tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10028416385517110152024-03-12T20:44:08.829-05:00The Averitt FamilyJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-91174032275564078452009-06-04T22:14:00.005-05:002009-06-04T22:31:42.200-05:00We're Moving!!Well, I'm sure you are thinking this blog looks the exact same. One of the changes that we decided to make is our blog address. I reserved this new address, months ago. I thought that once we were pregnant, it would be a good time to switch from averittbabyjourney to <a href="http://theaverittfam.blogspot.com/">theaverittfam.blogspot.com</a>. Well the baby is on the way, so it's time to move!! :) I still have some blog buddy addresses to add and things like that, but all in all, we're moved in and ready for you to take a tour!<br /><br />There are a couple of pains with switching to a new blog address. One being...for all of you that have subscribed through feedblitz and receive an email every time we write a new post - you will receive an email soon, asking you to confirm your subscription to the new Averitt Fam Blog. This way, you will still receive an email with every update! Once I get all of the email addresses in, I will cancel your subscriptions to this blog. Another pain...everyone who clicked my FOLLOW button on this blog, will need to click it again on the <a href="http://theaverittfam.blogspot.com/">new blog</a>. That is, if you want to continue following our little family. :) Sorry for the inconvenience, sweet friends!! <br /><br />I LOVE my new blog makeover! I have to thank my good friend, <a href="http://adesignoffaith.blogspot.com/">Faith</a> for taking care of it for me!! She is so talented and gave me exactly what I wanted. If you want a new look for your blog, head on over and let her design one for you as well! Her prices are great and she is the sweetest person ever. You can click on her name above or on her blog button (on my sidebar) for more info. <br /><br />Now head on over to our <a href="http://theaverittfam.blogspot.com/">new home</a> and let me know what you think!! :)<br /><br />Love you guys!<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-49281706161917961032009-06-02T15:43:00.005-05:002009-06-02T16:35:18.859-05:00Change is a-comin'...I had a doctor's appointment today. I am 15w3d. I went ahead and had my yearly while I was there. I didn't realize they still did this when you were pregnant. I don't know why I thought they didn't, just surprised me. Anywho, got that over with and then we moved on to the fun stuff...like hearing our baby's heartbeat! The nurse came in with the doppler. I told her that we had ordered one, so she showed me how to use it properly. The baby's heartbeat went from 144-156 the entire time. She said that was good. I thought it would be fun to put a poll on the blog. Alex and I have our guesses, but I want to know what you think. :) We will find out if it's a he or she at the end of the month...not that far off!! I'm so excited to know if it's a boy or a girl. I'm ready to get started on the nursery. <br /><br />I talked to my doctor about my weight. I had gained 6 lbs in four weeks. I asked him if he was concerned and he said, "well let's figure that...if you gained 6 lbs every week until you had the baby, you would weigh..." I stopped him right there and started freaking out. He started laughing, came over and gave me a hug, and said the weight thing would be okay. I think I'm going to try the aqua moms class at the hospital where I'm delivering. I also think that Alex, Dies, and I, need to start going on evening walks. He told me that exercise is fine, as long as I don't get my heart rate above 140. He told me to shoot for a 3 lb weight gain in the next four weeks. I will admit, I have been eating whatever sounds good. The nurse was telling me the things that I SHOULDN'T be eating on a daily basis. Honestly, it was like she had been sitting across the table from me, watching me eat for the past 15 weeks. She mentioned all of the things that I've been eating! I called Alex after my appointment and told him what was discussed (he wasn't able to join me today). I told him about the weight conversation and I followed it with "I'm going to meet Sara at Cupcakes on Kavanaugh today." He started laughing at me. I then started laughing at myself. Yep, I better start that exercise class soon. :) <br /><br />Change is a-comin' to the blog in the very near future. I'm excited to share it with you. Maybe by the end of this week...we'll see. Bet you're on pins and needles, aren't you?? ;)<br /><br />Love you guys,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-35516042553410460782009-06-01T17:01:00.001-05:002009-06-01T17:03:36.647-05:00Fresh Flowers...Today I blog about something that I love. FLOWERS! <br /><br />Alex was always very thoughtful about sending flowers to my work. He would do it just to surprise me. It was usually for no reason at all that I would receive them and it always made my day! :) Now that I don't work outside of the home, I try and keep them around the house. Especially this time of year. They don't have to be expensive. I actually buy mine at Sam's. My sister finds the prettiest daisies at her Walmart and for practically nothing! Here are a few tips at helping your flowers last longer.<br /><br />1. Check your water level/Change out the water on a regular basis. <br /><br />2. Remove all leaves from the part of the stem that is submerged under water. <br /><br />3. You can clean the stems by lightly brushing them with a vegetable brush. This not only helps the flowers, but it will keep the water cleaner. <br /><br />4. Cut flowers will last longer if the stems are prepared correctly. Preparing the stems helps them take up water quickly. To prepare stems: <br />• Cut about one-half inch off the end of the stem at about a forty-five degree angle. Don't use dull scissors to cut the stems because they can crush the stem.<br />• For best results, cut the stems underwater. Cutting them under water prevents air from getting into the veins in the stem of your flower.<br />• Split all stems about one-half inch from the bottom with a knife or crush the bottom of the stem with a mallet (if the stems are woody). <br />• Place the stems in deep water and leave them there for a few hours before moving them into shallower water. <br /><br />5. Use water that is a mixture one tablespoon of bleach per quart of water. The bleach will keep the water cleaner and kill any stench from the water. <br /><br />6. A teaspoon of sugar added to the water will help renew flowers.<br /><br />7. Keep the flowers out of direct sun and away from heat and drafts. Even a fan can cause flowers to wilt quicker. <br /><br />8. Use a straw to fix or stabilize any broken or drooping stems. <br /><br />9. To prevent tulips from flopping over, wrap them tightly in wet newspaper and then place them in about two to three inches of water. Leave them there for about two hours. Push small pins through the stems just below the flower heads and they will stay soldier straight.<br /><br />10. Remove any dying flowers immediately. Dying flowers emit ethylene gas that will cause the other, healthy flowers to wilt. <br /><br /><strong>*tips by doityourself.com*</strong><br /><br />Here are some pics of where I have fresh flowers, at the moment. <br /><br />Gerberas...these come in the prettiest colors. This was the only pkg they had left on the day that I went, but they go with my table perfectly! 10 stems for $7.12 at Sam's. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmrZWDor-uEgTSCj2AK-aICjiNnv4faNYqPqp10a9lSu-_O2oLwjp4xEu2D4JoFdV9VMiWuxaJ3TprVoNvD7ibYw6WK_OENp8RGzLYMSgfFChkyY9gfIK91o8YBKdhZh3Hz0tH9po41tJ/s1600-h/spring+flowers+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmrZWDor-uEgTSCj2AK-aICjiNnv4faNYqPqp10a9lSu-_O2oLwjp4xEu2D4JoFdV9VMiWuxaJ3TprVoNvD7ibYw6WK_OENp8RGzLYMSgfFChkyY9gfIK91o8YBKdhZh3Hz0tH9po41tJ/s320/spring+flowers+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341651873780240178" /></a><br /><br />Next is one of my faves...Sunflowers! They always make a room more cheerful! You really don't need many stems to make an arrangement because they're so large. 5 stems for $5.88 at Sam's.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjpBKiE84HRn6AYGSkL0FkUfnaU_zI-pwau93U9uHXvNENPyRuZfGwghyphenhyphenUTRh5z4KhPOs9Fe64vqAuw2d34Wh8Ku2pzsArFZwGTNkPazsx57v-RDjqd3kkodoGUBlvsJf0dJWL3hZPY4P/s1600-h/spring+flowers+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjpBKiE84HRn6AYGSkL0FkUfnaU_zI-pwau93U9uHXvNENPyRuZfGwghyphenhyphenUTRh5z4KhPOs9Fe64vqAuw2d34Wh8Ku2pzsArFZwGTNkPazsx57v-RDjqd3kkodoGUBlvsJf0dJWL3hZPY4P/s320/spring+flowers+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341650990861372914" /></a><br /><br />Blue Iris...Mom, I thought of you when I bought these. :) They started blooming today. You can get 10 stems for only $4.88 at Sam's. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Hv-b_GS8DUBGSbYLy3sV7ghM5aVLoJodKJhU1LFJBcSVnYWK_JyhkbBsNqCX46x0nue5-kQtJIPH-TKZWHGL5lBt3dflmewUQDAg0AK2bFU-fwS1Ka0g1wiVrJ00tODrh0-iMzCoWmvk/s1600-h/spring+flowers+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Hv-b_GS8DUBGSbYLy3sV7ghM5aVLoJodKJhU1LFJBcSVnYWK_JyhkbBsNqCX46x0nue5-kQtJIPH-TKZWHGL5lBt3dflmewUQDAg0AK2bFU-fwS1Ka0g1wiVrJ00tODrh0-iMzCoWmvk/s320/spring+flowers+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341650324126583442" /></a><br /><br />So go out and by youself some flowers...I promise that it will make for a happier day. :) <br /><br />Love you guys,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-64773901738393343002009-05-31T17:00:00.004-05:002009-05-31T17:28:46.798-05:00ABC's of Me!Found this on my friend, <a href="http://walkwithmebyfaith.blogspot.com/">Faith's</a> blog and just assumed you guys wanted to know a few things about me. :)<br /><br />A - Age: 32<br /><br />B - Bed size: Queen...Alex doesn't like King, he feels like we're sleeping in separate beds. LOL<br /><br />C - Chore you hate: Dusting and cleaning the shower. <br /><br />D - Dog's name: Diesel<br /><br />E - Essential start your day item: Cup of coffee w/cream<br /><br />F - Favorite color: Have a few...yellow, tiffany blue, brown, pink<br /><br />G - Gold or Silver or Platinum: I wear both, but really like silver<br /><br />H - Height: 5'9"<br /><br />I - Instruments you play: None, unfortunately.<br /><br />J - Job title: Housewife, soon to be Mommy!<br /><br />K - Kid(s): The bun is still in the oven.<br /><br />L - Living arrangements: Me and my hubby<br /><br />M - Mom's name: Belinda<br /><br />N - Nicknames: Jill "Pill"<br /><br />O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Surgery for endo removal<br /><br />P - Pet Peeve: People not washing their hands w/soap...yuck.<br /><br />Q - Quote from a movie: "I like 'em big...I like 'em chunky" -Madagascar II<br /><br />R - Right handed or left handed: Right<br /><br />S - Siblings: 3 brothers and 2 sisters<br /><br />T - Time you wake up: Anywhere between 8 & 9<br /><br />U- Underwear: Yep, I wear 'em.<br /><br />V - Vegetable you dislike: Lima beans<br /><br />W - Ways you run late: Under estimate how long it takes to get somewhere, get stuck on the phone while trying to get ready to go somewhere.<br /><br />X - X-rays you've had: teeth, back, abdomen, ankle<br /><br />Y - Yummy food you make: Mexican dish, potato salad, cookies, homemade ice cream...I can't think of anything spectacular.<br /><br />Z - Zoo favorite: GiraffesJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-13239431911565086392009-05-29T21:39:00.005-05:002009-05-29T22:23:32.223-05:00Baby Bump...So I'm finally posting a baby bump pic. I have been dreading this day. Many have asked me to post one. I guess I've put it off as long as I can. So here you go. When I look at other women that are expecting around the same time as me, they look so much smaller! My stomach never went down after the transfer...it continues to grow and I'm trying my best to embrace that. Alex absolutely loves it. He constantly reminds me that we prayed for this belly, for many years. When I think about that and get over myself and my vanity, I find myself loving it as well. I also think that once I start laying out by the pool and get a tan, I will feel even better about it. :) I am a little fearful as to what my doc is going to say on Tuesday. I'm very scared of the scale. I know that I've gained weight. I'm sure that you aren't supposed to gain this early on. We'll see. I may only be eating salad for the next 5 months. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQd3bEaD7dCAYO2cPMxUwsXbEPKNqyJORIPcwj_62UYqbhbX5_4IGNshvUlyIxNR-QNlR5Wi-C7Ya2IWy5DkelAFp3FG0y0NMdkSHGhT9KXj4DNWB9eToBOYBeJdwzbw4O4m5PL9MPSef/s1600-h/14w6d-2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQd3bEaD7dCAYO2cPMxUwsXbEPKNqyJORIPcwj_62UYqbhbX5_4IGNshvUlyIxNR-QNlR5Wi-C7Ya2IWy5DkelAFp3FG0y0NMdkSHGhT9KXj4DNWB9eToBOYBeJdwzbw4O4m5PL9MPSef/s320/14w6d-2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341442883367080658" /></a><br /><br />I'm feeling really good. Day sickness is completely gone. I get tired by the afternoon and really want a nap. And when I say nap, I mean NAP. I'm not like my mom and sister. When they speak of a nap, it means they need 30 mins (at the most) to rest. When I say I'm taking a nap, it means SEE YA IN 3 HOURS. So depending upon my day, sometimes I get one ~ sometimes I don't. <br /><br />I'm having crazy dreams. I dreamed that my Mom and I were both pregnant. We were so excited to be sharing our pregnancies at the same time. Alex says, I've been watching too much Father of The Bride II. I watch it at least once a week. I'm pretty sure my mom said to shoot her if that ever happens. <br /><br />I've started feeling things...little flutters. I have no idea if it's the baby or not, but it's so neat to think that it might be. I told Alex that I was ready to hear the heartbeat again, so what does he do? He gets online and orders a baby doppler. We should receive it next week. It's supposed to be a really good one...like what a lot of doctor's offices and midwives use. We'll see. If it does work well, I might start having parties with all of my preggo friends...we can sit around and listen to our babies! I'm a wild woman, I know.<br /><br />The weather is beautiful here. I hope to enjoy some time outside, tomorrow. I hope you have a wonderful weekend planned! <br /><br />Love you guys,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-20942440740403680382009-05-27T09:15:00.010-05:002009-05-27T09:46:11.228-05:00Memorial Day at the Averitt house...We decided to stick around the house this Memorial Day. Alex has been recovering from a sinus infection and double ear infection, so he wasn't up for going anywhere. I took this as an opportunity to grill out and invite some of my bros & sisters over. We had SO MUCH FOOD! On the menu: grilled chicken/pork chops/hot dogs & sausage (my hubby knows how to grill!), potato salad, pasta salad, corn on the cob, roasted zuchinni/squash/peppers/onions, deviled eggs, homemade ice cream & watermelon. Yummy! I didn't take many pics but here are a few from the day...<br /><br />Little J enjoying his bubble gun...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynyQiyklkecTzfgnVrxf7OVjZsYhmwGSx5x5dJaapUStqwuC1c3VV-poSvvE6XHLX9pITdCjvOVB6YRGzYa_CAvKkG3huZLRolOLRa_IXniSNKU-shdtZLuMgadbFKNHbjkc4v5Yo6o_p/s1600-h/memorial+day+2009+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynyQiyklkecTzfgnVrxf7OVjZsYhmwGSx5x5dJaapUStqwuC1c3VV-poSvvE6XHLX9pITdCjvOVB6YRGzYa_CAvKkG3huZLRolOLRa_IXniSNKU-shdtZLuMgadbFKNHbjkc4v5Yo6o_p/s320/memorial+day+2009+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340511634564278354" /></a><br /><br />Seriously, how cute is this kid!? <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6AciEqVE7-RYbEtxmB28Uk7z1ApHs5IPgDCONwtXFPwU9SbjyFfxyYOzLpGZ84QazyYl0w8oH3MSm7s-Wbb5F8rxu2JCsUTyJXEghZ-BtbMpssMLa3jKxpwwjF2RFcxsGZbgVfFbDRqO/s1600-h/memorial+day+2009+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6AciEqVE7-RYbEtxmB28Uk7z1ApHs5IPgDCONwtXFPwU9SbjyFfxyYOzLpGZ84QazyYl0w8oH3MSm7s-Wbb5F8rxu2JCsUTyJXEghZ-BtbMpssMLa3jKxpwwjF2RFcxsGZbgVfFbDRqO/s320/memorial+day+2009+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340511496904900066" /></a><br /><br />He LOVES corn on the cob!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvzyQDcSI7IhgpMk6Xf_KaQnQ43ZYf-XfCKAYCsu2bxCTEtQmSKLAWX5R13qJDMEagb9d8bEYbWNXPgtZ_sfQPC90KcozDcYyHAGp9FR4g1Q-Xo67SOlzSl6MM__jyenu_GMowcKITwaH/s1600-h/memorial+day+2009+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvzyQDcSI7IhgpMk6Xf_KaQnQ43ZYf-XfCKAYCsu2bxCTEtQmSKLAWX5R13qJDMEagb9d8bEYbWNXPgtZ_sfQPC90KcozDcYyHAGp9FR4g1Q-Xo67SOlzSl6MM__jyenu_GMowcKITwaH/s320/memorial+day+2009+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340511086241897314" /></a><br /><br />Okay, so this is the kind of stuff that my nephews come up with...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3565RWiqAHjeRQvN1r8q9w49Koz_0Qq9Fx0w_RgePkqHjvpmoDjyXRe_ZwamxHL5xaF-XNzpA4P0g9eQF09kZS3vi83EUjJ7nObEsBbY1PA8Jg2qxxGSvwMk-rzMYX9ljM-F6B7I-mRM/s1600-h/memorial+day+2009+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3565RWiqAHjeRQvN1r8q9w49Koz_0Qq9Fx0w_RgePkqHjvpmoDjyXRe_ZwamxHL5xaF-XNzpA4P0g9eQF09kZS3vi83EUjJ7nObEsBbY1PA8Jg2qxxGSvwMk-rzMYX9ljM-F6B7I-mRM/s320/memorial+day+2009+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340510802392436626" /></a><br /><br />And their uncles encourage!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgPCL4m5I5RVioteEmMphrliT0670-ylzeutGCz5znmGE9hvQDjzqUVlwQZ-NghAP7S2h4GEeWnNPKXQ0_dBTQSOSQibxGoCV_7zSIk_fG8o_TN2z09YY2TwQISc6p1Yo4wNBRUPS_F1o/s1600-h/memorial+day+2009+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgPCL4m5I5RVioteEmMphrliT0670-ylzeutGCz5znmGE9hvQDjzqUVlwQZ-NghAP7S2h4GEeWnNPKXQ0_dBTQSOSQibxGoCV_7zSIk_fG8o_TN2z09YY2TwQISc6p1Yo4wNBRUPS_F1o/s320/memorial+day+2009+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340510630514881122" /></a><br /><br />They are drinking a 16 YEAR OLD Mt. Dew!!! Ewwwww!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNz0OleTi0Dawpjxo3FY__LkInPa4gX1go5E-XnVkf9J_qAo8T-xLHQENNFkpiNXjsm3O9wYfDPxF9yWdvTzRB7a1tTi-Ko3GIvvdEhXuhXtA4XSSbmXgOe2Kt2asvlY8EjE-FJYJpsPtZ/s1600-h/memorial+day+2009+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNz0OleTi0Dawpjxo3FY__LkInPa4gX1go5E-XnVkf9J_qAo8T-xLHQENNFkpiNXjsm3O9wYfDPxF9yWdvTzRB7a1tTi-Ko3GIvvdEhXuhXtA4XSSbmXgOe2Kt2asvlY8EjE-FJYJpsPtZ/s320/memorial+day+2009+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340510224376367810" /></a><br /><br />Boys are so gross. But they make us laugh and keep us entertained, so I think we'll keep 'em. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MPT49bQidkWXRTxb7CKhj2aqLg8xEzhiq89fbQNkcRPqDy4Dz2T8Y475gi6f-Be-gVNsoI1SLoV4thR2iFs8YojDBGseyf9zmk5DUo_Caht4gcWLjnNUt0kDw2hYvrMmde_NvVXK6qdO/s1600-h/memorial+day+2009+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MPT49bQidkWXRTxb7CKhj2aqLg8xEzhiq89fbQNkcRPqDy4Dz2T8Y475gi6f-Be-gVNsoI1SLoV4thR2iFs8YojDBGseyf9zmk5DUo_Caht4gcWLjnNUt0kDw2hYvrMmde_NvVXK6qdO/s320/memorial+day+2009+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340509894529581458" /></a><br /><br />It was a great day with family and a wonderful day at home. I hope you had a fun holiday, as well! <br /><br />Love you guys,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-64912598928917433752009-05-23T20:07:00.014-05:002009-05-23T20:31:38.371-05:00Congrats to April!!Today was a big day. Alex's little sis, April, graduated from high school. When Alex and I first started dating, April was 4 years old. There was a daycare on the same campus as our high school, so he would walk her to daycare and pick her up, each day. I can still see that sweet, little, round face in my head. :) She's definitely not a baby anymore...she's a beautiful, young woman. April has what I would call a meek and quiet spirit...I hope my little girls are like their Aunt April someday. :) She has a huge heart and we think the world of her. <br /><br />Making herself pretty...as though she needs it. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWEXkfon_2GWItGKsdXp4Q74RNVkcPgjZlJrOENqHddfwkuC7dFqKrL3TKzVCfjpCxCicO8j9jHVkcHdPTS6CTg5l7C-301EHqc2dxzEipPfJxHJ4IZN5sc3QKqUewwtONYPgoRwSX3bW/s1600-h/DSC04086_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWEXkfon_2GWItGKsdXp4Q74RNVkcPgjZlJrOENqHddfwkuC7dFqKrL3TKzVCfjpCxCicO8j9jHVkcHdPTS6CTg5l7C-301EHqc2dxzEipPfJxHJ4IZN5sc3QKqUewwtONYPgoRwSX3bW/s320/DSC04086_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339192469354247106" /></a><br /><br />Alex and April- about to leave the house<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea48ilKHZkczVjjcUXu4IrOQjGeUkGg0vhTF0iiqOCFbMYvVvpDb6yaR8MYBRor3cg42leb8TfrCFTri1K10ddFaTGoUdoIA3dMW4LCRwV473TdJIahs9kNzn8-hoIETEJQOGr6qfFwsk/s1600-h/DSC04087_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea48ilKHZkczVjjcUXu4IrOQjGeUkGg0vhTF0iiqOCFbMYvVvpDb6yaR8MYBRor3cg42leb8TfrCFTri1K10ddFaTGoUdoIA3dMW4LCRwV473TdJIahs9kNzn8-hoIETEJQOGr6qfFwsk/s320/DSC04087_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339192566612316834" /></a><br /><br />Big brother walking her to the auditorium. I'm sure he would have held her hand like she was 4 again, if she would have let him. :) So sweet.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0n-5LF4-3oWXKqefl5OdQpyQ-196zlMmvKhnWL7YzDhUPZLaUiD822iCiR714RwFcWtnHlB7oLVDwGTEUlnfgrhJrH0COZKx3oTQHLrvZOnEhyxhsS0tfdMwvZSoAKOqFwMtfWa7wM9Tq/s1600-h/DSC04088_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0n-5LF4-3oWXKqefl5OdQpyQ-196zlMmvKhnWL7YzDhUPZLaUiD822iCiR714RwFcWtnHlB7oLVDwGTEUlnfgrhJrH0COZKx3oTQHLrvZOnEhyxhsS0tfdMwvZSoAKOqFwMtfWa7wM9Tq/s320/DSC04088_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339191034757464018" /></a><br /><br />Gown Time!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxceO5h08caZeXWtsgHOWCP82q_tsClOMxWhZqUZBquO0vFUvqtj86tFT0dIxXFCsRqfWvtg7HzAgUSEK5ZoV0uHtfbGzw-32jlNXxqfYVh3ln2MV3bwQGLxOK-W5EWDUcHHhAhmZANyGK/s1600-h/DSC04089_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxceO5h08caZeXWtsgHOWCP82q_tsClOMxWhZqUZBquO0vFUvqtj86tFT0dIxXFCsRqfWvtg7HzAgUSEK5ZoV0uHtfbGzw-32jlNXxqfYVh3ln2MV3bwQGLxOK-W5EWDUcHHhAhmZANyGK/s320/DSC04089_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339191097262584226" /></a><br /><br />Helping a girl out...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9mAFbpATFlI3k_QsR_jwXkcDS4gYjBccIK8Jf0h-ktiSsBEiqwGwnSDdxjpiHbJNe1C8HyjeIQMjZcyb7wr9j95Q18R-wsPhcoMZd7m86LaJ-hFaG-ku0bqh54Iiw9z5evV_aX8rLYxT/s1600-h/DSC04093_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9mAFbpATFlI3k_QsR_jwXkcDS4gYjBccIK8Jf0h-ktiSsBEiqwGwnSDdxjpiHbJNe1C8HyjeIQMjZcyb7wr9j95Q18R-wsPhcoMZd7m86LaJ-hFaG-ku0bqh54Iiw9z5evV_aX8rLYxT/s320/DSC04093_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339191269312235442" /></a><br /><br />She was the cutest graduate there!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipen_b_P69dq0MMlZE3WFVKkXhX7BeooCu98IXmEga_mZsaMTUWYMeciedciA9MKCJHr7MDbJXiP3tLvfTDeLf_K30NQqvRFSEFLO-bKbJnW4CQ6mxRR-iXmKOTMYfJtIzjDyMTn5LWelr/s1600-h/DSC04099_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipen_b_P69dq0MMlZE3WFVKkXhX7BeooCu98IXmEga_mZsaMTUWYMeciedciA9MKCJHr7MDbJXiP3tLvfTDeLf_K30NQqvRFSEFLO-bKbJnW4CQ6mxRR-iXmKOTMYfJtIzjDyMTn5LWelr/s320/DSC04099_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339191466531391826" /></a><br /><br />Laila reading the program...I love this pic!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dZuxV6F_ylPVgjbCUOzOb80TYYAymESYWD9pYwRmYmESACEKvoYSF493HvI33Tz_JkEAndNz3GP5uzkHa3X7SUNhi52iyVmhG6J7SWQ2adcFRZsVaYtzfEdRKiF1ova2jS9-Y7fVM7Pd/s1600-h/DSC04102_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dZuxV6F_ylPVgjbCUOzOb80TYYAymESYWD9pYwRmYmESACEKvoYSF493HvI33Tz_JkEAndNz3GP5uzkHa3X7SUNhi52iyVmhG6J7SWQ2adcFRZsVaYtzfEdRKiF1ova2jS9-Y7fVM7Pd/s320/DSC04102_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339191592981363714" /></a><br /><br />Uncle Alex lovin' on Peyton. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpvS29CXkJFO2FZ80eNShqwod5cfHcKeyhmUwLuprB2a71u8ZFPgdqPDwF_n9MrCZql6nGSX5PDLEJF97vGtNnirzYzoJYOlBx3qXe4rFQtpDIjFS42PZbGCLx9B2TY57cMjSkkkQPRtQ/s1600-h/DSC04107_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpvS29CXkJFO2FZ80eNShqwod5cfHcKeyhmUwLuprB2a71u8ZFPgdqPDwF_n9MrCZql6nGSX5PDLEJF97vGtNnirzYzoJYOlBx3qXe4rFQtpDIjFS42PZbGCLx9B2TY57cMjSkkkQPRtQ/s320/DSC04107_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339191837182708866" /></a><br /><br />April walking in!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnCBU6uEwjhgtlpU466VhyphenhyphenyGnwW0umHxKmrDodEH4sPv_h98kQhwNI2vRC3N5cUxrUmW7p4Bllln5ImIGxRB5BtPYPMYSHV0rmpvTDMhc8stQq6SBI_hff4Qw1iN4x0QzrdTxKam-6iln/s1600-h/DSC04103_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnCBU6uEwjhgtlpU466VhyphenhyphenyGnwW0umHxKmrDodEH4sPv_h98kQhwNI2vRC3N5cUxrUmW7p4Bllln5ImIGxRB5BtPYPMYSHV0rmpvTDMhc8stQq6SBI_hff4Qw1iN4x0QzrdTxKam-6iln/s320/DSC04103_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339191726787885122" /></a><br /><br />Class of 2009<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhiHKCW4tMqFWj21oIvWj9SMM70gRpV3K3fKrxKY1_GYowuSpcKuxovuXVnqAPFyvlhLW5Pe4gc1_F9mtHx0ZXuvbAvTK3kr-b866a0Hog7l-miBClRm6XBSanYy7gXacNKb8oA76fOX7/s1600-h/DSC04109_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhiHKCW4tMqFWj21oIvWj9SMM70gRpV3K3fKrxKY1_GYowuSpcKuxovuXVnqAPFyvlhLW5Pe4gc1_F9mtHx0ZXuvbAvTK3kr-b866a0Hog7l-miBClRm6XBSanYy7gXacNKb8oA76fOX7/s320/DSC04109_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339191970611821010" /></a><br /><br />Proud parents :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6bCGFOAAqYc3ZL6r4LCLKt-KE_7Z1SvOUCiCm9D29x0E78qVBWSRLJc9t3k0WKJOPcv0zKu5O8ThyphenhyphenEtmoF3JKmzfKaba_9djSYp31WiTiSTFoPVFJvVXqcx6H8UIMkVhZruMwuWBqb67/s1600-h/DSC04110_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6bCGFOAAqYc3ZL6r4LCLKt-KE_7Z1SvOUCiCm9D29x0E78qVBWSRLJc9t3k0WKJOPcv0zKu5O8ThyphenhyphenEtmoF3JKmzfKaba_9djSYp31WiTiSTFoPVFJvVXqcx6H8UIMkVhZruMwuWBqb67/s320/DSC04110_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339192102459552498" /></a><br /><br />Jared, Jen, Pey & Laila w/April<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RUEam7DxUTjA8cNgAmCVkPYc1qmWs1KQlxdtGFcQqLM76NMuSsKHqwUK0P3zwGn1sFt_d5igol9mPjFGvkWigzzNUMdw6MIMh-1zBggkT-oayMX9IpJc9VY9nsqDC8-bQtGLf4UZ8M9a/s1600-h/DSC04112_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RUEam7DxUTjA8cNgAmCVkPYc1qmWs1KQlxdtGFcQqLM76NMuSsKHqwUK0P3zwGn1sFt_d5igol9mPjFGvkWigzzNUMdw6MIMh-1zBggkT-oayMX9IpJc9VY9nsqDC8-bQtGLf4UZ8M9a/s320/DSC04112_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339192236656053474" /></a><br /><br />Me & Alex w/April<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYR70Pba-e9sHDGciK19-PXkraMClZZC4SbO9ygMUdxOvuNw87T293165MwOQ4ZNMgK5riBI5KOq-p7S1bZaPJy3RT-d-1DRCx0t1t1WDz9Ei_VniOBMPDuMOCOnBGp6JMy4hnKCIJSgr-/s1600-h/DSC04114_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYR70Pba-e9sHDGciK19-PXkraMClZZC4SbO9ygMUdxOvuNw87T293165MwOQ4ZNMgK5riBI5KOq-p7S1bZaPJy3RT-d-1DRCx0t1t1WDz9Ei_VniOBMPDuMOCOnBGp6JMy4hnKCIJSgr-/s320/DSC04114_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339192361025565010" /></a><br /><br />We're so proud of you, April!! <br /><br />Love,<br />Alex & JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-91787427029617889152009-05-20T13:31:00.005-05:002009-05-20T17:24:51.883-05:00Alex needs our help...**UPDATED TO ADD** We met the goal...Alexander will be able to have open heart surgery!! Thank you to everyone who donated! If you still choose to donate, any extra funds go toward medical needs for other Compassion Children. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nqxCek5enJIg5Ev-bUqqVjWGKgBRXrkuppJTn1V9lBR2nGoeBHZfrxU46A7pjMqTdG1oeuuCm3dt015gImKXOSK2ysE58yMjC6LpNypmwh2aa4FXKMFYJYHwEmCBBJdry7JhgjoSScz6/s1600-h/alexander+in+kenya.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nqxCek5enJIg5Ev-bUqqVjWGKgBRXrkuppJTn1V9lBR2nGoeBHZfrxU46A7pjMqTdG1oeuuCm3dt015gImKXOSK2ysE58yMjC6LpNypmwh2aa4FXKMFYJYHwEmCBBJdry7JhgjoSScz6/s320/alexander+in+kenya.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337976464889613266" /></a><br /><br />This little boy lives in Kenya. His name is Alexander. He's 8 years old and needs heart surgery. The surgery costs $8,303. His family lives on $13.70 a month, so naturally, they cannot afford heart surgery for their son. <br /><br />As soon as I read about this little boy on BooMama's blog, I knew that I needed to help. The fact that he has the same name as my dear husband, just made me want to help him even more. BooMama is asking that we each give $1.00. That's it. Just $1.00. If you feel led to give a one time donation of $1.00 to help with Alexander's surgery, please go <a href="https://www.compassion.com/contribution/giving/alexander-heart-fund.htm"><strong>HERE</strong></a>. It's a simple process...takes all of 2 minutes.<br /><br />Love,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-52052499211741418742009-05-14T12:14:00.006-05:002009-05-14T13:31:42.882-05:00Baby, Baby...My parents are 'in town' for the week. I was able to spend some time with them before they headed to the condo in Hot Springs. Daddy agreed to go to our girly place for lunch. He even ordered raspberry vinaigrette for his salad...I think he secretly likes our girly place, as much as we do. ;) Afterwards, we went to Pickles and Ice Cream to look at some baby furniture. I found three more strollers that I like...guess that decision isn't made yet. I'm going to take Alex over to test them out and see what he thinks. He's definitely going to like the price tags on these, better. (ha!) I found another crib and upholstered chair that I really like. It's just so much fun shopping for this stuff. I will post pics when I can finally make a decision. <br /><br />I can't believe I'm about to start my 2nd trimester! The morning sickness is just about gone. It started tapering off around 10 weeks. There for a few weeks, I was going to church and that was it. Now I actually feel like getting out of the house. I'm hungry all of the time. I'm exhausted easily. I don't sleep well. But that's all normal, right? :) I LOOK pregnant. The stomach never went down...if anything, it's growing. (LOL) I thought I would be the girl that took weekly pics of her belly, but I'm not. I will post one at the end of each trimester, how about that? I'm doing well at keeping my journal and pregnancy calendar, up to date. I really want my kiddos to have those things to go back to and read. Before we lost everything in a house fire, I used to go into my Mom's cedar hope chest and read through my baby book. I loved reading my Mom's words/thoughts. And it was a book all about me! What kid doesn't love that? :) <br /><br />Oh, and I have to share this. Have you heard of something called pregnancy amnesia? Well I have it. I took my nephews to lunch a few days ago and as we were walking into the restaurant, my nephew says, "those people parked next to us left their car running." We all started laughing at the silly, forgetful person that would do such a thing and then I thought to myself...where are your keys? I look in my purse and they aren't there. I look at my nephew and say, "go see if that's my car running." He did. And it was. I had locked my keys in my car, while it was running. Thank goodness he said something or I would have left it running the entire time we were eating! As of late, I just can't seem to remember things. I'm losing my mind. <br /><br />I'm thinking about seeing a movie this afternoon. Yes, by myself. Alex says it's sad to do that, but I love it. I literally have the theatre all to myself. I sit at the very top and eat my popcorn and jr. mints and put my feet up on the seat in front of me. It's not sad...it's lovely. :)<br /><br />Weekend is almost here...do you have big plans? <br /><br />Love,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-30925173712689672032009-05-11T10:28:00.003-05:002009-05-11T11:04:29.707-05:00My first Mother's Day...I had a great day yesterday. I woke up to a beautiful card from Alex. It made me cry. He is such a sweet husband and is going to be the best Daddy. I get tired so easily right now and he took care of me all weekend. I love him for it. <br /><br />Our Sunday started out with us having a flat tire on the way to church. :) Luckily, it had stopped raining for a little minute and we made it into a gas station parking lot. I was calling family, trying to let them know why we were late and finally reached my brother, Drew. He swung by the gas station and picked me up. I have Journey Kids this month, so I needed to get to church ASAP. Alex stayed at the gas station and put enough air in the tire to get him to church. We were just praying that when we came out of church, it wasn't flat again. We would normally spend the afternoon with Alex's Mom, but she was on her way home from a fabulous cruise, so I had plans of us having brunch somewhere, just the two of us. Since we needed to put a new tire on my car, plans changed. Cary and Sara followed us to the tire place and then took us to lunch. I was okay with this for two reasons. #1: Cary and Sara are two of our most favorite people in the world...our best friends, really. #2: Momma was hungry! We went to American Pie for pizza. This was our first time to eat there and it was yummy. I had spicy veggie pizza...DE-LISH! When we sat down, the waitress told us that all mothers receive a free strawberry shortcake for dessert and I literally squealed with excitement! It's the small things really. I was just so excited that I'm one of 'them' now...I'm a Mother. :) After lunch, we headed back to get our car. Alex went ahead and had them put on four new tires, so pimpin' gold is drivin' like a dream right now. (LOL) Not sure how much longer we'll have her, since the baby is on the way. We're talking about trading her in for an SUV before November. Does anyone else name your car or is it just me? I always name my vehicles and they are always female. <br /><br />Sunday evening, my family came over to our house to celebrate all of the Mommas in the family. We also celebrated my sister, Jayna and my niece, Jessica. They're our May babies. :) We had strawberry shortcake for Jayna and a huge cookie cake for Jessie. I don't have pics from the day yet...Sara was our photographer. I'll add some pics, once I receive them.<br /><br />I received several Mother's Day cards in the mail from friends and family...even a blog friend sent me one. How sweet is that? It really was a beautiful day, despite the rain. I hope you had a beautiful day, as well. <br /><br />Have a blessed week, you guys!<br /><br />Love,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-80003571075708131262009-05-09T22:30:00.005-05:002009-05-09T23:42:23.670-05:00Praying, Waiting, Crying, Trying...It's hard to believe that this Mother's Day, I'm a Mother. I've been thinking about this post all week. I was excited about it and dreading it at the same time. Excited because after 3 years of praying, waiting, crying, trying, God has answered our prayers and has given us our miracle baby. Alex and I thank God on a DAILY basis for this life inside of me. Today, I sat in the room that will be the nursery and cried. I praised Him for what He has given me and yet my heart was heavy for those of you that are still praying, waiting, crying, trying. My own Mother has always been such an encouragement on Mother's Day. She would always buy me a mom-to-be card and write an encouraging note/scripture inside...assuring me that my day would come. I remember reading those cards and just crying. I wanted to believe it would happen, but found it hard to even imagine when or how it ever could. The pain is dreadful. I've experienced heartache in my life, but it was nothing compared to that of infertility. You feel broken. Like there's something wrong with you. Defective. Unless you've been there, it would be hard for you to understand what I'm talking about. I dreaded going to church, restaurants...really I dreaded anything on that day that required me getting out of bed. I just wanted to sleep through it. Everything on that day is a constant reminder of what you don't have, what you can't have...a baby. <br /><br />I write this post, not to be a downer. I write it to those that are still praying, waiting, crying, trying...girls, know that God is right there beside you. Know that there is no one better to run to with tears streaming down your face, tomorrow, than Him. He will wrap you up and ease that dreadful pain. And He will do even better than that...when you least expect it, He will give you your miracle. If you can't hang on to that and believe it, know that I'm believing it for you. <br /><br />Mom, thanks for always believing it for me, when I didn't have the heart or strength to believe it for myself. You've always given unconditional love and support and for that I am thankful. I love you so much!! <br /><br />Happy Mother's DayJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-5861765684935108242009-05-08T10:02:00.002-05:002009-05-08T10:30:42.910-05:00URGENT NEED...Alex and I have always had a heart for adoption. God hasn't brought us to the place of beginning that process yet, but I have no doubt that someday, He will.<br /><br />I recently became aware of an urgent need at America World's transition home in Ethiopia. This home is for children awaiting adoption. MANY of these children are severely malnourished. They need a specific formula. Many of the America World families that have been traveling to Ethiopia have begun packing extra luggage just for this formula - to deliver to the children that will still be waiting for their families. I'm sure many of you have heard of <a href="http://adoptingaria.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-think-this-article-is-about-our-aria.html">Billy & Cindy Foote</a>. They have an awesome music ministry and like many couples, are currently waiting to travel to Ethiopia to adopt their baby girl. Children's Hope Chest is working to provide America World with this much needed formula. Would YOU join me in giving for this formula so that one more child might live and grow as they wait for their family?<br /><br />James 1:27 states, <strong>"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."</strong> We have been instructed by God to care for these children. I know how easy it is to just ignore the pictures and think that someone else will give, but as believers, we've all been instructed to give. Only $30 will buy and ship one can of formula to a needy child. Think about what you last spent $30 on. I spent that on dinner last night. Please join me in giving donations to these children in need. <br /><br />Go <a href="http://tomdavis.typepad.com/tom_daviss_blog/2009/05/urgent-need-forumla-needed-for-malnourished-babies-in-ethiopia.html">HERE</a>.<br /><br />Love you guys,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-5003986297614908132009-05-05T17:23:00.006-05:002009-05-05T20:48:51.955-05:00What a difference a belly makes...Today was my first OB appointment with my most favorite doc. I was nervous yet excited. Unlike the last time I was there, I felt as though I 'fit in' this time around. The last time I was there I almost had a panic attack...surrounded by all of those bellies. I remember calling Alex from the waiting room, holding back the tears. He had to talk me down, just so I could go get my pap smear. What a difference a pregnant belly makes. <br /><br />I saw a little blood when going to the bathroom last night. Needless to say, I was worried. I have seen blood once before, but it was after a day of being on my feet all day and walking quite a bit. I hadn't seen it since. Until last night. I just really needed to see my baby on that screen and hear the heartbeat. The nurse could tell I was nervous...my blood pressure was up. Dr. S said he would try and find the heartbeat. Evidently 11 weeks is the earliest you can find it with the old school device that he was using. It took him a little while, but he finally found it and I immediately started crying. I felt so relieved. I went to see the u/s tech while there and we were able to see the baby. He/she was very active...bouncing back and forth from head to toes. It made us laugh. We ended the appointment back in Dr. S's office. He went over a few things and we were able to ask him questions. He then prayed over us and our baby...once again, tears started flowing. He really is the best doctor ever.<br /><br />Oh, I'm almost forgot...the baby is measuring at 11 1/2weeks. They changed my due date AGAIN. It's now November 21st (day before Alex's birthday). My next u/s will be at 20 weeks, so that's when we will find out if it's a HE or SHE. That's also when I can get started on the nursery...yay!! I have lots of ideas swirling around in my head. I've been bouncing ideas off of Sara (my S-I-L). She's good with decorating and she's very honest with me. I know she won't let me do something that I'll end up hating. She loves modern and I love a little of everything, so I'm hoping she'll be able to help me mesh all of my ideas into one room that I will love. :) I've been shopping strollers, cribs, bedding. I haven't allowed myself to buy much for the baby yet, but I'm sure that will change once I know if it's a boy or girl. I did buy the baby book today! It's for a boy or girl and it's not like your traditional baby book. The illustrator did such a good job. The characters in the book have the sweetest little faces. It's exactly what I wanted. I went through the entire thing this evening and can't wait to start journaling. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPXPSlJpJwVNVkcQ53Fqr5SzFyLhBGtDcYQPGnBG2ZoGYPWhQBjwAI53PD_g45vkNz77XeUn6_knv_XL9rukK4P6Eh1JsJeB4r-U6AL_KSL4gI7je2IejIYl4fKlDicFLXiLpy73_2HUc/s1600-h/babyjournal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPXPSlJpJwVNVkcQ53Fqr5SzFyLhBGtDcYQPGnBG2ZoGYPWhQBjwAI53PD_g45vkNz77XeUn6_knv_XL9rukK4P6Eh1JsJeB4r-U6AL_KSL4gI7je2IejIYl4fKlDicFLXiLpy73_2HUc/s320/babyjournal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332510968707532930" /></a><br /><br />I'm almost positive on the stroller/infant system that I'm going to get. I would never register for something this pricey, so Alex said we can just buy it ourselves. I'd rather do that then register for something that I really don't want, just because it's cheaper. Alex did request that I buy a color that can be used for a boy or girl, so that we can use it for our future children, as well. He'd rather not buy one in every color. I can handle that. :) I'll post pics when the final decision has been made. <br /><br />We've made a decision on our boy and girl name. Some may think we've made this decision in haste, but we've been trying to have a baby for 3 years...we've had an on-going list for MANY YEARS. :) I love both of the names that we've chosen. I do have to say, we won't be sharing the baby's name publicly on the blog. Alex is okay with me putting pics of the baby up, but not their name. He's just worried about their safety. I'm going to have to spread the word to my family that blogs, as well. You guys can't share the name either...sorry! I guess if any of my blog friends want to know, we'll just have to correspond through email. When I first started this blog, I didn't even think about sharing our names. I was thinking our families would be our only readers. (LOL) Little did I know about blogging. :) <br /><br />It's only 8:30 and I'm already thinking about bedtime. I'll end this post with a new picture of our baby. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75Ii8M-RObAUN5iGIeluG7iWBzHqqM-IxUH-7_sRIl7WTJ06gvnkJL2aKImHarY7MNqSBbmha6W6uYNTYhMYwdbL_TNQvJ8CAoZA9lv39Sg0U82haTcL-8Ia3uJcxWYnBGOgXYrLlYOba/s1600-h/ourbaby5-5-09.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75Ii8M-RObAUN5iGIeluG7iWBzHqqM-IxUH-7_sRIl7WTJ06gvnkJL2aKImHarY7MNqSBbmha6W6uYNTYhMYwdbL_TNQvJ8CAoZA9lv39Sg0U82haTcL-8Ia3uJcxWYnBGOgXYrLlYOba/s320/ourbaby5-5-09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332517646965225986" /></a><br /><br />Love you guys,<br /><br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-3906630449624576882009-05-03T22:50:00.006-05:002009-05-03T23:05:18.518-05:00So proud...This weekend, I had the pleasure of watching my sister, Jayna, walk across the stage and receive her degree. She is a wife and mother of three. A few years ago, she decided to go back to school and finish her degree. She graduates with a 3.7 gpa...she's one smart momma. :) It was neat to hear her kiddos yell "WAY TO GO MOM!" from the stands. I admire her for so many reasons, but I'm so very proud of her for doing this. Congrats, Sis!! <br /><br />The graduate...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituArgPXryRVPThMkiQMSwrJU0ZtfZX_ObYgcucrMS61ChqHB7pMe3O8vptBzsRrxGilficnFbr9qkMMYHufz5KjvbV5RqcjG1DYKHMYBEG_-RGBE-ciofbr-yCLxoKo0zgSqjeIkT_RXZ/s1600-h/jaynawithdegree2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituArgPXryRVPThMkiQMSwrJU0ZtfZX_ObYgcucrMS61ChqHB7pMe3O8vptBzsRrxGilficnFbr9qkMMYHufz5KjvbV5RqcjG1DYKHMYBEG_-RGBE-ciofbr-yCLxoKo0zgSqjeIkT_RXZ/s320/jaynawithdegree2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331813014046161058" /></a><br /><br />Dad & Mom with their 6 kiddos...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPMe_3-KwcCWe5opEp750PTuJFAwvw1jbAEX3z7Lnkuq8W-UuXi7DEX2wXdPul2bEVO3pazOBPTG2ClB3rQ1IxbjJPcgMzV4oHqdS47e4DFKjDVcMGNcp9vFf75PoeDbLH36w3nRoBNto/s1600-h/weaverfam2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPMe_3-KwcCWe5opEp750PTuJFAwvw1jbAEX3z7Lnkuq8W-UuXi7DEX2wXdPul2bEVO3pazOBPTG2ClB3rQ1IxbjJPcgMzV4oHqdS47e4DFKjDVcMGNcp9vFf75PoeDbLH36w3nRoBNto/s320/weaverfam2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331812931800101890" /></a><br /><br />It was a wonderful evening. <br /><br />Love to all,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-18191419074546455602009-04-25T21:27:00.005-05:002009-04-25T22:26:10.473-05:00Sunny Saturday!I realize that I'm averaging one post a week...so unlike me, but truly the best that I can do right now. I've had a lot on my heart and mind, but it's not really something that I'm at liberty to blog about. It's something that I'm working through...just me and God, one on one. I also have the counsel of my husband, thank goodness. I don't know what I would do without him. If I happen to come to your mind, will you pray for me? I don't feel like I need to share details in order to ask for prayer. God knows my heart. <br /><br />As for the miracle baby that I'm carrying...he/she must be growing and doing well, because this mommy is still very sick. I have good days, but they are few and far between. I have learned that I pretty much have to eat non-stop and keep my stomach full. This seems to help with the nausea. I'm not really eating constantly, but it sure feels like it. I've had some really bad days, but today was a good day and I'm praising God for it! I was also having problems brushing my teeth. I would brush and then throw up. Of course, this is a never-ending cycle. Once I throw up, I need to brush my teeth again. I brush my teeth again, I throw up. You get the picture. My sister-in-law, Sara, told me that she had to switch from her Sonicare to a normal toothbrush and that helped her. I'm addicted to my Sonicare but if it was the problem, I was more than willing to go back to a normal toothbrush. I did and it has helped A LOT. Thank you, Sara!! <br /><br />Today was a beautiful, warm, windy, day. Alex is really good about making a list of projects that he'd like to complete around the house. Since finding out that we're going to have a baby, he has really wanted to complete the rest of his list. Well today, cleaning the garage/attic and making our flower bed pretty again was at the top of his list. We went to HD and picked out some pretty flowers. We also picked out a couple of fruit vines. We have never grown anything in our lives, but are excited to see if we can. I will probably stay away from them because I have a history...of killing plants. I just really don't know anything about them and I tend to over-water. Alex studies how to take care of something and does a beautiful job...he takes pride in taking care of our lawn in the summer and it always looks fabulous. I have a man that believes in working 6 days a week...5 days at his full-time job and on Saturday, he wants to work around our home. I love that about him. I also have to share this, because it's one of the sweetest things I've ever heard. I told him that I bought a pair of sandals and needed to buy some new tops for spring/summer and he said, "you buy whatever you want...I work, so you can have those things." Um, can you say, I'M A LUCKY GIRL!? I haven't really shopped for me in a long time, but now that my body is changing, I need some things. And the new sandals...well they were just too cute to pass up. I'll have to post a pic later. :) I just feel extremely blessed to have him as my husband. He is not only the provider of this family, more importantly, he is the spiritual leader of our family, my teacher and constant cheerleader. I'm excited that we're about to start reading through the Bible together. He has read through two different versions of the Bible already this year. I have a deep desire to read through the Bible in it's entirety. I don't read and comprehend quite as fast as he does, so he has promised that we will go at my pace. I didn't mean for this post to be all about Alex, but that's okay...he needs to know that I appreciate him and all that he does for our family. I love you, sweetie. <br /><br />I hope to be blogging on a regular basis again soon, but for now, know that I'm reading your blogs and keeping up with what's going on with you. And as soon as I have the liberty to come back on a regular basis, I will. That's the best way that I can explain it. <br /><br />Love you guys,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-67420762317666211322009-04-19T17:28:00.005-05:002009-04-19T17:56:35.911-05:00U/S appointment #2Thursday was our second ultrasound appointment. It has been a busy weekend...sorry I'm just blogging about it. We waited for over two hours at the clinic. I couldn't believe how long we waited. We waited an hour in the actual waiting room and then another hour or so in the room (unclothed from the waist down, I might add). I'd much rather wait completely clothed in the waiting room. (LOL) The doc came in and immediately found the baby. :) We heard the heartbeat and it was so loud and strong!! It was 170bmp, this time. We were so excited upon hearing the heartbeat. I will never tire of seeing our baby on that screen. It just seems like a dream. The baby was standing on it's head and we could see it's little arms and legs. We were amazed at how much more you could see vs. at 6 weeks. The baby measured right at 8 weeks. The doctor told us that everything looked perfect! He also gave me some natural remedies to try for the nausea. He told me that if these didn't work, I could talk to my OB in the next week about something else. That was another big thing...I graduated from the fertility clinic. I was a little sad. I have been going there for the last year and a half. Same doctors and nurses every time...I love that clinic. God used them to help us achieve pregnancy and I will be forever grateful. I was able to hug my doctor goodbye before leaving...I was glad he was there (he wasn't the one that did the u/s). They were all just grinning from ear to ear. They seemed as excited as we were. Makes me cry, just thinking about it. I am supposed to see my OB in the next week or so. I've talked about him before...he's a wonderful doctor and a wonderful man of God. He delivered Alex, 32 years ago, so we're excited for him to be the one that delivers our baby, as well. <br /><br />The doc said, my ovary was only twice the size that it's supposed to be now and there were still cysts, but they are getting smaller. My stomach is starting to go down some, as well. Oh, and they actually changed my due date to November 26th...Thanksgiving Day. :) <br /><br />I'll end this post with a new pic of our baby. Isn't he/she the cutest thing!? :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmX3XLuGNUCmCHIdnM0uXU6-A9IS4tAMiy2_gd9DbKH_uy4Q2ASQjQwofSNbJhiwAQg23ANi_Zdw7mtruhPBOzEEUPf8ZnycGn6Gky5kP0oUx7pqEZE5SlqpbR9b_R5aa_GL3g-sHvI2m2/s1600-h/baby8w2d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmX3XLuGNUCmCHIdnM0uXU6-A9IS4tAMiy2_gd9DbKH_uy4Q2ASQjQwofSNbJhiwAQg23ANi_Zdw7mtruhPBOzEEUPf8ZnycGn6Gky5kP0oUx7pqEZE5SlqpbR9b_R5aa_GL3g-sHvI2m2/s320/baby8w2d.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326537356919616178" /></a><br /><br />Love you guys,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-9979678677493313792009-04-13T22:29:00.005-05:002009-04-13T23:18:24.219-05:00Easter Weekend...God cares, even about the small things. He answered my prayers and took the morning sickness away (for most of the day) on Easter Sunday. We had someone taking Easter pictures, before and after service for any of the families that came Sunday. I really liked this idea! Here is our pic. I look so pale...man, do I need some sun! I had a really cute maternity dress on, underneath my cardigan. It was chilly though, so the cardigan stayed on. Yes, I said maternity dress. My stomach still hasn't gone down from the OHSS, so I had to buy maternity. Honestly, it was so comfortable, I don't care if my stomach goes down. I'm really going to enjoy buying cute dresses for this summer. Um, Gap Maternity, just fyi...there is no need to worry about your sales this summer/fall.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyToUu6b_NIzl2HnbWjj-Pv_-ruzbzQ5Vwge8Sk3S0sAP_3Iz6hR2Iq_JJWAoyOHoIg6IBHp2nnUEpkMTNEV-BXmS5YjCBQE92uzrj4me9PJQZQF12lDoGc-r0IEYPCVsINxx4zHQzXqw/s1600-h/easterpic2009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324384902077859442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyToUu6b_NIzl2HnbWjj-Pv_-ruzbzQ5Vwge8Sk3S0sAP_3Iz6hR2Iq_JJWAoyOHoIg6IBHp2nnUEpkMTNEV-BXmS5YjCBQE92uzrj4me9PJQZQF12lDoGc-r0IEYPCVsINxx4zHQzXqw/s320/easterpic2009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was cold and stormy all morning, but none of that mattered once I was at church. I really enjoyed the worship and message. I also love seeing the kiddos walking in, all dressed up in their Easter outfits. I'm looking forward to having a little one to dress up next year. We had lunch with my in-laws after church...it was so yummy. We also got to see Alex's baby sister, April, try on her prom dress. She is a senior, which is totally crazy for me to even think about. I remember when she was just a little 4 year old, walking into daycare. Needless to say, she is all grown up and is gorgeous. She looked just like a barbie doll in her prom dress. After lunch, we headed home. I immediately fell into bed and took a 2 hour nap. When I woke up, my parents and grandparents had been here for a while. My family came over that evening, to celebrate my little brother, Drew's birthday. It was a fun time. Little Jackson was quite entertaining...he had us all laughing so hard. There is no doubt, he is his father's child. My brother, Cary, can make me laugh like no one else. Love him.<br /><br />I had a restless night of sleep and woke up this morning, you guessed it...feeling sick again. Guess I should have prayed for it to stay away a little longer. My doctor called me in some phenegrin. I am only able to take 1/4 of a pill each time...it makes me terribly sleepy. I go back for my second u/s on Thursday, so I think I will ask him about Zofran. So many of you mentioned that. I have tried several things that you girls suggested...some have helped, so thank you! I do realize that this is just a regular part of pregnancy...I just want to be able to function and accomplish a few things each day, so whatever helps me do that, I'm a fan. :) I don't know why, but I've also had "bloggers-block". I still get online and stay updated on what's going on with you girls. It's just for some reason, I just don't feel like writing as often. Maybe it's just that I feel sick and have very little energy. I'm lucky if I feel like cleaning the toilet, let alone blog. Even though, my sweet husband is giving me some help with the cleaning and I'm so very grateful. He keeps telling me, "you're one and only job is to cook this baby." (LOL) So I'm doing my very best.<br /><br />Well, the phenegrin has kicked in...that means it's bedtime!<br /><br />Love you guys,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-74477214365579207192009-04-10T10:14:00.003-05:002009-04-10T11:01:19.334-05:00Long Time No Post...I have been wanting to post for almost a week, but to be honest, I've been sick. Very sick. All I have been able to do is just lay here...praying that it will go away. I always hope to just fall asleep, because then I don't feel the nausea. The morning sickness is getting worse, not better. If anyone has any advice on how to help with the morning sickness, feel free to comment. Right now, I sit with cheerios on one side of me and a bowl on the other side. A very large bowl...to catch the cheerios, incase they decide not to stay down. I know...gross. I had hoped and prayed that I would be one of those women that didn't experience this, but knew in my heart that nothing about pregnancy has come easy, so I'm not surprised. I have never been more thankful to be at stay-at-home-wife. I have a sweet friend that is having to drag herself to work every day and is running to the bathroom, every 5 minutes. Bless her heart. I couldn't do it. <br /><br />I'm praying that this lets up, at least for Sunday. The past couple of Sundays, God has been good. As soon as I need to go up on the stage to sing, I feel okay and I'm able to worship and not think about anything else, but Him. My parents are coming in this Easter and I'm looking forward to time with family, as well. I just want to be able to enjoy the day. Easter is such an emotional holiday for me...I'm so thankful for God's love. I'm thankful that He sent His Son to die. But let us not forget...it didn't end there...the true meaning of Easter is Jesus Christ's victory over death! He died, but more importantly, He rose again! His resurrection symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to all who believe in Him! Just makes me want to shout!! :) <br /><br />I pray that you have a wonderful Easter holiday with family and friends. And I pray that we not lose sight of the true meaning of Easter. <br /><br />Love to all,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-86413784389809594272009-04-04T20:21:00.005-05:002009-04-04T21:13:14.696-05:00Lunch with a new friend...Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting up with a blog friend for lunch. She was coming through my hometown and asked if I wanted to meet up! I was so happy that I was able to meet her, her husband, and their sweet baby girl. They were a precious couple. I hope we get to hang out again in the future, when Alex can be there too. BB & MTB, you guys were so sweet and your little Bumble Bee was even sweeter!! (Their blog is private, so I don't feel comfortable sharing their names) They brought me a little baby rattle and this picture frame for our baby's first u/s picture....Alex and I love it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZxlJZ_ffHhc-rQyLXr7WcQn1dj0fd6sIYecaiNEqZkz3Ucv3NLylZ-5sffqgW67wqVqYNzaHucLJP9266sxTibZ9r3eVEzaN4jMYTRQYoDv55WZSgkNfgpg7Ub9IgTiIZtV-dQWEnnzh/s1600-h/ultrasoundpicframe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZxlJZ_ffHhc-rQyLXr7WcQn1dj0fd6sIYecaiNEqZkz3Ucv3NLylZ-5sffqgW67wqVqYNzaHucLJP9266sxTibZ9r3eVEzaN4jMYTRQYoDv55WZSgkNfgpg7Ub9IgTiIZtV-dQWEnnzh/s320/ultrasoundpicframe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321013526645921938" /></a><br /><br />Today was a beautiful day and I spent it on the couch, sick. Alex was here most of the day, working on his message for tomorrow's service, so he was the sweet hubby and took care of me. I napped a lot and I'm feeling a little better this evening. I also switched from my progesterone injections to a daily progesterone pill. I have to admit, I've enjoyed the past couple of days...when Alex comes to tell me bye at 6:00am, it's not followed by a shot in the hip. :) I have been so sore and bruised...it's going to take a little while for the swelling to go down in my backside. YAY...for no more shots!! <br /><br />I'm looking forward to tomorrow...Sunday is always a good day.<br /><br />Love you guys,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-87406997978658468722009-04-02T13:05:00.006-05:002009-04-02T15:48:33.392-05:00We have a heartbeat!!We arrived around 10:00am, this morning. We waited for almost an hour. Alex and I were rather anxious. We asked our Moms to go with us. They were something else. We thought we were going to have to split them up...they were laughing and carrying on the entire time! :) I love that our Moms get along so well though. We were so happy that they could share this moment with us. <br /><br />Anxiously waiting...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpo-J00djDdY1lW3OnNYjL-7NjUdccxHfyl3Tcd3fB0_MNaEVMYEmWm9pSxjof4_7tOZ002tLyj2mMDzfXGAI49Iw-cG-V9qWUByWF8tR5tgr1Zv_0o6a2itNZTZZlNhKqsML1IjYfu7m/s1600-h/firstultrasound.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpo-J00djDdY1lW3OnNYjL-7NjUdccxHfyl3Tcd3fB0_MNaEVMYEmWm9pSxjof4_7tOZ002tLyj2mMDzfXGAI49Iw-cG-V9qWUByWF8tR5tgr1Zv_0o6a2itNZTZZlNhKqsML1IjYfu7m/s320/firstultrasound.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320197296074350930" /></a><br /><br />Did I mention that these two were a mess!? HA!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9YcMLlAiBVizCE-1SBj_87RtnUGSKwsolbSwdOdTcWCgcYYCcFdWoLnG77wIHbGJJtLrdjl0iOyVdr47NV2UVVhi47ZA4-SBU63H7v-BLa0FdQnmsvVKcxrTpaQUmGRqvtc6yrVJC7AN/s1600-h/ourmoms.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9YcMLlAiBVizCE-1SBj_87RtnUGSKwsolbSwdOdTcWCgcYYCcFdWoLnG77wIHbGJJtLrdjl0iOyVdr47NV2UVVhi47ZA4-SBU63H7v-BLa0FdQnmsvVKcxrTpaQUmGRqvtc6yrVJC7AN/s320/ourmoms.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320197696160004802" /></a><br /><br />They finally called me back, so off the four of us went. I think the nurse and Dr. M got a kick out of us bringing our Mommas. This is the first time we've ever seen Dr. M smile. He's rather serious and to the point, which we love about him. He first checked my ovary (which seemed like it took forever). I found out that the cramps and large abdomen that I've been sporting are from my ovary being overstimulated. It was huge. He said it could take a while to go down, since I'm pregnant. I've been able to manage the pain with tylenol and he said my stomach will go back down eventually, so that was good to hear. <br /><br />Still waiting but getting excited!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg274_k6JLyAfPjY4LZtNF409cNU0ZUSxRTNfNvV6h9KPykQ4wpsxIFy20mY5rkdZaKiHz0e0wQeOLRfBpNjP56-3qg-bbo7ky2N5hl2lZd4ddN7J5SHY87dNFinW3WMwy10-J6O3EMBwd2/s1600-h/firstultrasound3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg274_k6JLyAfPjY4LZtNF409cNU0ZUSxRTNfNvV6h9KPykQ4wpsxIFy20mY5rkdZaKiHz0e0wQeOLRfBpNjP56-3qg-bbo7ky2N5hl2lZd4ddN7J5SHY87dNFinW3WMwy10-J6O3EMBwd2/s320/firstultrasound3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320197474945367074" /></a><br /><br />He then found the baby (that's right...there's ONE in there :) He asked me to hold my breath and that's when we heard it...music to our ears...the heartbeat. The baby's heart rate was 107bpm. I was a little concerned when I heard that it was 107, but he said this was a totally normal heart rate for a baby at 6 weeks. He said that I would come back in two weeks and that we will see a lot of changes in the baby's growth and heart rate by then. When we heard the heartbeat, we all started crying. The nurse put her arm on my Mom's back and said, "you guys are making me cry." It was just the coolest thing I've ever heard in my life. Alex told me later, "it took my breath away." I heard him gasp, but I thought it was him holding back tears. I just couldn't believe that we could hear the heartbeat from something that tiny. From what I read, our baby is roughly the size of 1/2 a small corn kernel. TRULY AMAZING!!! I had my blood drawn and received hugs and congrats by all of the nurses, on my way out. My due date is November 23rd...my sister, Joy's birthday. She told me that if Alex wants, I can be induced, so that the baby will come on his birthday, November 22nd. :) Either way, a Thanksgiving baby is rather appropriate in my book. I'm so very thankful for the last 3 years that have brought us to this very moment. It has been a wonderful day...one we will never forget. <br /><br />Our itty-bitty baby. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvi8VggPZFfXC55ZB4ZU8tH5N1CR_CiQa-mO-SD3I09PO1qlxomaIGapmK5VV7r7MNnUlnjTO3dDs_5yIiiyWUFgA4O3VKGwBtDsOQCfEsjA6QJItNyg4An4WB89er8qFR-B0KZmoAxyj8/s1600-h/scan0001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvi8VggPZFfXC55ZB4ZU8tH5N1CR_CiQa-mO-SD3I09PO1qlxomaIGapmK5VV7r7MNnUlnjTO3dDs_5yIiiyWUFgA4O3VKGwBtDsOQCfEsjA6QJItNyg4An4WB89er8qFR-B0KZmoAxyj8/s320/scan0001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320172521454604930" /></a><br /><br />Love you guys,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-73622280077749485922009-03-30T19:14:00.010-05:002009-03-30T20:03:25.986-05:00I've never been more thankful...Well, it's official...I'm pregnant. The nausea has kicked in. I laid down most of the day, because getting up made me want to throw up. Yuck. Alex asks me every day if I'm nauseous and when I say "yes", he says, "good!" He says that means everything is normal and the baby is doing it's thing. Sweet man. I do want to say...I've never been more thankful for nausea. :) <br /><br />I have the sweetest friends/family. My S-I-L, Sara, brought me these items. A pregnancy calendar, it's so neat. It comes with stickers to mark special days. She also gave me some preggo pops for the nausea and some lotions for when my belly is a little bigger. :) Thank you, Sara!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmi6j51d6qJ2RrTLB6zPJgGjoKAriD_DRqpTyYFk_1soFLsHRZlPxJ0u0K_L-ou5MxVv5TFt8LKujrD9xk-d6nhnrQWqGL97W4Umtch2uZgz4K_SKrPhnLc2i3woKc7u1fAKgc-_gubGG/s1600-h/preggogifts2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmi6j51d6qJ2RrTLB6zPJgGjoKAriD_DRqpTyYFk_1soFLsHRZlPxJ0u0K_L-ou5MxVv5TFt8LKujrD9xk-d6nhnrQWqGL97W4Umtch2uZgz4K_SKrPhnLc2i3woKc7u1fAKgc-_gubGG/s320/preggogifts2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319141819621164002" /></a><br /><br />My neighbor, Becca, gave me these items. This book is huge and covers from pregnancy-2 years old. She also gave me this cute sign, which I love! Thank you, Becca!! By the way, Becca is one of my sweet friends that is also preggers. She's due in October, so we get to watch each other's bellies grow. :) This will be her 5th child, so I may be calling her with a lot of questions, once the baby is here. :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_mluDxmt1qDoAzLoIVD3ADcY3wt1MNdupuevOC-fyUck4SYOzKe-JV_mGE1_790MlYO05qc2IExfsDvyE5VmgBOGw-pBGiOEvwUapjotQeoiwJcyIsrnaI22sxyAJdyxetW4nkqC352D/s1600-h/preggogifts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_mluDxmt1qDoAzLoIVD3ADcY3wt1MNdupuevOC-fyUck4SYOzKe-JV_mGE1_790MlYO05qc2IExfsDvyE5VmgBOGw-pBGiOEvwUapjotQeoiwJcyIsrnaI22sxyAJdyxetW4nkqC352D/s320/preggogifts.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319142668788646162" /></a><br /><br />And last, but not least...our sweet friend, Mrs. Vae, heard that I was pregnant and she bought me these pretty tulips.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIJf9BQCwUNyvJSXOuztReMO3zZ5mXGYWRObcq41ND6lBTRXpQDgjK4S_xIY4E_-Q1S-8dFfC_DPCHtkmW7WI0j_4KZyfg90NIEEWPUrZufjd6Y3Dt2AOWJLesE5TUT_WBoeEszfx-1Se/s1600-h/tulips.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIJf9BQCwUNyvJSXOuztReMO3zZ5mXGYWRObcq41ND6lBTRXpQDgjK4S_xIY4E_-Q1S-8dFfC_DPCHtkmW7WI0j_4KZyfg90NIEEWPUrZufjd6Y3Dt2AOWJLesE5TUT_WBoeEszfx-1Se/s320/tulips.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319143271392337586" /></a><br /><br />Excuse the poor quality of the pics. As I told you, we don't have a camera right now, so these are taken with Alex's phone. <br /><br />I have to say, I'm usually on the giving end of the pregnancy gifts and enjoy giving with everything in me, but receiving these preggo gifts was so much fun for me. They just put a huge smile on my face. :) We're excited for the u/s on Thursday...can't wait to hear the heartbeat(s)!! <br /><br />Have a great week!<br /><br />Love you guys,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-47761979822886365722009-03-26T12:54:00.006-05:002009-03-26T13:25:46.098-05:00The dentist...I went to the dentist yesterday for my 6 month cleaning. We took x-rays last time, assuming that I would be preggers this time around. My hygienist and dentist were so excited for me. They want me to call next week, to let them know how many babies we're having. I got the speech about flossing every night. (I get this speech every 6 months) I'm really going to do better though. From what I understand, oral health is even more important while pregnant. I use my Sonicare toothbrush, twice a day. I absolutely love that thing. I have to admit, I don't floss every evening before bed. I promised them that I would be an avid flosser, when I return in 6 months. :)<br /><br />My friend Holly (mother of twins) gave me these wonderful books, yesterday. Alex and I both started reading, last night. :) We love them! I'm going into this, fairly clueless, so it's wonderful to read what's going on in there and what I can expect. Thank you, Holly...you're the best!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYdjEmUDZhMNbFYa6TNOKKgxx5CjPnclcjudKonrIXuDZsyf4AHrWGLtBU0J-C6PrXcq-MCkNHlRDpXfwxsUW48d0ZSZQhcBao3Ut2tHg-OyAP25XzF9Rk7x28gWqQ7pK3EZb8UliKYXS/s1600-h/pregnancy+journal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 165px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYdjEmUDZhMNbFYa6TNOKKgxx5CjPnclcjudKonrIXuDZsyf4AHrWGLtBU0J-C6PrXcq-MCkNHlRDpXfwxsUW48d0ZSZQhcBao3Ut2tHg-OyAP25XzF9Rk7x28gWqQ7pK3EZb8UliKYXS/s320/pregnancy+journal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317559685985755490" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy9wQRDYXQE-GFw8MMOSbH8KcGbU83zEslbylR8Mk-5NVUgBy_p3EkNCkMmFUIDp7Nok4mmNCoPEua7R71lhctJDC0WoFV0YjS0e3ED989S_Aigd1NqPEf04IV9p9U2yqmrItwBt2KRxR/s1600-h/weekbyweekpregnancy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy9wQRDYXQE-GFw8MMOSbH8KcGbU83zEslbylR8Mk-5NVUgBy_p3EkNCkMmFUIDp7Nok4mmNCoPEua7R71lhctJDC0WoFV0YjS0e3ED989S_Aigd1NqPEf04IV9p9U2yqmrItwBt2KRxR/s320/weekbyweekpregnancy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317560335597856162" /></a><br /><br />I would have taken an actual picture of the books, but we no longer have a camera. I didn't tell you guys the funny story of when I first took the pregnancy test. Alex was holding the camera and out of excitement of seeing the positive sign, he began to rejoice. The camera flew in the air. He almost caught it a couple of times. It hit his hand, then his elbow, but in the end, it hit the bathroom floor. LOL I took it to the camera shop, but they said I would be better off to just buy a new one...it would cost a lot to fix it. We were wanting to upgrade anyway, so I see this as the perfect time to get my Canon SLR! :) <br /><br />I hope you're all having a wonderful week! The weekend is almost here...yay!!! <br /><br />Love you guys,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-40229728698648911562009-03-24T11:39:00.003-05:002009-03-24T12:09:35.553-05:00Beta #2Okay, we may have to put Alex on some sort of medication for worry. He has always been very protective of me, but since we found out that I'm pregnant...oh my goodness! I believe his words were...."I just want to put you in a bubble for the next 9 months." Bless his heart. Gotta love him. :) The good news is...I don't think I'll have to lift a thing for the next 9 months. HA! <br /><br />The nurse called with my second beta result and it was 1199. She said my progesterone is exactly where they want it and everything looks wonderful! They have scheduled my first u/s for April 2nd (my brother, Andrew's b-day!). We will get to see how many there are and hear the heartbeat(s)! We're so excited. Alex shared the news with his work and one of the girls there, sent home a Mimi's Maternity gift card to me, yesterday! How sweet was that? She also has a brand new pack and play that she wants to give us. I was thinking we could keep it at my parents for when we visit them, that way we don't have to pack it up each time we go. My Mom asked if I had started looking at things online and I really haven't. I have waited so long for this...it honestly feels like a dream. Maybe after our appointment, next Thursday, it will seem real. :) <br /><br />I'm excited to say that my S-I-L, Sara, is pregnant, as well!! I'm really excited that we get to share this experience together! I actually have 5 girlfriends that are pregnant right now (most of them go to my church) and all of our due dates are Oct-Nov! Alex says we're going to grow Journey Church, one baby at a time. HA! <br /><br />Well, that's all I have for now...just wanted to give you an update on things. <br /><br />Love you guys,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-36091508622794404402009-03-22T15:51:00.004-05:002009-03-22T16:51:16.060-05:00We're blessed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqwnz18zvOLFLPriIu0uUcNMcbHyYZdviWzB4hTUws65Vl4WSYhgK8TQukqkP4IvPeeW5jtfTplTXzEqm8x-wJHTM8qb1Na2M4yIGbnqb-R2lPBV03nn4msURRq_cSZwJzt8BZdG4kLll/s1600-h/hpt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqwnz18zvOLFLPriIu0uUcNMcbHyYZdviWzB4hTUws65Vl4WSYhgK8TQukqkP4IvPeeW5jtfTplTXzEqm8x-wJHTM8qb1Na2M4yIGbnqb-R2lPBV03nn4msURRq_cSZwJzt8BZdG4kLll/s320/hpt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316119862486945682" /></a><br /><br />I have never in my life seen that word on an HPT. I've never seen two lines. Until now. Alex and I are ecstatic to announce...we're going to have a baby! I believed with all my heart that this cycle was going to work. Before my egg retrieval, I was driving down the road and just talking to God. That's one of the places that I get still enough to actually hear Him. I felt God tell me that it was my turn. I thanked Him in advance and found myself just crying and praising Him right there in the car. I'm sure anyone around me thought I was insane. I truly believe that's why I had perfect peace throughout this cycle. Alex and I want God to receive all of the glory and praise for this miracle!! He is faithful and good. He proved that over and over again, throughout our three year journey through infertility. Even when we were curled up, holding each other, tears streaming down our faces, wondering when it was going to be our turn...He was there. He was holding us in the palm of His hand and we could feel it. We found ourselves wiping each others tears and praising Him together through the storm. <br /><br />I shared the news with my parents over the weekend, since they were in Springfield. I wanted to tell them in person and was thrilled to get to do that. We shared with the rest of my family, Alex's family, and our church family this morning. We've had a sweet time of praising Him all weekend! To be honest, it all seems so surreal. Alex and I find ourselves just smiling at one another from across the room. We're going to be parents. <br /><br />I go to the doctor again, tomorrow. I will have a second beta and they will let me know when my first u/s will be. That's when we'll find out, if we'll be having more than one baby. In my opinion, I look like I'm carrying a litter. I have felt ginormous from the very beginning of the transfer. No matter what, we're blessed. <br /><br />To all of those who have been praying for us, encouraging us...thank you. Words can't describe our gratitude. You are precious in the Lord's eyes and in ours. <br /><br />We love you guys,<br />Alex and JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com69tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1002841638551711015.post-17891625935984239122009-03-15T18:09:00.008-05:002009-03-15T19:46:56.792-05:00Nashville...I was so excited to get home, so I could blog about my last 3 days! I was blessed with a trip to a Beth Moore Conference in Nashville. I went with my Mom and S-I-L, Sara. I've been to many Living Proof Conferences and they are always awesome. This one was special though. It was designated for minister's wives only. I sat among 1200 women who are married to a minister. Some married into it, some were surprised by it, later on in their marriages. I listened to what many are going through in their ministries and marriages and realized very quickly...it's in every ministry. The struggles, the stress, the hurt. Whether you share your husband with a congregation of 50 or a congregation of 5000, your lives are not your own. <br /><br />Me with Mom and Sara...two of my very best friends. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLbpD4dlbp8kaTW3sB_7YpzSkWUqGl81LTN2Lle75hsifDMV5-klTlm_sMDS7kufkzA5YPclqfh7KTIp4NhxvCVIOMM673Keu5C0LfXmsPDvOeID6LzMhb86mhq10CFXHq-NcYLS6bTpf/s1600-h/nashville+014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLbpD4dlbp8kaTW3sB_7YpzSkWUqGl81LTN2Lle75hsifDMV5-klTlm_sMDS7kufkzA5YPclqfh7KTIp4NhxvCVIOMM673Keu5C0LfXmsPDvOeID6LzMhb86mhq10CFXHq-NcYLS6bTpf/s320/nashville+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313569133741583186" /></a><br /><br />Beth Moore and Travis Cottrell came with a heart to minister to a group of women, who just like their husbands, have committed their lives and families to the ministry. For better or worse, we're in it with him. <br /><br />Travis Cottrell...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5xmbbv_8pk_-i8L__zFa4W8sUKbXJ8PLZ_nCM1_ZK31WI64k_lgQhdbUeX0fXdfjogz8WPp9RvZJ_oxYaI7310tXeo7Wb-P4bZuP1bzVU6GuvyALDhJPp-iwZTNNqucQd3aeSUqRd3JI/s1600-h/nashville+017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5xmbbv_8pk_-i8L__zFa4W8sUKbXJ8PLZ_nCM1_ZK31WI64k_lgQhdbUeX0fXdfjogz8WPp9RvZJ_oxYaI7310tXeo7Wb-P4bZuP1bzVU6GuvyALDhJPp-iwZTNNqucQd3aeSUqRd3JI/s320/nashville+017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313569637743873970" /></a><br /><br />They made us feel so special. Every time we walked in or out of the sanctuary, they filled our hands with an abundance of gifts. I grew up in a minister's home, so I had a good idea of what it would be like when Alex surrendered to the ministry. Though it's very different when it's YOUR husband that someone is upset with or doesn't agree with. :) What a lot of congregations don't realize are...so often, there is no one to minister to the pastor and his family when they are dealing with something difficult. When one of us would be at the hospital, I remember my Mom and Dad would sit in the waiting area alone...no one there to pray with them and encourage them. My Daddy sacrificed many hours with his family to tend to the needs of other families. I realize that will be asked of Alex and our family, as well. It's not a job that you walk away from, after 8 hours of service to your employer. I encourage you...love on your pastors and their families...minister to them whenever possible. It will mean more to that pastor and his family than you could ever imagine. No they aren't perfect...they never will be and trust me, they know it. :) <br /><br />I had such a sweet time with God over the past few days. I found myself falling in love with Him and the ministry, in a way that I never have before. I'm excited about what He has in store. I know it won't always be easy. To be honest, Journey has been in existence for a little over a year and we've already had times where I thought to myself..."I just want to go somewhere and be a member that comes when I want...with no commitment...this is too hard." But God gets a hold of me quickly and reminds me that my life is not my own. It's His. He told me at the conference that I work for Him, that He chose me, and that I'm blessed because of it. What a sweet time we had and I would encourage your church to send your minister's wives, the next time this conference is available. I walked away excited and refreshed to serve our church family and support Alex in any way I can. <br /><br />Me, Mom & Sara at Darfon's.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs1XrP0WBX-_HZ4VSJQ5OpbsLRAJl2MJBpw5BoJcSP9kaOHvH0dXcd8sxxe84gSTMmaGqdFJW71olXGuImVtVf8N0TuX4tWJIMRc02hTlZFK_ryXKUOpcgBQnKZLR034cPMwMhPCDIXM8/s1600-h/nashville+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs1XrP0WBX-_HZ4VSJQ5OpbsLRAJl2MJBpw5BoJcSP9kaOHvH0dXcd8sxxe84gSTMmaGqdFJW71olXGuImVtVf8N0TuX4tWJIMRc02hTlZFK_ryXKUOpcgBQnKZLR034cPMwMhPCDIXM8/s320/nashville+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313572856692218658" /></a><br /><br />I leave for Springfield, tomorrow. Not sure how often I will be online. Know that I'm praying for each and every one of you. I pray that you find yourself falling in love with the God of this universe, in a way that you've never experienced...that He would be your one true love. Know that He wants you and loves you more than anyone else every could! <br /><br />Love to all,<br />JillJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02624579268277066653noreply@blogger.com35