Heavy

The service today was amazing. I adore my Pastor and appreciate his honesty. If you never sit in church thinking "oh man, that is so me" and then feel yourself almost turn red with embarrassment then you may not be listening well enough. I love all of my pastors sermons, but some of them really hit on a very personal level. For me, I need that. One thing my pastor said today is ringing in my head...

If the world loves you, you may not be living right.

Ouch. How incredibly true! Ever since Lula Mae was born Charlie and I have often been questioned or criticized for our parenting. Too many times we hear....

But don't you want your kids to be normal?

Marriam-Webster defines normal as: a) according with, or not deviating from a norm, rule or principle. b) conforming to a type, standard or regular pattern.

Do I want my kids to be normal? No. I don't want my kids to be raised by society and what it sees as normal. I don't want my kids to have no respect for authority the way that the upcoming generation seems to be. I don't want my kids to think that they are in charge of their lives with way society is teaching kids today. I don't want my kids to be self centered and close minded as the kids I see being raised by society. Not at all.

I want my kids to learn to be obedient of my husband and myself, as well as other adults, so that they will learn to be obedient to God. I want my kids to know that God is in control of their lives and they just need to trust Him in all things. I want my kids to think of others before themselves. I want my kids to look at people of other races, beliefs, sexualities, economical levels and abilities and see that we are all the same. My pastor brought up a great point today by saying "We are all in need of our Savior Jesus Christ.". So often we focus on how different we are, when we should be focused on how alike we are. Most importantly I want my kids to be focused on God and loving everyone around them.

My kids may not watch Sponge Bob or listen to the newest rap songs. They may not ever go to public schools and sit for 8 hours at a desk being taught to pass a test at the end of the year. My kids may never get to do some of the things normal kids get to do, but I feel confident in how Charlie and I are raising our family. Being normal isn't all it's cracked up to be if you ask me. Normal people don't worship with everything they have. Normal people don't live a life that brings glory and honor to God. I want my kids to worship God to the fullest and live a life that lives up to God. If that means they won't be normal, oh well.

The world may not love the way Charlie and I raise our kids, but I am not out to make the world happy.

Happy Birthday Little Miss

Has it possibly been 3 years? It feels like just yesterday the baby swing swallowed you whole. It feels like only last week I was cradling you in my arms, feeding and changing you every hour or so. It does not seem like you should be 3 yet.


Your sweet little features were so tiny and delicate. Every tiny piece of you was perfectly made. I stared at you for hours, soaking up every ounce of babyhood I could. I adored every stage (even the hard ones) because I know each one was a gift. Every tough stage, every easy stage.... brought its own joy and happiness.


I look at you now, at 3 years old, and I wonder how you got so big. I feel like I treasured all the little moments with you.... and yet I still feel as though it went too fast. Your features are still delicate, just not quite so tiny anymore. I still stare at you and notice how perfectly you are made.


God has such big plans for you. Watching you grow a heart for Him brings me so much joy. I am so blessed to be able to call you my daughter. Your spirit may be strong willed, but it is exactly what God wants. He is helping your Daddy and I shape you into what He desires. I pray for you without ceasing sweet girl.

I love your laugh, your hugs, your kisses, your curiosity, your artwork, your passion, your concern, your sense of humor, your love for learning, your bubbly personality, your curly hair, your petite stature, your determination...... your everything. I love you so much. You look so grown up with a pony tail in your hair. I feel like this is your last "baby year". I plan on continuing to soak up the last little bit of your babyhood. These past three years with you have been the most rewarding and the most amazing. You are so smart and astound me on a daily basis. I love having you read to me and get down right giddy hearing you recite all 9 of your bible verses and the first 20 catechism questions! This next year will be full of fun and learning too I am sure, and that makes me smile.

Happy birthday Lula Mae. You are so loved!

And This Is Where A Title Goes... If You Can Think Of One!

Ready for some randomness???? GO!!!!

Yesterday was a special day. My husband and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary. 4 years! We are off to a good start :-) He surprised me with flowers and a very short but sweet card (very much his style... which I love!). The kids and I went and got him a new weed-eater and sprayer for the yard. Nothing says I love you like a couple of gifts that are going to put you to work. I am not the best gift buyer.... not at all! Tonight we are getting away for a delicious and romantic meal at our favorite restaurant, The Melting Pot. We go there for every special occasion. He proposed to me there :-) Fondu here we come! I am excited to get to spend time with him alone. We are not good about making time for us and we need to get better.

There are a few things coming up that make my stomach a little queasy. I have already taken away all of Jayce's pacifiers... but I have not taken away his paci-bear. It is his best friend. Paci-bear is this pacifier that has a stuffed bear on the end of it. It was a lifesaver when he was a tiny little guy, but now it is time for it to go. He is one so that means no pacifiers.


He really loves this little guy though so I know it is going to be a tough week or so. Starting next Saturday he is history. I can't decide if I should cut the paci off and give him the bear, or just take the whole thing away. Not sure which one would be less traumatic for him. I have a few days to ponder that though. I am a firm believer in weaning the paci at one year though so paci-bear really must go. Sorry Jayce.... I still love you :-)

No only that, I have started to wean the bottle too. He only takes 2 bottles now instead of 4. His lunch milk is in a cup and his snack is now a juice/water cup instead of milk. I am crossing my fingers that the morning and night bottle will be gone in the next few weeks. Lula Mae was quite difficult to wean so I am hopeful that Jayce will be a little different. Only time will tell I guess.

PLUS.... I am a huge slacker and haven't moved Lula Mae out of her crib yet. I know, I know... tomorrow she is 3 and she still sleeps in a crib. She really loves it though. She has never tried to climb out or anything and hasn't really expressed and desire to sleep in a big bed yet. Well, I guess it is time to move her to a toddler bed. sigh. I think we will do it the same night that we take away paci-bear. Lets just all be miserable at one time, right?

Well, that is what is going on right now, in case you cared.... even if you didn't care I was still going to tell you!

I hope your weekend is wonderful Bloggy buddies!

We're Back!

Yes, vacation is over and we are home. I am trying to get everyone back into the swing of things. We are getting there. Overall our trip was a huge success. The ride down and the ride back were great! Lula Mae is slightly depressed that we are home.... only slightly. We all enjoyed ourselves! I am so glad to be home, but I sure do miss Mickey! Here is a sneak peak of our trip...


Can we go back now? sigh.

I can't wait to get caught back up on all of your blogs. I hope you have all been great!

Happy Birthday Jayce

The day before we went to Magic Kingdom in September of 2009 I get the positive test. I was so excited to tell Charlie in our favorite place. And this is how you began Jayce.

Then you grew and grew and grew. You gave me no sickness (sweet boy!) but nearly ruined my bladder with infection after infection (shame on you!). Overall my pregnancy was great. Sure towards the end I had trouble getting off the couch and had nothing that resembled ankles, but still it was great!

At 8:41 on May 4, 2010 you were born. Jayce Moreland had arrived! All 7 pounds (even) and 19 3/4 inches of you were perfect. Your labor was fantastic and your birth was even better! I enjoyed every moment of it! I also loved that every doctor and nurse that walked in the door wanted to know if you were a c-section baby because your head was so round. Nope :-) I just got you out fast!

Our family of 4 was together after 8 and a half long months of waiting.

Your sister was intrigued by you. She was pretty in love too (secretly).

Once we were home I began preparing you for your birthday trip to Disney World. Your blood cells are probably shaped like tiny Mickey Mouse heads.

I began taking a million pictures of you... and I haven't stopped!

When you have something so sweet to photograph why would you want to stop?

You and your sister bonded well.

And you began to grow....

... and change. And you began to look just like your momma.

You just kept getting bigger. We finally got your reflux under control and you were a much happier little guy.

Your first vacation was not so fun for you. You are your mothers child... the beach is not your favorite place in the world (mine either darling!).

Is it possible that your sweet face got cuter?

It was not long before you were attempting to get on the move. Scooting around came naturally to you. This is when your adventurous side came out :-)

Your best friend is your sister.... or at least you think so. She is starting to wonder about you getting into her toys and other things. She is rethinking this whole "big sister" job all of a sudden.

Crawling didn't last long and you went for the upright position. Standing up and cruising was so easy for you. Not to mentioned it was your favorite thing to do!

Your poor eczema kept getting worse and worse. Then, your dandruff started up. You are going to be my sensitive child for sure.

You just got so big so fast, looking like a little man. Could it be that my baby was really about to be walking?

You have grown so fast little one. You are such a boy. You love to explore, nothing seems to stop you or hold you back, you adore hats, baths make you giddy and being outside is your very favorite. You love to watch your sister play and love even more for her to play with you. Your laugh is musical and your smile is mystical. The fact that you can whistle is hilarious. I love to listen to you snore over the baby monitor. You are reading more words than you let on, but I'm okay with that.... you can be shy about it if you want. You love to play rough with your Daddy and to hug and snuggle with your Mommy. I am so blessed to be able to call you my son. God has given us an amazing year with you and I pray that he gives us many more. I pray that your heart is focused on God and you learn to serve others. I pray that you walk the path God has laid for you. I am excited to watch you grow and see what God has in store for you. I love you more than words can say.

Happy First Birthday Jayce!

I can't believe it has been a year....

On The Open Road!

Well Bloggy buddies, we are on our way to the happiest place on earth!

To see one of my best-good friends, as Forrest would say.

To visit my home away from home.....

Disney World.... HERE WE COME!
I LOVE the smell of vacation in the air... especially a Disney vacation!

It will be a trip of fun memories I am sure of that. The last time we went to Disney World I got to tell Charlie were were expecting Jayce. Now, we get to celebrate his first birthday there. How neat! We rent a house when we do Disney so we have a private pool, which I am sure will be fun for every one but me. The kids will get to enjoy Mommy and Daddy, we will get to enjoy them.... I just can't wait! Goodbye bills book, goodbye house work, goodbye school, goodbye army! This family has left the building! We are so blessed! Please pray for a safe journey for us. Also, pray that I handle the pool with my kids okay. I want so badly to enjoy it with them, but just the thought of it really makes me nearly throw up. I will come home with a billion pictures and lots of stories.... so be ready! Have a great week Bloggy buddies! I will catch up with you when I return!