I Love My Life!

Can I just say that "I LOVE MY LIFE!" Is that allowed??
When I first desired to write this blog, I feared that it might come across as bragging, so before I begin, I just want to state that I owe my life completely to the Lord. HE is the one who gives me JOY, PEACE, LOVE, and HOPE!

About 2 1/2 years ago, a good friend of ours sold his home and was able to pay off a lot (possibly all) of debt. To celebrate he treated us and a few others to dinner. One of the other guests was in her first year teaching. During this time I was also teaching full time while Josh stayed home with the kids (and cleaned the church). Throughout the evening she chatted about how her first year was going and how much she enjoyed it. At the end of the evening, she finished her conversation with "I Love my Life!" From that day on, I was determined to find the joy to be able to say that. In January, I was diagnosed with depression...and yes, I was put on an anti-depressant. I desired so much to love my life, yet I was unable to find joy in anything. In June, I found out I was pregnant with Makenna and decided to go off of my medication. The next 9 months were like a roller coaster. With morning sickness (that lasted all day), depression, and kidney stones, this pregnancy left me feeling numb. I was very excited about having another baby AND Josh had decided that I needed to be home and that he would find another job. I had every reason to be filled with joy...I was being given what I had desired. Yet, depression doesn't work that way. It can take you to a deep, deep valley, despite your circumstances or determination to fight it off.
It was then that I realized that I could not handle this one on my own...or even with just the help of medicine. I needed GOD's Healing Power...
And that is just what he gave me! A few months after Makenna was born, that dark cloud was slowly lifted from me. I was free from the wrath of depression...Praise be to GOD!
As I started my second year of being a stay-at-home mom, I was finally able to find joy in what I had desired for so long. This year, I admit, has had a few challenges, with homeschooling and babysitting, but I would not choose to be anywhere else. As I was able to take a few weeks off for Christmas break, it gave me a chance to renew my mind, strength, and spirit. God has given me a purpose for my life. This last Sunday, our pastor preached about running the race that God intended for us. It was an amazing encouragement and challenge for me. I learned that I have to run my own race...the one that God planned and prepared for me. I also learned that I need to continue to persevere towards the goal...HEAVEN...even through the toughest times.
My life may not be perfect...but then, whose is?? But with Christ, I have JOY, PEACE, HOPE, and LOVE! And I can say..."I LOVE MY LIFE!"

Boxes, Cousins, and Pancakes

Thanks for the packages, Grandpa!


Sorry Andrew...I know that group pictures are not your favorite.


I found these pancake shapers at the dollar store...the kids loved them!

Merry Christmas!

Our traditionally untraditional Christmas!

Christmas dinner: Meatballs, Little Smokies, Chips and dip, etc...finger food smorgasbord!

Activities:


And of course...

Santa is coming to town...

Fun in the Snow

Wednesday

Yahoo- a day off! I slept in yesterday, and it was wonderful. Prior to Thanksgiving, I had extra kids (babysitting or homeschooling) everyday of the week and was unable to have a day "off". I was able to change some things and now I am home with just my kids on Wednesdays! That means I can sleep in!!!
Katelyn had a dentist appointment in the mid-morning and that went well. She received an A for brushing! After that we went grocery shopping...something I have not done in a LONG time with my three kids (I was going in the evenings prior). It was Makenna's first time sitting in the basket...I know, she is 10 months old, but she is so little that she still fits nicely in the carrier!
We did so wonderful with our food budget that afterwards I decided to stop at KFC for lunch (I spent $3.40...Dave Ramsey would be proud!) We went through the drive thru and then decided to head to the church to see how the move was going and see if we could help out (our church just built a new building for the kids and teens).
Sidenote: Yes, I then remembered that I had a car full of groceries and took a side trip home to unload).
We spent a few hours at the church helping...okay, more like visiting...amidst the wonderful new paint smell!
I then headed home to cook...I was actually cooking for three families (my own, a friend that just had a baby, and a friend that was ill with pregnancy). A bag of potatoes, bag of shredded cheese, 1/2 package of bacon, gallon of milk, 1/2 bag of corn, 1/2 carton of sour cream, and 2 hours later...I BURNED THE SOUP! Yes, you read that correctly, I scorched the milk and the entire pot of soup was RUINED! So, with humility, I called my friends and sadly told them they would not be having a home-cooked meal. I ended up ordering chinese food...do you think Dave Ramsey would deem this an emergency?? -because I had to use my DEBIT CARD (rather than my cash from the food envelope!)
I truly enjoyed my day-off!

The journey of the Stone

It all began a year ago this month. I was 7 months pregnant with Makenna when the stone made its presence known. After calling my older brother at 2am to come and stay with my kids, Josh and I headed to the hospital. No amount of pain medication injected into my IV would take the pain away. My kidney was blocked and action needed to be taken. I was scheduled for emergency surgery to have a stint put in. Due to my pregnancy, they were unable to remove the stone, so the stint was there to prevent the kidney from becoming blocked again and to hopefully help the stone find its way out. I do not remember much about my stay at the hospital, but I do remember how my wonderful friends came through for us. There was a lot of shuffling, but my kids were well cared for thanks to Rich, Kym, Jana M., and Barbie. I love you guys!
The next 6 weeks could only be described as horrible...The levels of discomfort were indescribable. The stint caused a lot of pain. Let's put it this way...my urine looked like red koolaid for the entire 6 weeks. I also had the strongest urge to go to the bathroom ALL THE TIME. I was on pain medication 24/7. Not so great when you are the mother of 2 small children. Thankfully, my wonderful mother came to the rescue. She came down and stayed with me for a month. I am not sure if words could ever express my gratitude.
On January 25, 2008 my doctor induced labor and Makenna was brought into this world. Soon after delivery, the doctor did an x-ray on me and gleefully announced that the stone was gone.
But the journey did not stop there. 8 months later, the stone made its presence known again, only this time it was bigger and impassable. After another x-ray and CT scan, the doctor found that this stone was hiding (could not be seen on an x-ray, but could be seen on a CT scan). We were going to have to do surgery, but the type of surgery was dependent on whether we could see it on an x-ray. Finally after 2 more x-rays, the stone showed itself and surgery was scheduled. Did you know that you can meet your deductible with 2 x-rays? I had 5.
Last week I was put fast to sleep and the stone was blasted to smithereens. The best part is...no stint! I have decided that I would much rather have a stone than a stint...crazy huh! Once again my 3 children were well cared for thanks to Amy. The next day, while I was recovering, my other dear friend, Debbi, came over and made me lunch and dinner. You guys are wonderful!
This journey was not a fun one, but God has once more reminded me of how awesome my friends are. Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving

I love traditions. One tradition my family has is to celebrate Thansgiving and Christmas at my in-laws home. The cousins all enjoy playing together and the moms all enjoy RELAXING in our jammies! Here is a picture walk of our trip!
Happy Thanksgiving!


Riding cowboy!

Working on a puzzle

Makenna opening her stocking...her 1st Christmas!

Our Gingerbread village!

Winter Wonderland

Have you ever seen turkeys walking around your yard on Thanksgiving??

Gooey's! Our favorite desserts from Dockside Restaurant

Of course I am going to share this...

Our annual flannel shirt picture with Grandma Jack!

We even feed those turkeys that roam our yard on Thanksgiving!