first, Carson getting sick and now Aden having pneumonia in both lungs!  What a week!  Carson is doing much better and yesterday when Aden started to cough a little and have a runny nose I just assumed he had a little cold from Carson.  A few hours later....throw up in my hair and a boy with a 102 fever...I found out he was a pretty stinkin' sick little man.  Aden has had a cold here and there but never been sick like this.  It breaks my heart and I wish I could fix it for him.  We are doing all we can and hopefully in the next day or 2 we will start to see some improvement!
On days like this, when I have sat with a 2 1/2 year old in my lap all day long burning up with fever, when I feel exhausted, helpless and overwhelmed, I am extra thankful for the amazing women in my life.  My extraordinary woman from day 3 started out by blessing me this morning by offering to pick Carson up from school today!  I nearly cried when I read her text...I think that was partially from being so tired though.  I was so thankful to be able to stay home, not have to wake Aden up from his nap and let Carson have a little bit of fun by riding with Saydee and Lindsay.
So many of my extraordinary women have called me today to check on us and see if we need anything.  I feel so blessed!  I am very thankful for the awesome women I have in my life who love me and my kids and I know would do anything for us.
This afternoon, one of my favorite ladies called me.  She is definitely extraordinary!  I have watched her walk through trials and experience heart ache like I can not imagine and all along that path she has been faithful, committed, and obedient.  Marilyn is an amazing woman.  Over the past several months I have been blessed to get to know her better!  She has been at our church for quite some time now but I never really got to know her well until she started giving Carson piano lessons.
Marilyn is someone that I admire and respect.  She is a talented, kind, loving, giving, godly woman.  She wants to help, she wants to be used, she cares and is compassionate.  She is a great listener and encourager.  She has so much Biblical knowledge, wisdom, and discernment.  I love to hear her talk about the things of the Lord; her walk with Him is so natural and apparent.  She loves her family, friends, and church.  She is so committed to doing the things of the Lord and being obedient to His call on her life.
I am amazed by Marilyn.  Her husband, LD, went to be with the Lord nearly a year ago and I have watched Marilyn and I have seen her continue to be faithful.  She is such a strong woman and I would love to be more like her.  She has had hurt, sadness, and countless numbers of feelings that I can not begin to understand but I see the peace of God all over her.  She rests in Him, she rejoices, and she is an example to others.
I love how much my children love Marilyn.  I love that she loves them.  I am so glad they are getting to know her like I am.  Her home is a place where I feel "at home" and comfortable.  She welcomes people into her home and lets little boys kick off their shoes, run around, and have snacks. (there are piano lessons mixed in there too)
Marilyn , thank you for your obedience to God.  Thank you for being faithful to Him.  You are a great example to me and I feel so blessed to have such an extraordinary woman in my life.  You live like Christ, He shines through you, you love like Him.  Thank you for all you do and for living a life that is such a great example for other woman!

12 Extraordinary Women ~ Part 3

It has been several days since I shared with you one of my 12 extraordinary women posts...it is not for lack of ideas but lack of time and energy.  Carson became sick during the night Wednesday night and we spent most of Thursday, Friday and Saturday resting, coughing, doing breathing treatments, and starting all over again.  Sunday he was on the mend and today was back to school and back to normal around here.  He did come home from school exhausted today and in need of a breathing treatment but he said he was very glad to be back to school and that his friends all missed him very much!
All that to say, taking care of a sick boy took priority over my blog but today I am ready to get back into the swing of things with my 3rd installment of 12 extraordinary women who have no idea they are extraordinary.
Today, just like day 1 and day 2, I want to tell you about a woman who is godly, faithful, a servant, and a great example of the Proverbs 31 woman.  These women are not the expected, obvious choices and because I have been incredibly blessed in my life, I have many women to choose from who have blessed my life.
I have a very dear friend in my life, she has been a part of it since the 3rd grade.  Lindsay is my sister's age but even as a little girl she let me be a part of her life.  She included me, loved me, let me share her clothes, and made me feel special.  I will never forget spending afternoons at her house and her letting me try on her shoes, play with her stuffed animals, and her treating me like I was no different then the "older girls."  That has always meant so much to me and made for some very happy memories for me.  Over the past several years, Lindsay and I have become very close and I am so incredibly thankful to have her in my life.  She is probably one of the happiest people I know.  She loves life, she always has a hug and smile ready for you, she laughs and makes you laugh right along with her.  She is Lindsay...she has never changed for anyone, what you see is what you get, and I love that about her.  I admire her so much.
Lindsay has been a part of my life in very pivotal moments and she probably doesn't even realize it.  The best advice I was given when I got married was from her.  Some of the best conversations and words of encouragement I received when Carson was such a sick little baby were from her.  She is honest but with kindness.  She is helpful and willing.  She has discernment and wisdom.  Her phone calls always have come at the perfect moment, the words she shares have always been exactly what I need to hear (even if it isn't what I want to hear), she is a great friend.
Lindsay is a very godly woman...her love for the Lord and doing His will is evident in every area of her life.  She motivates me and makes me want to do better. You don't have to look far to see Jesus in her, His light shines through her and all she is and all she does is because she is a servant of God.
 She takes great care of her home, her husband, and her daughter.  She is truly a Proverbs 31 woman.  She honors her husband and respects him.  She is raising Saydee in a godly home and teaching her what it looks like and what it means to be a child of God.  She has a home that is beautiful, warm, and inviting.  She loves her family, her  church family, and her friends.
She loves others, the ones that are easy to love and those that are not as lovable.  She makes people feel at ease and content.  She loves like Christ.  She goes above and beyond!
Lindsay is one that you could easily take for granted...she is always there, she will always do it, she is always willing, she is ever faithful.  I pray that I do not take her for granted.  I pray that I encourage her, thank her, and do my best to remind her often what an amazing woman I think she is.
I love how she loves God, I love how she strives to be better, I love how she is genuine and true, I love that she doesn't take herself too seriously, and I love that she is my friend and example.
Lindsay, thank you for being my friend.  Thank you for taking the time to get to know me.  I love going to church with you, raising our children in the same church and school, having our husbands serve as deacons together, and just being friends. You are a tremendous blessing, not just to me, but to so many of the people you come in contact with.  You are truly extraordinary, special, and unique! There is no one else like you and I'm so glad God gave you to me and everyone else in your life.

12 Extraordinary Women ~ Part 2

Yesterday I began a 12 part series of posts dedicated to women who have touched my life and made an impact on me.  As a I said in my first post, these are not the obvious choices, the ones we all know that are extraordinary, who stand out in our minds...but these are the women who quietly, faithfully, steadily live extraordinary lives as servants of God.  My heart and mind are so full as I think about all the women who have made an impact on my life.  What a blessing it is for me to have the honor of knowing so many spiritual giants and Proverbs 31 women.
Today, in keeping with my Georgia girl from yesterday, I will continue on with a group of extraordinary southern ladies.  As I said yesterday, I moved to Gainesville, Georgia in 1998 as a 16 year old...this kind of move is never easy for anyone, especially a teenage girl who had never known anything other than south Oklahoma City and her close knit family and church friends.  When we joined our church in Gainesville, New Holland Baptist Church, I was in a little bit of shock.  I had grown up at Graceway with a large youth group, a big building, and tons of people.  New Holland was an old traditional southern church with a much smaller youth group.  It took some time but I loved my new youth group, my church, and the people who went there.  They truly loved one another, enjoyed being together, and had so much fun.
There is a group of women who were at that church that I would say are extraordinary.  They are spiritually grounded, focused on doing the things of God, and living their lives by thinking eternally.  Patra, Andrea, Janice, and Lauri are some of the many women who welcomed me and my family with open arms.  They made me feel at home and a part of the "group".  I loved how confident they were, how easily they had fun, and their amazing attitudes.
Through facebook I have been able to keep in touch with these women and am still incredibly blessed by their posts and the lives they are living.  They are so faithful and love the Lord with all their heart.  I feel honored to have known these women for nearly 15 years.  (Can you believe it's been that long!?)  I have watched them go through trials, hurts, and disappointments but I never saw them waiver.  They continued on.  I have seen them rejoice, celebrate, and experience new and unexpected adventures in life.  Each of them love like Jesus.  They love their families, their  church, others, and display what it means to live for Christ.
You 4 ladies hold a very special place in my heart, I have incredible memories of spending time with each of you.  Thank you for doing the will of God, thank you for loving others, and thank you for being an example.  You are all faithful, consistent, joyful, loving, extraordinary women.
There are many ladies from New Holland who  still mean so much to me, I could make a list that goes on and on.  But you 4 ladies have touched my life even as an adult in ways you probably didn't know you would.  I would like to be more like you! Thank you for investing a little bit of time into a sassy teenage girl with a big attitude.  Thank you for still being a part of my life, I am so glad I can see Jesus in each of you!  You have been a great example! Please know that you have had a part in making me the woman I am today...I hope I can make you proud!

12 Extraordinary Women ~ Part 1

Starting on Sunday, our church began an 8 week change up in Sunday School.  We switched from our traditional classes to a handful of choices on specific topics.  From college to older adults, we began our 8 week journey into the topic of our choice.  Brad chose to go to the class, 12 Ordinary Men, based on the book by John MacArthur.  I decided to attend the women's class, studying 12 Extraordinary Women by John MacArthur.  I was looking forward to the class, I have never read the book but had heard good things about it.  I was also looking forward to the change of being in a class geared just at women and spending time with the wonderful ladies at my church.  Our first lesson was about Eve and it was very good.  I loved the things that John MacArthur had to say about her and the points that our Sunday School teacher (my aunt) brought out of the chapter.  We all know the story of Eve, we blame her for all the horrible things that happen to us, but she was extraordinary!  What an honor it will be in heaven someday to talk with her and ask her what it must have been like to experience God's amazing grace and compassion.  I can not imagine the moment when her eyes were open to her sin and her innocence was lost...the guilt, the shame, the fear. But even in God casting them out of the garden, He showed mercy and grace.  How great is our God!
While thinking about this book, these 12 extraordinary women, and how God used each of them I began to think about the extraordinary women in my life.  I have been beyond blessed to know some pretty amazing women.  I have family, friends, acquaintances, people from my past and present who demonstrate daily what it means to follow hard after God and be an extraordinary woman.  Some of these women have no idea that they are extraordinary, some of them are just being obedient and faithful and don't realize that they are an example to others.
That is why I want to spend some time over the next several days recognizing some of the extraordinary women I have the honor of knowing.  I could go beyond 12 very easily, I could give you the list of obvious ones, but I want to share with you some women who have touched my life that probably don't even know it.
So here is my first one, a friend from my past but who I creep on often through her blog.  When I moved to Georgia in 1998, I was a sad, bitter, lost 16 year old walking into a new high school where I knew no one.  That move from Oklahoma City to Gainesville turned my world upside down.  I had lived a very sheltered, naive, comfortable life and suddenly I was thrown out of my protective little bubble into a brand new town where people have very thick southern accents and have been friends since the beginning of time and new girls don't come around all that often.  So here I was, this new girl who people stared at but didn't really say much to and then came Christina!  I am pretty sure she has NEVER met a stranger...I'm pretty sure I thought I had never met anyone stranger!  :)  But she was and is one of the most genuine people I have ever met.  As a junior in high school I cared entirely too much about what people thought about me but she didn't care at all.  She was silly, funny, loud, friendly and I never saw her unhappy.  I secretly admired that even though I was "too cool" to admit it at the time.
Christina and her friends welcomed me to the school, were friendly, let me sit with them and took an interest in my life.  I was so thankful for her during those first few transition weeks.
That first semester of our junior year was the only time we had class together, and sadly I moved on to other friends.  But I will never forget and never stop being thankful for her smiling friendly face who made me laugh when all I wanted to do is cry and move back to Oklahoma!

Since becoming an adult and reconnecting with old friends through facebook, I discovered that Christina and I were having babies just a few weeks apart in August of 2007.  She also was a great blogger and has an incredible way with words.  I love reading her stories and I still can hear her wit and laughter over the funny things she posts.
Christina is happily married and is the mommy to 4 beautiful children (all under the age of 5!).  I have read her blog since I found it and I am always excited to see a new post.  Though many of her posts are sharing funny stories about her kids or the daily going ons of her life there is an underlying theme of her love for the Lord and her desire to instill in her children a desire to know Him more.  I have watched over the years, through her blog, how she is raising children who love the things of God, who are being raised in an incredibly loving household, by two parents who are faithful servants of God.  I admire Christina so much, and although she probably doesn't even know (until now) what a testimony she is to me I consider her to be an extraordinary woman.
She is a great example of a Proverbs 31 woman...she is raising obedient, loving, happy children; she takes care of her home; she honors and respects her husband; she is frugal and a good steward of their finances.  I have read many of her blog posts and been convicted, encouraged, and inspired.  I love that a woman who is a young mother is already such an amazing, godly woman who can be an example to others.  So many times we only look up to older women who have lived longer lives, experienced more, and had more time to do things right.  I have someone who I can look up to who is the same age as me and in a similar season of life as I am.  Her posts on spiritual things and the things she and her husband are teaching her children are wonderful.  She has so much wisdom and such an understanding of the things of the Lord.  I would love to be more like Christina.  I want to teach my children more about the things of God.  I want them to see Jesus in me.  I want to be patient, understanding, fun, loving, and a good homemaker.
What an honor and blessing it is for me to be able to keep up with such an amazing woman through her blog and facebook.  I am thankful God allowed our paths to cross all those years ago and I am thankful that she has been ever faithful to the Lord and His call in her life.  I look forward to the years to come and seeing how God continues to use her, her husband, and her children.
Christina, thank you for being my friend...I wasn't a very good friend to you but you hold such a special place in my heart and memories.  I am so glad I am able to continue to peek in on your life from time to time through your blog and see what an incredible, steady, consistent, obedient, faithful servant of God you are.  I pray that my post encourages you and that you know you are a great example to me!

Ticking the Ivories

Carson had his very first piano recital last Saturday and it was one of the cutest things he has ever done!

He has always had an interest in music, starting when he was a baby watching Baby Einstein, dancing to my mom's ringtone or a singing Christmas ornament at Granny's house.

Over the years, he has had countless musical toys, recognized songs from movies when he heard them other places (his favorite to hear was always from the Elf soundtrack), loved cranking up the music in the car, and of course shakin' his groove thang!

This past summer I asked him if he would like to take piano lessons.  We had tried soccer in the spring and that did not go well.  He did not like the games, he did not like running, and he always asked his coach if he could come out when he had just been put in the game.
Realizing he was only 4 and that it was his first attempt at a sport we didn't worry too much about it but did decide to take a break from sports for a little while.  When the idea of piano came along, I thought it might be a good activity for him until we were ready for sports again...if he wants to play sports again.  As we talked about it I told him he would have to practice and there would be lessons but he was eager to try.  At this point I was so thankful to have an amazing pianist at our church who gives lessons,  Ms. Marilyn.  She told me that since he was so young, we would start at slow with very easy, beginners books.  He was so excited to start.

 At his very first lesson with Ms. Marilyn, he was more distracted by being at Mr. LD's house and asking Marilyn if she had candy. 
What I love about Marilyn is she is incredibly patient with Carson, takes her time, and is so relaxed.  This is the sign of a great teacher, a grandma, and an amazing woman!
Since his first lesson, he has had weekly practice, although we missed several due to sickness or busyness.  He still loves to practice and loves going to lessons.  He still asks for candy and of course Marilyn has it for him.  One of his favorite things now is for me to drop him off instead of staying at her house while he practice.  He thinks he is so big!

Along with his interest in music, at Christmas we bought him a Just Dance for Kids game for his Wii...I think piano has helped his rhythm because he's got moves!!  It is hilarious to watch him shake his booty and his intense dance moves.  So even though it doesn't really have to do with his piano recital, I thought I would share a video of him dancing

After Christmas it was time to really start practicing for his recital.  I was nervous for him because sometimes he can get a little shy when he realizes people are watching him.  He does great at home and loves to be silly and sing and dance for us but when we ask him to do it for someone else he almost always clams up.  Marilyn and I both assured them that if he didn't want to do it he didn't have to and that it is ok to make mistakes or forget the notes.   He played 3 different songs.  The first 2 were a simple line of playing C, D, and E and the third was Jingle Bells.  He did amazing.  He loved watching the other kids play and LOVED that so many of his family members came to watch.  He hammed it up very nicely while he played.  He kept looking around at everyone and at the end of each song he turned around and to give me the biggest grin...melted my heart!  Of course when he finished he turned around and bowed to everyone.  He was so proud and so was I.
Marilyn says he has great potential and I am so glad he has found something he loves.

A Fresh Start

Here it is!  ANOTHER attempt at blogging!

It's a new year, a new beginning, a chance to try again.  So here is my attempt at becoming a blogger once again.  I'm not sure how interesting it will be, I'm not sure how much I will have to say, but I wanted to try it again.  I love reading other people's blogs and my life is just crazy enough to be worth a blog post from time to time.
I have a lot of friends minimizing things in their lives, focusing on making memories and enjoying the moments, and living more frugally!  I want to do that too!
My goal this month is to accomplish several things...this might roll over into 2 or 3 months.

1st ~ I want to finish the photo books I started for the kids.  I am 2 years behind on both of them and I really need to just sit down and finish them.  I also want to finish my Project Life from 2011 and my Year in Review for 2012.  I want to get all of my pictures organized, some printed off, and everything updated, neat and tidy.

2nd ~ I want to save money.  I have so many little projects here and there I want to do but there never seems to be the money to do any of it.  I am going to cut WAY back on the extras and the grocery budget so that I can save some of that money to go toward my projects and getting my house "finished".  We have lived here for a year and a half and I am ready for it to be decorated and done!

3rd ~ I want to be more frugal with my money.  I know 2 was to save money but even in the money I spend I want to be more careful and aware of what I am spending.  I already coupon, but I could do better.  I want to be a good steward of what God has blessed us with and I want to bring honor to Him with our finances.

4th ~ I want to create memories and have "moments" with my family.  I want to remember that laundry can wait, that there will always be time for the dishes after they go to bed, that spontaneity is a good thing.  I want to laugh, play, and have fun.  I want Brad and I to spend more time together, dating each other, and talking to each other; remembering all the reasons we fell in love.  I want to spend one on one time with both my boys.  I want them to feel loved, cherished, important, and that they are a top priority in my life.

5th ~ I want to have a stronger relationship with God.  I want it to be my absolute top priority.  I want to learn, to grow, to challenge myself to go deeper.  I want people to see Jesus in me!  I want to love like Him.  I desire more of Him and I want to think more eternally in my day to day life!

6th ~  I want to become more fit and focused on a healthy lifestyle.  I need to drink more water and exercise.  I want to make good decisions and take care of myself.  I want to teach my children and to lead by example.

7th ~  I want to more consistently blog! :)

Here's to a fresh start and trying harder, being diligent and focused!! Let's see where this goes...