DAY TWO

I am thankful for Pearce.

I will never forget the wonderful way Pearce entered our lives. Pearce was a complete and total surprise baby. Jimmy and I were planning to wait a few more years before growing our family but God had better plans for us. Jimmy and I thought we were preventing pregnancy, however it is impossible to prevent God’s perfect plan. Early in my pregnancy, I underwent knee surgery. I remember the nurses asking me on my surgery day if I could possibly be pregnant. I laughed and replied, “No, absolutely not.”



Little did I know …

Four days later, (New Year’s Eve to be exact), Jimmy and I learned we were expecting. Like any normal person would have, I panicked. I was convinced that the trauma of the surgery, pain meds, and anesthesia would certainly have some negative affects on our unborn child. But they didn’t. And I am so grateful for Pearce’s healthy arrival into this world. I am grateful that we have a healthy, happy child. I have a tendency to take his health and wellness for granted, but I know it is by the grace of God that he has been protected.

 I am so thankful that the Lord chose to bless us with Pearce, even though we thought we weren't ready for a child yet. Pearce has brought more joy to our entire family than I ever could have imagined and I often think how good our God is for knowing better than us. He gave us the dream we didn't know we were missing and for that, I am grateful.

I am thankful for Pearce’s bright mind. Seriously, this kid doesn’t miss a beat. Jimmy and I often look at each other, with dropped jaws, as we laugh at some clever, witty comment Pearce has made. Earlier this week I was pulling into the neighborhood and Pearce exclaimed, “Home Sweet Home!” I love watching him pack his “man purse” with tools and musical instruments as he explains his plans to drive to Oklahoma City. His imagination is so vivid and I crack up at the things that come out of his mouth. I love that his little mind is like a sponge, absorbing the environment around him.


I am thankful for Pearce’s compassionate spirit. I am constantly amazed at his ability to offer real, gentle support when I need it. The kiddo may only be two years old, but he has got the sensitive thing down. Today I commented that my finger hurt and the sweet boy came over to kiss it. There have been a few instances when Pearce has seen me cry and he comes right up to my face, tilts his head, and says, “Mama, what happened?”

I am so grateful for Pearce’s joyful laughter. From a very young age, Pearce has blessed our home with the greatest belly laughs. Whether it’s wrestling with his daddy or his response to the funny faces we make, he simply cracks up and enjoys life the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

I am also thankful for his smell. I know that may be a strange thing to love enough to mention, but his smell takes me back to the day he was born. We still use Johnson’s Baby Wash on him so his sweet head emits the same sweet smell I remember. I love to snuggle up into his soft hair as I hold him at night when we pray before bed. Seriously, I don’t think there is anything better than that.



Thank you Jesus for the blessing we have in Pearce. His life is a testament to your mercy, love, and unfailing sovereignty.

DAY ONE

I am thankful for my husband.

I love how Jimmy loves the Lord. He has this spiritual integrity that is second to none and I love how he always desires to do what is good. He leads by example and seeks what is right. I cherish the encouragement, support, and graciousness he has provided me in these past seven years together.


I am thankful for Jimmy’s pursuit of me. From the time of our first date, he was very intentional with me and made those intentions clear. I never had to wonder how he felt, if he was going to call, or where he saw our relationship going. He always told me himself and has always kept his word. I am so thankful for the security I felt early on, and for the security I feel today.

I am thankful for his servant’s heart. For the entire nine months of my pregnancy, this sweet guy brought me apple juice and cereal in bed so I could get my heavy morning sickness out of the way. He never left my side while I heaved up everything within me. (And believe me, it wasn’t a pretty sight.) Jimmy still makes my breakfast and pours my morning coffee. I sometimes take these small acts of love for granted but they say so much about his heart.


I am thankful for his friendship. I love that he and I can laugh together for hours. He makes road trips, grocery shopping, and even house cleaning fun. He truly is the coolest partner around. Jimmy has quite the “freak flag” hidden behind his serious nature. I love it when he waives that flag proudly. And I also love that he laughs at my jokes. Because let’s face it, I think I am pretty funny myself.

I am thankful for the kind of father he chooses to be. He loves our boy with all his heart and his tenderness towards Pearce is so precious to watch. I have yet to see such patience, wisdom, and intent anywhere else. I love how he strives to be better with Pearce. His otherwise tidy nightstand is stacked with books about fathering, Godly discipline, and raising our boy to be a gentleman. He takes his role as daddy so seriously, and like many things he does: he sets a very high standard.

Thank you Lord for such a kind and loving husband.

A Change of Heart

Sometimes, when I am in a quiet place in life I am able to rest my mind and focus on the things that really matter. But lately, life has been loud. Somehow, I have lost focus. Maybe it is the result of our two pregnancy losses. Maybe it’s because we are dealing with the ‘terrible two’s’ full throttle. Maybe life is just too hectic. Maybe I simply need to slow down.

And maybe … just maybe … it’s me.

In the midst of my daily diaper changing, lotion-lathering, dish-doing, toy-tripping, and Facebook - creeping I have become unsatisfied. I have become impatient. And I have become unsettled. To put it in one word…I am: ungrateful.


I don’t know where the roots of discontentment begin but I know those roots grow fast. And they are strong … strong enough to wrap our hearts and minds in a muddy mess of entitlement. I find myself asking questions and challenging the Lord’s sovereignty over our lives. I miss the wonder right in front of me because I am too busy looking forward. And often times, I pout over all the blessings I eagerly anticipate but rarely appreciate.

It’s a little awkward to be confessing this on-line, however some things just need to be said and since I am rarely someone who holds my tongue, I figure I might as well just put it all out there. I would like to believe that I am not the only person who struggles in this area so hopefully this “commitment” of mine will be of some encouragement to those who stumble across my blog.

It is Thanksgiving season and this time of year is so dear to me. I love the smell of pumpkin candles in my kitchen. I look forward to fun fall ideas from my Real Simple magazine. I love the anticipation of making the perfect Thanksgiving meal. I cherish family pictures of us in brown sweaters and fall accessories. I look forward to Cyber Monday. And most of all, I treasure this time of year with family. And while all those things are wonderful, they are nothing compared to the true intention of Thanksgiving. I did some research and found that Thanksgiving in America originally began as a religious observance to give thanks to God.

To give thanks to God.

I barely remember a time when it was kosher and acceptable to openly praise God for his mercy and blessing. And on a national level? Unheard of. You see, we have lost focus. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am ready to bring my focus back in clear view.

I once read that it takes 21 days to break a bad habit. While I am not clear on the scientific evidence behind such claims, it sounds convincing enough to me. My ungratefulness has become somewhat of a bad habit. It is sort of like biting my nails: I know it is not good for me, but I simply cannot help myself. My attitude of ungratefulness is exactly the same. I know better. But I choose the easier path of discontentment.

So here is what I am going to do: between now and Thanksgiving, I commit to 21 days of gratefulness. I will post something each day that I am thankful for. I will not be putting these things in any particular order...just as they come to me. This is a little scary for me as I am freaked out at the commitment of blogging daily. However, my sweet husband is on board so I am guessing some late night blogs are in my future. Either way, I need to do this and get my heart in check.

Day one starts tomorrow. To be continued…

Fall's Fantastic-ness

Well, it's fall and it just so happens that I have very strong opinions about this time of year...

I absolutely, positively, love it!

A boy and his pumpkins...

Seriously, nothing gets me in a better mood than a crisp, cool morning and a scarf around my neck. I find myself at the Starbucks drive thru much more than in the summer, because let's face it: a cold coffee just doesn't satisfy like a warm one does. A nice Chai Latte or White Mocha always warm my body and heart. And oddly enough, my house is cleaner in the fall...I wish I had an explanation for this but it simply is what it is.

Every year, Jimmy indulges my love for fall. September 1st is D-Day at our house: Decorate Day. I pull out all my fall decor and strategically place dried leaves, garland, and pumpkins around the house. (It's the only time of year that the color orange is welcome in our home). I then dig up the half-priced, end of season, Pumpkin Patch and Leaves candles I purchase every year at Bath and Body Works. I light them. And I wait as our home magically comes alive with the scent of fall. It is wonderful and is an immediate lift to my spirits.

There is a tree in our neighborhood that simply screams fall. It is a fabulous shade a green, accompanied by and even more fabulous splash of red leaves.  It looks as though God simply whipped out his paintbrush and dotted the "i" for His truth of, "I love you, world." The red leaves rock and I find joy each time I drive by this terrific tree.

In my never-ending attempts to be the best wife and mother JB and Pearce could want (sigh), I have been working on some creative cooking and treats for this time of year. First, I have been cooking with lots of pumpkin lately. Our recent dishes include: Pumpkin Sausage Lasagna, Coconut Pumpkin Soup, Pumpkin Cream Cheese with Bagels, Pumpkin Casserole, and Jimmy's favorite: Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. (they really are delicious). Who knew there were so many pumpkin recipes out there? And the best part? They are super easy!

I also love the fact that fall means we get to begin the ever-important task of selecting Pearce's Halloween costume. Because, here's the deal: I realize I only have a few blissful years of costume input and I cherish each year that my opinion counts. This year may be my last, and I fully intend to make the most of it. I love the idea of selecting adorable, yet orginal costumes sweet Pearce would never select on his own merit. In fact, I try to select something I would secretly love to wear.

 On his first Halloween, when most babies are dressing up as little pumpkins and buntings; Pearce was a ferocious shark. The kiddo had no teeth, cheeks as sweet as molasses, and could barely sit up. But oh yes, he was a serious shark and totally convincing.

A Shark Tale

Last year's costume selection was a little more challenging. Pearce was walking, ahem, running every where he went and simply wouldn't tolerate any old costume. It needed to have heart and it needed to be fabulous. Enter ... Yoda. Yes, Pearce was the best Yoda in the history of Yodas.

May The Force be with you.

Fall also means we are blessed with a series of carnivals and trips to the pumpkin patch. It is such a delight to watch Pearce in these atmospheres. He is totally in a different element and looks around like a kid in a ... well, pumpkin patch. He squeals with delight as he climbs over perfectly round pumpkins and rushes to line up again for his tenth turn on the moon bounce. We sit back and watch our boy play as I find something to do with my new found time: I savor every last bite of Lehman's kettlecorn and sip fresh squeezed lemonade. Delicious.

One of the most exciting things about fall is that Christmas is right around the corner. And yes, my Christmas decor comes out early too. This year I promised Jimmy I would hold off until the end of November...I am not sure I can wait that long. Wink, Wink.

Baby Early Bird is Here...

Last night the sweetest addition to the world made her debut.

Harper has arrived. And she is heavenly.

 

There are very few words to describe this delightful darling. Seriously, I always have plenty to say and when I saw her, I was speechless. At 3 pounds and 13 ounces, she took my breath away. I don't know what I expected, but I certainly didn't expect to be so awestruck with her dearness.

Of all the sugar and spice in the world, Harper hit the motherload. She must be packed to the brim with sweetness as everything about her is like sugar. Her little body is about the size of a fall squash, and is the softest skin I have ever felt. Her delicate little hands are moving constantly and her tiny feet are the size of most baby doll's. She is wide-eyed and aware as she turns toward her daddy when he talks to her.

She is doing remarkably well. The big girl is breathing on her own, sucking a pacifier, and cooing and crying like a full term baby! The NICU staff is impressed, doctors are hopeful, and we are delighted. As any doll would be, she is already accessorizing. Her little tootsies are being kept warm by tiny pink booties and her precious head is adorned with the sweetest knit cap, complete with a pink bow on top. She looks like a little gift. And a gift she is.

Beth got to meet her briefly last night and the video was so sweet. Baby girl snuggled up to her mama's chest and looked like a little kangaroo in a pouch. Poor Bethie is not doing as well as her baby. Her blood pressure is still spiking and now doctors fear she is ill from the lack of sleep and a difficult labor. We are so grateful for The Lord's protection over baby Harper and now we ask for healing and protection over Beth. Please continue to lift these two girls up daily in prayer.

We will keep you posted on the progress of both Bethie and Harper .