They Call Her Blessed

A letter from your Mama ...

2011-06-08T09:33:00.017-05:00

My sweet Josiah Dale ...

Today you are {1} year old. How did this happen so fast? You have already sent us on so many adventures in your short little year, yet it seems like your Daddy and I just made that evening drive to the hospital in anticipation of you making your first appearance. Mama was supposed to be induced the next morning .. but you decided to start things a little earlier. All on your own time ... maybe you'll be just like your brother, in that sense.

I fell in love the first moment I saw you. We all did. Even your brother, I think, once he realized you were actually sticking around, LOL.

You were definately a cuddler from day 1 ... always preferring to be in someone's arms above anything else. The first few months, you and I spent countless hours napping and snuggling in the recliner. Even at night ... you protested when we tried to put you in your own bed. You would have rather just been held all night long, LOL.

Your first few months were a rollercoaster for all of us ... but it just made us all realize how precious our lives are and how important you are to us. Daddy and I would literally do anything to protect you and your brother and make sure you know just how loved you are.

Watching you and your big brother together is about the cutest thing ever. He was curious about you at the beginning ... and you watch just about every move he makes.

Because of your brother, you became mobile very early .. I'm pretty sure in an attempt to keep up with him and always see what he was doing or playing with. Jacob still isn't a fan of sharing his toys with you all the time, so you two have made a game out of "keep away". I'm sure it won't be too long before you grow annoyed ... but for now, it just makes you laugh :)

You adore your Daddy. So much so, that "Da-Da" was your first word.
You love balls and have an amazing arm on ya ... in fact, I am convinced you are going to be a baseball player someday.
You were never a fan of baby food ... you prefer eating big people food like the rest of us. Pasta is your favorite .. but you also love to share ice cream with Mama.
You adore puppies ... Annie is becoming your best friend, and you love to carry Puppy (who you sleep with every night) around with you everywhere.
You give us 100 kisses a day.
You are fearless.

You have been "walking" for a month or two now. You even have the guts to take off from the couch and walk across half the room on your own, but won't quite commit to giving up your crawling all together yet. You're almost there!

You like to dance. All the time. 2 seconds into a song, or any beat for that matter, and your hand goes up and legs start bouncin! You also love to sing along with Mama & Daddy ... and instruments could keep you entertained for hours.

You look like your Mama, but you definately have your Daddy's personality. Fearless, outgoing, and goofy. You love to laugh, sometimes at the strangest things.
You're a boob-a-holic. I couldn't wean you right now, even if I tried. You could be having the worst day ever, and all it takes is a couple minutes of nursing and you're back to your normal self. Daddy calls it the "cure-all".

You have your cranky moments, but then you smile at us, or laugh, or give us a kiss ... and we can't help but melt. Daddy and I love watching every new little thing that you do, and we are so excited to watch you grow ... see what your likes and dislikes will be ... see what you're passionate about. We know whatever you do, you'll do with gusto! You're definately a determined little guy.

We love you to pieces, sweet boy!

Happy 1st Birthday!!

Love, Mama

I don't need no stinkin' diapers!!

2011-06-01T16:49:00.003-05:00

Apparantely, this is how Jacob has been feeling lately.

He has always been great about keeping his diapers on .... that is, until recently. I don't know if his curiousity of them has spiked, or if they're starting to annoy him. Or maybe he's trying to tell us that he's ready to really start potty training. Honestly, I'm hoping for the latter.

A few weeks ago, we were all hanging out in the living room after dinner ... and all of a sudden, we both look over at Jacob who's watching TV ....... but his diaper is no where to be found.

Today. I am in the kitchen this morning, taking inventory of what's in our fridge and writing my grocery list. Both boys are hanging out in there with me. Jacob had decided to pull up a chair to the counter and unload my spice cabinet, so I was trying to keep an eye on him to make sure he didn't open any and dump them onto my counter. At one point I turned around to look at him, and there he stands ... on his tippy toes trying to reach a spice .................... diaperless. WHAT?! I guess he had been like that the last 5 minutes ... just leaving his diaper on the couch where he had previously been having a snack, watching Little Einsteins. I put his diaper back on him and explained that it needs to stay ON his body.

A short time later, he decided to throw a fit and was put upstairs in his bedroom. While he was up there in an attempt to settle down, Josiah came over to me to cuddle ... and was out cold on me within 5 minutes. So, subsequently, Jacob was in his room a little longer than I had planned. I went up to get him, and was completely speechless when I opened the door and assessed what he had been doing with all that alone time.

Diaper off ..... and poop ..... in 3 different locations. It seriously looked as though a puppy had been let loose in his room.

So, after sticking him in the bathtub and cleaning his carpet ...... I have come to the conclusion that we are now on active Potty Training status. If he decides to take his diaper off on his own again, he's getting stuck straight onto his toilet.

Aye, yi yi. Always an adventure with this one ............

Donations for Joplin.

2011-05-23T14:22:00.003-05:00

For those here at Fort Leonard Wood:

ACS is starting to accept donations for the tornado victims in Joplin. Starting at 1300 hours today, the collection point will be the basement of AMCC (Audie Murphy's Community Club). Please go around to the back of the building.

The hours today will be from 1300 - 1630 hours and starting tomorrow the hours will be 0730 - 1630 M-F.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!

Items needed are food / clothing / blankets / toys etc....

***Paul's Furniture in St. Robert is also taking donations!***

There will be a day.

2011-05-18T20:25:00.005-05:00

So it came to my attention today that people are predicting doomsday on May 21st, 2011.

Now, while I don't believe this one bit (seeing as how Mark 13 says NO one, not even Heaven's angels, know the date) ... I do know that, one day, Jesus will be coming back for his people ... and everything stated in Revelations will come into play.

But don't get me wrong - all these natural disasters lately ... they're all signs:

"For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines and calamities. This is but the beginning of the intolerable anguish and suffering [only the first of the [birth pangs]" (Mark 13:8)

Lord I'm ready now
I'm waiting for Your triumphant return
You're coming so soon
This world has nothing for me
I find my peace and joy solely in You
Only in You

I want the world to see that
You're alive and living well in me
Let me be a part of the harvest
For the days are few
He's coming soon

People get ready
Jesus is comin
Soon we'll be going home

People get ready
Jesus is coming
To take from the world His own

There will be a day
When we will be divided right and left
For those who know Him
And those who do not know

I know I'm ready .. and I know I'm going to a place of peace. No pain, no torment.

Are YOU ready?

I need a appointment book.

2011-05-11T11:27:00.002-05:00

It's funny. One week, I could have absolutely nothing going on. The week drags on, and Friday feels like it will never come.

This is not one of those weeks.

This morning alone I've had so much going through my head, I know that unless I write it all down I'm bound to forget something. Prep for graduation shoot bright and early on Thursday morning. Josiah's dr appointment on Thursday afternoon. Get to the bank to sign papers. Run to WalMart. Laundry. Find a camera bag. Mail package back to DirectTV. Run by Baker Theater and check out the auditorium. Laundry. Vacuum. Clean up toys. Laundry. Spa appointment on Friday. Not to mention the flowers in my garage that are dying, as I keep forgetting to get outside and spray weed killer. I'm also just now reminded that Friday is payday, so over the next day or so I have to make a budget and grocery list. I seriously don't even know where to start. All of this, while working around the boy's naps and David's working and gym schedule.

I need two of me. And an appointment book.

April 20th.

2011-04-20T12:30:00.004-05:00

I've been neglecting this blog of mine for quite awhile now. I've been wrapped up in all aspects of getting my photography business up and running and ... well ... keeping up with these 2 little goobers of mine.

It seems as though these last 5 months have flown by! I seriously don't know how we're already only a couple weeks away from May. Aside from the horrible tornado outbreaks that this month has brought to the south, I am loving having the warmer weather around. Before I know it, June will be here - and we'll be celebrating our littlest one's 1st birthday!! Now that's insane!!

Speaking of our littlest one ... oh my gosh, it's crazy how fast this kid learns!! He watches every move his big brother makes, and of course follows him around everywhere (which Jacob doesn't appreciate too much just yet). It's been awhile since his last doctor appointment so I can't give you specific measurements, but he is definately sprouting up fast! I'm sure it will only be a couple more months before he is taking his first step! He wasn't too keen on baby food for very long, so he's been a pro at eating solids for quite awhile now. He'll pretty much eat anything we put on his highchair tray!! :) Veggies and pasta are his favorite ... just like brother! He loves to throw a ball around with Daddy, chase the puppy, and bang on anything with Mama's spatulas!! We're also less than 2 months away from accomplishing a whole year of breastfeeding! At the beginning, I wasn't sure I'd be able to make it this far .... but now, I'll never do it any other way.

I've noticed Jacob has been sprouting again lately, too! I think he has officially left his baby/toddler days behind and just looks like a big kid now! He is still being stubborn with talking ... but thankfully, we have had so many other parents tell us that their little ones did the same thing - just talked in their jibberish until one day, bam! Words! Both David and I are, admittedly, yearning for that day to come along ... but until then, we're just trying to be patient and continuing to encourage him to use his words. I tell ya, if I walk away from this whole parenting journey learning only one thing ...... it will be patience. Talking aside though, Jacob is an extremely smart kid ... he's a fast learner, just like Josiah. We have to be careful what we let him see (i.e. childproofers, etc), 'cause he only has to see the secret once to know how to get into it! He adores being outside, at the park especially ... and we are beginning to see his fearless side. He loves going to Sunday School, and I cannot wait for the day when we're driving home from church and he tells us what he learned about Jesus that day! :)

As most of you have probably read here and there over the last couple months, I am in the very early stages of building a photography business. I am trying to use this time here in Missouri as a learning experience, and a chance to build a portfolio, so that by the time we leave next year, I am atleast at a level of knowledge and experience where I can begin to bring in some income. Photography is an art I have always had a passion for. It doesn't seem like work to me. I would love to eventually, one day, be at a place where it brings in financial support enough that I could focus on it solely ... but, that's in God's hands.

Right now David and I are somewhat back to square one in deciding where we'll be heading when we get out of the Army next spring. Some family members are relocating to Phoenix, and we would like the opportunity to be near them again ... and for our kids to grow up together. Ultimately, before we can make a final decision, we have to wait until this coming winter when David can sign up for National Guard and make sure there is an opportunity in Phoenix ... but, other than that, all signs are pointing to Arizona! :) Until then ... we're just praying for God's will.

That's pretty much our life in a nutshell right now. I'm going to try and keep up with this blog a little more often ... so please keep coming back!!

xo

Proverbs Thirty.One Photography

2011-02-26T17:08:00.002-06:00

Please take a look at my new page, Proverbs Thirty.One Photography!!

If you're in the Fort Leonard Wood area, please spread the page around - and contact me to book a FREE session!!

Proverbs Thirty.One can also be found on:
{Twitter}
{Facebook}

Thanks lovelies!
{Sarah}

Love Letters.

2011-02-15T15:35:00.003-06:00

Love letters were how we spent the first year of our relationship. They traveled nearly 4,000 miles one way, sometimes taking 3 weeks to reach each other. Receiving one single letter in the mail would make my entire week. I'm sure I read every letter 50 times ... memorizing every word ... his handwriting.

Over time, the letters were replaced by email, messenger chat, webcam ... but even now, 7 years later, I still have every single letter he mailed me kept in a special keepsake box next to my nightstand. Every once in awhile I pull one or two out before bed and read them as a reminder of how things were when I first met the man I knew I was going to marry, only 4 days after we "met".

We "met" on November 11, 2003 ... hours after I had broken up a previous relationship. I was in no mood to converse with anyone, so I don't know why I went into a chatroom ... I was "hopping" from room to room, when I got his message. "Hi". I ignored it, closed the chat screen, and went on my merry way. But the messages kept coming. Finally, I gave in and started talking to him. The relationship I had just ended was with a guy who grew up with a Mormon belief. It was a stupid relationship for me to get into in the first place, and it ended pretty badly. Point being - if I was even going to talk to this guy - I wanted to know right up front what he believed. "What faith are you?" I asked. Not exactly the first thing you ask a person, but I didn't care. "I am a Christian", he replied. I think initially I was a little shocked - somewhat shocked by the fact that he even answered the question - but mainly shocked that he and I actually shared the same faith. So, the conversation continued.

For 3 hours.

Before it ended, he asked if we could talk on the phone later that night. We did - for another 4 hours. As quickly as it may seem, I knew that night that something different was happening.

The next night, we spent another couple of hours on the phone. Shortly after our conversation, he would be boarding a plane for his 1st deployment to Iraq. Before we said goodbye, he asked me a question:

"Will you wait for me?"

I said yes. At the time, I wasn't sure why. I just knew I needed to say yes.

A few months later, shortly after Valentines Day (February 24th, I believe it was) ... we met face to face for the first time. He was returning to Washington for R&R, and I went to the airport to pick him up.

I don't think I had ever been so nervous in my entire life. I didn't take balloons, or a sign - or anything that would give away the fact that I was welcoming a hero home. It was just me ... in my blue jeans and flip flops. I got to the airport early and sat down to stare at the flight arrival screen. My heart about stopped when the status read "Landed". As the passengers finally started trickling through the security gate, I studied every single man that approached, hoping I would recognize him from the few pictures he had sent me. It seemed as though the entire plane had passed by me. Then I saw him ...... I recognized the huge smile on his face. The minute he wrapped his arms around me, it felt strangely new, though strangely like we had known each other forever ... and I kissed him. I felt no hesitation and no doubt.

I remember asking my sister, before David and I even met, how you know when you've met "the one". She answered "you just know". I completely understood that answer when I met David. There's really no other way to put it - you just know.

For the most part, the love letters have faded over the last few years. They have been replaced by taking care of each other, helping each other ..... being able to say "I love you" face to face every night, enduring numerous deployments, and coming out stronger in the end.

While doing a couple devotional a month ago, we each wrote a new love letter to each other ... making new promises at this new stage in our life. I took pieces from our old love letters, and our new love letters .... pictures from when we first started dating, and now .... and made them all part of the Valentine gift I created for David. Well, for both of us. It's a reminder for both of us - that no matter what our day to day lives bring ... amongst work, the boys, school ... we'll always remember how we felt those first few months of our relationship. Two crazy kids who fell in love in the strangest of circumstances.

And in case you're wondering ... I kept my promise. The entire year he was in Iraq - I never even considered dating anyone else. I knew it the moment I heard his voice on that first phone call - he was it for me.

He still is.

Plans & Heart Shaped Brownies.

2011-02-15T07:29:00.004-06:00

"If you ever want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans"

When we walked into our house just before 10pm last night, the heart shaped brownies and other Valentine goodies that I had set out the morning prior were still on the counter ... uneaten. We hadn't planned to being gone, practically all day.

I planned to start preparations for the Valentine dinner I had planned for David as the boys went down for their naps .. so as soon as they woke up, we could make the 4:00 appointment we had in Rolla ... but instead, we decided to get them ready and head out as soon as David got home from his class. I'm glad we did.

We arrived at the car dealership at 2:15pm .... we finally left at 9pm. 7 hours of applying, waiting, negotiating, more waiting, walking, more waiting, signing papers, more waiting. Finally, at the end of the day, we said goodbye to the little red Corolla that has gotten us through numerous road trips, babies, snow, Nebraska monsoons, and a deer accident ... and became the proud new owners of a much needed (and way roomier!) 2008 Chrysler Town and Country LX. Yes, a minivan. We are officially a minivan family. But y'know what, that's alright with us.

We have been trying to obtain a bigger vehicle, pretty much since we found out Josiah was on his way. Especially with the desire to have baby #3 (who is atleast a few years away, I hope), we knew we needed something with 3rd row seats. Finding that, and in our budget, was difficult. After a few failed attempts over the last year or so, I started getting a little pessimistic on what kind of vehicle we would be ending up with. One attempt in November 2009 had us driving off the lot in Denver and back to Colorado Springs in a somewhat older Chevy Trailblazer. No 3rd row seats, a small dent in the back bumper, and some wear and tear in the dashboard area. But that was okay with us - we were just thrilled to not be in our tiny Corolla. However though, that is not the vehicle God wanted us in. Apparantely, although we were told we had 100% bank approval, they came back and said "Sorry, nope - you'll have to bring the car back". I was disappointed - but I kept trying to remind myself that this simply wasn't the vehicle we were meant to have. God had everything under control.

So for the last year ... we prayed, we continued paying off the remainder of our debts, and we waited. Waited for God to say "Okay, here you go". He did that yesterday.

It was amazing to me how smoothly the day went. It seriously seemed as though God had his hand on every part of the transaction. The boys even did amazing!! (As to be expected, there was some minor fussiness here and there ... but I mean, a 2 year old and an 8 month old stuck in a car dealership for 7 hours?! They were troopers!!). Even the guys working there commented on how great our boys were doing!! :) The whole process just seemed to have God's approval ... and we drove away with a vehicle far exceeding our expectations.

Jacob and Josiah both racked out on the way home. Jacob stayed asleep as Daddy carried him inside, and was so tired that he didn't even want to have to get into his pjs. Josiah went down about a half hour later, and only woke up once to nurse in the middle of the night. Needless to say ... they were exhausted!!! LOL

David had told me before we left the house that I should be expecting some flowers at the door at some point in the day, and wondered how that would work if we weren't home. I told him they'd probably just leave it at the door. We got home ... and nothing. No note, nothing. We decided to sit down and watch the new movie we bought a couple days ago. A few minutes in ... the doorbell rings. I told him I was going to be shocked if flower companies delivered at 10:00 at night, LOL. It was the guy who lived on Turner Street, not Turner Court - they had delivered to the wrong house, but he wanted to make sure I had my Valentines Day flowers :) That was just about one of the sweetest gestures I've ever seen in my life. I opened up the box to find some gorgeous pink and white lillies from my love.

So the brownies went uneaten (aside from the few I'm eating for breakfast as I write this post), the special dinner will have to wait until tonight, and the day didn't go exactly as I had planned .... but it went perfectly as God had planned. He blessed our family with a gift and showed us just how much He loves us, and is watching out for us.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future"

Jeremiah 29:11

Smartphone Privacy Leaks from your camera

2011-02-12T10:01:00.002-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2vARzvWxwY&sns=fb

Please take a look at this news story - you and your family's location and privacy could be at risk just from uploading a picture from your Smartphone.

Also - you can go to www.icanstalku.com to learn how to disable your phone from giving away your location through pictures.

So, so scary!!

Choosing to please God, not people.

2011-01-31T10:00:00.003-06:00

Today's devotional from Joyce Meyer really hit home with me, and I wanted to share:

Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah).
{Galatians 1:10}

If you are trying to build your reputation with people, it’s time to give up all your own human efforts and simply trust God. He will give you supernatural favor with the people that are right for you.

"If I have to, I can do without you ... but I CANNOT not be in the will of God."

http://www.joycemeyer.org/OurMinistries/EverydayAnswers/dailydevotionals/

Starting off fresh.

2011-01-19T18:03:00.006-06:00

I rarely blog anymore, it seems. I don't have time ... or, really, the energy/mental capacity. But I have a few minutes before I need to start dinner (with a cup of coffee in hand), so I figured I'd update you on our little household.

Josiah had his (late) 6mo well baby checkup today. I was late, due to scheduling issues, getting him in to his 4mo appointment and shots, so I scheduled his 6mo a little later than usual to even it out. He weighed in at 23lbs 15oz (98th percentile), and 29 inches long (97th percentile) ... for those of you that care, LOL. Dr said, as usual, he looks perfect :) Josiah has showed us from very early on that he has great eye/hand coordination, he is crawling all over the place now (it's an army crawl ... he doesn't get up on his knees yet ... but he has no problem getting where he wants to go, LOL), and he's, for the most part, sitting up by himself - though we still keep a hand or foot behind him in the case that he decides to go a little crazy and fling himself backwards, LOL. For being the "big kid" that he is, just like brother was, he's extremely mobile for his age. Makes Mama happy, although I'm pretty sure it means I'm going to have an early walker on my hands. He is pretty much saying "dada" and "mama" on a regular basis now ... I have even heard "baba" a couple times (though I'm not sure where that's coming from, since he doesn't get bottles) ... it's still cute though, LOL. I'm sure I'm going to regret saying this outloud .... but .... he is for the most part, sleeping through the night. The only thing that has been keeping him up lately is all those darn teeth that are trying to break through his poor little gums. Typically he'll still wake up once, maybe twice to nurse throughout the night, but that's about it. He's down by 9pm and has been staying down til 9am. It's pretty much Heaven. These are the days I begged God for when he was up every hour at 3mo, LOL. He is a very silly, playful, cuddly little boy ... I love him to pieces!! (Oh! And as you can see ... he now has his 2 front teeth!!)

Jacob is turning into Mama's little helper :) The moment I walk to a counter in my kitchen, he's pulling a chair from the dining room table in to "help" me, no matter what I'm doing. Sometimes all it takes is for me to pull a glass or something from the cupboard, LOL. When I'm making dinner though, he loves to pull a utensil from the drawer (whatever's not already IN his toy box), to help me "stir". A couple of days ago I was sorting through clothes that he and Josiah didn't fit into anymore, and he was helping me put tshirts and pants into their designated piles. He loves to help me get the dishwasher "loaded" and started after dinner ... and of course he loves to help every time his sippy cup is refilled ... either by taking the milk out of the fridge or putting his lid back on. He's still being stubborn with talking, but we're giving him more time and not pushing the issue. He's very, very smart ... he has a sound book where he can push on a picture of a baby, and it will say "baby" .... push dog, it will say "dog", so on and so forth ... you ask him to find the baby, or the dog, or the ball, etc ... and he'll go right to it. He loves music, and playing instruments. He discovered Grandma's piano over Christmas, and loves to play "songs" for us. Now that we're home he plays us songs every chance he can get on his guitar & xylophone. He loves to dance, too! :) Now that his little brother is mobile and showing brother that he can play, Jacob's getting more into him :) He's very sweet about bringing Josiah toys that he knows he enjoys, and loooooves giving brother kisses ... it's the sweetest thing! He loves to cuddle, and loves to give hugs. Such a sweet boy!

We spent three weeks in Iowa with family over Christmas break. It was SO nice to get away from the usual and "chill out" for awhile. David and I were even able to go out on a couple dates and spend some time together "baby free" for the first time in a YEAR!! The most exciting thing that happened, though, was that we had both of our boys dedicated to Jesus on January 2nd. I wanted to do this before Jacob got too much older, and it was perfect that we were able to dedicate both of our boys together. We chose to have them dedicated at Morningside Bible Church in Sioux City ... since we feel that is where God is calling us to move when we get out of the Army in 2012. We would have loved to have both of our families together for this occasion ... but, in all honesty, if I wait until it's possible to coordinate both of our families together, it could take YEARS ... if ever. My side of the family was definately missed, though! Here is the insert Pastor Terry included into that week's church bulletin (which of course, I have saved for the boys' baby books!):

"David & Sarah Mitchell bring Jacob (2yrs) and Josiah (6mo) to be dedicated to the Lord this morning. A Staff Sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, David (son of Jim & Linda Mitchell) still calls this his home and eventually hopes to relocate here in another year. His ultimate goal is to serve in a ministry position as the Lord leads. We rejoice with them over their desire to raise their boys in the 'nurture and admonition of the Lord'. As a church, let us accept our responsibility to love them and do everything we can to support them as they dedicate themselves to being the parents God wants them to be."

David is back into the swing of plugging away at college work after being on a break from school since November. Aside from an English class, he has completed the few pre-reqs he had left and is now into the "fun" stuff :) Right now he's doing a New Testament class, which he's really excited about. Both of us are really looking forward to seeing what God has in store for him when we get out of the Army!

As for myself .... right now I'm just taking care of these 2 boys and enjoying being back in the daily grind. I'm still getting caught up on unpacking, laundry, and cleaning after our vacay ... maybe I'll get it all done by NEXT Christmas, lol. I've never been one to set New Years resolutions, but I do have a few things I want to grow in this year that I'm already starting to work on:

Eating/cooking healthier and losing another 40(ish) lbs.

Being diligent about waking up early and spending time every morning with God.

Praying daily for my husband, my boys ... and my family and friends.

Being confident in the woman, wife, and mother that I am in Christ - and more specifically, not allowing others to dictate how I am (or should be) raising my children.

Completely paying off debt within the next few months. David and I are very excited about this one! It has been a bit of a long road for us ... and we're looking forward to having our credit free and clear. The only thing that will remain is college loans, but those will be paid off when we join the National Guard in 2012. Who knows .... maybe homeownership is only a few years down the road? :)

All in all ... I'm excited for 2011. We'll still be here in Missouri for the most part - aside from a couple trips to see family now and then - but I see it as a great chance for us to continue to grow and strengthen ourselves as a family.

She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust].

Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!

Proverbs 31: 18, 25

Where's the line to see Jesus?

2010-12-02T09:03:00.004-06:00

I just heard this song for the first time this morning. Spirit 105.3 in Seattle played this "controversial" song, asking it's listeners if they should continue playing it. Now I am personally on a mission to spread this song around as much as I possibly can.

{Where's the line to see Jesus, is he here at the store? If Christmas time is his birthday, why don't we see him more? Where's the line to see Jesus, he was born for me. Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave his life for me}

Here is the music video by Becky Kelley:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPViKJRHyZo

I wish I could get people to understand this message more. This season is not about the presents, or the lights, or the food, or even the music. Yes, those are all fun ... but they're all part of the celebration ... the celebration of Jesus' birthday. He's the whole reason Christmas even exists. Yet we make it so much about everything else. It makes me sad. There is no Christmas - without Christ.

Please listen to the song. If you agree that Spirit 105.3 should continue playing it, text "play" to 23754.

Merry CHRISTmas!!
xo

Fourth week of November.

2010-11-22T11:07:00.002-06:00

I am so, so excited!! It is going to be SUCH a fun week in the Mitchell household!

Let's just begin with the fact that David only has to work 2 days this week ... woooohoooo!! That's all I have to say about that, LOL. Life is always a little less stressful for Mama when Daddy is home.

Wednesday I'll probably be spending a good amount of my day in the kitchen. It may just be David, the boys, and I ... but even if we're not able to spend the day with family, I want to keep the holiday festivities going for the boys (and, I'll admit, the child in myself). I'll be putting our 16lb turkey in it's brine to sit overnight, mixing my mother-in-law's stuffing together early so it's ready to stuff the turkey with mid-Thursday morning, baking some Turkey sugar cookies I bought especially for Jacob (those simple rolls of Pillsbury cookie dough), and baking 2 loaves of pumpkin bread for Thursday morning's breakfast.

Mama will be up early on Turkey Day!! I have been watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade every Thanksgiving since I was a little girl, it's tradition (and in my opinion, the kick off to the Christmas season!) ... so I plan to sit down with my boys (who I'm sure will be awake at the crack of dawn), my cup of coffee, and a couple pieces of pumpkin bread to watch the parade until it's time to return to the kitchen. I'll bake my sister's mouthwatering spinach artichoke dip before filling the turkey with stuffing and popping it into the oven. Dinner will be completed with green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and potato rolls. I decided to go easy on myself in regards to dessert .... so later in the evening I'll make a batch of Tapioca pudding ... something I grew up with but haven't had in YEARS. Aside from cooking Thanksgiving dinner, I plan to do nothing but RELAX with my three boys all day. It's going to be glorious!

Friday. Oh my goodness, I'm so excited for Friday!!! No, I will not be leaving my home at o'dark thirty to take advantage of sales. Actually, I don't even dare to leave my house on Black Friday. No sale is worth risking one's safety in the insane crowds that go nuts for discounted flat screen tvs and such. No, instead, we'll be turning up the Christmas music and decking the halls! :) All the while, snacking on some yummy Thanksgiving leftovers!! I have been itching to break out my Christmas decorations, but, as per tradition, I have resisted. I may have succumbed to Christmas music a little early this year ... that I can't help. It just makes me happy. But I have been strong and have not touched my Christmas boxes out in the storage room. I am so excited to break out all my snowmen, holiday scented candles, and Christmas lights!! We, again, aren't buying a tree this year since we'll be at Grandma & Grandpa's in Iowa for Christmas itself ... but, I did buy a small 4ft tree when David and I were first married ... so if I can find all the pieces to that, we'll put that up in the corner, where a certain 2yr old's hands can't reach it, hehe. I am excited to include him in the decorating madness this year, though!! :)

Saturday, the 27th, is my 26th birthday. Feels sort of odd. I still think of myself as a teenager, LOL. How did I get to 26?! Even though it means getting older, I still love every year when my birthday rolls around. I get giddy, I don't know why. I guess I really am still a child at heart ... and I'm sure that will never change. And who knows ....... maybe for my birthday I'll get to sleep in and the boys will miraculously NOT be cranky all day. A mama can dream, right?!

So let the festivities to one of my favorite weeks ever begin!! Fa la la la la!!!

Mr. 5 Months

2010-11-05T16:52:00.004-05:00

Well, almost. In 3 days.

Today has already been a pretty big day for Josiah ... and it's not even over yet!

He had his (late) 4 month well baby check up with Dr. Karls this morning. Between Mom being here and David's work schedule, it just hadn't happened yet. But, better late than never, right? :)

Josiah is 20lbs 12oz (100th percentile) and 27 inches long (95th percentile). Now, I know Josiah's a big guy ... but even I wasn't prepared to hear 20lbs! LOL Dr. Karls said his weight and height coincide with each other perfectly ... he's just gonna be a big guy (like his brother). His eyes, ears, heart, lungs ... everything looks perfect! At this last (2 mo) appointment, Dr. Jastan noticed he had an umbilical hernia - they occur when the abdominal walls in that area are a little weak. She said it wasn't anything to worry about, and it should correct itself and go away by the time he's 2 years old. It was gone within a month of his last appointment, and Dr. Karls said today that it looks great. So, we're in the clear there. Phew! Dr. was extremely impressed with Josiah's hand/eye coordination, and his control of his head and neck. He said due to the "extra weight" that Josiah has to hold up as opposed to other babies, it may take him a bit longer to roll over from his back to his belly, walk, etc. Pretty much the same story as his older brother. That will definately help me not to worry when those milestones come along. But, all in all, Dr. said Josiah is a very healthy little guy and he looks perfect! :)

And on top of all that ............................

Josiah can start eating vegetables once a day!!! This THRILLS Mama! We'll start with veggies once a day for now. Then in a month, we'll move it up to twice a day and throw in some fruit. Meats won't come until a little later. So, tonight at dinner will be Josiah's first solid meal! I.Am.Excited.Beyond.Words!!! I'm hoping that this extra little sustenance in his belly will help him sleep better at night.

Oh yea. That's another thing.

Tonight is Josiah's first night in his crib!!! His crib mattress & new bedding were delivered yesterday and his new bed is set up in his room. Up until now he has been sleeping in the newborn napper that came with his Pack n Play, but he is getting too long for it. His crib will be a bit of an adjustment for him, cause he's not used to laying totally flat ... but, I'm crossing my

fingers that it won't take him too long to get used to.

So, it's already been a big day for our little guy. I'll try and get some picture of his first veggies and new bed tonight.

Happy 5 months, sweet boy!!

Reasons Fall Is Fabulous

2010-10-06T09:29:00.002-05:00

Parenting Magazine "Top Ten", written by Charlotte Latvala.

These cracked me up - I had to share!!

1. Hello? Do we need to say it? School!

2. Fall clothes come in the same colors as your kids' food stains - chocolate brown, fruit-punch red, and mac-and-cheese orange. Way to save on colorsafe bleach!

3. You get to carve jack-o'-lanterns - the only time seeing a snaggletoothed smile in your home doesn't make you fear an $8,500 orthodontist bill.

4. The thrill of new crayons.

5. It gets dark earlier. It's easier to get the kids to bed earlier. YOU get to bed earlier.

6. Nothing smells better than a toddler who's just jumped in a leaf pile. :)

7. All your favorite shows are finally back! Come on, don't you want to know if Will and Emma hook up for good on Glee?

8. Trick-or-treating, that blessed evening when sleep deprived moms who look like zombies simply blend in with the crowd.

9. We're suckers for the sight of little kids in footie pajamas.

10. Hot cider. Hot cocoa. And for moms, a hot toddy.

Happy Fall!! xo

Do over?

2010-09-29T14:09:00.003-05:00

It's days like this I'd just like to go back to bed.

No, I'm not depressed. I'm just exhausted.

Josiah usually goes to sleep by 9:00-9:30pm ... but last night he was fighting it 'til the end. I nursed him. I rocked him. I nursed him again. He was just happy as a clam, wide awake, smiling (more like laughing) up at me. Finally around 10:30, I fed him again and he gave in. David was out in the garage studying, so I immediately shut off the TV and went upstairs to collapse into bed. Not 10 minutes after I shut off the light, I could hear him shuffling around in his bed through the baby monitor. My body ached at the thought of getting up again. I turned on the Christian music station on our TV, enough so that I would still be able to hear Josiah cry if he truly woke up, but it would drown out the shuffling so I could atleast attempt to relax. It was still a good hour though before I was able to shut off my brain and pass out.

Josiah was awake again at 2:20. Normally I go into his room, we sit on the bed, he gets positioned on the boppy, and within a few minutes of nursing he's back out and can be put back to bed for another hour or two (lately he's been waking up several times a night). That seemed to be how it was going to go last night. However, not 5 minutes after climbing back into bed, he was awake again. So, I went back in ..... he nursed, fell back to sleep, and I returned him to his bed.

And I returned back to my bed.

Yet again - not 5 minutes later, I heard him. I went back in, only this time I tried softly bouncing him back to sleep. Didn't work.

More than an hour later, after retreating downstairs to the recliner, trying to get him to go to sleep in his swing, giving up on that and trying the recliner AGAIN .... he ate again, and went to sleep.

At 6:40am he was up for the day. 20 minutes later his brother followed suit.

So, needless to say, I'm tired. I'm tired, Josiah's teething, and Jacob feels the need to get into every.little.thing that he knows he's not supposed to. Time, and time again. I don't know why we pretend like childproofers are doing any good anymore ... this kid is too smart.

By 11am, I was already done. Although extremely earlier than normal, we all went down for naps. I laid Jacob in his bed, came down, and fed Josiah until he went to sleep. I slept for about an hour, and now, both boys are awake as well. I think I'm even more tired now than I was before I went to sleep.

Thank the Lord, only a half an hour left until Daddy gets off work and comes to my rescue.

In the meantime, I'm trying to remind myself ...... "this too shall pass". Tomorrow is a new day.

One for each.

2010-09-25T22:18:00.004-05:00

It's 10:23pm. Jacob and Josiah have both been fast asleep for some time - so in hopes to scurry up to bed in the near future, this post is going to be short and sweet.

Today was fun. Exhausting, but fun. David had to work a half day, so the boys and I spent the morning literally doing nothing. I left Jacob in the tshirt he slept in, Josiah in his diaper, and we just lounged until I got the call that David was on his way home.

I got Josiah dressed, and before moving on to Jacob, I decided to put Annie outside to do her thing so she wouldn't poop or pee in the laundry room while we were gone. After putting her on her chain ...... I found myself in a bit of a pickle. Jacob had locked me out of the house. We have a childproofer on the knob of our doors, but the locks - which Jacob has recently figured out - still go unguarded. I tried to convince him to unlock the door again, but to no avail. We have a spare key hidden, but that only unlocks the front door (which, consequently, was deadbolted). I was stuck. With no cell phone. And no way whatsoever into the house. Thankfully, I knew that any minute David would be home. From now on, I think during the day I'm going to have to keep the front door's deadbolt unlocked LOL.

Anywhoo ... we finished getting ourselves and the boys ready and headed for Springfield. David wanted to look at guitars, and I wanted out of the house LOL. We spent the afternoon guitar shopping, and perusing Target (Jacob scored a construction hard hat (so cute!!), a couple of shape puzzles, and a Lightning McQueen matchbox car). He cried the minute we dropped Daddy off at Guitar Center, so out of guilt and an attempt to make the crying stop, LOL, I promised him that we'd go look at some toys at Target. Immediately, the crying stopped LOL.

After shopping, we went to Jacob's favorite restaurant for dinner - Red Robin. Josiah, although awake the whole time, never fussed once .... just hung out, being passed back and forth between Mama & Daddy, making everyone in the immediate vicinity ooh and aah over his cuteness :)

Jacob completely scarfed down his mac&cheese and fries! He was in Heaven!! As you can tell from the below picture, he couldn't even take his focus away from the mac&cheese enough to smile for Mama, LOL.

All in all, a fun day :) Now, I must go pass out ...........

xo

Mercy Said No.

2010-09-23T21:33:00.003-05:00

I used to sing this at church when I was back in Washington ... probably one of my favorite songs that I've ever performed. For some reason, it came to mind again tonight .... such beautiful lyrics, I wanted to share them.

Mercy Said No

Sung by CeCe Winans

I was just a child, when I felt the Savior leading

I was drawn to what I could not understand

And for the cause of Christ, I have spent my days believing

That what He'd have me be, is who I am
As I've come to see the weaker side of me

I realize His grace is what I'll need

When sin demanded justice for my soul

Mercy said noI'm not gonna let you go

I'm not gonna let you slip away

You don't have to be afraid

Mercy said no

Sin will never ever take control

Life and death stood face to face

Darkness tried to steal my heart away

Thank You Jesus, Mercy said no

For God so loved the world, that He sent His Son to save us

From the cross He built a bridge to set us free

Oh, but deep within our hearts, there is still a war that rages

And makes His sacrifice so hard to see
As midnight fell on crucifixion day

The light of hope seemed oh so far away

As evil tried to stop redemption's flow

Mercy said no

I'm not gonna let you go

I'm not gonna let you slip away

You don't have to be afraid

Mercy said no

Sin will never ever take control

Life and death stood face to face

Darkness tried to steal my heart away

Thank You Jesus, Mercy said no

And now when Heaven looks at me

It's through the blood of Jesus

Reminding me of one day long ago

Mercy said no

I'm not gonna let you go

I'm not gonna let you slip away

You don't have to be afraid

Mercy said no

Sin will never ever take control

Life and death stood face to face

Darkness tried to steal my heart away

Thank You Jesus, Mercy said no
Mercy said no

This is me.

2010-09-21T15:16:00.001-05:00

I am a woman.
I am a mother.
I am a sister.
I am a daughter.

I am a lover.
I am a friend.

I am a singer.
I am a dreamer.

I am a nurturer.
I am a romantic.

I am a worrier.
I am a bargain hunter.

I am patriotic.
I support our troops.
I am an Army Wife.
I am not political, but I care about what politicians do to our country.

I have a passion for photography.
I love to bake & cook, and I decompress when I'm in my kitchen.
I am extremely festive when the holidays roll around.

I find myself staring at my firstborn as he plays and explores. I am in complete awe of him.
I can't help but melt when I see my tiny guy talk to and smile at his Daddy.
I breastfeed.
I'm exhausted, but I wouldn't trade either of my boys for all the sleep in the world.

I will be forever grateful for the amazing husband and father that God brought into my life, and I cherish the agreement we share that God is the center of our marriage.
I am inspired by his passion for Christ.
I am thankful for the understanding, support, and love he shows me everyday ... especially when I don't deserve it.

I am self conscious.
I am not, nor will ever be, a size 4.

I can be sensitive.
I can get defensive.
I am stubborn.

I am a child of God.
I believe every single word in the Bible to be true.
I am a sinner.
I am not perfect.
I make mistakes.
But I am simply saved by grace.

I am human.

This is me.

The Way I See It #92

2010-09-21T12:04:00.001-05:00

You are not an accident.

Your parents may not have planned you, but God did.

He wanted you alive and created you for a purpose.

Focusing on yourself will never reveal your purpose.

You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense.

Only in God do we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our significance, and our destiny.

Pastor Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life

Thank you, Starbucks!!

How could I ask for more?

2010-09-20T21:17:00.002-05:00

There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night, building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight and holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more?

Running barefoot through the grass playing hide-and-go seek
And being so in love that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers watching snow fall to the ground
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more?

So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way

So if there's anything I've learned from this journey I'm on
Simple truth will keep you going, and simple love will keep you strong
'Cause there are questions without answers, and flames that never die
And heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more?

Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more?

Little Moments.

2010-09-17T15:32:00.003-05:00

As sad as it is, I don't get too much one on one time with my big guy these days - simply due to the fact that there aren't many moments when Josiah doesn't require my undivided attention. It breaks my heart when I'll be walking around with Josiah in my arms, (knowing full well if I put him down he'll immediately fuss), and Jacob will come stand at my feet wanting me to pick him up and love on him, but I can't at that moment. But today we had a few minutes of sweet, uninteruppted Mama & Jacob peace.

I had to wake Jacob up early at 3:00 to prepare him for leaving with Daddy for his 2 year check up. Waking up from his afternoon nap can sometimes be a hairy situation - it's a 50/50 chance whether he'll be happy or crabby. So to make the transition as pleasant as possible, I had his juice cup ready and filled on the counter, and I sat down on the couch with him to wake up with some Mickey. Thankfully (and, to be honest, oddly), Josiah had put himself to sleep rocking away in his swing. So we sat there quietly for a few minutes, and just cuddled until Daddy got home. Jacob would move around now and then, but always made sure that his head never left my body ... it would always land on my leg, on my chest, or under my neck. After a few minutes of sitting there, he sat up, turned towards me, wrapped his free arm around my neck, and squeezed tight!! He didn't even let go right away! Absolutely melted my heart!! When Daddy got home, I tried to get up so I could grab Jacob a snack before he left, and he wouldn't even let me get up, so Daddy had to bring his snack in to him LOL.

Throughout the day he is always giving us kisses, hugs, & high 5's .... in fact, if we get him up in the morning and we don't give him a kiss right away, he'll put his hand on our face, turn it towards him, and kiss us LOL ... but I think this is the sweetest thing he's done so far!! Mama got some lovin and she didn't even have to ask for it!! :) Just one of the little moments I won't soon forget.

What If?

2010-09-11T16:34:00.004-05:00

July 4th, 2010.

This date has a new meaning for me.

Some of you already know the story. I had gone to do some last minute shopping, leaving the boys at home with David. While at the store, I passed out and seized - I was taken via ambulance to the hospital here on Fort Leonard Wood.

The first thing I remember, is opening my eyes while in the ambulance, obviously not knowing what was going on. The paramedics were trying to wake me up, asking me questions and trying to gently explain to me what happened. It only took me a minute to realize I was in a neck brace.

When I arrived at the E.R., I was taken in for a cat scan of my head. Every moment the Drs and Nurses weren't at my side, I was in tears. I literally thought I was going to die. I thought either my neck was broken, or maybe I was bleeding into my brain. I kept thinking about Natasha Richardson, and her death that was caused by simply hitting her head. I thought about my boys, and what would happen to them. I have been born again almost my entire life, but in that moment, I was literally scared to death to die. Floods of doubt filled my mind, and I started to question everything I believe. "What if everything I believe is wrong? Or what if forgiveness doesn't even exist and all of my sins are still on my record? Am I bound for hell?". I was ashamed just thinking those thoughts, but up until just a few short weeks ago, I wasn't able to shake them. Thanks to God, even though I had slight fracture in my skull, there was no bleeding into my brain, and all of my subsequent tests .... MRI, EEG, glucose .... have all come back normal.

In the past weeks since July 4th, the day of my accident has seemed to be nothing but a nuisance. 1) I am not allowed to drive for 6 months due to my seizure - so all of my/Josiah's appointments David has to take us to, with Jacob in tow ... and 2) All of my appointments, period. It seems like every week there's somewhere else we have to go. Thankfully now, things are dying down a bit until my final follow up in October. But, point being, it's been stressful. After a conversation with a dear friend a few weeks ago, I started looking at the accident with a different point of view. I now believe ... it needed to happen.

I first asked Jesus into my heart when I was 6 years old, I believe. One of our church's regular missionaries to Thailand - Debbie Vik - came to speak to our children's Sunday school classes and show us a video of the area she ministers to. Absolutely tugged at my heart! I actually decided that day that I wanted to become a missionary in Thailand. I told my Mom later that day of the convictions I had in my heart, and the next day we went to visit my Pastor and he prayed with me. Years later, when I was 12 I believe, I recommitted my life to God during what proved to be a very emotional Easter service for me. I tried to move forward from a rough childhood to live the life God wanted me to live, making plenty of mistakes along the way. I went on missions trips, I sang in the church choir, I attended church every week, twice a week ... I've always done what I was supposed to do. I've always had convictions when I've sinned, and I know what is right and wrong. I've always known the truth ... I grew up surrounded by it. But until July 4th, I don't think I fully understood the urgency of what I believe ... and Satan sure took advantage of my weakest point to make me doubt it.

My friend recommended to me that I read the book "90 Minutes in Heaven" by Don Piper, a Pastor in Texas. Back in 1989, Mr. Piper was involved in a fatal car wreck. He was pronounced dead at the scene - they said he immediately died on impact - and for 90 minutes, his body layed in his vehicle, without a pulse, while the EMTs attended to other individuals involved. During these 90 minutes that his body was lifeless, Don was in Heaven ... very much alive. In the book, he goes into great detail about his experiences in Heaven, and why God chose to bring him back to life, through the prayers of others. Please, read this book. It has given me so much hope and assurance that there IS a Heaven ... and as unworthy as I am, I will be there someday.

The accident on July 4th not only opened my eyes to how fleeting this life on earth is for myself, but also gave me the urgency to reach out to as many people as I can with the TRUTH.

"And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desire of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which he loved us,

even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

that in the ages to come HE might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

not of works, lest anyone should boast.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Y'know what the beautiful thing about Salvation is? All we have to do is accept it. We don't have to die, sacrificing ourselves or our children. He simply asks that we believe that he made a sacrifice on our behalf, and obey his commandments.

God does not want to see us suffer. It is because of the sin placed on this earth by the fall of man that we experience pain, corruption, grief, sadness, guilt, and shame. It is only through Jesus Christ that we can be spared from an eternity of torment & pain.

You may be thinking right now, "this doesn't apply to me", "I don't believe God exists" or "I have plenty of time to worry about my eternity". You may not even care. But let me ask you this one question : what if?

What if Heaven and hell do exist?

What if they are even more real than this earth we live on?

Do you know, 100% without a doubt, where you will go when you die?

Are you prepared for that reality?

Is the eternity of your soul something you're willing to take a gamble on?

My Dad was only 40 years old when he died. He went to work one morning and never came back to his earthly home. I was 10 months old. Growing up, I would dream about entering Heaven's gates and running into his arms. He never expected to be struck by a speeding van while working and instantly killed. His life ended in the blink of an eye. But by the grace of God, I know he is with Jesus at this very moment, and I will see my Daddy again.

I am not saying this to shove anything down your throats, but I cannot be quiet anymore. I have to say this ... because I love you, and more importantly, because God loves you. I am simply asking, as your friend, sister, family member ... to look inside yourself, and ask yourself these questions. I'm begging you. Not one of us knows how much time we have on this earth before our eternity begins.

Writer's Block.

2010-09-11T15:07:00.002-05:00

I have so much I want/need to say, but not quite sure where to begin or how to say it. Asking God to give me the right words.

Fireworks? Not so much.

2010-07-06T07:36:00.002-05:00

Well, it's been an interesting (nearly) 48 hours ... to say the least. Our original plans for the 4th of July was to have some friends over for a BBQ in the evening, then take the boys to see the firework show on post. The day didn't exactly go as planned.

Around noon, Jacob went down for an early nap, and I left Josiah at home with David to go do some last minute shopping at WalMart. Not 5 minutes into the store, as I was walking into the produce area, I felt like I was going to black out. I sent a text to David and he told me to sit down, but there were no chairs in the vicinity, so I opted for water instead. I walked to one of the coolers in the checkstands, pulled out a bottle, and took a couple swigs. That's all I remember ... until I woke up in an ambulance - WITH a neck brace on.

Apparantely - I passed out and had a seizure, biting my tongue in the process. When I woke up to the EMT asking me questions, I felt like I was dreaming. According to what they told David (they called him on my phone), I kept asking about the boys and if they were okay ... so I guess I didn't realize I didn't have them with me. The ambulance took me to the hospital at Fort Leonard Wood, and I was wheeled into the ER. I. Was. Scared. To. Death. Seriously, for awhile there (as ridiculous as it sounds), I thought I was going to die. I figured my neck was broken, or I was bleeding into my brain ... or something horrific. All I could think about was the boys. The moments the Dr/Nurses weren't next to me, I was crying. Finally they took my neck brace off, and I called David on my cell phone. He was, of course, car-less ... but I begged him to take the boys next door to our neighbors and come be with me. So he did (our neighbor Sean drove him). Probably a couple hours later, the Dr said he wanted to send me to another hospital in Columbia, who is basically better equipped to handle my case. He was concerned that I had air buildup in a vein in my head from pregnancy, which could've caused the seizure. By this time, I also realized I could barely hear out of my right ear. Dr said when I fell, I broke a piece of my skull behind my right ear, resulting in a buildup of blood behind my ear drum, causing my hearing to be muffled. According to the Drs, the blood will go away and I'll get my hearing back ... but goodness it's annoying! So, anyway - I was transferred by ambulance about 2hrs away to Columbia. David went home and grabbed Josiah to bring him with so I could nurse, and met me at the hospital awhile later. I can't remember what they did at Columbia that night - it wasn't much - I think they basically just got me hooked up to everything and admitted. A couple Drs came in and tested my reflexes, arm/leg strength, etc. Everything was good. Then awhile after David got there (like, around midnight), I was finally taken to my own room on the 6th floor. I was given some anti-blood clotting medication which would not allow me to nurse until it was out of my system, so the nurse brought us some baby formula from pediatrics ... allowing David to handle the feedings throughout the night. It was SO nice being able to get almost a full nights sleep! Again on Monday, a flood of different Drs came in to talk to us, and tell us that I needed an MRI to check that vein in my head and make sure it wasn't obstructed or blocked. Later I was told they also wanted to do an EEG on Tuesday, which would mean another night in the hospital. We basically begged Dr Roland to see if he could have that transferred to Leonard Wood and let us go home ... he said if the MRI came back normal, we could wait on the EEG. So, a couple hours later I was wheeled in for the MRI. Normally I would consider myself claustrophobic, but the nurse said I handled it like a champ. A couple hours later - GREAT NEWS!! Everything came back normal and we could go home!!!!!!! Still have to go in over the next 2-3 weeks for an EEG and a 3hr glucose test, but oh well. Here's what they think happened: I hadn't had anything to eat Sunday morning, and all I had consumed beverage wise is coffee and Dr Pepper. PLUS, I had just pumped some breastmilk before I left ... so they think I passed out due to dehydration/malnutrition (The same thing actually happened back when I was in Africa in 2000 ... I passed out and seized). Hence, why I need the 3hr glucose test - to confirm that my blood sugar dropped. Why I still need the EEG, I'm not 100% positive. Here's the sucky part ... because I've had 2 seizures now (although spread 10 years apart), it's Missouri State Law that I cannot drive for 6 months!!!!!!! Thankfully David does all of the driving anyway when we go out together, but for 6 months he's basically going to have to chauffer me around everywhere. This should mean, though, that he doesn't have to leave for BNOC next week (or anytime soon) ... so that's a praise. Really, the whole situation is a praise. It could have ended up alot worse.

Thankfully, Jacob still got to enjoy himself!! Our next door neighbors (who have a little guy the same age), took both boys to the firework show here on post :) Tiffany said Jacob did amazing ... even slept all night! Made Mama feel SO much better, but I was SO happy to finally come home to him!!

So, that's the story. I know I wasn't able to update all of you on FB - but those who I was able to get a text out to, THANK YOU for praying!!!

xoxo

Birth story, jaundice, & breastfeeding ....

2010-06-19T19:42:00.008-05:00

Josiah Dale Mitchell

Born Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

1:02 pm

8 lbs, 4 oz, 21 inches long

I haven't had much time in the past 3 weeks to sit down and write all this out ... but I figured I better before I start forgetting too much.

This little guy sure sent me on a rollercoaster ride! I was sure he was going to be weeks early, but he decided to fool Mama and make his appearance only 2 short days before his due date.

The evening of Monday, June 7th was being spent at home with my family - David, Jacob, and Mom and Dad - who had just arrived from Iowa the evening before. Around 5:30pm I started noticing that the contractions I was having were beginning to get more intense, so I decided to time them. Sure enough, they started off around 10mins apart, but soon went down to 5mins .... then maybe only an hour after that, 3-4mins apart. They caused me to lose my appetite, so I just sat there while everyone else ate. Shortly after dinner we put Jacob to bed, and I had David get himself ready to leave ... around 9pm we left for the hospital. What's humorous, is I was scheduled to go into the hospital just a few hours later, at 5am the next morning, to be induced. When we arrived at the hospital, the nurse checking me in was one of the same nurses I had seen when I was sent home 2 weeks prior. I had a slight suspicion she didn't believe me that I was really in labor ... she stuck me in a triage like room, and brought me a styrofoam cup of water, as opposed to the water bottle they gave me last time. Whatever. I didn't care. She hooked me up to the monitors and checked my cervix - 4cm. Still. She said she'd come back in an hour and check me again, and the dr would decide if I stayed or went home. The hour passed extremely quickly, as this time I wasn't focusing on the hands on the clock, but trying to get through the contractions I was feeling. She came back in and checked me again - still a 4!! But, I knew I was in labor - and I told her this. I told her how scared I was to go home and for my water to break, and that I would be much more comfortable staying put. Thankfully, the dr apparantely agreed. She had already spoken with him and he said whether or not I stayed in the hospital was up to me. Though, technically, they would not be admitting me and putting me in a L&D room until 5am. Which also meant no pain medication until then. At that point I was just thrilled that they weren't sending me home that I didn't care. The next few hours would have me regretting that .....

The nurse turned down the lights and left for the night. She said she would be back around 4:30-5:00 to start my admitting paperwork and getting me moved to another room. 6 hours. "I can handle that", I thought. Not so much. I tried to lay down and sleep, but to no avail. Every position I tried was more uncomfortable than the last, and each contraction was getting closer together and increasingly horrid. I literally counted down the hours on the clock.

5:00 came and went. I tried to give the nurse the benefit of the doubt - "she must be really busy right now", I kept trying to tell myself. Finally at 5:30 I couldn't take it anymore, and I buzzed the nurses station. She immediately comes in and says she's doing the paperwork right now and it will only be a few more minutes. Thank GOD!

We got moved into our room, and proceeded to wait even more. Before the anesthesiologist could come in with my epidural, my midwife had to arrive and ORDER it, and it was (if I remember correctly) a good hour before she came in. Thankfully at that time my contractions weren't too horrid, but they still hurt. Mrs Hooper (my midwife) finally arrived, checked my cervix (I believe I was at a 5), and broke my water. Not too long after that, the anesthesiologist team started showing up. First one lady came in and had to ask me questions (atleast this time around she told me if I was having a contraction to just put my hand up and cut her off until the contraction went away, LOL ... unlike the nutroll I had to deal with when I was in labor with Jacob) ... then the lady who would actually be administering the epidural came in. Despite the contractions I had to breathe through, the process went smoothly. About 20mins later, my entire lower left region was completely numb. My right side - not so much. I could still feel pain in the right side of my belly. My anesthesiologist had to come back in a couple times and increase the medication flow, move some tubes around, move ME around. After the last attempt of increasing a medication to help the epidural move to my right side, she said she'd come back in a little bit to see if it kicked in. If not, I had the option of having the epidural completely re-done. Nothing. I asked the nurse to send for her and we'd just re-do it. Unfortunately she was preoccupied on another floor for quite awhile. Somehow, I fell asleep waiting for her. When I woke up a bit later, the pain was just about gone. The nurse asked if I still needed the epidural re-done ... I asked for them to check my cervix - if it was going to be another few hours, then yes. If I was almost done, I may as well live with the little bit of pain that was left. So, they checked my cervix again .... 9cm!!!! By that time, the pain was completely gone! They left me alone for a little while to let the last centimeter progress and let Josiah's head drop even lower. Not 15 minutes later, I felt pressure and called the nurses back in. Sure enough - he was RIGHT THERE. They called Mrs Hooper in and told me to start practice pushes. ONE push in and they all started going "Ok, ok, hold on!! Stop pushing!! He's going to be out in just a couple of pushes!" LOL Mrs Hooper got her scrubs on, and only after about 3 more pushes, he was here!!! At 1:02pm. Seriously one of the most amazing moments ever (of course right there with the moment I first heard Jacob cry). Daddy finally got to cut the cord this time :) (which, my midwife informed me when his head was out, was wrapped twice around his neck. Thank you, Lord for keeping him safe!!) Then my tiny guy was finally laid on my belly! One look at his face and I could see that he looked JUST like his big brother!! Like, identical. Having those first few minutes to hold him, watch them clean & weigh him, bond with him .... are moments I have been waiting years for. I missed out on that with Jacob, and I am so thankful that everything went smoothly this time around and I was able to have a successful VBAC. Honestly, aside from the horrid contractions before my epidural, it was the easiest thing I've ever done. I wish I could say I was one of those women who has all the strength in the world and can handle giving birth without pain medication ... but I'm not. I am though, proud of the 14 or so hours I endured before my epidural. I felt a heck of a lot more focused this time around on breathing through my pain. David was also a HUGE part of helping me deal. There were moments that if I didn't have him there offering his hand and reminding me to breathe, I probably would have lost it. You were amazing love :) Thank you. After they weighed and cleaned him off, he was handed back to me and the nurses left to give the three of us some time alone to bond & nap. Later that evening, David came to the house to round up Mom, Dad & Jacob and bring them to the hospital to see baby. It was the sweetest thing - when David walked in with Jacob, I had him put him on the bed with me, and Jacob gave me the biggest hug!! It was like he was saying "Oh, Mama! I missed you! Where have you been?!" LOL. It was the longest I had been away from him in almost a year. We ended up staying in the hospital for another 2 days due to Josiah's jaundice, and it tore my heart out to be away from Jacob for so long. It's funny - when I had Jacob, I adored being the hospital ... it was like being on a mini vacation with room service and all! LOL This time around, I was dying to come home and see my big guy!! Josiah was still jaundiced when we left on Thursday - but our pediatrician felt comfortable letting us go home knowing we'd use the bili blanket and do what we needed to do to make the jaundice go away. The next few days were rough. Time at home was glorious, but we had to go in everyday and get poor tiny guy's heel poked to check his bilirubin levels. It broke our hearts. We went back and forth between having to use the bili blanket, and then taking him off of it to see if his body would bounce back or if his levels would shoot up again. One day it would start going down a teeny bit, then the next it would be up another couple points. This went on for a few tormenting days. Finally, the following Wednesday I believe it was, we got a phone call from his Dr saying that it went down by .05 and we were finally in the clear!! Best news EVER!! I knew the jaundice would eventually go away and he wasn't in any real danger (his levels weren't THAT high), but it was torture going in everyday and subjecting him to another heel poke. His poor tiny feet were being used as little pin cushions!! Thank goodness that's over!

Now, Mr. Josiah is 3 weeks old (already?!) and doing fabulous!! He had his 2wk checkup last week, and Dr said he looks perfect! He was already 9lbs 2oz. He has already become a pro at breastfeeding ... so much so, that he finds it necessary to perfect his profession 24/7 (it seems). I literally feel like that's all I do these days, is feed him LOL. I am rather proud though, that we're 3 weeks in (which may not seem like much, but it is!), and I haven't supplemented with formula at all .. and I don't plan to! I was already supplementing with Jacob 2 weeks in, and by a month old he was completely formula fed. Not gonna happen this time around!

Life with two little guys under 2 is definately going to take some adjusting. It hasn't been too overwhelming yet ... though I'm just about to endure a month on my own as David will be in Georgia training for a month. I'm slightly nervous, but also excited at the prospect of the challenge. It will be a good crash course in how I will handle both boys by myself.

Speaking of which ... I've already spent way too much time here this morning getting this completed LOL .. I need to get the boys dressed!

I do want to say thank you to everyone who said a prayer for us the last few weeks - especially when we were trying to get rid of Josiah's jaundice.

And Mom & Dad - you guys were life savers!! (They took care of Jacob while we were in the hospital, and even for the few last days they were here after we came home). We all adored having you guys here and appreciate everything you did! Hopefully it won't be months before we're able to see you again!

Ok, I'm off! :)

waiting, waiting, waiting ........

2010-05-24T15:13:00.004-05:00

This is the bittersweet part.

While I adore feeling this little guy move (i.e. kick, punch, mame my insides) inside my belly, the pains of being 9 months pregnant are getting to be just too much. I hate to complain, I really do, but it seems like that's all I do these days. Every move I make hurts. Walking, laying down, sitting. Getting down and up off the floor to change Jacob's diaper has become a circus act. My poor husband barely sleeps any more than I do, due to the million times per night I have to turn over ... not to mention the endless groaning that ensues because of the horrific pain in my pelvis. Point being - I want this little boy OUT!!

I was extremely encouraged by my midwife (the 4th "doctor" I've seen throughout this pregnancy) when she told me at my 36wk appt (nearly 2wks ago) that I was 2cm dilated and more than halfway thinned out (60% to be exact). I mentioned that Jacob was born at 38 1/2 wks and asked for a prediction as to whether this one would be early as well. "I'd give it another week or so", was her response. Works for me! Unfortunately, that week has come and gone ... and the past couple of days have made me think that Josiah is happy as a clam in there and has no plans to come out. Ever.

Thankfully, just today I've finally been getting more signs that labor might be near. One of which I experienced with Jacob, just two days before I went into labor with him. I've been having contractions ... some painful, some not ... for the past week or two ... so I'm just waiting for those to become consistent. If my neighborhood weren't full of hills, I'd be out there walking Jacob around in his stroller constantly ... however I have no interest in getting myself stuck at the bottom of a hill LOL.

I realize that technically I'm still 2 1/2wks from my due date ... but the way I see it, I'm only a few days off from when Jacob was born, and he came out a happy, healthy, nearly 8 pounder. I have no problem with this little guy making his appearance anytime!! In fact, today would be glorious!! LOL I'm finding myself in more pain as each day goes by, and definately more cranky! I speak for myself and my guys (and the poor dog) when I say that life would be a little sweeter (though I'm sure even more sleep deprived) with Josiah on the outside.

I'm crossin my fingers!! Hopefully it won't be too much longer!

Mothers Day ...

2010-05-10T09:27:00.003-05:00

was fabulous!!!

Actually making it to church on Sunday mornings requires that I rise before the rest of the house. Take a shower, start breakfast, and get the coffee brewing. Usually by the time I go back upstairs to wake David up, Jacob has woken up and is inside his crib chatting up a storm. This morning was no different. The moment I picked Jacob up, he had a big open mouthed kiss waiting for me - I didn't even have to ask for it!! I placed Jacob on the couch and found that morning's new Mickey episode. This would ensure me a few more minutes to go upstairs and finish getting myself ready. Somehow we were all dressed, fed, and ready to walk out the door right on time at 9:20!! I was impressed.

The last couple of months, we have kind of struggled in getting Jacob used to the church nursery. We knew it was important to get him used to other people and social surroundings, but it would break our hearts in two when we dropped him off only to see his eyes well up with tears. Yesterday, he didn't cry once!! David put him on his feet just inside the nursery door, and he just walked off. I looked in one of the nursery windows around the corner and saw Jacob had already made his way to the other portion of the nursery, ready to play. When I told my Mom all of this on the phone Sunday night, she asked me if this made me sad ... that he didn't necessarily need Mommy anymore. I said "absolutely not". I explained how heartbroken we would be, walking off as he cried at the top of his lungs ... and how big of an accomplishment this was for all of us. He has reached a new stage of toddlerhood. I will admit - it does tug at my heart knowing that my firstborn will never be a tiny little baby again ... but every little new thing he does as he grows just melts me. I have so much fun watching him discover new things and learn new things ... and he does it with such excitement!! It made me feel even better when we went back to pick him up and he ran to Mommy with a big smile on his face :)

After church we got on the highway and embarked on the hour long drive to Springfield for lunch. David asked where I wanted to go ... where else but - Fuji! (Fuji is Springfield's answer to my favorite restaurant ever, Kyoto, in Everett). If only Fuji could perfect their seafood sauce ....... Anyway, after a good 30 minute wait (divided between driving around and sitting in a crowded lobby area with a very mobile 20 month old), we had an amazing lunch!! I was a little nervous to see how Jacob would react to the hibachi and all his tricks. Last time we went for Valentines Day, Jacob cried at the sight of the large fire that was produced on the grill for 3 seconds. This time though, he handled it like a champ!! Even a couple times, seeming to laugh at the hibachi :) I'm pretty sure most of the time I completely ignored the hibachi and just watched my son's reactions. Priceless.

After lunch, I promised my husband we would go explore Bass Pro Shops' Outdoor World, which we passed on the way to the restaurant. I must admit - it is really, REALLY cool in there!! I had been to Cabela's in Washington, but that was nothing compared to the set up they have in Outdoor World. I'll even admit that I became quite engulfed in the world that makes my husband drool. The best part was the aquariums of turtles, catfish, and alligator gars that caught everyone's attention. (Don't ask me exactly what an alligator gar is - I couldn't tell ya. It's a fish. A large fish. We'll just leave it at that). They even had a rather large alligator near the fishing gear, and a Starbucks!! Had I known that, we wouldn't have had to hit the one across the street before hand ;) Oh well. I think I lasted maybe 45 minutes walking around this huge store before deciding that the contractions I was having were becoming too much, and it was probably time to head home .... with a large chunk of cookies n' cream fudge in my hand!!

We spent the rest of the evening here at home, doing our Sunday evening norm ... relaxing, playing with our boy, and watching Celebrity Apprentice after he went down for the night. I honestly could not have asked for a better day with both of my guys. Thank you my loves!! xoxo

Dear Anonymous....

2010-04-22T14:05:00.001-05:00

As you can see, I did not mention anything about tea parties in my previous post. I also did not include any political views - mine or Glenn's. I do, though, find these points inspiring and a good "motto", if you will, to live by. Furthermore, I don't understand how anyone could be offended by this request. If they do not believe in it, they have every right to turn it down.

With that said - I would not put it past Obama to do whatever he has to do to quiet those who stand against what he is doing. Honestly I think it's an awesome idea to ask America, as a whole - democrats, republicans, independants aside - to not take the course of violence ... it's not going to solve anything. If we want something to change, we need to take the proper course of action and elect those we believe will stand up for what is right and execute what our country needs. Not attack those who we disagree with.

My goal in sharing these 10 points by MLK was not to start a political discussion, by any means. It was to inspire. Please do not attack me for that.

Pledge of Nonviolence

2010-04-22T09:12:00.003-05:00

Below is the Pledge of Nonviolence that Martin Luther King, Jr. asked those who believed in his message to abide by.

Glenn Beck went through each one of these principles on his show yesterday. Love it!

Pledge of Nonviolence
1. As you prepare to march meditate on the life and teachings of Jesus.
2. Remember the nonviolent movement seeks justice and reconciliation - not victory.
3. Walk and talk in the manner of love; for God is love.
4. Pray daily to be used by God that all men and women might be free.
5. Sacrifice personal wishes that all might be free.
6. Observe with friend and foes the ordinary rules of courtesy.
7. Perform regular service for others and the world.
8. Refrain from violence of fist, tongue and heart.
9. Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
10. Follow the directions of the movement leaders and of the captains on demonstrations.

Matthew 24: 4-14

2010-04-08T11:41:00.002-05:00

I discovered this passage during my devotions this morning, and I couldn't help but share it.

4- "And Jesus answered and said to them: 'Take heed that no one deceives you.

5- For many will come in my Name, saying, 'I am the Christ', and will deceive many.

6- And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7- For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.

8- All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9- Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.

10- And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.

11- Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.

12- And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

13- But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

14- And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come".

Better than a Hallelujah

2010-04-06T18:59:00.003-05:00

I adore this! It's so comforting that God doesn't expect me to be perfect. I have moments when I'm broken, when I'm angry, when some of life's moments just become too much ... and he's always there for me to lean on and hand over the control of my problems. In fact, he finds beauty in it. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" - Matthew 11:28.

God loves a lulluby
In a mother's tears at night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

God loves the drunkard's cry
The soldier's plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

The woman holding on for life
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

The tears of shame for what's been done
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

Better than a church bell ringing
Better than a choir singing out, singing out

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

Sung by Amy Grant

baby bump : 29 wks, 3 days

2010-03-29T18:25:00.002-05:00

To say I'm ready for this little boy to come out would be an understatement.

The Military Wife

2010-03-02T15:10:00.003-06:00

Lots of moving...
Moving...
Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;
Moving curtains that won't fit;
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.

Often waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home, For dinner...AGAIN!

They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.

She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...

She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move...
.....all with ONE Power of Attorney.

She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS;

Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.

Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.

They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.

Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...

Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU
BAR
CIB
TAD
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed;
the glue that holds them together.

A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture

And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.
Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart.
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband,
She will remain his military wife.
And would have it no other way.

2nd time Mommy

2010-02-17T13:36:00.003-06:00

Over the years I have heard so many women pregnant with their 2nd child say, "I don't know how I will love my next child as much as I love my son/daughter" ... and I never really got it. I always assumed "Of course you'll love your next child". But I understand now. Mind you - I want this baby, so much. There has never been any doubt there. He was planned, and even if he wasn't, we would still be ecstatic that he was on his way. But lately, for some reason, I have been doubting my ability to adore this new little boy as much as I adore his big brother. I guess what has caused the doubtfulness in my mind, is all the nightmares I've been having the last month or so. Nightmares that all involve my sweet 17 month old, and the fear of losing him. I've dreamt that he was extremely sick and I could not get to him. I've dreamt that people have wanted me to give him up to take care of another child (not even mine). I've dreamt of people taking him, period. I wake up in the middle of the night from these dreams, and have to fight the urge to go into Jacob's room and just stare at him. I get excited in the morning when I can go in and see him smile at me, and talk to me like he's telling me a story. Yet somehow all of these dreams have stirred up in my heart, the fear that I am sacrificing him and my time with him, for this new little one. Am I crazy? Am I the only one with these ridiculous fears? Or are these emotions something that every 2nd time mommy goes through?

love.

2010-02-10T20:09:00.001-06:00

cheerios, donuts, and standing proud

2010-02-10T16:19:00.004-06:00

Today I had my 20 week ultrasound ..... 3 weeks late. That's the joy of being in the Army and relocating your life to another state on their timeline, not yours. It was worth the wait, however. Baby Josiah was so much bigger and so much more defined ..... especially in the "manly" region. Before the screen was turned towards me, the technician got a glimpse of his boyhood, causing her to chuckle and tell me I had a very proud boy on my hands. "Standing proud", I believe, is the phrase she used to describe my child, LOL. She turned the screen and showed me, and all I could do was laugh. "His daddy will be proud when he sees that", I said. Silly boy. Already trying to show up his big brother, LOL. I don't know about you, but the build up to the 20 week ultrasound always scares me. Is he growing like he needs to be? Will all his little organs be where they need to be? Is he REALLY a boy?! All of these questions have plagued me for weeks. But, thankfully, God has proven his faithfulness yet again and given us another beautiful, healthy baby boy, currently estimated to be weighing 1 lb 2 oz. Perfect! :)

My first baby boy, is another story. Daddy weighed him on our new bathroom scale the other day ... 30 lbs!!! Certainly isn't willing to let go of the "linebacker" title we've given him. He has changed so much, just since Christmas! He is now walking (nearly running) everywhere, climbing the stairs, and, his new development - climbing on my furniture!!! All of which he is quite proud of, and will prove any moment he has the chance. He adores Mickey Mouse, and any ailment - tantrum, hunger, despair - can be healed with the mere sight of Cheerios.

So, I had a goal when I became pregnant with Josiah that I would NOT be gaining another 40lbs this time around. That goal is beginning to slip right through my rapidly enlarging fingers. I, yet again, have been hit by the sweets monster. I started out slowly ... maybe just getting a stick of taffy now and then when walking through the checkout at WalMart. Now, I require a STASH of sweets in my house. Gummy worms. Starburst. Hersheys Kisses. Anything fruity and sour. Today I bought 2 boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts at the PX (Naturally I couldn't choose between the Chocolate Glaze and Raspberry filled). And don't even get me started on the ice cream. It's now a nightly occurence (while I watch The Biggest Loser, of course). Am I a hipocrite? No. I'm pregnant, LOL. I'll have plenty of time to feel bad this summer when I'm trying to lose the weight again. Depressing. Oh well. Here is Josiah and I's latest photo (take note - soon I'll look proportionate to a beluga whale).

baby bump : 20 weeks

2010-01-21T11:13:00.002-06:00

For comparison - 20 week photos of both Josiah and Jacob. Apparantely, both of my boys prefer to stay LOW.

You are my 'I love you'

2009-12-30T12:24:00.002-06:00

I am your parent, you are my child

I am your quiet place, you are my wild

I am your calm face, you are my giggle

I am your wait, you are my wiggle

I am your audience, you are my clown

I am your London Bridge, you are my falling down

I am your carrot sticks, you are my licorice

I am your dandelion, you are my first wish

I am your water wings, you are my deep

I am your open arms, you are my running leap

I am your way home, you are my new path

I am your dry towel, you are my wet bath

I am your water wings, you are my deep

I am your open arms, you are my running leap

I am your way home, you are my new path

I am your dry towel, you are my wet bath

I am your favorite book, you are my new lines

I am your nightlight, you are my sunshine

I am your lullaby, you are my peek-a-boo

I am your kiss goodnight, you are my "I love you"

From the book "You Are My 'I Love You'" by Maryann K Cusimano and Satomi Ichikawa

baby bump : 16 weeks

2009-12-26T19:14:00.002-06:00

It's a Boy!!!

2009-12-26T15:16:00.002-06:00

SURPRISE!!! Jacob is going to have a baby BROTHER! Trust me ... no one is more surprised than Mama! We are so excited to see Jacob with a little buddy though!

Introducing Josiah Dale Mitchell ... due to make his appearance June 10th!

Measuring his heartbeat ...... 155bpm.

Baby M : 13 wks, 5 days

2009-12-08T13:44:00.002-06:00

Heartrate was 167 :)

Girl or Boy?

2009-11-30T16:35:00.002-06:00

Yes, it's that time again! Time to play "Guess the Gender"!

We have an ultrasound on Wednesday, December 23rd to find out baby's sex - and I want your opinion!!!

I, my husband, and atleast a handful of others are all convinced baby is a girl ... simply because this pregnancy has already been much different and more dreadful (morning sickness/emotion wise) than with Jacob. Yes, I realize this is what I said before we found out Jacob was our boy - but, what can I say, it's just my intuition this time around. Who knows. Maybe I'm wrong.

But, I want to know what you think! Go vote on my poll!

xoxo,
Sarah

baby bump : 12 weeks

2009-11-30T10:29:00.002-06:00

Just a few ....

2009-11-21T20:37:00.003-06:00

photos from the photo shoot we had done today. It was our FIRST as a family! Jacob wasn't too thrilled, but I guess that's to be expected from a 14 month old.

December 23rd.

2009-10-26T10:30:00.002-05:00

This is going to be a big, big day.

Not only will we be leaving Colorado Springs for a long, long time in anticipation for our relocation to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri ... Not only will we be on our way to Iowa for Christmas leave ... but ............

Today is the day we will be seeing our little bean for the first time and finding out if Jacob will be having a baby brother or sister!!! Is that not the perfect Christmas present?!

I realize this is still 2 months away - but I am so anxious!!! Everything about this pregnancy (even though I'm only 8 weeks in), is already 20 times worse than it was with my pregnancy with Jacob. The nausea, etc started even before I found out I was pregnant (around 4 weeks), and is SO much stronger! The sore *****, the exhaustion, the food cravings/aversions - everything is WORSE. I don't remember feeling this gross, especially this early, with Jacob. All of this is bringing me (and about 5 other people) to the conclusion that we're having a girl. But, we shall see! :)

As I mentioned earlier, we will also be clearing Colorado Springs for the last time. We have orders and a report date for Fort Leonardwood of January 10, 2010! David is SO excited! He has been ready to leave this unit for a long, long time. And what is beautiful about this new position, is that he will be NON deployable!!! So, as soon as we leave Iowa after Christmas - it's onto Missouri we go!!! I am somewhat nervous about, yet again, moving the whole house ... settling into a new place, 5 months pregnant, AND chasing around a toddler ... but, God has it all under control. Please just keep us in your prayers over the next 2 months as I search for a home, and also work on finding a Dr. in Missouri and where I'll be delivering this baby.

Life never seems to slow down for us. It's always an adventure!!! :)

A second blessing

2009-10-05T10:52:00.002-05:00

Due June 10th, 2010

Life as it should be.

2009-09-09T10:22:00.008-05:00

(I know ... it's been a minute since I've last blogged)

Y'know, I really did have doubts as to whether or not we would make it to this point in our lives. I prayed, and hoped - but my emotions still debated with each other every day ... that happens when you feel as though you're pushing your luck with a 3rd deployment.

But now ........ bliss. We are finally back to "normalcy" (if there is such a thing). But let me give you a recap.

Back in June (yea - it's really been that long), Jacob and I finally welcomed Daddy home for a 2 week R&R in Washington. It had been 10 long months since Daddy and Son had been together, but Jacob must have recognized his voice, because he took to Daddy right away. He even said his first word while he was home - "DaDa!" It couldn't have been more perfect! We were fortunately able to also spend the 4th of July together as a family - and David (along with my brother, Jeff - who had just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan and had a new baby boy of his own) had the priviledge of joining my brother-in-law, Jack (a firefighter), in the 4th of July parade in Everett. All 3 of them rode in the ladder on top of the firetruck, and had a blast! It was a shining moment for my hubby, and I'm so glad he got to have it! Later, the 3 of us (Daddy, Mama, and Baby) went on to celebrate with BBQ, friends, and fireworks on the beach until the sun went down. It was a beautiful, beautiful day! David had to leave just a couple short days later, but we were so thankful for the time we were able to have, the memories we made, and especially the fact that we only had a month and a half until he came home for GOOD!

Just a few weeks after David left, it was time for Jacob and I to pack up and begin our trip back home to Colorado Springs - a change I was more than ready for. I was, naturally, heartbroken to leave the friends and family I had leaned on, yet again, through another deployment ... but I was also ecstatic to make a home for my boys and begin our life together again. I had already set up a house in the Springs before I left Washington, and was so, so excited to see it and move in! Due to a couple small housing issues when we first got down to the Springs, I was unable to move in on August 1st as I had anticipated ... Instead, we moved into our house on August 16th - THREE days before David returned home! But, Mama scurried like a mad woman and unpacked the house as much as she could before we welcomed Daddy home on Wednesday, August 19th!!! And, fortunately, Grandma and Grandpa Mitchell were there to welcome him home with us! :) Just a few short days later - the following Saturday - we celebrated Jacob's 1st birthday, surrounded by the family that loves him so much! Grandma and Grandpa Sand were even able to take a road trip down from Washington!!! It honestly is SO amazing how fast the time passes by and how quickly our little ones grow and change. I feel like I blinked and the last year just flashed by.

The last 12 months, at times, felt unbearable. But we made it. Somehow God brought me through the sleepless nights, exhaustion, and worry ... and he brought my husband through the danger and "what-ifs" of our 3rd and FINAL deployment.

Now, we're back to business as usual. David is home every night. I am finally going back to school to earn my Medical Transcription Degree - a completely paid opportunity blessed upon me by God, and paid for by the Army. I am so thankful to be able to go back to school, and prove that I CAN do it.

And, we're happy - simply just being a family is all we could ask for.

going orange for stellan

2009-04-21T09:41:00.001-05:00

Stellan.

2009-04-20T22:52:00.003-05:00

For those of you who may have not already read his story - Stellan is a beautiful 5 month old baby boy - a baby who was not even supposed to be delivered full term ... or delivered alive. In the womb, Stellan was diagnosed with SVT (rapid heart rhythm), and heart failure. He was, miraculously, born full term, last October. Doctors were then unable to find anything wrong with him.

Stellan has been back in Children's Hospital for the last month and a half. He was transferred to Boston Children's Hospital last week - a hospital who specializes in cases like his.

Tomorrow, Tuesday April 21st, at 8:30am Boston Time, Stellan will be going in to surgery. They will attempt to do an ablation on Stellan's heart.

I am still reading his Mama's past blog posts, as I just came across their story a few weeks ago, so I can in no way go into great detail about Stellan's heart condition. You can read more at http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

Stellan's many prayer warriors and followers are all joining together tomorrow and wearing ORANGE as a show of support. Jacob and I will be following suit.

Please be in constant prayer tomorrow. Pray for wisdom and a sound mind for Stellan's doctors. Pray for peace and comfort, as unimaginable as this situation must be, for Stellan's parents. Pray for this sweet baby. We know that God has chosen Stellan and his family to walk this road for a purpose, and he always has, and will have Stellan in the palm of his hands no matter what happens tomorrow.

I look at the pictures of this tiny life and I cannot help but see Jacob, only a couple months older than Stellan. I feel insurmountable thankfulness, and also insurmountable guilt, that my son is completely healthy and whole. Mckmama - my heart aches for you.

We're praying for you, Baby Stellan!!!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future"
Jeremiah 29:11

Easter

2009-04-14T01:02:00.004-05:00

Although David wasn't here to share it with us, Jacob and I's Easter actually turned out really well. We had to be up and out the door early so I could make it to practice for the Easter program, so we had to wait until we got home after church to see what the Easter Bunny had brought him! :)

We spent the afternoon & evening surrounded by family, and had a blast laughing, playing games, and just being together. I was exhausted the majority of the day, so I didn't get nearly as many photos taken as I would have liked. But, here are a few ...

Jacob's Easter Basket! Yes, it's a monkey :)

Such a little stud muffin!!!

Mama's little man

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-11T11:11:00.003-05:00

My husband is okay!!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord!

Thank you ladies again, for your prayers for my husband's safety, and my SANITY!

Please continue to pray for the families who are finding out this Easter weekend that they lost a loved one. I can fathom their pain.

Luke 4:10 - "because it is written, 'God will put his angels in charge of you to watch over you carefully."

Thank You.

2009-04-10T23:39:00.003-05:00

I want to thank all of the ladies that have sent me messages and comments today, telling me they are praying for my husband's safety.

Today was hard. Very hard. I spent the first half of my day, staked out on the couch in my front room, STARING out the front window. If someone was going to show up at my door, I wanted to see them coming - not be scared to death by the sound of the doorbell. My FRG leader checked with Rear D, and according to them, they had no information. That didn't necessarily make me feel better. I couldn't erase the horrid images from my mind until I knew for sure.

My mom came home around 2pm from her morning errands, just as my sick 7 month old son was going on a half hour of coughing uncontrollably. We decided he needed to see a Dr - just to be sure. I think this was God's way of getting me out of the house and my mind on something else. We had to go to a Walk in Clinic (if you're military - you know you have to schedule a dr appointment a month or so in advance if you want to get in to YOUR dr). While we waited in the waiting room, a little girl, probably no more than 3 years old, with long, bouncy curly brown hair kept coming over to Jacob and talking to him, at one point even bringing over a mini John Deere tractor and "driving" it all over the chair next to us. We were called back, and the minute we walked through the door, Jacob seemed to attract every nurse in the building. They all were literally ooo'ing and ahh'ing over him. He of course, loved the attention. He sat quietly during his exam, smiling at the Dr as she listened to his chest. She said his lungs sound great, and he's just congested. Phew! I was sent on a wild goose chase to different stores trying to find children's Sudafed - I guess many places don't carry it - so a couple hours had passed before I returned home. I was SO relieved to come home, it being early evening already, and no one had knocked on my door.

I don't think I will completely be able to breathe until I hear names released or I hear from my husband, but I now have, somewhat, a sense of peace. As soon as I do hear more, I will let you all know. But until then ..... thank you. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for those prayers already said, and those prayers yet to come.

Love, Sarah

From my husband ...

2009-03-21T12:12:00.001-05:00

To my beautiful wife,

Well baby today we have been married 3 years. I tell you all day today I have been just sitting thinking when I could how awesome and strong our marriage is. If I was outside looking in I would be amazed at the strengths and strides our marriage has taken and over come. As I think about all this I thank God for being our one true center that our marriage and now our family revolves around. I never knew just what it was going to be like to be married to the one God had created for me to be with. You my love are my everything, my gift from God that lets me know how much he really loves me. I looked at our wedding photos and just replayed our whole wedding ceromony we had. You came in that day and just made my heart drop. I remember being so nervous, not all because I was marring you, but wondering am I going to be able to be that good husband she deserves. I see that look in our photos. On that day I made a promise to love you no matter what, through thick and thin till death due us part. That is the promise I strive to hold up to everyday of my life. I take on that responsibility of that and of that being now a good father to our children. I thought of a new promise today that I heard from the video you sent me. I promise to show you everyday as much as I can how much you mean to me. I promise to find everyday things I love about you even when things get hard. I promise to be that spiritual leader for our family. I promise to treat you as my partner and never as someone who is under me. I promise to tell you everyday as many times as I can how much I really love you. Those are my new more exact promises to you. Sarah every year you show a new version of you that makes me fall in love with you more. I thank God every time I pray for giving me a woman who is everything I wanted and more. I These are all words that aren't able to be said from my mouth, but they are words that come from the deepest part of my heart. I will never stop loving you. Thank you Sarah for putting up with me and I look forward to spending another year with you! I love you baby! Happy 3 year Anniversary!

From your husband who loves you more then himself,
David

6 months

2009-03-05T13:42:00.004-06:00

I know ... I have been horrible about updating this in the last month. Just after Jacob turned 5 months, I began working again at Wells Fargo. I was originally only supposed to work 4 hours every evening, but once my former boss found out I was back, she convinced me to come in a couple hours early and help her team out. So, with that, and keeping up with my boy, I did not have the time or brain capacity to sit down and blog. But, I'm back now :) Atleast somewhat.

Last Thursday, Jacob turned 6 months!!! In a way, yes, it feels like it was just yesterday that he was an itty bitty bundle of blue in my arms ... and yet, it really does seem like he's been with us forever.

Jacob is such a ham! It's funny - when I was pregnant (or even before, actually) - David said "I want our kids to be just as dorky as me, and we can all make you laugh" ... He totally called it! Jacob is totally a mini Daddy! He loves making silly faces and blowing bubbles at Mama (which I'm now having to teach him is not acceptable during breakfast, lol). He now wakes up every morning chatting away and laughing at himself, and is still very much a snuggle bug. He has discovered his feet, and I love watching him roll around on the floor like a pudgy little ball!

We had our 6 month dr appt on Monday ... Jacob is now 22.5 lbs and 28 inches long!!! My little defensive linebacker :) The day he turned 6 months we started our morning breakfast ritual of rice cereal and applesauce. The first couple days it was like pulling teeth to get him to even open his mouth, let alone keep the food in ... this week, it's like I can't get the spoon in his mouth fast enough! :)

On Sunday we had some "6 month" & "Mommy & Me" photos done ... Once I get those, I'll post those as well!

I'll love you forever

I'll like you for always

As long as I'm living

My baby you'll be.

5 months

2009-01-26T17:05:00.004-06:00

It's so bizarre to think that this time last year, Jacob was just a tiny little bean inside my belly, while I battled day and night of insomnia and morning sickness.

Now, I'm still not getting much sleep, but I get to spend my days with a very happy, smiley little boy.

Reading Nursery Rhymes with Grandma

I've discovered my thumb

I'm a big boy ...

I can hold my own bottle!!!

The way I see it

2009-01-20T21:45:00.000-06:00

Since 6:30 this morning, I have been watching the Inauguration of our 44th President of the United States, and our first African-American President, Barack Obama.

Now, I did not vote for Obama. I have always been, and will still be, a proud Republican ... and I was convinced that Senator McCain and Sarah Palin would do an amazing job in the white house ... and yes, I was disappointed initially that they were not elected.

But c'mon people ... it's been over 2 months now. No matter what we think of Obama - he is our President now. We cannot change it. We can either continue to be depressed and complain that he is our new Commander In Chief, or we can join in and do our part to make America the country it was made to be.

PRAY. Pray for Obama. Pray for our leaders. Pray God will give him wisdom to take our country out of this economical slump, bring our troops home with integrity and unite America again. But goodness sakes ... stop complaining!

Who knows ... maybe the country will go in shambles. Maybe not. But what's the worst that can happen? I mean really. If you believe like I do, the more crap that happens, the closer we're getting to Jesus coming back and taking us home. Try to think of it like that. This can only go one of two ways. This is not the end of the world ... and hey, if it is ... is that such a bad thing? :)

I love you Grandma

2009-01-13T10:35:00.004-06:00

My Grandma, Martha Lois Sprague, went to Heaven to be with Jesus today, January 13th, at 5:45am. She was 85 years old.

Though I keep reminding myself that she is now with my Grandpa, who, coincidentally, died January 9th, 1992, I can't help but be heartbroken.

I am thankful she was able to meet Jacob and I was able to see her one last time after I returned to Washington, back in November ... but I do wish I had been able to go over and see her more often.

My Grandma was an amazing woman. She was a very strong and God fearing wife, and mother to 5 children - Carl Jr, David, Caroline, Mary, and Mark - and a very sweet, very kind grandmother. My mom always said I had her wrapped around my pinky finger :) She and I were pen pals for years when I was younger, and she always had candy and countless photo albums for me to indulge in when I went to her home.

I'll never forget the day she met David (above photo) ... we had already been married nearly 2 years, but had failed to get over to see her beforehand. She absolutely adored him! She was living in an assisted living home - but at the time still had her own "apartment". She had already been starting to forget things, but always remembered me, and went on to ask David all sorts of questions and tell me "Wow, he's really cute!", LOL. She loved him. It was such a blessing to me to know I had her approval.

Last winter, she was moved to a nursing home, sharing a small hospital like room with another lady ... this is where I would take Jacob to visit her. She had changed so much since I had seen her a year ago. She did not remember much, at all ... though it brought tears to her eyes to see me with a baby in my arms. She would spend alot of the time while we talked to her, sitting in her chair with her eyes closed. Mom would bring up memories, asking Grandma "do you remember" ... with her eyes closed she would say "I don't remember". I could tell she was literally trying to envision the memory, and was heartbroken she couldn't find it. I knew in my heart how sad she was. I also knew how much she missed my Grandpa, who has been gone for 15 years now. She was lonely, and she was tired. It really does put my heart at rest to know she's no longer hurting, no longer alone in a cold, sterile room ... and she gets to see her love again. How amazing is that?! Her eyes have now seen what Heaven looks like ... what our Heavenly Father's face looks like. I am so happy for her!!! And I know some day, I'll see her again.

In Memory of Martha Lois Sprague .::. April 3, 1923 - January 13, 2009

Fun in Iowa

2008-12-29T18:02:00.003-06:00

Well, Jacob's first day of air travel went rather well. He took being stuck in a stuffy airplane and airport after airport like a champ, and rarely (maybe once) fussed. Mama was scared to death, when just after taking off in Denver, we hit HORRIBLE turbulence for about 10 minutes. I felt the plane fall out of from under us atleast 4 times, the last time waking a sleeping Jacob up to look up at me as to say "What's going on Mama?!". Clutching hard on to the seat in front of me, I prayed and kept thinking "We can't die today .. we can't die today .. David has to see his son again! .. I will feel so bad if he can't see Jacob again!". I swear I have never been so scared in my entire life. Thankfully, God heard my prayers and kept us in the air. If I didn't have to fly again on the 6th, I would swear off planes for awhile ... I am much happier staying on the ground. But, we made it to Iowa, and we both absolutely passed out that night. We are having a blast with our family, who just adore Jacob. But, it still doesn't feel the same without David here. But, only 8 months to go .........

In the meantime, more Jacob!!!

Hi Mama

Yes?

I blow bubbles. Alot.

Helloooooooooooo.

Grandpa thinks I'm just the coolest thing.

Playin with my new horsie, Cloud, from Grandma and Grandpa

What's this?

YAY!!!

Jacob's 1st Christmas

2008-12-27T12:36:00.004-06:00

In love with Grandma Michele's new Bissel

Christmas morning nap ... Mama surrounded by 2 pups and a baby!

Hangin out with cousin Alisha

Sleepy Santa

Talkin with Aunt Julie

Waiting for Santa

2008-12-27T12:33:00.002-06:00

In our Christmas pjs!!!

Santa Baby

2008-12-20T22:04:00.002-06:00

2008-12-20T21:27:00.002-06:00

Have you ever heard it said that no one snowflake is alike? Usually when you see the snow fall, the flakes just look like little white puffs. I always heard this but I was never able to see it ... until this week.

We have a jacket that sits on a chair just outside the front door. Michele noticed the other day, that the flakes that fell onto the jacket, were revealing intricate, unique designs ... exactly what you would imagine a snowflake to look like! It was absolutely beautiful! We did our best to capture these tiny flakes on our cameras, and I tried to play with the photo to make the snowflake show up as much as I could. I wanted to share it with you :)

Happy Winter!!!

Snow Day

2008-12-17T17:59:00.004-06:00

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful ... and since we've no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow .....

Snowbaby

My first snowman!!!

Mama and Baby's 1st Snow Day!!!

Dear Santa,

2008-11-30T21:18:00.002-06:00

All I want for Christmas is my Daddy home ...

Love, Jacob

He loves his Mama

2008-11-30T21:17:00.000-06:00

Jacob's 1st Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T12:52:00.001-06:00

3 months!!!

2008-11-26T12:58:00.000-06:00

Trickster

2008-11-21T00:35:00.002-06:00

Okay, so a few months before Jacob was born, Mom and Dad came from Iowa to visit David and I for a week or so. We had a great week, but unfortunately I had to work for a few days that they were there. One of these days, I came home and was told that they had found out the meaning to Jacob's name .... "trickster". I'll be honest, I really didn't like hearing that, and I was convinced I had read another meaning in the past. Now, I'm starting to wonder if that's the truth.

As you read this next part, keep in mind that my son is not even yet 3 months old. I finally got him to sleep and laid him in his bed about an hour and a half ago. After CSI ended, I brought my laptop into the bedroom and crawled into bed, trying to be as quiet as possible. Due to the fact that he wasn't swaddled when I layed him down, I knew it was very possible that he would wake up again soon. Sure enough, I heard him start to move around .. I looked in his bed, and yes, his eyes were open. I stood up and started talking to him, about to take him out to lay him next to me, and his eyes shut like he was going to go back to sleep. I thought "hmm, I'll atleast wrap his blanket up around his arms to keep him from flailing around". Just as I started doing that, he gets this mischevious smile on his face, and opens his eyes RIGHT at me, just as to say "Ha! Fooled ya!". I kept wrapping him, but he kept on smiling. Sure enough, he was wide awake. I tried putting the binkie back in his mouth, but he wasn't having it. I sat back down to see if he'd put himself back to sleep ... not so much. So now, he is laying next to me, wide awake, looking at his Christmas lights in the window.

Ahhhh, my child ......

We're Back!!!

2008-11-20T20:50:00.003-06:00

Only a MONTH after arriving in Washington, I finally have a working laptop and beautiful internet! I cannot even put into words the withdrawals I have been going through over the past 30 days. I logged on this afternoon and didn't even know where to start to catch up! LOL

Alot has happened since we left Colorado Springs. Jacob has already DOUBLED in size! At his (late) 2 month well baby checkup last Friday, he weighed in at a whopping 14 lbs, and has already grown to 25.5 inches long! Big boy!!! He's in the 95th percentile and perfectly healthy! He is finally starting to smile more and more, and as we discovered this morning, loves Sesame Street!!! He is down to only one feeding throughout the night (around 5:30am), so he's pretty much sleeping through the night for Mama! All I have to say is ..... SWADDLE!!! I think we may be in the beginning stages of teething, so the last week and a half or so, we've been a little crabby ... but, that's to be expected. He really is such a sweet little boy, and he makes me smile every day!

David is doing well back over in the sand box. He's obviously having a harder time this go around, being away from Jacob, but he's adjusting (thanks to the gym). I'm trying to keep him updated as much as I can with pictures, so I think that's helping. But, all in all, we're both ready for this year to be over.

Well, I need to get my little one ready for bed. I will try to update with pictures as soon as I can!

Much love!

23 years

2008-10-11T06:24:00.001-05:00

Bath time before bed

2008-10-03T22:51:00.003-05:00

This is a classic Jacob face .... cracks me up :)

Country Boy

2008-09-29T21:20:00.004-05:00

Can you see how much I look like my Daddy???

Saturday

2008-09-29T10:28:00.007-05:00

So, this is how I spent my Saturday ... staring at a toe completely bent to the right and sitting for 3 hours in the hospital. How, you ask?

Well, ever since David left, Annie has been rather attached to everyone else. Even if someone walks out of the room for a moment, she flips out thinking they're never coming back, and they must be followed. Mom, Dad, and I have all had some majorly close calls in the last 2 weeks with her underneath our feet. Well, I got to be the lucky one who took the fall.

I was in the bedroom on Saturday morning and had just gotten Jacob changed and dressed ... He was looking quite cute in his brand new bib overalls :) We got up off the bed and started walking toward the door, when all of a sudden .... YIPE, YIPE, YIPE .... I was stepping on Annie, who decided to lay on the floor smack between the bassinett and the bed (a very itty bitty walk way for Mama) ... so, with Jacob in my arms in an attempt to relieve the pain for my dog and not let Jacob's head hit anything, I tumbled forward. My toes hurt a little bit, but until I looked down a minute later and saw that my second to last toe was literally bent to the right side, it didn't faze me how bad it was. That's when I started getting nauseous. Now, to begin with, I have a phobia of broken bones. This is why Sarah doesn't ski, snowboard, or do anything remotely dangerous. Call me a scaredy cat if you will, I don't care - it's better than having to hear, see, or feel a broken bone. The only bone I had actually broken, before this day, was the top half of my middle finger, when in a game of hide and seek in the dark with our youth group, Gabe decided to jump down the last 6 stairs and landed on me, resulting in jamming my finger into his chest. Atleast for that I got a rather good looking male nurse to make it all better. This time, married, I got to go into the ER alone, and had to deal with a crabby female nurse. So not the same. Anywhoo, back to my story ... I started trying to figure out what I should do. I was home alone with Jacob, Mom and Dad were at work, and I couldn't get ahold of Laura and Ashley. In the mean time, I'm staring at this toe, and the nausea is getting worse. "Do I go now and take Jacob into the ER with me?" ... didn't seem like a good idea. "Do I wait until I get home until Colorado? What if that's waiting too long? Can I even find a hospital in the area that accepts Tricare? Oh my gosh, what if it sets like that?!". Finally I just had to lay down on the couch and breathe, all over a broken toe. See, I told you my phobia was bad!

Finally Laura texted me back that she got off work at 4 and could come watch Jacob. PHEW! So after 3 hours of sitting in the hospital being asked "What happened?" time and time again (which resulted in the xray tech chuckling to himself a little bit), my toe was buddy taped to the toe next to it, and I was sent home with meds. The dr offered to numb it and reset it (I believe he used the word CRUNCH, so not smart), but couldn't guarantee it would even heal correctly that way, so I opted for the buddy tape.

All in all, an interesting day ... but, this is what I got to come home to, so, who can complain?!

My Daddy is a Soldier

2008-09-28T00:01:00.001-05:00

This just broke my heart ....

My daddy is a soldier, and he's often gone away, to some far off country where he has to stay. I really miss my daddy and I'm not sure what he does, except he helps other people who need him very much.

At night when I say my prayers I ask to keep daddy safe so that he can come home to us and sit in his favorite place. Some nights I can hear mommy cry when she thinks I'm asleep ... I know she misses daddy and her sadness hurts real deep.

I know that a day may come when daddy won't come home, and it scares me even thinking that we will be alone. My daddy is a soldier, and he's often gone away, and I'm so very proud of him each and every day.

Come home to us daddy, when your job is done .. I know that people need you, but they aren't the only ones.

1 month

2008-09-26T20:33:00.004-05:00

Bliss

2008-09-25T16:17:00.004-05:00

I just had to announce ....

I can fit into normal jeans again!!!!!!!!!!

Given, they're a size bigger than my pre-pregnancy size, but I am not letting that slight technicality rain on my parade. I still have 50 lbs to go to hit my goal weight, but hey, this is a start, right?!

In other news .... my baby boy is just about grown out of his newborn size sleepers. This makes me sad. Part of me can't wait for him to smile, laugh, find his feet, etc .... but another part of me wants him to stay tiny and little. He seems to be just around the corner from cracking a smile, and he definately knows and appreciates when he's put into Mama's arms (which I LOVE!) ... He could be wailing loud enough for the neighbors to hear, but once Mama picks him up and holds him close, all is well again.

I now have concrete plans for moving back to Washington! YAY!!! I have rented a storage unit and Uhaul for down here in the Springs, and bought a plane ticket for my ever so generous friend who is coming down to drive back up with me. He'll be flying down on the 16th, we'll leave on the 17th after my final inspection, and we should be home late on the 18th. I am SO excited to be coming back home!!!

Well, I should go get some laundry done while I have some time to myself (Auntie Laura and Cousin Ashley are babysitting, hehe).

But for now, a picture of my sweet boy ......

How far we've come

2008-09-22T21:59:00.004-05:00

It just hit me today how far we've come and all we've gone through since David and I met in November of 2003 (our 5 year anniversary is coming up on November 11th). We've overcome 2 (almost 3) deployments, a break up, families in different states, and various other hurdles. It absolutely amazes me to think back on everything, then and now, and know we're even more in love today than we were when we first met.

Our first picture together

Our wedding day

Our little family

Looks like we made it
Look how far we've come my baby
We might've took the long way
We knew we'd get there someday
They said "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together, still goin' strong

You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss goodnight ...

Ain't nothin better
We beat the odds together
I'm glad we didn't listen
Look at what we would be missin
They said "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together, still goin' strong

When I first saw you, I saw love
And the first time you touched me, I felt love
And after all this time, you're still the one I love

Quiet Moments with Mama

2008-09-18T21:04:00.001-05:00

Puppy Love

2008-09-17T18:59:00.003-05:00

My Daddy's Perfect

2008-09-17T18:59:00.002-05:00

Just before I left Washington last year, my good friend Tammie performed a song she had written for me at youth group, in memory of my Dad. I just found the lyrics she gave me here in a box David and I left at Mom & Dad's (due to lack of room in our car) ... I wanted to share them with you.

"My Daddy's Perfect"

Sarah runs and smiles and hides her head
Daddy's almost home

Peek a boo under the bed she says ...
Daddy's close to home

One day a driver went too fast
Oh he never saw her grow

When she's asked about him she just smiles
And says...

My Daddy's perfect, and I'll see him someday
My Daddy's perfect, he never left, he's never late
I'll sing here and he'll sing there
I'll meet him at the gate
My Daddy's perfect to me
And when I see him - that's what he'll be

He never shook the hand of the man she married
But he holds the hands of the one who took her nails

He never walked her down the aisle
But someday he'll walk her home

And she'll be perfect like he is
And she'll sing around the throne

One day Sarah will run and smile
She wants to be the first to greet him at Heaven's door

deployment day 2008

2008-09-07T23:50:00.003-05:00

can you believe this day is already here?! it feels like it was just yesterday that i was announcing my husband's arrival home from the sand box ... and now, not even a year later, i have said goodbye and sent him back. there is something seriously wrong with that scenario.

people keep telling me i'm strong ... that i've done this before. i don't feel strong ... and that doesn't make this day any easier. given, day 1 is the hardest ... but today came too soon, and i wasn't ready to begin another year without him.

he really is my hero

saying goodbye to his little boy ... this broke my heart

i love you

sleepy boy

2008-09-01T13:47:00.001-05:00

Jacob's Story

2008-08-31T23:42:00.002-05:00

As promised, here are the details of the day my sweet boy was born ...

On Monday afternoon (the 25th), around 5:30, I started feeling minor yet consistent contractions. They started at about 10 minutes apart, but soon went down to 5 minutes. By 6:30, they were down to 3-4 minutes apart, and getting stronger. I decided to go for a couple walks around the neighborhood to see if the contractions were real ... sure enough, after walking a couple miles, they stayed close together and just kept getting stronger. So, I came home and showered, with the instinct that something would be happening soon. For the rest of the evening, I hung out on the couch with David watching CSI and timing my contractions ... until about 2am.

Finally, the contractions were getting so strong, that I decided it was time to go into the hospital. They put me in triage and examined me, and I found out I was only 1cm dialated ... so we were sent home. David figured he would have to be up for work in a few hours, so he went straight to sleep. I, on the other hand, spent the next 2 hours trying to breathe through some pretty painful contractions. Then at 4am, just as I was about to fall asleep, GUSH - my water broke! I was in SHOCK. I tried waking David up and RAN to the bathroom. Not a minute later, HORRID contractions commenced, and kept going every 1-2 minutes. Once I could finally stand up (10 minutes later), we hurried and left for the hospital.

When we arrived I was immediately admitted and put into bed. For what seemed like an hour, the nurses just kept asking me questions (questions that they had already gone over when I was in at 2am). Here I was in horrible pain, trying to answer questions with whatever breath I had left in my body. David was my rock during this time ... he tried to help me focus on him and breathe as much as I could, and he understood my frustration with the endless questioning. Finally, the anthestesiologist came in. After she had to ask me a ton of questions, they gave me my epidural. Oh my word, what a lifesaver!!! They checked me a few minutes later, and I was already 4-5cm. They figured it would be awhile, so they told me to rest as much as I could. Well, I tried ... but with people constantly coming in and out, it just didn't happen. Another hour later, they checked me again .... 6cm. David went to grab some breakfast, so I was left alone for awhile. Again, I tried to sleep. I started going a little button happy w/ the epidural, due to some almost painful pressure I was getting in my lower belly. The next time the nurse came in (around an hour later), I told them about the pressure, so he checked me again .... 9 1/2 cm!!! Jacob's heartbeat went down a couple times with the contractions, so they decided to let me start pushing ... which, they figured would take an hour or so. After a couple pushes, they realized it was only going to take a couple of minutes. Then, I hear Major Foster tell the nurse "Ummm, that's not his head that I see ... that's his butt!!!". Somehow, at some point, Jacob had turned around!!! Seeing as how this was my first baby, it didn't take them long to decide that I needed to be taken into the OR asap for a c section. So within 5 minutes, I was wheeled in. I had to spend the first few minutes in there without David while I was prepped, which was nervewracking. I started to worry that they wouldn't numb me correctly and I would feel everything. But, as soon as David was by my side, I was ready :) Dr. Zamboni didn't explain to me what she was doing, so I was shocked to hear all the commotion when Jacob was pulled out not 5 minutes later, at 8:10am!!! The second I heard his first cry I just broke down into tears!!! David followed him over to the table where they cleaned him off (I couldn't see), and came over a couple minutes later to tell me "He's absolutely beautiful". He weighed in at 7 lbs, 9 oz, and 20 1/2 inches long. Soon after, the nurse brought my baby boy over and set him right in front of my face, and I gave him those first kisses. He was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, and the tears just kept coming. I couldn't believe he was finally here!!! I spent what felt like another half hour in the OR being stitched up, and then sent down to recovery to wake up and get the feeling back in my legs, which took a couple of hours. Finally I was taken back up to the Mother Baby Unit, and soon after my son was brought in to me ... and we have been inseperable ever since.

I cannot put into words how blessed this little boy has made me already, and he's only been here for 5 days!!! The best part of my days right now, is when he opens his eyes and looks at me while I talk to him. I can't wait to see him smile, and hear him laugh! He is an absolutely beautiful combination of my husband and I, and we could not be more in love!!!

My Boys

2008-08-31T19:02:00.001-05:00

Meet Baby Jacob

2008-08-29T23:28:00.003-05:00

Here he is!!!

Jacob Edward Mitchell was born on Tuesday, August 26th at 8:10am, via c section. When I get a chance, I will sit down and write out all the lovely details. Until then, I wanted to share my little boy with you :)

You can also go and view an album I have created:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11333272@N07/sets/72157607005239835/

Baby Jacob is HERE!!!

2008-08-26T19:23:00.000-05:00

An update!! Sorry it has taken me a while to post this ...

At 6a this morning Sarah was dilated to 9 1/2 and was due to begin pushing soon. She dilated to 10 cm and was starting to push when her OB noticed he wasn't feeling Jacob's head ... it was his butt!!!! She was then sent to the OR for an ER c-section.

Baby Jacob Edward Mitchell was born at 8:10a today, August 26th. He was a healthy 7lbs 9oz 20 1/2 inches long. I just spoke to Sarah who is recovering nicely in her room with David and their new little one. She told me that Jacob latched right onto the breast and was eating as we spoke. Aw, healthy and hungry boy!!! :)

CONGRATS TO SARAH & DAVID!!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome Baby Jacob!!!!! XOX

If there are any other updates or info that Sarah would like me to post you will be hearing from me again. Otherwise I will let her have all the fun in sharing her story along with those handsome pics of that little man when she returns home. Take care!!

Love,
Keisha

Sarah is in Labor!!

2008-08-26T09:27:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone, this is Keisha updating for Sarah.

I received a called from her at 4:50a this morning (5:50a her time). She and David had gone into the hospital at 1a and sent home due to her being only dilated 1 cm. They went home and David went to sleep, thinking he was going to get up and work this morning. Sarah on the other hand could not sleep due to continuos contractions. Then around 4a her water broke!! They went back into labor and delivery, were admitted and have been there ever since. When she called me at 4:50a she was dilated to 6 cm, 90% effaced and laying happily in bed with her epidural. :)

I just spoke to her again at 6:30a. She was 9 1/2 cm and about ready to begin pushing!!!!

She sounds strong, wonderful and excited/anxious to meet her new little man!! Now we all get to play the waiting game while she does the dirty work ... pretty soon Mr. Jacob Mitchell will be taking his first breath. How exciting!!! I will do my best to keep you all updated with any news/stats she sends my way.

HUGS,
Keisha

baby bump : 38 weeks

2008-08-23T16:15:00.003-05:00

38 weeks and still pregnant

2008-08-22T15:37:00.001-05:00

I just got back from my doctor appointment. Since I haven't been having any contractions (aside from 1 or 2 irregular pains over the last week or so), Dr Rogers decided not to check my cervix, as he figured there wouldn't be much change.

However, I do believe I lost my mucous plug on Sunday, and Jacob feels MUCH lower (which Dr Rogers confirmed ... phew!). His heartbeat was nice and steady, as usual, and I'm measuring at 38.5 - 39 weeks. Right on schedule! :)

My blood pressure seems to be steeping again, so I've been told to keep an eye on any swelling ... but aside from that, it's pretty much just a waiting game now.

So, along with the daily walks and primrose oil, hopefully this little guy will make his entrance in the near future!

Eviction Notice

2008-08-21T11:41:00.001-05:00

Eviction Notice

TO: Jacob Edward

Pursuant to the provisions of Colorado state law, the Golden Rule, and common human decency, (as well as several human-rights treaties, I'm sure!) you are hereby given an eviction notice and notice to vacation on or before September 5, 2008 the premises and appurtenances owned by your mother in her womb, which premises are no occupied by you.
THE REASON(S) FOR THIS EVICTION NOTICE IS/ARE:

1. Your failure to pay rent due and in arrears when demanded. A settlement offer to pay rent or vacate was served upon you on August 14, 2008 (commonly known as 37 weeks gestation), and you have refused and neglected to pay rent for your entire tenancy. Furthermore, you have continued to use and deplete all the resources available on the premise and have made no effort to compensate your mother for said usage, and have not indicated any willingness to cease and desist such usage--in fact, your demands have increased as the months have gone by.
While previously, an agreement may have been able to be reached regarding a payment of liquidated damages in return for extending your stay, the relationship has degraded to a point that eviction is the only option.

2. Substantial damage has been done to the premises as follows: a. notable cosmetic damage including, but not limited to: acne, hair growth, lina negre, and spreading of the noseb. irreversible structural damage including, but not limited to: stretch marks, loss of integrity of breast tissue, serious abdominal and uterine expansionc. damage to the plumbing and other systems, including, but not limited to: heart burn, carpel tunnel, constipation, urinary incontinence, swelling of extremities and gasd. numerous miscellaneous offenses interfering with other's enjoyment of the premises including, but not limited to: mood swings, leaking breasts, bleeding gums, cervical mucous and other untold horrors spilling out, rib kicks, and bladder punches.e. Finally, we have received credible information that you have made a threat of serious, irreversible and permanent damage to the premises in the near future.

3. Your failure to comply with a material term of the lease as follows: in entering into this arrangement, your mother was made to understand that while there certainly would be some discomforts, you would grow quietly while providing your mother a sense of excitement, peace and fulfillment, as well as a noticeable "glow." You have failed to comply with these terms, causing your mother untold distress.

4. Behavior by you which adversely affects the health or safety of the landlord (your mother), as follows: a. The damage noted in section 2 is incorporated here by reference.b. Your constant kicking, punching and wiggling is causing considerable pain and discomfort to your mother as you persist in your attempts to take up more space.c. Your refusal to relocate is putting your mother in serious danger of a complete mental break-down.

5. For other good cause as follows:a. The term of your tenancy expires on September 5, and in consideration of all the grievances listed above, it is impossible to willingly grant you a 2 week extension.b. Arrangements have been made for your comfortable relocation to much brighter, more spacious accommodations, rent free, with round the clock servants, plenty of room to move and grow, and no rent--failure to accept this offer should be considered valid grounds for involuntary commitment. c. Your mother has decided to take a sabbatical from her duties as a landlord, and said sabbatical cannot begin until you have fully vacated the premises.d. Your father wants to meet you!

Dated: August 21, 2008

Your Mother (landlord)

I hereby certify that on the 21st day of August, 2008 at 9:00 am I affixed a true copy of this above original eviction notice to the abode of Jacob Edward, the above-named tenant.

baby bump : 37 weeks

2008-08-18T12:28:00.003-05:00

37 week update :
as of friday, jacob's head was even further up than it was 3 weeks ago, but i am 1 centimeter dialated. over the weekend though, more has happened to make me think that jacob may only be a couple days away. we'll see!! :)

5:22am

2008-08-13T06:22:00.002-05:00

This is very unlike me.

Here I sit .... at 5:22am .... wide awake at my computer. I haven't done this since David was in Iraq. But, I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep.

I kept thinking about all the things that still need to be done. Most importantly, was the urge to clear out all the pictures in my camera and find the charger. I've completed just about everything else.

Jacob's bassinett is set up in our room. His car seat and diaper bag are ready to go, even including the tiny little outfit he will be wearing home from the hospital. His Boppy bouncer is put together, itty bitty clothes and blankets have been washed, and I've completed my birth plan and shopping list of the last few things I need for my hospital bag. But all I could think about, was getting my camera cleared out and charged.

Am I strange? Finally since I quit working 2 weeks ago, I've had the enormous desire to nest ... that desire took me this entire pregnancy. Up until now I haven't had the energy to do anything but collapse on my recliner every evening. But now, all I want to do is get this house as cleaned and organized as possible, as soon as possible.

Given, this little boy's arrival isn't due for about another 3 weeks, but something tells me it will be sooner. Yes, it may be wishful thinking. But, I am a planner. What if I don't plan and he decides to come early?! Sarah can't be unprepared. I must plan.

Camera? check. Diaper bag? check. Sleep? not so much.

PRAISE! PRAISE! PRAISE!

2008-07-28T09:01:00.002-05:00

I found out last Thursday on my way home from work that David's commanders are making him stay home for his dwell time (i.e. until his 12 months on American soil is up) ... which keeps him here until at least September 21st!!!!! He may even stay longer, depending on when the next flight out will be, which could even be a month or two ... it just depends.

This does, however, mean that David's guys will be without him for awhile, which he of course is worrying about ... but that just means we pray even harder for God to keep them safe! :)

But, as his wife, I can't help but be THRILLED that he will be here for our son's birth! YAY!

34 weeks down

2008-07-25T17:09:00.001-05:00

Alrighty, so today was our 34 week checkup. Here's what we found out : my blood pressure is still where it needs to be, at 125/85. Jacob's heartbeat was nice and steady in the 130's, just like last time. I told Dr Dunn (new doc, thankfully seeing someone else next time) that I've been having tightening and some pain the last few days, so she decided to do a cervical exam to make sure nothing had changed ... we're good to go there. HOWEVER, while examining my belly, she discovered that my little boy is very much head down, and it's his little butt that's been sticking out of the top of my belly for 2 weeks! LOL During the cervical exam she also told me that she can feel his head right there. 34 weeks and he's already engaged!!! So, I'm hoping this means little Jacob will make his entrance EARLY! I'll be 36 weeks on August 7th ... so, anytime after that, he can come whenever he wants to! :)

Oh, and another joy of pregnancy we've discovered ... is that Mama's fingers have swollen and ankles are no more (lovingly now being called ... yes, you guessed it ... cankles). David loves to mention this fact quite often LOL. Consequently, my wedding ring is also now on a chain around my neck. According to my sister, her baby is 8 months old and she still can't put hers back on ... yikes. I already feel naked without it and it's only been a day.

Still no certainty on David's orders .... I guess a higher up he knows says these orders are crazy and that they're not leaving until January. I'd love to believe that but right now, I can't set my heart on anything. I guess I won't know anything for sure until he starts packing. Darn the Army! I'm a planner and I can't plan!!! LOL

So, ya, that's about it for now. Please keep David in your prayers for the next 2 weeks as he studies to go to the board (to be promoted to Staff Sergeant). He's getting pretty nervous.

I'll keep you updated as more happens (don't I always?! LOL I'm sure y'all are getting sick of hearing from me)

Oh the confusion

2008-07-22T09:36:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

Okay, so David received orders yesterday, with a leave date of "On or about September 1st" ... that's 4 days before my due date!!! We both automatically thought these orders looked bogus (we've seen orders twice before, and they didn't look like this) .... Sure enough, he looks at a better copy this morning at work with the guys and sees it says that these haven't even been approved by congress yet!!! Nice, ehh?! There are other things that make these orders wishy-washy, but now everything is up in the air again. I am so confused. HOWEVER, if these orders DO go through, that's making it a great chance that David will miss Jacob's birth .... PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE .... I'm begging for all the prayer warriors I can get on this! We don't care if he has to leave a few days or a week after Jacob is born - it just means the world to us that he is actually HERE.

I appreciate it you guys! As soon as I find out more I'll let you know!

Sarah

Baby Bump : 33 weeks

2008-07-17T13:58:00.001-05:00

Finally! There is an end in sight!

2008-07-16T11:19:00.000-05:00

I just gave my 2 weeks notice! July 31st is my last day!!!! Phew!

I have been absolutely exhausted lately, and cannot imagine another whole month of being up and down on my feet all day!

Please continue to pray that God will take care of David and I financially! I know he will!

Thanks all!

Love, Me

Love Notes

2008-07-16T09:16:00.002-05:00

For the last few months, David and I have been really bad about going to church. We originally found a church back in February, about 30-40 minutes away from home ... and HUGE. We tried it out for about 2 months, and then just stopped going. We didn't feel like we were needed anywhere and it was difficult to get plugged in to things.

But lately, he and I both felt the strong urge to get back into a church family ... a church that was family oriented, smaller, and had areas where we were needed (youth, children, music - whatever it may be). So a couple weeks ago, David expressed his desire (the same desire I had) to me to go back to church, and told me we could try out whatever church I wanted to ... I knew exactly where that was. I remembered a church we had driven by a couple times, and for some reason it had stuck with me ... so I looked it up online. I had him look at the website, as well, reading their beliefs and checking out what ministries the church had, etc. So, long story short, that's where we went the following Sunday morning.

We absolutely fell in love!!! Immediately we were taken in, and introduced to other people (in the first few minutes we were there!). It's definately smaller (but not too small), and EXTREMELY family oriented. There were kids running everywhere! And, they have a huge military ministry, for wives of deployed husbands especially (perfect, no?!). And oh my goodness, the time of worship was amazing!!! I had missed that so much!

So, we went back another week this last Sunday. The main pastor, Pastor Ronde, was back from vacation with his family, and he spoke from 1 Peter 3 on marriage - WOW, what a sermon. He spoke on the wife and husband's roles in the marriage, and how to treat each other ... The woman's role is to obey and submit to her husband, and the husband is to love and care for her wife. David and I had both heard all of this before ... but somehow we both walked away with a strong appreciation for one another and the love and respect God has given us for each other. And what's AMAZING, is in the last 2 weeks since we've been back to church, somehow we've both felt our marriage get SO much stronger. Now, we never fought before ... but with all the wacky hormones I've been experiencing the last few months, we'll just say, things can get edgy. But, somehow, the last 2 weeks ... I don't know, it's hard to explain ... we're just, happier.

So this morning, I go out to get in my car on my way to work ... and there is a note taped to my steering wheel with green military tape (LOL how cute is that?!), from my husband, telling me how much he loves me and is going to miss me today. I can't even remember the last time he gave me a love note. It's little things like that. I've never doubted that he loves me ... he tells me every day ... but the fact that he thought to go a little extra further today and go out of his way to surprise me ... that's why I fell in love with him in the first place.

They Call Her Blessed

A letter from your Mama ...

I don't need no stinkin' diapers!!

Donations for Joplin.

There will be a day.

I need a appointment book.

April 20th.

Proverbs Thirty.One Photography

Love Letters.

Plans & Heart Shaped Brownies.

***Smartphone Privacy Leaks from your camera***

Choosing to please God, not people.

Starting off fresh.

Where's the line to see Jesus?

Fourth week of November.

Mr. 5 Months

Reasons Fall Is Fabulous

Do over?

One for each.

Mercy Said No.

This is me.

The Way I See It #92

How could I ask for more?

Little Moments.

What If?

Writer's Block.

Fireworks? Not so much.

Birth story, jaundice, & breastfeeding ....

waiting, waiting, waiting ........

Mothers Day ...

Dear Anonymous....

Pledge of Nonviolence

Matthew 24: 4-14

Better than a Hallelujah

baby bump : 29 wks, 3 days

The Military Wife

2nd time Mommy

love.

cheerios, donuts, and standing proud

baby bump : 20 weeks

You are my 'I love you'

baby bump : 16 weeks

It's a Boy!!!

Baby M : 13 wks, 5 days

Girl or Boy?

baby bump : 12 weeks

Just a few ....

December 23rd.

A second blessing

Life as it should be.

going orange for stellan

Stellan.

Easter

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank You.

From my husband ...

6 months

5 months

The way I see it

I love you Grandma

Fun in Iowa

Jacob's 1st Christmas

Waiting for Santa

Santa Baby

Snow Day

Dear Santa,

He loves his Mama

Jacob's 1st Thanksgiving

3 months!!!

Trickster

We're Back!!!

23 years

Bath time before bed

Country Boy

Saturday

My Daddy is a Soldier

1 month

Bliss

How far we've come

Quiet Moments with Mama

Smartphone Privacy Leaks from your camera