Ezra Mania

So, everyone keeps asking me why I haven't been posting and I have to say....one reason or another?
As some of you know, Ezra's due date was originally May 24th and at our (supposedly) 17 week ultrasound they moved it back to July 3rd! (six weeks is a LONG time to wait when you're the size of a house!) As we moved along my belly measurements were closer to the origional due date...no one know what to think! We finally had another ultrasound last week and he is measuring BETWEEN the 2 dates. (Am I on a hidden camera show?) BUT, in addition to all that info, on Mother's Day I had to go to Labor and delivery for some monitoring etc. because..."stuff' was happening. (I'll spare you the details) I got to go home but basically Ezra is already in position and my body is in the pre-labor stages. SO, when we had the ultrasound- instead of getting a better idea of when the little man will make his debut, my Dr. said "well, let's try and keep him in there until the end of the month and the we'll just let it play out!" um....what? So, we have no due date....just a list of restrictions.  ...It's pretty crazy...
So, needless to say I'm getting majorly antsy. Yes, God is in control- but LORD, can we get this show on the road?

I say that- but really his nursery won't be setup until next week when my mother-in-law gets here with his crib and dresser- so it's probably for the best but twiddling my thumbs, in the mean time, is not very entertaining ;)

Anyway, enough ranting....
Let's do a product of the day! (drum roll please)

ERASE PASTE!

Ok, let me start by saying that I have a hard time paying full price for most things. AND I've never had to use foundation or concealer but since being pregnant and NEVER sleeping through the night- I've definitely had my fair share of puffy and/or dark undereyes. So, remembering seeing one of the makeup girls at Sephora use this on a friend and it having MAGIC results- I thought I'd give it a shot. Let me tell you (you can probably find it cheaper by searching th internet but I didn't bother) this little tub cost me $26 at Sephora BUT you use the TINIEST scrape of it to fully cover both eyes- so it lasts forever! AND it works WONDERS! So, does it seem a little pricey? Yes- but don't be fooled- this is one product I would now gladly shell out the cash for! The very first day I used it to cover my sleepy eyes I had several people tell me how nice I looked...and nothing had changed but the bags under my eyes. (amazing what looking AWAKE can do!) SO, that's my reccomendation for today. I love that stuff :)

Anyway, gotta run- but I hope you all have a WoNdErFuL WeEkEnD!!!!

scary breakfast

 This morning I had a bowl of cheerios for breakfast, accompanied by some REALLY good (organic) strawberries I bought at the store yesterday.  Bobby and I are not completely organic people. (I'm a work in progress, people!) :) We DO, however, make it a point to always use organic milk, chicken, and eggs. (all things that are otherwise pumped full of ALOT of stuff that you really shouldn't ingest) Lately, I've been trying to learn what fruits would be worth spending a little bit extra on because not all organic fruit are created equal. Anyway, I'm getting off track....where was I? I bought organic strawberries. ha! I LOVE strawberries- on or with pretty much anything. So, I'm all about the giant strawberries that you can find at the store- because bigger is better, right? But what on earth are they putting in those strawberries (that we're eating) that make them so GINORMOUS? When bobby saw the organic strawberries in the fridge his response was "Why do those strawberries look funny?" You know why they looked funny to him? Organic strawberries are about half the size of those monster strawberries (or LESS!). American produce: bigger, better, faster. hhhmmm.....that's really starting to gross me out lately. Look at just about any organic piece of produce vs. the other stuff....the other stuff is usually significantly bigger....now ask yourself this (as I think about the obesity and disease problem we have in the states) Do we really believe that old saying: "YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT"?.....

So, anyway, my breakfast was yummy and not nearly as scary as it could be. ;) I don't know how that turned into such a rant! Onto more randomness....

I miss my little nieces and nephews! You met them in an earlier POST but here are a few recent pics of some of the growing kiddies

Little Sarai who now walks...and, apparently, plays Wii!

Torren...who has gone through puberty ;)

...& The twins, who turned 3 and partied it up Toy Story style!

Life is flying! I have a million pics of my lil ones I'd love to post- but I think I'd better hop off here and start living my day out (outside the screen). You go and do the same! :)

Have a WoNdErFuL WeDnEsDaY!!!

merry go 'round....and 'round

I'm sure you've heard or read these verses from Ecclesiastes before:

 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." Eccl. 3:1-8

Sometimes life can feel like a merry go round. It doesn't really take much effort to get caught in a rut or sink into a spot (even if it's one we don't want to be in ) and stay there...whether we are comfortable there or not. BUT when we read that verse in Ecclesiastes it's very clear that God works our lives in seasons, not perpetual....ANYTHING. (though, I've learned that we tend to go through the same tests or seasons when we just don't seem to be learning what God is trying to show us. yikes!) ;)

I know that not all of my readers are women and that this applies to both sexes but can I just say that as a woman- it can be SO easy to get into a new season...a DIFFERENT season and suddenly become caught up. I know that for me I've been in a major rut: Bobby and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary by moving to a whole new state- where we know hardly anyone, starting new jobs, making less money, taking a new ministry position, leaving all of our friends, going through some MAJOR body changes because- oh yeah- we're pregnant and getting ready for a totally new guy to turn our world upside down. It's ALOT! 

                  ...especially when I list it all out like that

BUT Hebrews 12 says "...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, ...Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

It's telling us to LET GO of the things that are hindering us and what so EASILY entangles us. (takes us captive) See, I could...and, honestly, WAS letting myself get caught up in the whirlwind of all of these new things and tasks and instead of looking at it as an adventure or a new season it was starting to look like....a mess! So, I found myself at a crossroads. I can either get all wrapped up in all of it and be stuck in a merry go round OR I can step back to take a look at things and begin to DE-CLUTTER. 


What are you giving your attention/time to? It's easy to put your time with the Lord on the back burner, (NEVER a good idea) to put your YOU time on the back burner, to put your spouse or kids or family etc. on the back burner, your home on the back burner, or a whole pile of etc's on the back burner because you've got so much on your plate! 
IF YOU DON'T TAKE THE TIME TO PRIORITIZE AND DE-CLUTTER YOU WILL BURN YOURSELF OUT! I know I'm getting preachy but you can stop reading if it's not for you ;)
We need to realize that the truth of WHATEVER merry go round you might be on- is that God gives us the GRACE for EVERY season! 
Instead of being frustrated that I'm pregnant and therefore always sick or exhausted (so it would seem) I can get excited about this amazing gift that's on his way! I can REJOICE when I think about the new season coming! It may be a totally different ball game- being a mom and committing more time to family and home when I may be more inclined to spend all of my time at the church working on a project or with a student or any of the things that I have always found so fulfilling BUT God reminds me that there is NO season in my life where He can't use me for His glory. In fact, it’s when we realize the beauty and power of being comfortable in the season that we are in, that we become the most effective in our walk with Him. I may be in a seemingly crazy season of life. I may not have any clothes that fit me in my 6 month pregnant body, I may be exhausted, and having to work really hard at trying to be quiet and listen for direction from the Lord on how to make these transitions.... but what if it is in THIS season that God has His biggest plans set out for me!
Don't forget that He uses it ALL for His glory. ...Just a friendly reminder from your crazy blogger friend. I hope that whatever season you are in: you'll learn to listen for His voice and that you too will see it's ALL part of a beautiful Master plan....

Hope you're having a TeRrIfIc TuEsDaY!!!!

falalala

Well, it's been a while- so, we're all settled in now.  The good news is- we finally have internet again!!! :)
In the meantime, quickie update...

Sister # 6 is officially married off!

Sister #5 had her sweet baby girl!

As for me: My belly is growing FAST!

I can't wait for the little man to come out! Oh, and funny story...kinda: 

I've taken a (very) part time job at the YMCA here- since I, basically, have nothing to do before the baby  comes. Anyway, I was at my first day of training the other day- doing paperwork with my supervisor, when all of the sudden I start sweating...not glistening, SWEATING... PROFUSELY. Now, I really don't want this lady to think that I'm a weakling who can't work just because I'm pregnant. So, I casually try to wipe my face and act like everything is cool as she reads over the material. After a few moments I'm literally dripping with sweat (gross) and my vision starts going. I calmly touch her arm and tell he I need to use the restroom. (thinking I can get to the bathroom and cool down- like nothing ever happened) MY ears start ringing. She looks at me (apparently, I'm ghostly white at this point) and says "let me get you a cold rag!" I sit silently because I literally feel like I'll pass out if I move. (seriously)

Long story short- she brings cold compresses and starts putting them all over me and after a few minutes: things go back to normal.  Then, about twenty minutes later it starts again. I'm super embarrassed as I try to convince her that I'm not a fainty pregnant lady! I end up going to my doctor's office to make sure everything is ok and while they're running all kinds of tests, the nurse asks me if I've been taking my pills. "My vitamins?" I reply. "No, your pill- for your anemia." "uh....am I anemic?" "We called in your prescription months ago...?" (I look at her like she's crazy) She starts flipping back in my chart and looks stunned. "I'm so sorry- somehow we forgot to tell you...you are severely anemic. We should've called it in months ago...you need to be on them."

So, it turns out I'm anemic...which is why I almost passed out AND why I've been SO tired!

Craziness. (especially because I have a really good doctor! lol)

Anyway, that's my story for today. 

I hope all is well in your world.... :)

Go Go Gadget- Time warp!

ok ok....I'm ridiculous. Another round of speed catch up shall we?

Since we last spoke I have plenty of excuses for not being around....like...

#1- we STILL haven't gotten internet (but not for reasons you think...see # 2)

#2- We MOVED......

(this is right before we pulled out away from my in-laws house)

....no I'm not kidding- we are in the currently snowy state of TENNESSEE!!!

It's a very long story which I will save for another post- but basically we moved right after Christmas and are working with the youth up here at DESTINY CHURCH (whose website needs to updated. ;)

(and we are LOVING IT!)

anyway, more of that later....

#3- I've been super busy unpacking and such....well not THAT busy but...remember no internet at the house yet! haha

#4- little baby Sasser has been GROWING and wearing me out! I need to scan the ultrasound pics so you can see- but I'll go ahead and tell you we just found out on Friday that it's a BOY! 

Coming from a family of 6 daughters- boys are sort of a foreign concept but I can't wait to meet the little man! :) (and Bobby is THRILLED...he REALLY wanted a boy!)

I'm not the type to post huge bare belly pics so for now- we'll just say...I'm expanding :)

So, those are my reasons for missing you- and I hope to be around more now that I have extra time on my hands....we shall see :)

For now, I need to head home and lay down...I feel a dizzy spell coming on....

Hope you had a TeRrIfIc TuEsDaY!!!!

A little humor- while I'm at it....

Ok....so in case what you needed was a smile today:
I thought I'd include a little bit from another blog I love- which made me smile this morning.
Now, let me first say I'm only in my first trimester BUT I'm definitely feeling the effects of constantly being tired and queezy!
the following is a list of questions she reccomends you ask your local pregnant ladies. (instead of random or silly questions like "can I touch your belly?" or "is that the size your belly is supposed to be?")
I pretty much LOVED her suggested questions:

1. When would you like to take a nap?
2. When can I come over and clean your bathroom?
3. What can I make you for dinner?
4. When can I come play with your toddler, so that you can rest or run errands or shower or sleep? (which doesn't apply to me but I still approve)
5. Can I wash your dishes?
6. Can I scrub your fridge or discover where that putrid smell is coming from in your kitchen?
7. Can I bring you some tiramisu?
8. What kind of cookies does your husband like?
9. What kind of latte can I pick up for you?
10. How often would you like a massage?

Those are good questions, very good ones.  They are magical, life-altering, beautiful questions that would make anyone’s day.


I must say I agree! :) Just thought I'd share that little bit of good advice with the rest of the world. 

Another piece of advice..... SMILE! :)

(Often) :)

ugly (caution: do not read unless you are ready for some self reflection)

Well, let's get right to it....
The other day I was online and (for the safety of others I will keep it vague)- someone made the comment that (basically) said people who bring babies into the world should be around 40 and have basically dominated the business world, and are now retiring with atleast a million dollars in the bank- and anybody who has a baby before that is irresponsible.
Crazy. I know. (and really ignorant - in my opinion)
Now, I'm sure anyone would say that it's my new "momma bear" status that had me feeling particularly flustered by such a ridiculous comment. (especially from someone who is single and from a small family- and has no concept about anything like marriage, family or babies...can you tell I'm still a little annoyed?) :0P
BUT- I was somewhat disturbed by my sudden anger when I read the comment. Suddenly, I was imagining myself smacking this person....telling them off...or giving them a speech about how ignorant their statement was. I was angry. It was ugly. And I thought to myself "where is all of this coming from?"
Now, I know many would come to my defense and say "Absolutely!" "that's ridiculous!" or "you SHOULD tell them off!" (after all, it is a crazy thing to say, right?) Still, I don't think that's really true. I didn't like the rage I felt.
....Could it be? "Is there some ugliness hiding out somewhere inside me?"

After all, Jesus did teach us to "turn the other cheek". "blessed are the peacemakers"....
In Galatians we learn that the fruit if the spirit (in other words, what our life produces when we do it right) is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. 


None of those seem to say "teach him a thing or two!" "yeah- you have every right to get angry" No....in fact they say "where is that coming from?" and invite me to take a self inventory. Is my life truly reflecting what the Bible says it should? (a question we should ask ourselves daily) An invite to be real and to surrender myself, my will, my pride....to the one who knows best. And letting Him teach me (as He lovingly does) how to be all that I'm created to be. (junk free) :)


So, let me encourage you as I have been encouraged: Live a life that produces good fruit today....and if you need help getting rid of something. Just ask Him. 

Hope you're all having a HAPPY SATURDAY!!!!!!!