Tim and Jennifer

Just. Happy.

2012-02-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

I dont know anyone else who has a life like ours. I say that positively and negatively! Negatively because looking around I sometimes expect our life to be a little more normal like our friends around us. And its not. Positively because I love that we are so far outside the rat race and any competitive circles that are in society.... when people look at our life, they probably want nothing to do with it, ha!!

So, just be our friends. No matter what you are going through, you can watch our crazy journey and say, Phew! Better them than me!!! Ha!!

All that to say, here is an update on our family and you can see the new developments that have transpired...

Tim- his current situation is still a dream come true. Cant believe he really wanted to do HVAC/R (yes, the R is new for commerical- refrigeration) and now he is a commercial technician for a huge company downtown. Really? What?!
He graduates in May. He currently is off on Thursdays and completing all remaining coursework at school then.
His chainsaw bear made it into a Tyler Perry movie that is being filmed in West Cobb. My friend has his own lighting company and sent me a pic of it today, haha!
Lastly, on Monday we got a phone call from Emory- when Tim was 18 he signed up to be a Bone Marrow Donor b/c they were giving out free tshirts, i know- my psycho husband. Anyway, 12 years later his name comes up and he is the perfect match for a little girl with leukemia. Its been a whirlwind, but yesterday he went in and took about 6 viles of blood to go and "test" to see if their blood will be compatible. Once the test is complete and they are 100% confident its a good mix, they will set up a surgery date to remove bone marrow. There are no risks, but it is painful. Trying to just chill and be excited God used this and is using Tim to save a life!

Me- Well, other than trying to deal life and focus on raising my babies.... I did plan a little weekend getaway for me and my man. We NEVER go out and splurge, but we did 2 weeks ago. I booked a night at the Westin (i did redeem points and we stayed for free), we went out to dinner at Maggianos (ok, and i did have a gift card), and then I booked us a couples massage- SCORE! We actually had NEVER had a massage before, so it was really fun to go together! Anyway, we were lucky to do that and then this past weekend we went on a retreat with our small group at church to Camp Winshape! It was so awesome and I love how close we are to our small group!
We have put off another baby, either through a last attempt at pregnancy or adoption, until the end of the year... we have a big project we are going to take on before we move forward with family plans. Have you ever just moved on to other dreams and taken a hiatus from a current dream you have? I think we are in that boat right now. It is so hard, but when you release yourself from it- a freedom rings throughout your whole being! Refreshing! We know we want a third child, but we are going to pursue our real estate dream for now and take a break from that. Read more until Nelliemae.

David- I cant even begin to describe how proud I am to be his mommy! Dont get me wrong we have had some rough days, but when I get feedback about him, all the rough days are worth it! His teacher told me they had a new student join the class last week. The little boy had gone over by himself and was crying. She said David went up to him and hugged him. Then, he walked over and got a box of blocks and sat down and started playing with him. Oh, makes my heart mellllllttttt! My prayer for David has always been to INWARDLY be like Jesus. His outward actions exemplify those of a 5 year old boy. He is intellectually smart and I dont push him to be the "gifted child". I have just always prayed for a sweet heart and for a kind and outreaching spirit. It is such a blessing to see some fruit from that.
David is playing t-ball for he first season and starts this month! And lastly, we signed up him for private christian Kindergarten at the school he is currently attending. (actually pretty inexpensive as well). We actually signed with them in December right before our awfulness happened- we KNEW he was supposed to go there, but when the company went under Tim was working for, we again wondered what God was doing! Glad we stuck to our guns! It is half day, but amazing. There are only 12 students and 2 full time teachers. They cut out naps/extended lunch and playground time/ and it is heavily academic. All of the children are reading by Christmas. I think it is the perfect environment for him. The biblical aspect of it is amazing and its right where we want him for now! Bottom line- my baby spends most of his day with me, the primary influencer and I love that.

Mackenzie- well she isnt going anywhere, you better believe if David stayed at home with me for 5 years, she is staying put!!! They couldnt be more opposite children!! She is finally in with some friends at church and plays with them on Sunday and Wednesday mornings. I also try and have another playdate 1-2 times a week with her. She starts ballet in March, per her request!! She is so social it's ridiculous! Since she just left the 2's we are obviously still working on behavior- with having a little girl it is not the physical behavior, but the emotional behavior. Having an attitude like Jesus and a happy heart. She loves her baby dolls and for right now- a fake baby does the trick with her! Thankful for that!! She is a such a gift.

Nellie Mae- The time has come. We have busted the seams. We moved in when our babies were 3 and 1. They are now 5 and 3. We have 2 full blown preschoolers under 5, a very hyper dog, 2 adults, in 1000 square feet. There is no way we can have another baby in this house. No one would sleep. Tim cant even make coffee in the morning without waking someone up. And forget he microwave! I realize reading this- we are blessed to have a home we almost own- and so I dont want to sound like a brat. We will never have a huge house. We are simple people, and Nellie Mae has changed us. But, stay with me....
We dont want to sell her. We love her and I love that my great grandfather built it. I love that we renovated her. Neither of us can throw her to the curb. Especially when the market sucks and we'd get bottom dollar for her.
We are going to rent her. We live on a street where most homes are rentals. The one across from us had 4 renters lined at the door within 24 hrs of them posting a sign. We will be very selective.
We are going to pull out the equity in Nellie Mae and buy another house in cash. Its really a win win. We will buy another investment property ( a bigger one ;), renovate it, and then rent it out. Our dream is to have a few rental houses, but own them all outright. There will be no debt and therefore eliminates any risk. We are in the very beginning of this process and YES- i will have another house renovation blog!

This obviously involves a lot of work, more change, yada yada. But, we feel like it will eliminate stress by moving into somewhere with a little more room. I think sometimes it puts stress on all of us living in such close quarters. DONT get me wrong- it has taught all of us a ton about consideration of others and sacrifice, but I can tell sometimes the kids are just a little edgy not being able to go off in their own space.

We struggle with making any kind of change just because our life seems to bring so many changes that we dont plan. But you know what? Part of us stepping out and doing bold things has been who we are. Its what we do. God has given us one life. And one life only. We want to seize opportunities and follow dreams we have. Sometimes following multiple dreams or pursuing different dreams at different times. We both feel 100% confident and on the exact same page with our next step. Your marriage is everything and if you can handle it, DO IT!!

I love that we both hear from God about the same things and I love how we view trials and difficulties now. They dont bother us b/c we know they dont define us. I will bow out with this quote I read during my devotion this morning:
There is no earthly pain we can go through that will diminish the hope of our salvation- Gwen Smith.

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!

2012-01-27T10:41:00.000-08:00

Well, how about a chainsaw bear instead of a chicken dinner!
Since I have now become a pro-raffler, I decided to go all official.
The kids helped.

We busted out the tickets.And I let my 5 year old David close his eyes and reach in and grab a ticket:

Cecilia Long is the winner!!!! Congrats!!!
Cecilia is a long time friend from college and sorority sister. We re-connected via blog world and have been able to keep up with eachother!!
Thanks again not only to Cecilia, but to every person that takes the time out to read about our crazy journey.
I LOVED doing the raffle and have future plans for another one =)
I re-re-re did our bedroom again so next post will be pics of it! Sold the $50 set I had for $300. So, get ready for the newest bedroom furniture, ha!

Tim has just finished 2 weeks of his job, CRAZY!!! I think I failed to mention that he was literally hired the day of interview and has been working non-stop since! Everything is going amazing besides me just trying to adjust to the ricochet of emotions that we just had!
Time to get this place cleaned up (if you cant tell by that last pic up there).
Happy Friday and thanks again to all of our readers!

GIVE-AWAY to followers!!!!

2012-01-22T19:00:00.000-08:00

So, Tim and I want to THANK YOU for all of the messages, emails, phone calls, and just prayers!

I have never done a giveaway before, but really wanted to.
I feel like it is an appropriate time to send out a thank you gift to one of our faithful followers!

As a gift,to be a conversational piece and a little bit of tim and jen in your house..... we are giving away a chainsaw bear!!!! Hand carved by Tim, this baby will be shipped straight to you!!
I am going to enter all the names of our followers in a jar and draw one on Friday Jan. 27th. I would love to know who my followers/readers are so this would be fun for both of us! We had over 300 people visit and read our story on last Monday alone! So I know you are out there... Please sign in on the sidebar and follow along to win an awesome chainsaw bear! Jump on the crazy train =)
*I will announce winner and then I will get the shipping address from there!

These make great gifts, and we don't care if you re-gift it to someone. They retail anywhere from $75-$125.
(They are about 2 feet tall by 12 inches wide)
Here is a picture of a few of the ones he made at Christmas:

To end, I have an update:
Overwhelmed. Encouraged. Blessed. Those are the emotions we have been experiencing the past 7 days. Tomorrow will mark one week of an amazing new phase of life we have entered. Tim was telling our pastor about his first week this morning and he described our emotions perfectly when he told him, "We are kinda afraid to exhale right now...."
I think when you have been hit blow by blow for an extended period of time..... you become defensive at life.... We have to fight the urge of feeling like something bad is about to wipe us out again. You throw your arms up to protect what feels like is about to fall. We are slowly trying to rest in God's goodness and His peace right now. It is hard, actually. But, we are learning.

The out-pouring we have had from family, friends, and complete strangers via my blog has blown us out of the water. I know that "bad/sad stories" suck in people all over the blog community. Does misery love company? Apparently so. Anyway, we are excited to share our stories because God always comes through. There is a good ending to most of our stories. Sometimes have loss without a pot of gold at the end, especially miscarriages, but have gained so much inwardly. He holds all things together. He has held us together. And that's why we share. We decided when we were 18 and started dating we would live a transparent life. We feel as if it's our calling. My prayer is that people will draw nearer to God b/c of our testimony.

And They Lived Happily Ever After

2012-01-16T20:19:00.000-08:00

..... Or at least until my next blog post. A girl can dream, right?! This is worth your read if you can hang....

Oh, the places you will go. Oh, the places we have been.

To re-cap our 8 years in a few short lines:

2004-2006. Newly weds. On staff w/ Campus Outreach at University of Georgia. Athens. Bought first home, renovated cosmetically. Pregnant w/ David

2006-2010. Moved to Canton for Tim's season in Sales. Lived in a new construction home. Several jobs, but same industry. 2 Sales companies went under, over 4 years he learned this industry wasn't for him. David born in 06. Mackenzie born in 08.

2010-2012. All hell broke loose. Sold our home we had our babies in 13 days after it was on the market. The week of closing, Tim was laid off his final sales job with God telling him to get out. Miscarriages out the wazoo, moved in with Tims parents, the buyer that was supposed to buy Nellie Mae walked out so the door opened for us. We bought her, fully renovated her, and are going to own her soon. Tim desired to pick up a "trade", found HVAC, and then a full scholarship was funded for him. A random stranger gave us a playground. I started a house cleaning business that became way more popular than I ever intended- 13 homes at the peak, now I have 1 sweet family I can only handle. Tim had an awesome job offer mid-school with a man that was able to pour into him and teach him everything he knew. And so the story continues...

2012-???? And here we are my friends. Are you ready for this bomb to drop? Because we weren't.
The week of Christmas there was no work for Tim. The week after Christmas there was no work for Tim. The first week of the new year there was no work for Tim. After long conversations, Tim quickly learned that things weren't going oh-so-hot with the company. To leave out details that don't help anyone, there was going to be no more work for Tim. Only enough work to sustain the owner.... and not any employees. Once this information was learned, we had to act quick.
After a day of panicking, we both had to snap out of it and get a plan. We are so thankful for Dave Ramsey in our life, because at these moments, all your financial crap matters. No debt. No car payments. No credit cards. Just food and lights. We could handle this storm. We went into it as confident as possible.
Tim quickly put his resume together- which by the way- looks freaking amazing. Along with his 4 year degree from college, he has a 2 year Heating and Air degree and an Associates in Applied Sciences, along with 2 years residential/light commercial experience. (all come May- hallelujah)
For 9 days, every door slammed shut. Every rug got pulled out from under us. Nothing. nothing. We were going on 4 weeks of no income.
Tim was contacting only the people that were in this industry and family that could pray. Our small group at church prayed over us with prayers that could move mountains. I didnt tell many of our other friends in fear that they would run- run far from the couple that seems to have so much drama! The Lord was truly holding us all together b/c honestly.... a numbness had set in on me. I just couldn't even come to grip with any sort of emotion. Just numb.
I just knew God had to show up. Had we really sacrificed EVERYTHING to get NOWHERE? I really did have it out with God. It was so out of Tim's control that it was blatantly God picking us up and choosing to put us elsewhere. Its like when you pick up a toddler against their will. They dont like it so much, right?! Was he going to lead us down this road, drop us off, and bail out?? Where was he? Why in the world did he leave us??? ...... so I thought.

On Thursday, we solemnly made a plan. We would not give up. We would continue to fight when we did not see God or get answers from him. Thursday Tim went and applied to deliver pizzas. He was going to be doing SOMETHING when he was called for an interview. To show he works his tail off no matter what. I was trying to line up a nanny job/another house cleaning/ something-anything that you could do with 2 little ones not in school. (which by the way, there isn't a lot out there for that- just so ya know.) Our plan was sucky, but we were a team.

Thursday night the phone rings. Long time friends of ours, Cody and Kristen, had set Tim up with and awesome connection a few weeks ago. Cody went to school with a now CEO of a Commercial HVAC company and set a lunch up with Tim. Tim had met with him, before any crap was hitting the fan, just to talk about his HVAC future and how to break into the commercial field. Its super stable and a whole different ballgame professionally. Anyway, Tim had emailed him and let him know what had transpired since the new year. This man had some great connections. Well, our phone rang Thursday night and it was for a commercial interview the very next morning.

I can't even begin to express the way God moved so quick, powerfully, and how He orchestrated one of the most merciful acts I have experienced. Its like he literally picked us up from the temporary pit of hell we were living in and placed us on top of a mountain. A safe place. The storm was over.

So many details, but Tim got the Commercial Job. It was his dream job when he entered this industry. It is the top of the diagnostic level of which he has studied. His interview was 4 hours and full of tests which he aced and he signed with them today. It is the best job he has ever had. Mainly b/c he is living out his God-given talents. Instead of residential houses, his clients are hotels, large companies, restaurants, ect.

We are filled with joy, humility, and an awe-ness of God. However, a few weeks ago we were just living life and had NO idea the crazy train that was about to pick us up. We are still experiencing a numbness, but looked at eachother today, just smiled, and Tim said to me, "it was worth it. Every sacrifice we made for the past 2 years paid off today. I could have never done it without you by my side, cleaning houses at the low points, and staying at home with our kids"

It is in these deep moments of joy, our marriage is cemented together. We are SO in this together. Tim and I met when we were 18. No life circumstance, job, house, miscarriage, child, car, career path, or whatever the heck will hit us next is going to take us down.

So, here is to a new chapter. Tim achieved his goal. We are here. Will it be happily ever after? I'd like to think so. We have been able to follow out the dreams we had together.

I have these closing things to say about the past 2 weeks and 2 years as a whole.

Cor 4:17-18
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

It is the daily strivings that count, not the momentary heights- God Calling, John Hunt

Lastly, I picked Mackenzie up from her sunday school class at church. She kept rocking herself back and forth. Back and forth. Being a new 3 year old, I ignored it. She continued in the car and all the way home. Finally at lunch, I began to get annoyed and sputtered, "Mackenzie, what are you doing?! Stop it!" (My nerves have also been just SHOT, okay?)
Mackenzie replied, "The boat is rocking mommy, the boat is rocking."
Me- "What boat honey? What are you talking about?"
Mackenzie- "My teacher said the boat was rocking b/c of the storm. And we rocked in the boat in class."
Quickly, I realized my sweet child telling me about her lesson I failed to ask about that day.
Mackenzie- "Mommy, the boat is rocking b/c of the storm, but Jesus came and he say, STOP! and the boat stopped mommy. Jesus made the storm go away."

"Yes He did honey, yes He did."

Wow, He didn't have to. And we don't deserve it, but He did.

Provision

2012-01-06T12:41:00.000-08:00

* Raffle Update: Thank you to everyone that donated to our best friends adoption. The raffle and match was a total of $800. May God bless your generosity. Winner: Katie Reeves
**********************************************************

I wish I could take you into my life for even a week. I seriously think one day Tim and I will write a best selling book.
2012 has tried to kick our ass and its only been 7 days.

Just being honest.

You wouldn't even believe the details of the below scenarios if I told them to you. But I will give a summary.

Tims job slowed down. I mean SLOWED down. To the point where he is waiting for another door to open in this industry he loves and God clearly has ordained him here. We have peace in that. But, when work comes to a hault and you are a 1 income family. What do you do?
Panic? doesnt work.
Cry? doesnt change things.
Get mad? doesnt change the original problem.

As rational as you can be, I am thankful to know the Lord. Because, HE, only HE can calm the waters and PROVIDE.

Industrious. Hard working. Resourceful. Those are words that describe my man.
At Tims slowest part of the season, he started making chainsaw bears as a joke, well it turned into a Christmas Bonanza. I kid you not.... the man sold $2,000 in chainsaw bears. Seriously? Seriously.

Over Christmas, a lady pulled into our driveway, rolled down her window, and gave Tim a Christmas card with $100 in it. We don't know her. Tim opened it as she left and walked in, white-faced. I asked Tim why and what else she said, and all she said was that Jesus told her to give that to us. Here is the card, which sits on our shelf as a promise of God's commitment to us on this path he has put us on!!

On top of work being slow for him and having to maybe change course with another company, his transmission died in his truck. A great time for that to happen. We considered being a 1 car family, but with him working, in his LAST semester of school, me taking David to preschool, and also me not ripping the walls down being house-bound.... we decided that may not be the greatest idea.

We are Dave Ramsey people. We dont believe in debt. Period. So, we sold his truck for what it was worth. 1000.00. How sad is that? We used some Emergency Fund dollars and bought this car:

Can you believe it? $1900. I'm dead serious. God totally provided this. It's not a Beemer, but I think its kinda cute. I didnt even know you could buy a car for $1900. Well you can. And we did.

On top of that, we have some doors in front of us. Praise the Lord for doors to open, right?
We are in deep prayer for direction. Provision. Wisdom. Asking God to clearly help us make the right steps into whatever change has to be made. Would you pray for us?

The great thing about living in a house you are going to flip is that when stress comes, you can channel ALL your frustration to a project. And my friends, that is what we did. We built a deck. Please visit Nellie Mae and check it out. The deck makes us happy. We are now only 1 step away from this house being ready to sell. No gun is to our head with that..... and we will stay until we are darn well finished here. And we aren't there yet.

So, we are again, fighting back. Fighting to follow God, trusting Him for His best, and not being afraid of what the next step is. Bring it on, 2012. We have the full armor of God on right now and know that...
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 john 4:4

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Rom. 8:32

Promise 686

2011-12-29T08:08:00.000-08:00

Ok! An easier way to be apart of the raffle!
If you read the post below, the raffle is still going on until Monday. You can still email me and mail a check to Promise 686, but now you can also just do it through Paypal!

Just click on this link below, and shoot me and email with how many tickets you bought: jennifer.willis@gmail.com . Tickets are $3 each and the winner of the drawing gets a $100 Target giftcard.

DONATE HERE

Thanks so much for the amazing response! So far a little over $200 has been raised and every donation is matched by the agency, so $400!

Happy New Year friends!

Adoption is Good

2011-12-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

These are some of our best friends Greg and Jessica Sykes. They are adopting a baby!
Here is their personal blog if you want to know more about their journey in trying to have a family. They feel led to adopt a baby and we couldn't be more excited for them. They also founded and started a website called, www.adoptionisgood.com.
They hope after they finish raising funds and adopting their own child, they can use this site to raise money and help other families have their dream come true with a child.
They have been super hard workers. They have had garage sales to raise money and sold other donated pieces of furniture on craigslist to raise money. They made hundreds of Christmas ornaments and sold to raise money. There is also t-shirts for sale on the website. They have received donations from churches and grants. Like I said, they have worked REALLY hard to not go into debt and also have a family. We are so proud and bursting with excitement for them. They could not be a more deserving couple.

So, here is the deal. I'm trying to help them finish raising money via a raffle! I'm raffling off a $100 gift card to Target. Tickets are $3 each and you can buy as many as you want. Drawing will be held on Monday, Jan. 2. Just email me or comment below (jennifer.willis@gmail.com) and I will send you my address. You can mail a check and make it out to Promise 686, tax deductible. Just put Sykes family in the memo line.
Promise 686 is also matching 100% of the donations! We are prayerful that this will finish them off!
So please help me get this raffle started!! This tugs at the heart of many.... for those who have had their family come easy for them and for those who have struggled. All couples long for a family so here is a way to help this sweet couple!!

Tis the Season

2011-12-20T07:16:00.000-08:00

Ok! Here we go, I'm going to do one massive post and sum up our December!!

First, I found a bedroom suite for $50. Yep, $50. I sold our old one and wanted to re-finish this one. I have started a pseudo business buying and re-selling furniture, its really fun for me!
Anyway, I will probably re-sell this one, but I am using it until I find another one =)
The only catch with the set was this..... it was in a house fire!! Ha! No, really. Tim picked it up from an abandoned house that the kitchen had caught on fire there. It was not in the fire, but had dust and soot on it.
Anyway, he brought it home. It was a mess, but able to be completely salvaged. I cleaned the whole thing out, sanded it down, and re-painted it. It is solid wood, black, with silver hardware. Looks awesome, no smoke smell... you would never know unless someone asked, "Hey where did you get that?" And I respond, "Hey from a house fire in an abandoned house that someone sold me." Awesome. It turned out pretty good I think and I just spent a Saturday doing it. Here is pictures of it! Take a good look b/c it will probably be sold when I find another one to restore!

I also have really found some creative ways to organize our things.... here is the door to our bedroom...

Behind the door.... I put up tie organizers and a scarf ring. All that stuff was taking up too much room in the closet.... and with a super small closet, they had to go.

Here is Mackenzie on her birthday morning, we went to church and she loves her classroom there. They sang to her and we had a big banquet that morning so it was fun!
Later, we took her to Chuck E Cheese. So funny to me. She has never been there, yet she knew exactly what it was and couldnt wait to go.

Her and daddy in the ticket blaster

I think the adults had more fun than the kids! They were all quite the skee-ball pros!

Greg...
Tim is hilarious. I always know when he is super happy and fulfilled with his work b/c he comes home and has so much energy for other things. Remember all the trees we took down at Nellie Mae in the spring? He chopped all the wood and sold it this winter for firewood. The leftover logs he turned into Chainsaw bears! (And a pig). He has been selling them like crazy!
He also started the deck- there is a picture when they began to break ground. We are close to finishing so I will post pictures of the project soon!
Tim also had a nasty burn this month. 3 weeks ago he blowtorched his hand while welding copper with a 2000 degree flame. It was pretty bad at first and was on the verge of having to get a skin graph. Thanks to our family nurse, Cynthia, he had to dress it twice a day and now looks almost healed!

My parents surprised us the day after thanksgiving and we spent the day at Stone Mountain Christmas, it was amazing! Here is the snow angel, and the picture after is Mackenzie's face when she saw her!

All the cousins...

Seeing Santa

Cookie swap with some friends...

All warm and toasty and ready to celebrate!
We've had a great season so far! I did my shopping, decorating, and christmas cards at the end of November and it has been fun to just enjoy it all now! Every year I say it, but the kids are at the best age right now. They are just soaking it all in and we are enjoying them so much. You know when you go through a season of just being in a good rythm? That's how I feel right now. And I am thankful to just be enjoying where we are. And I'm more excited about where we are going. Sometimes that makes the "where you are now" even better when you know where you are tracking to.

Blessings to your families during Christmas!!!

December 18, 2011

2011-12-17T20:09:00.000-08:00

I'm about to go on a blog-a-thon this week! I have so much to catch up on...... it's gonna be crazy so get ready.
But, first. Everybody stop and celebrate: Mackenzie is 3!!!!!
Unbelievable to me. I spend my days with my kids, but I still stop and panic- they are growing up! I can't freeze time and I can't even soak it in fast enough. She is 3 years old!

Oh Mackenzie!! Where do I even begin with you! You made this scheduled mother of her baby boy feel like she had NO IDEA how to be a mother to a baby girl when you were born! Talk about opposites! Raising a boy followed by raising a little girl has been the hardest, yet easiest thing at the same time. You just do the exact opposite of what you did the the first. That seems to be the method in my madness over here..... and it works. The darnedest thing.

You are seriously cute. And I know I'm your mother, but you are very petite and like this little lucky charm I want to put in my pocket. You are very tiny.

You still think you are an infant. You sleep like one in a ball, you have a blankey, you snuggle on me, you want to be held, ect.

You are all girl. Yet you dont shy away from anything your brother does. In fact, you like to one up him. Like at Disney when you sassed your way in front of him to go down the big water slide because he hesitated.

Speaking of sass- you think you are quite the boss over here. You are a mother-er. You tattle, scold, and have quite the attitude when questioned about something. You also immediately know what you think about something and don't hesitate to voice your opinion about it. (that may have come from mommy, heck and even your Mimi, lets blame her =)

You are a night owl. You also don't prefer to eat for some reason. These battles I fight and win though my little lady.

You are loving. You will kiss and hug and pat people on the back and are very touchy.

You are focused. Driven. Smart. You can understand complex directions I give you and I can tell you will naturally be a very good student. And probably type A.

You are the epitome of having a little girl. You love dolls, babies, puppies, flowers, cookies, and pink.

And you really are a dynamite little sister. You play so well with David and he is your best friend.

You also really understand Jesus at a young age. You asked him into your heart a while back, but immediately following you asked him to be in your tummy.

So.... not really sure about that one ;) Either way, you like him!
Happy Birthday to my little Christmas miracle. I think any child that is born is a miracle, but when we lost your twin early on, I prayed every day that I would one day get to meet you and have you here in our arms. I am undeserving and forever grateful to have a son and daughter who have made this mommy's dreams come true.

Thanks to my friend Sara for taking some great photos of this little 3 year old. Also, thank you again my rockstar cousin Brittany Woodall, now crazy famous and photographed Pinks baby- for taking photos of her after birth. I can't look at them enough still...

The Heart of Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T12:58:00.000-08:00

I hope to sum up one holiday message. Don't be thankful because your life is happy, that is shallow. Be thankful because despite circumstances, Jesus has given His life for you and blessed your life with many things. There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. Always.

Your attitude is everything. If you have a easy life and things normally go your way, you probably find yourself very thankful. If your circumstances are difficult, a thankful heart is pure gold. For a long time I struggled with believing a "health and wealth" Jesus. If you were a good christian, worked hard, went to church, served others, took care of your body, invested in your marriage and children, then you would be happy.... have healthy babies..... make a lot of money...

Right?? WRONG!!!

Since I have heard this straight out of the mouth of many recently let me just be the first to tell you, "It's wrong people!!!! It's a straight lie from the enemy!! If you believe Jesus gives you health and wealth for all the "good" things you've done, you are 100% wrong." I'm not going to throw up a bunch of verses on you, but here are a few to think about.

Isaiah 64:6. All of us have become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf,
and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

What if??? What if..... what if all you had was Jesus? Would HE be enough to be thankful for? What if you didn't get YOUR way? Or your wants?? Would you be thankful?

To redeem those who are under hard circumstances, we have been there. And we have felt the weight of those circumstances. It's hard to fight the thought of, "Did we do something wrong?" to try and explain hardships. To try and justify why things may have gone bad for you at times.Let me shine some truth:

You are promised trouble. You just are.

In John 16:33 Jesus says in this world you WILL have trouble... not IF, but WILL.

We live in a fallen world and right now, sin reigns. Jesus says not to love the world or anything in the world.

God also disciplines those he loves. If He loves you, you will be tested under trial. How deep is the love and thankfulness this year in circles where there is loss, hurt, and pain. We have so many friends and family going through a hard time. And our life has not been a bed of roses either.

Tim has one semester left of his HVAC degree. He has crammed a 2-3 year degree down to 18 months. One top of a full time job, full time school, and him starting at the bottom of the chain ladder in his industry, we have fought hard and are getting close to the finish line. After 2 miscarriages in 2011, we are thankful for our 2 babies here.... but often think about being a family of 9 in heaven with our 5 babies there! Earth is not heaven. If you live around people that think that way, find new friends. Comfort those during their hardships..... soon enough, you will have some of your own. I can't imagine going through trials of life without family and friends.

Our trials have made us and have deep gratitude for family and friends on this Thanksgiving holiday.

I love reading the Cathy Blog (chick-fil-a) founder. It's neat that we had the exact same thing on our heart:

One of my favorite holidays is just a few days away. I love Thanksgiving. I think any time we can pause and reflect on the things we’re thankful for is time well spent. Sometimes, though, that’s not so easy. Sometimes it’s hard to see past our circumstances.

Let’s face it; times have been hard for a lot of people for a long time. A still-struggling housing market and poor employment conditions continue to put a strain on companies, individuals and families every day. Unfortunate circumstances can penetrate our hearts and hinder our ability and willingness to take time to be thankful. For some, Thanksgiving might even seem like a reminder of what’s not-so-great. It can hang over us and cause us to focus on all the things we wish were different.

A friend of mine’s father passed away when my friend was just a teenager. A few weeks before his father died, my friend woke to a note taped to the outside of his bedroom door. His dad had written the note some time in the middle of the night. He told his son that he was just up thinking about how hard it must be to be an eighth-grader.

Here’s how the note read:

You are going to have a great day. It’s yours, and you can make it anything you want it to be. If the weather calls for rain, decide now that you will enjoy getting wet. If the test score is low, make up your mind that ‘it can only get better from here.’ If punished unfairly for something, just smile for the many things you’ve not been caught for… Attitude is everything. Today is not yet anything. Fill it with laughter. Dad.

Talk about perspective! My hope is that we can all take a deep breath – even for just one day – and rearrange our thinking to focus on the wonderful grace we’ve all been given and the opportunities we have to choose joy over circumstance.

Here is some pictures of some blessings Jesus has given me that I don't deserve!

Football player, Cinderella, and the big 30

2011-11-17T16:11:00.000-08:00

Here is a Halloween picture of my babies!! What is hilarious, is that for 11 months straight they wanted to be a skeleton. It all started from going trick or treating at The Avenue in West Cobb last year. A man was there doing a puppet show and had a skeleton named "Top Hat Bones". My kids were obsessed with him. We talked about top hat bones at least weekly for 11 months.
October comes and I already have the skeleton costumes ready. Low and behold, the morning of Halloween, they run off to their closets and completely pull out dress-up clothes they have.
So..... a last minute decision:

Georgia Football Player and Cinderella. Whatever!

Also, I am now married to an older man. Tim turned 30!! Chef, his dad, of course went all out! We had a small dinner party (ok small still means at least 30 people at his parents house). It was delicious! We had Shrimp and Beef Empanadas as the main course and they were awesome! My mom thought she was hilarious by bringing an "over the hill" cake. As if the party wasn't enough, everyone brought him Home Depot giftcards- and enough to build a deck! Surprise Nellie Mae, you are getting deck! Of course Tim is building it himself so this project will kick-off in December. We think it's great for a little more "living space" and of course re-sell. If you can't tell, Tim had the best birthday ever!

Happy Birthday Tim!!

Rise

2011-11-12T11:32:00.000-08:00

I love seasons of life. Even the hard ones. They make the sweet ones so much sweeter. I had a great conversation with my friend, Sara, today. Sara has been fighting for her 2 year old to hear after being told he was profoundly deaf and lost her mother this past year to cancer. We both talked today about how life has taken a turn and started to go uphill in both of our lives.
I am so thankful for friends who walk transparently through their journey. And to see God not only change circumstances in your own life, but in the lives of our friends.
And to find contentment. God will not always change your circumstances to bring contentment, but He will change your heart.
God promises that. Because He who is in me is GREATER than he who is in the world.
And ultimately, we will rise..... out of these ashes.

My Creation is With Me

2011-11-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

Yes! I still have to upload halloween costumes and some fun halloween pics on here!
Even with all the fun we've been having this fall, i have to take a time out and share a little bit about the season of life I'm currently in...

At the end of the summer, we joined a small group with our pastor and a small group of others. The group our pastor is leading is called, Deep Roots, and it has been really deep. We've been studying large amounts of scripture. It's been awesome. I also started attending a weekly mothers Bible study at our church on wednesday mornings that is pretty intense. And again, really awesome. We are going through a study called, Wisdom for Mothers by Denise Glenn. It is intense b/c the material is lengthy and is pulling a ton of scripture. There are videos to go along with it also. Again, we are really going deep and getting into marriage, our relationship with the Lord, and how we discipline and are raising our kids.
And lastly, about 100 people have told me to read Heaven is For Real. It is a story about a little boy who undergoes surgery at a young age and tells his dad that he went to heaven and met Jesus while he was under anesthesia. Whether the book is fake, real, or just a dream..... the point I took away from it is that well.... heaven really is for real. It's a real place. And it's cool to read what this little boy believes about it.

Anyway, I am obviously feeling super encouraged right now and filled with truth. If only every season of my life I could just be deep into the truth of the Bible and surrounded by transparent believers! Tim and I are really trusting and asking God to do some big things with us, his career, and our children. It has been really exciting to have a vision together and beg God to show up in our lives in a big way.

I know a lot of people don't share what God says to them on such a public level, but I really feel like what God spoke to me 2 weeks ago could bring encouragement to so many. So, here goes...

After reading that book, it stirred up a lot of emotions from all the babies we have lost. That's why so many people told me to read the book was b/c the little boy told his mom one day after surgery that he had 2 sisters. The mother told him, no you just have 1 sister. (In the story, the little boy has one older sister) And the little boy said, No. I have 2. I met my other sister in heaven. She said she died in your tummy. The mother had never told her children about a miscarriage she had years before she was pregnant with them.

Okay, I know... when I read it I thought.... oh how sweet. Good for them. Despite the fact of indeed this book is true or not, heaven is real and babies go to heaven.... right?
For some reason, it's always been easier for me to think of the babies we have miscarried as "gone". And not picture anything more. To count it as a loss. Almost like.... well, my body messed up and how does a 2 inch baby go to heaven at 6 weeks, 7 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks? It's too confusing to comprehend? I mean, is there a 2 inch baby in heaven? Are all babies that die in the womb just fast-forwarded to a certain age? My head and heart start hurting when I try to think about why and how and where. Like I said, it was easier to just think of these lives as gone b/c we never met the person that the life could have been....

Anyway, I knew I was wrong. And I knew God wanted to settle this issue with me. I hated to think about it. I hated to dwell on each baby we lost and think about it's life. 5 lives that were created that aren't here.... where are they and what are they?

During a church service, this song playing was being sang by our worship team. The words all of the sudden just cut like a knife:

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.
Who was and is, and is to come.
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings, you are my everything and I will adore you.

And after the chorus, A sentence was "spoken" to me that was not me:
Jennifer, that is my creation. And my creation is with me.

And that was it. God answered my question and then my thought process finally was logical.

God creates life. God created a womb, grew a baby, gave it a heartbeat. We can't "make" life appear. Only God can breathe life into a person. It was nothing I did or didn't do. It was Him.
For whatever reason, God took the life He created with Him.
And that's what He told me. That is my creation. And my creation is with me.
And as believers we all end up there anyway.... I still don't know what that "looks" like, but I know that probably doesn't matter. The lives God created in me, he took, and they are with him.

Pretty cool, huh? God clearly thought I needed an audible intervention on this one, and I'm super grateful for that.

Anyway, just wanted to share. I'll just let that sit with you.... it has with me for a couple weeks and it brings me to a place where I am in awe of what a big, big God we have and how personal and awesome He is. I'm so thankful to be a literal vessel for His work.

Party Rock.

2011-10-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

I am happy to post that I have been unable to post for about a month because of all the FUN we've been having in the Willis household!!! We've been long overdue for some plain ole fun over here so that's what we've been doing.

Fun thing #1.
We have sold off most of the stuff from our storage unit. Remember we bought an abandoned storage unit at an auction? Well, we did pretty well. Our end goal just was basically to get rid of all of the crap that was in there. Anyway, we have a couple things left but have made $550 off the unit so far. It was a ton of work, but a lot of fun.

Fun thing #2.
Well, this is the most fun for the kids. We are growing butterflies. (For me, they are a super pain in the rear right now. They smell and they are needy). Aunt Debbie gave David some caterpillars for his birthday and its a whole kit deal. Anyway, they are currently in their caccoons and we are eagerly awaiting their presence.

Fun thing # 3.
I went to Vegas baby. It was mainly all work and no play, but it was an absolute blast. I went to work the Kia Annual Meeting and it was held at the Encore Hotel in Vegas. I worked with Tim's aunts company who does event planning for large corporations. It was seriously amazing. I learned that I LOVE to work. And I'm super excited for when my kids are both in school. I plan on working while they are in school some. Pretty pumped about that. I'm definitely am learning I'm a detail person, love logistics, and i really love people and networking. Anywho, here is some pics. The hotel was ridiculously over the top nice. I got to meet Kia's sponsors, Blake Griffin and Paul Pierce came to the event. Also, if you have seen the Kia commercials on TV, here is the group of dancing hamsters, also called The Hamstars, who showed up and danced with the Soul- the Kia Soul. The song playing is the Kia Hamsters song on the commercial. It's a little shout out to my cute teenage friends I made. I want to adopt them. And I guess I am dumb, but I thought the commercials was of costume hamsters. It is not. It is just these kids dancing with a computer image over the whole thing. Go figure. Oh technology.
Here are links to the Kia Commercial with the Hamsters and the one where Blake Griffin jumps over a car.
http://www.youtube.com/user/KiaMotorsAmerica?v=4zJWA3Vo6TU&feature=pyv&cid=sem&ppc=y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2Qy21LLhP8

Fun thing #4
We went to Disney World. I feel like in stimulation overload going to Vegas and then Disney!! Ha! It was seriously one of our favorite family vacations yet. Out of control. We went to Disney all the time as kids so it was really special going back with your own kids. I can't even put into words how much fun my children had. I uploaded over 100 pics to facebook, but hopefully these few pics will show you how their little lives are forever changed =) We went with my mom and dad, my sister and her husband Paul, and their 2 boys. We had children from 6, 5, 4, and almost 3. It was insanely fun.
Highlights-
David- he rode ALL the roller coasters. The kid has no fear. He LOVED them and couldnt get enough.
Tim- Having father/son bonding and acting crazy together on all the rides.
Me- watching David and Mackenzies face when they saw Mickey, Minnie, Disney Princesses, the resort pool and waterslide, their cousins, the Magic Kingdom castle. I have their face images in my memory forever.
Mackenzie- meeting the Disney Princesses and Mickey and Minnie. She just was on top of the world. And they were so sweet with her. She is so small and was just bursting with excitement.

Last thought on Disney. What is AMAZING to me is that Disney World in itself is extravagant and a huge, huge event every day. Not just once. EVERY DAY they pull out all the stops. Parades, decorations, friendliness, fireworks, more parades... a HUGE party. And they wake up. And they do it all again. And again. Its like groundhog day at Disney. Its so crazy to me that every day it is a ridiculous event. Mind blowing.

So this is our fall fun. Like I said, we've been overdue for a little fun around here.

Happy 5th Birthday David!!!

2011-09-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

My baby David is 5. How is that possible? I mean, I remember things from when I was 5. It is weird when your baby goes from being a baby to a kid. To a functioning member of the family.

Oh, my sweet little David...these 5 years. I am so blessed to have a son. Here is a letter to you that I wrote.

David,
You are my first born son. Pregnancy with you was a breeze and I remember thinking, so this is it? People just get pregnant and have a baby, this is too easy! Ha! Well, I am glad I got to experience that with you buddy. You were born with a mohawk. You were such a good baby and did everything right on schedule. It was ridiculous. If it was 12:15 at lunchtime I knew, because you would be very mad I was 15 minutes late. You love bedtime. You always have. You love food. You always have.
I never had any issues getting you to go to bed or eat your food. Your momo says you are just like daddy in that way. And you love being home.
We've always called you our grumpy old man because you are very particular about things. You are a very happy little boy, but you are contemplative and serious. You always think about every side of something before you do it. You are intense. You have high highs and low lows. There is not a lot of even ground with you. You are a bad liar. You always end up telling on yourself and you are quick to apologize. You have a caring heart. You've never done anything out of a mean spirit. You are a boy and wild, active, curious.... but, you have a sensitive side and are very in tune with others feelings around you. You love daddy. You think he is the strongest person in the world and he can do anything. Which props to you, I haven't seen your daddy not try anything and do well. You love mommy. You have a sweet side that is protective of me and wants to always make me happy. You love your sister. This by far, has been the most tear producing. You take care of her, play with her, take interest in her interests, and adore her. You guys are best friends and having a sister has made you grow up. When I was pregnant with Mackenzie, you would always bring me a can opener and tell me to get her out! You love kids and just a month ago told daddy, " we need some more kids up in here!" Hopefully you will read this one day and know that we did try buddy. 5 pregnancies and 7 babies in 5 years will hopefully prove I wasn't slacking off. But, for the record, you did tell daddy you wanted 5 kids in our family and I hate to break it to you, but that's not happening. You also asked for another dog. I keep telling you that when you are a daddy, you can have all the babies and dogs you want.
You were un-controllable from about 18 months to 24 months while I was pregnant with your sister, thanks for that ;) We had the terrible 2's where you were pretty destructive, wild, you would run away from mommy. Once you left and rang the door bell and that's how I found you. We had to install top deadbolts on all our doors after that. You are still the youngest child I know that could pick locks and get out. You jumped your crib at 18 months. You were potty trained at 2 but then also would pee in random containers and bring them to me. Once I put you in time out in your room and you wiped your poopy everywhere.
Oh, but David, you are mommys angel. You've always asked the most sincere questions, loved Jesus, and are aware of your family and friends. You tell me you love me all the time and are such a sweet, sweet boy. You are so genuine and you have the most sincere and sweet heart. I know everything you tell me is something you have thought about. You are going to be calculated and you will not easily be talked into things. You are smart and you very perceptive. You are like your daddy and have a knack for building things, using your hands, and you want to fix things. You love tools and you love being outside. You are always up for anything. When we had to move and renovate the house, you were a champ. You would help daddy hammer boards, check on mackenzie for me while she napped in the car, and help me pack boxes. Everything was fun to you and you were actually a huge part of helping mommy be adventurous and have fun with that whole transition. You are very excitable and I think you will remember renovating Nellie Mae forever. You tell everyone you can build a house.
David, I am so proud to be your mommy. You started preschool 2 weeks ago. I was so sad to let you out of my day for a few hours, but you have made me so proud. I can't believe I even worried about how your behavior would be. The day I was the most anxious about you misbehaving at school, you came home with a sticker that your teacher gave you for using good manners! I pray everything we've done at home would continue to grow and thrive in you. I pray God would uniquely gift you and that I would be the best supportive mommy in the world! You have loved school so far, especially the visit from Mother Goose this week. You have learned so much and are so excited about learning. And your school is absolutely adorable. I also pray that I will not be a crazy mother in law because Tim always tells me I am headed there. I have hope, because momo (tims mom) raised 3 boys and is so amazing. I'm trying to take notes on how to not be crazy.
I love you so much David. Your daddy and I love each other so much and our love grew when you were born. And it grew again when your sister was born. I feel so blessed to have a son and so lucky that it is you. Happy 5th Birthday sweetheart! You are my snuggie buggy.

Here is a slide show I made from birth to 3 and then I have uploaded some pictures from the past 2 years. Also again, my birth story of david is below. Happy 5th birthday David!

Birth Story
I was one of the women who unfortunately saw 40 weeks come and go by...... my due date was Sept. 14th.
Don't tell me what I should have tried, b/c I tried EVERYTHING to go into labor. (sex, moving heavy furniture, walking, eggplant parmesan, you name it). I truly believe each day past your due date passed makes you a little more insane. So insane, that sometimes you begin to be in denial when you actually do go into labor.
I woke up Sept. 19 at 7 am with small contractions. I told myself they weren't the real ones and told Tim to go to work. I decided to go back to sleep and if they were real labor pains, I would wake up. I called my doctor and gave them a heads up. (haha, thats kinda funny).
I slept through them and then around lunch decided to go down to our clubhouse and get on the treadmill. I walked forever..... I just remember that I had a crazy look in my eye and someone asked me when I was due..... I emotionally yelled, " LAST WEEK!" People started leaving the gym. I was the last one there. I started to get really dizzy and tired so I went and layed in this "cow" chair in the lobby. I was awakened by my doctor calling me. I sat up and felt pain and more contractions. They told me they thought I was in labor and to come down to Northside in Atlanta.
I called Tim and he was there in about 5 minutes! We arrived at Northside at 4 pm. By then I was in visible pain and I was dilated to 3cm (the goal is 10!) when I got to my room. I didn't get an epidural until I was dilated around 6 or 7cm. The pain got scary and I am just not someone who cares about going natural, so I decided to go with some drugs and watched "House" until I reached 10cm!!! It was awesome. I had about 30 people in and out of the room visiting.
Then, labor began. Actually pushing David out took 1 1/2 hours. It was pretty awful and intense.
Anyway, David Timothy Willis made his debut at 10:13pm and was greeted with tears by his mom and dad!!! Talk about a rush! Seeing him take his first breath, watching my stomach deflate, holding him, and our eyes meeting for the first time is one of the most wonderful moments of my life. I'm sure everyone knows this, but a baby knows voices from being in the womb for so long and they know who you are. It's fantastic. We left the hospital with no complications and our healthy baby boy praising the Lord for what we had prayed,
1 Samuel 1:27: For this child I prayed, and the Lord hath granted me my petition.

You Bend with the Wind

2011-09-12T09:14:00.001-07:00

First, thank you so much for all the sweet messages. It is never easy losing a baby no matter how far along in pregnancy you are. I really feel grateful for my wonderful husband and 2 sweet babies. I also feel grateful God is healing my heart and body from this sad time. I wish I could say I have great perspective 100% of the time, but I do not. I try and pray very hard to keep a positive outlook every day. I still feel attacks from the enemy and that is hard- fighting the lies that I am not a good mother, that there is something wrong with me b/c I can't keep most pregnancies, and that there is no hope for another child in our future. I can obviously recognize those lies quickly and pray for God to help me. I love this verse b/c even though the attacks feel rampant in our life, specifically the past 2 years, we are winning. I have been pregnant 5 times in 5 years with a total of 7 babies. God is sovereign and God is good. Death may have prevailed on my baby's life, but Jesus has overcome the enemy.
Micah 7:8
Do not rejoice over me my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
Thank you again for your continued prayers.

David is turning 5 one week from today!! We had a Batman party for him this weekend and it was a blast! It was also emotional for me because it has been one year since our house renovation and man, what a difference! I just uploaded final pictures of our home sweet home. It was a special party and David thinks he is a grown man now that he is 5!! Thanks to our sweet, sweet family and friends for making his day so special. He is the happiest boy I know right now! I have a special post for him I will do this weekend.
I will be leaving this weekend for a very fun job opportunity for 7 days in Las Vegas. Tim's aunt owns an event planning company so I am hired out for the week to help run a big company event in Vegas! This is very new for our family- Tim will be a stay at hom dad for the week! Its a good time of year for him since the weather is cooling off and his schedule is very flexible. It is hitting at a good time because I kind of need a little break from my life =) Although, I am hoping not to miss them too much, first time I've even been away from my husband this long. So, that is that! Here is my little bat-man: I know the cakes look shotty, they are homemade though and were really good I thought! Triple chocolate fudge cake with chocolate buttercream icing, yum!

Thank you mom for helping me make all the little ones Batman t-shirts!

In other news, are you familiar with the t.v. show "Storage Wars?" Every month storage unit companies have auctions for units that have defaulted on their payments. They give the owners notice and then auction the units off. The public is invited to come and buy the abandoned units. Some sell for $1 and I've heard some selling for $2,000. You get whatever is in the unit. You are only allowed to look from the outside and cannot touch anything. You bid and hope to get lucky. You have 24 hours to get everything out. You are responsible for leaving the unit empty, so good or bad, you have to take it.
Well, of course my husband knows all about this, researched it, and thought it would be a fun idea to do. As always, I am on board and try to let my husband live out most of his crazy ideas. I decided to join so I could at least have an input in what unit would be making its way to our house. So..... here are the kiddos, joining in our fun as usual.

The Auction begins...And, Tim wins at $110 for the whole 10x13 unit

It took us a LONG time to sort through and load it all.

I have no updates yet. We literally just brought it all home this weekend and loaded it into our outdoor building. I did find tons of brand new stuff from Home Depot, so I took it back and have a $50 store credit. We think the items in the unit could give us a profit of around $1000. We have tools, a ping pong table, metal scaffolding, bikes, dirt bikes, a moped, furniture, some appliances, not sure what else.

Here is to adventures! I told him while I am in Vegas and he is being a stay at home daddy, his job is to find some buyers for all this crap =)

Anyway, September is off to a crazy start for us. But, as always we are loving where we are.
Disney World is our destination in October! I will keep you posted on our Storage Wars adventure!
Happy Fall!

A String of Bad Luck

2011-08-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

Our Story of Loss Part 4

I know most people blog about rainbows and roses, and though we have had many of those, I like to share the real parts of our life on here.
Mainly because we are real people and we use any hardships we go through to be a testimony of Christ. He truly is our sustainer and savior. To Him we give all the glory.
We lost another baby today. This pregnancy taught me more in 8 weeks than Ive learned in years of my spiritual walk. God is so gracious and so clearly spoken to me that this is a testimony that I will share. I don't really even have an idea of who reads this- i know close family and friends, but am happy to maybe encourage someone who needs to read this.

First, I am grateful. I have extremely good health. Tim and I have a really strong marriage and are more in love now than we ever have been. This was a good time in so many ways for us to be pregnant. We were at peace. We were healthy on all levels. And we are still in our 20's so we were hoping that would work for us too! Anyway, God has given me so much confidence in where we are and our healthy lifestyle choices right now. It's always comforting to know you are taking care of yourself if you want to have a baby.

Second, I have been positive. One of my best friends really spoke out some honesty that was me to a "T". ..... For so long I believed David would be an only child. That we would continue to miscarry and he would not have a sibling. I was negative and let Satan control a part of my life that did not claim "I have come so that they may have life, and have life abundantly." Instead I believed Satan that he has come to steal, kill, and destroy life. Now, whether me believing that had anything to do with what the outcome really was, I lost. I lost and let Satan win the spiritual warfare going on inside me. This pregnancy, God changed that. I spoke life to this baby and to myself the whole time. Why deem something a loss before it happens? Why wouldnt I do this with all aspects of my life? Being positive, hoping for the best, speaking life, always hoping, always believing, because He that is in me is GREATER than he that is in the world.
It was a supernatural experience. I was able to hold on to these truths until the end when I saw the end coming. But, it was something I can't describe. It was a battle I won.
Even though we lost the baby, I won the fight. I spoke life to this baby for the 8 weeks I was pregnant.

I pleaded with my doctor to diagnose me, find a problem, find a reason, tell me to stop getting pregnant. And she said the opposite.

Our first miscarriage was a fluke 1 in 1000 partial molar crazy miscarriage at 12 weeks. Then, Mackenzie lost her twin. At Christmas this year, we had a "chemical pregnancy" that basically never even forms a baby. And now, even though a baby had formed and started growing, she said my body just knew it wasn't going to be a healthy full term baby.

Since we have 2 extremely healthy kids, she said my body must just pick those to keep. Then she told me the statistic is really accurate. She told me if I were to stay with her all week, you can almost literally count every 5th woman that walks through the door. She will have to tell that woman she has lost her baby. And she will do it tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. It is a statistic for a reason and she told me, "You've just hit a string of bad luck." That may be true, but God ordains and allows everything to happen and I trust in His timing, he will give us our needs and desires.

I am not set on having 3 children. It's just what Tim and I had always wanted. If the door continues to shut, then we will be done. But, I don't feel done yet.

I know, people think we are dumb. And that's fine. I've had many nasty comments made to me this pregnancy, including one from the nurse at the doctors office that told me, "Look, you just need to stick to the two kids you have and stop it. You have a boy and girl so it's a perfect time to stop."

It makes sense. But, if I had stopped having kids because of fear, trial, hardship, miscarriage, and loss.... I wouldn't even have my sweet daughter. Just because you are afraid of losing a baby doesnt mean to not get pregnant. That would make the same sense of saying, I'm not getting married because I'm afraid of getting divorced. Again, not speaking life. Pronouncing death before it even happens.

My kids are worth every tear I'll ever cry. Since I was as small as I can remember, I wanted to be a stay at home mommy. I know its my calling.
So, I will fight for one more child after I take another break from my loss.

I'm grateful for my marriage, I think miscarriages can make women really detach from their husbands and from the Lord, but God always draws me to Him. And draws me to Tim. I don't know that it gets easier the more miscarriages you have, but it does open your eyes.

This is a fallen world. Death and sickness will reign until we are in our eternal Father in heaven. When we try and make Earth our heaven, you will be disappointed every time.

Please pray that God would consume my life and that I would continue to cling to him. I am choosing to have this miscarriage at home. I have done both and I prefer natures way over surgery. Dont get me wrong, if I was 12 weeks I would totally be in the hospital. You have to make the call on what you can handle. The hardest part is definitely the initial news of your baby not being alive. And I heard her type 5 keys on the computer and i immediately knew the worst, NO FHB, no fetal heartbeat. Its ironic because that was my worst fear again was seeing that and when I did, I just felt so okay. God had totally strengthened my heart in that area.

I am thankful I got to see God create life again, see our baby and its heartbeat, and experience the joy of another life. We are sad this baby will not be apart of our family on this side of heaven, but I am thankful for the life lessons it taught me. Please pray my body and heart would heal.
Thanks for joining us in our journey. We are thankful to be on a journey and the most thankful for God, who is always able to do immeasurably more than we ask or deserve.

Child Celebrity (cont.)

2011-08-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, I did manage to find 5 summer photos of the beach so before the season totally changes, here they are! These were from our massive family vacation to Seaside for Tims grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. Ill remember this trip just fine without many photos b/c it was so special!

Child Celebrity

2011-08-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

I am just moving on from the pictures I never posted, ha! Summer has flown by at lightening speed. Maybe later I'll get around to posting some beach, lake, pottery, and random summer pics... but, for now, David started Pre-school.

Here is the deal with David. He misses the kindergarten cut off by only days so he is about to turn 5! I didn't want to keep him home without having some school exposure before kindergarten kicks in, so I found a Preschool program at a church on the Marietta Square. He goes 4 days a week for only 3 hours. It really is perfect. And he LOVES it. I was definitely sad! After having him home with me for 5 years, it's hard to let go a little. I have done Preschool at home with him for the past 2 years, but he is truly loving the classroom and other children environment!

I've been taking little Mackenzie to some Gymboree classes b/c she does miss her brother. It has been great time for just her and mommy though. She has never had just me so I do love that.

I find it so funny that I'm in a family of celebrities, lol. Tim still gets told all the time when we are out that he looks like Luke Perry from 90210. And now, people everywhere are constantly telling me, "Your little boy looks just like the kid from Jerry McGuire!"
Again, I always humor people, but don't see it because I'm with them so much. He has blonde hair and glasses so I guess that is what people see.

David had his eye appointment. He couldnt read the 20/20 line. He could, however, read the 20/25 level. So, it has gone from the following:
20/100
20/50
20/30
20/25

There is only one more level, perfect. So.... we go back in 6 weeks to try and get there. I feel so ridiculous because I left the appointment frustrated. I was ready for him to be done. Ready for him to be at perfect. My mother gently told me, Jennifer he is progressing and moving forward. That's all you need to focus on.

And she is right. And looking down at David who is just beaming no matter what b/c he is only 4, I felt grateful that God has restored his vision such a long way.

When David asked, "Is it healed mommy? Am I done with my patch? Did Jesus fix my eye?"
I smiled and said, "Yes David, Jesus is healing your eye. It may just take a little longer than you and I want, but we are going to keep praying and finish this!"

Here is my sweet boy starting school. And below is our playground that is finally at Nellie Mae!

Update Part 1

2011-08-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

When we have not been traveling, we have been just staying at HOME! This is mainly a verbal update because I have so many pictures to go through!
In July, we went to Lake Hartwell for Chef's brothers 50th Wedding Anniversary. The next week was followed by half the week in Seagrove Beach, FL for Tim's grandparents 6oth Wedding Anniversary! And this past weekend, we took the kids on their first camping trip with my parents at Lake Allatoona.

Other than that, we have spent our summer days at the pool with friends, playdates, the library summer storytime, and of course the Ymca! We mostly love being at home during the day. The kids play outside, in their rooms, we cook and bake, watch movies, and I am enjoying these last couple weeks before David starts preschool.

David starts school the 23rd. And Miss Mackenzie and I will have some time together. I had a groupon for Gymboree so I signed her up for some classes there. She will start the day after Davids school. I know she is going to miss him!

They are sharing a room now. After about a month of bedtime fits, we realized all she wanted was a companion at night time. So, rather than Tim and I being her night time companions, we moved her bed into Davids room. It instantly solved it! I'm in the process of re-doing their room so hopefully I'll have pictures soon!

Other updates:
Tim's job is still slammed and he is super happy, can't believe where we were a year ago.
David turns 5 in a little over a month. He is having a Batman party and I cant wait to show you the fun stuff I am making.
My last night of pottery is tonight and I have enjoyed it so much. Again, I have pictures to come!
And lastly, I had an awesome opportunity to go out to Las Vegas next month for a job, just for 7 days though. I am very excited about it, but am sad to leave my little family for that long. I can't wait to go!

I have been trying to go back and really focus on how I want our house decorated. When we initially moved in, I was just throwing stuff together. First room I just finished was our den. I just felt like it was too dark...
So, I got rid of an extra table, and I made the famous "Drop Cloth" curtains. I joined Pinterest and saw them at a friends this weekend, so i went for it! They are drop cloths from Home Depot, $10 a pack. One pack makes 2 panels. I even had extra to recover some pillows.
So, it really brightened up our room and I love it. Here is the before, last year, and now.

I Called, You Answered

2011-07-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say that's how my prayers go all the time, but God chooses to answers prayers differently for different people in different ways.
Sometimes he pauses for a period of time, says no, says wait, or answers quickly. And boy, am I thankful for those times He answers us quickly!

My sweet David tells everyone that Jesus is healing his eye. And that is the only medical explanation! No doctor is giving him medicine and they already told us that they see this lazy eye condition can stay in children to adulthood.

So,
Initial visit, Davids poor eye was at 20/100
6 weeks later, patching one eye and glasses it went to 20/50
Another 6 weeks later, patching one eye and glasses it went to 20/30.... almost perfect!!

Its kind of unbelievable in the optometry world.

We go back in 4 weeks and they anticipate perfect vision for my son! And ironically, I was secretly praying for David to not have to wear the patch to preschool which the first day is Aug. 23. (I know I am being THAT mom, but he gets hot and sweaty with it on and little kids come up and ask really loudly, whats wrong with your eye? Mommy has to step back and let David handle it, which is a little hard for me!)
And would you believe she asked me to come in on Aug 22, the day before his first day of school, for hopefully the last day of his patch? Seriously.

My mouth about hit the floor! She was so floored by his success that I told her, "Dr. Boardman, we have been praying that Jesus would heal his eye and I know that He has!"

She just kind of nervously laughed, but I didn't care. She had no explanation so mine was better!

I am so happy. And I am the most happy that my 4 year old has gotten to see and watch our Great Saviour answers prayers. To him, he asks for everything when he prays now. Because he has seen Him answer.

2 Fun Summer Recipes

2011-07-14T19:11:00.001-07:00

These have been my favorite recipes so far this summer.
The first is just a good ole comfort meal. Perfect for entertaining, taking to a baby mama, or just for 4 hungry mouths like us over here! It is a medium on the healthy scale. Spinach and tomatos are in there, but it does have a pie crust and a bag of cheese!

The sweet old Publix chef feeds me every week while I grocery shop! He always gives me double and tells me to put some meat on my bones (i try and look extra hungry so he'll give me more) I'm kidding. But, we are big fans of the Aprons meals at publix. They are always pretty healthy, super quick, and they put the ingredients for it on sale.

so here is my new favorite, whatever you do, MAKE THE BROWNIES AT THE BOTTOM.

Some new church friends had us over for dinner and she made these. She is now my new best friend because these are the most amazing things I've ever had. They are like smores brownies! A layer of brownies, marshmallow, topped with peanut butter, choc chips, and graham crackers! Enjoy!

First, Publix's Italian Pie

Ingredients

1 (10-oz) box frozen chopped spinach
6 slices salami (1 1/2 oz)
1 1/4 lb ground meatloaf blend (beef/pork)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 cup diced pimientos, drained
1/4 cup turkey (or regular) pepperoni (1 oz)
1 (13.75-oz) jar bruschetta spread
2 eggs (or 1/2 cup egg substitute)
2 cups shredded Italian-blend cheese
1 ready-to-bake rolled pie crust

Prep

•Place spinach in colander, under cool running water, to thaw; break into smaller pieces, as possible.
•Preheat oven 425°F.
•Cut salami into bite-size pieces.

Steps

1.Preheat large sauté pan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Add ground meat and Italian seasoning; brown 5–7 minutes, stirring to crumble meat, or until no pink remains. Drain spinach thoroughly by pressing firmly against colander.
2.Stir pimientos, pepperoni, salami, spinach, and bruschetta spread into meat; cook 1–2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Transfer to a medium bowl and set aside 1–2 minutes to cool.
3.Stir in eggs and cheese, then transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Unroll pie crust over meat mixture. (Stretch dough to fit or use extra dough that overlaps sides to cover extra space at each end of the baking dish; press edges together on each end.) Trim and seal or crimp edges.
4.Cut two small slits in center of crust. Bake 25–30 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and crust is golden. Serve.
CALORIES (per 1/8 recipe) 520kcal; FAT 36g; CHOL 130mg; SODIUM 720mg; CARB 22g; FIBER 2g; PROTEIN 25g; VIT A 90%; VIT C 10%; CALC 30%; IRON 15%

Blue Eyed Bakers - check out their site for more amazing recipes!

Graham Cracker Crunch Brownies
Makes 24 brownies
Adapted from Buttercup Bakes at Home

For the brownies: (or you can cheat like me and just use a box mix- still tasted great)
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/3 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided
2/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:
1 bag (10.5 ounces) mini marshmallows
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (larger pieces are fine)

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter a 9×13-inch pan and set aside.

To make the brownies, combine unsweetened chocolate, butter and 1/3 cup of the semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave mixture in 30 second intervals until completely melted. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk eggs until light. Add the sugar and vanilla and whisk until completely incorporated. Stir the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and blend well. With the mixer on low, add in the dry ingredients and mix well. Fold in the remaining 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips.

Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs.

Remove the brownies from the oven and cover with the marshmallows over them. Place pan back in the oven for 3-5 minutes, until marshmallows puff and melt slightly. Remove from oven and set aside for 5 minutes.

While the marshmallow layer is cooling, combine milk chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave mixture in 30 second intervals until completely melted. Add in graham cracker crumbs and mix well. Allow to cool for 3 minutes.

Spread chocolate graham cracker mixture evenly over the marshmallow layer using a spatula. Chill bars before cutting.

Happy Summer Baking

Roll With It

2011-07-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

That's my theme for the summer so far!! Because that's what I have to kind of do.... just roll with it! And Tim and I are crazy. We realize we are not normal people, and we kind of like that!

Here is a little update on all of us:

Tim- HVAC is more than insanely busy. Tim has been consistently working 12+ hour days. The rubber has met the road and let me tell you, he loves what he does and takes extreme pride in his work. If there were ever a test of commitment, he has passed. He has lost 10 lbs this summer and spent a day in an attic that was 144 degrees. But, he still comes home happy. And he still has energy for me, the kids, and good ole Nellie Mae. It is A DIFFERENT world watching your husband slave at a job he hates verses working all day at a job he loves. So, the company is still growing like crazy and God continues to show us we are 100% on the right road. Praise the Lord for clarity right?!

We have been able to do a small group with our church this summer and I am just so thankful to make some friends!! It's SO hard making new friends!! I am grateful God is putting people in our path and I'm just praying he maximizes our time with them.

Me- The first thing most people have asked is, How in the world do you do it with no break from the kiddos?! ha! First, there are many mothers out there who are single moms, there husband is overseas, travels, or they are living apart for work. So, I am very aware that I am just lucky to have my husband come home every night. Second, I've learned expectations can destroy. If you expect your husband home at 6 for dinner and he is late... you are mad. If there is expectation on when he is supposed to be home.... you will always get beaten down. Over here, we just move on. Literally. We have dinner, baths, and I plan everything if I were to be by myself. That isn't the case though.... at some point in the evening... Tim comes home. And since there wasn't a specific time I was waiting for him to walk through the door, we just celebrate him coming home and he picks up where we are. Most nights I heat up a plate for him!

This is also for a season. Heating and Air is obviously at it's peak. It will slow in the fall and spring. Winters are busy with heating.

Another really fun thing I'm glad I did was make a little "me" time. Every Tuesday night I take pottery classes. And although I'd love to be at home with Tim, it has been completely worth it to just go do something by myself. And I love it. I also try to go to the Ymca 3 times a week. They have free childcare so I take an hour break and go do some cardio and am excited to see my babies again! And they love the break from me too I think! Another update, I did keep my last 2 house cleaning clients. They live close to me and close to eachother so every Thursday my cousin babysits the kids for a few hours while I do that. Our Saturdays (when Tim isn't on call) and Sundays are family time now. I also have become a personal assistent for one of my clients and it has been really fun to run errands, do projects, and mail things for someone else while I'm out and about anyway. Lastly, I picked back up my Mystery Shopping job I did in Athens a long time ago. I just do a few a week, where you are an undercover shopper and rate a store. This week I am pretty excited b/c I will get paid to go mystery shopping at the zoo with my kids! And I forgot, I've randomly been re-finishing a few pieces of furniture. Thats another blogpost. I've also been bookreading, its fantastic.

The kiddos-

David starts preschool in a little over a month! He is so excited. He did VBS this summer and loved it. It confirmed Tim and I's decision that this will be the best thing for him this fall. He is still wild, crazy, but also has a very serious and sensitive side to him. He is developing a very intense and passionate personality. And he is a little OCD like his mama ;)

Mackenzie is just a handful. She is so dramatic, full out tantrums, and I have to keep reminding myself she is only 2. Whew and she acts like it! She is VERY sweet at the same time and you would swear she is a newborn with how she acts. She still thinks she is a baby and sleeps like one, wants to be held like one, and dont get me wrong... I love it!

They have loved pool dates with friends this summer, our garden- which hallelujah has been fruitful, and just being at home for some hot summer days.

The more I am with them, the more I learn about myself and the kind of mother I am supposed to be. I have almost been a mommy for 5 years. I will never have a mass herd of children, I will not homeschool them, and I will not sew their clothes. Although let me just tell you Target has clothes clearanced down to like $2 each and I totally have their wardrobes for next summer for way less than I could make clothes! Not that there is ANYTHING wrong with those. Parts of my mind fantasizes about tons of children, me being this crafty mom, and me wondering if God wants me to homeschool. For me, He has answered these questions very clearly. And for that I am grateful. Don't beat yourself up and chase after something that even you yourself don't really want. I think I have broken out of any kind of mold and I want to be my own mold. I want to teach my kids to make a decision and be confident in it. So, I hope to model that for them.

However, I do value staying at home with them and pouring into them everyday, cooking and eating as fresh and healthy as possible, and giving the best life we can give them.

I am just so grateful for this stage of life, I love being a mama and I love being a wife to Tim. Ask the Lord to give you clarity in specific areas of your life and keep a journal, He will answer! And ask him for outlets in your life that can keep you still being "you" not just wifey and mommy.

Other fun things this summer..... here is some pottery I've made and I also chopped my hair 6 inches and went back to blonde. Just for fun! I have NOT been good with my camera and these are all straight from the phone!

An Elevated Father's Day

2011-06-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all the daddies out there! Tim and I are both so grateful to celebrate our wonderful dads as well. They are so wonderful that they are spending their weekends on the beach! And they totally deserve it! We know how rare it is for both of us to have been raised by such loving, God honoring, strong men. I am a lucky wife and our kids are lucky because Tim is setting a huge stage for our own children and role modeling out what it is like to follow after God, no matter what.

Happy Father's Day sweetheart! I love your passion and boldness.
I actually kept a surprise. I never do that. Whenever I am excited about something, I normally explode. On April 11, I bought a groupon (of course I did) for Elevation Chophouse at McCollum Airport here in Kennesaw. We have passed it several times and commented how fun it would be to eat there and the kids would go bananas.
And it was worth the surprise! Tim even played 20 questions on the way, and lost might I add. He never guessed it. And he loved it. And the food was amazing, way too huge portions, but so good. And David was seriously glued to the window the entire evening. Mackenzie thought it was fun but kept yelling at the planes to not fly over her.
Anyway, the nice flight boy outside let us walk around the run-way area, okay that sounds un-safe but it was not the actual run-way. The kids ran around the planes, played airplane and ran around likes planes, and we were quite the little welcoming committee when the planes actually pulled in and came out!
It was a really fun day. This is probably super weird, but Tim and I are not really "gift" people. Whenever there is a holiday, birthday, whatever... we like to spend the money on a destination or date instead of buying a gift. We did this even when we dated in college. It was just always more fun to us to go somewhere together and do something fun! I like that we have been doing this with our kids too because I think they'll be the same way.
Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!

Not Me Monday!

2011-06-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

If you've ever read the My Charming Kids blog, the mother always posts about her terrible Mondays and calls it, Not Me!!! Monday!

Our day had the best of intentions and was so well planned out. Didn't matter today...

Let me just start off by telling you how I tried so hard to be the Really-On-Top-Of-It-Prepared-Mommy....

I cleaned my car out last night and got it ready for the week. Vacuumed, cup holders cleaned out, car seats, trash, blah... it looked fantastic.

I set my morning schedule. This is a busier week than normal b/c David is going to Vacation Bible School on the square. So our schedule was as follows:
730-830- wake up, eat, get dressed, leave for VBS
900- drop David off, take a quick tour, show Mackenzie around b/c she wanted to see where Dave was going to be. She missed the cut off b/c it starts for 3 years old and up.
1000- Arrive at the YMCA, i have been doing Cardio 3 times a week there, about 2 to 3 miles. This just started last week b/c I had some bloodwork done (HbA1C) and Tim and I both had borderline sugar levels. Our dr. said to cut out sugar if we are eating a lot or just do some cardio b/c that is what burns bloodsugar. Since we really don't eat a lot of sugar, I added in some cardio and took out a few things in our diet. I realized sadly that even though I am a very active person, that doesnt compensate for doing regular cardio and getting your heartrate up. Shame on us.
1100- leave the ymca with Mackenzie and head to the grocery store. Forgot my towel so I am sad about getting my sweaty self into my clean car. Drive, go in, finish the grocery store.
1130- start to head out and Mackenzie doesnt want to leave
1135- plead with her that we have to get out of the cart and into the car. She melts. Doesn't want to get out of the buggy ride. I set her out and she crumples into a ball on the sidewalk. I put our 2 bags into the car only to turn around and she her get mad and grab the cart with force towards herself. It starts moving and she curls her legs up and in 1 second the back wheels go off the sidewalk and drops the 4 inch curb. She holds onto the cart and bites her tongue as it lands. I get her right as it lands. She shrieks. Blood comes pouring out of her mouth.
1145- Blood is pouring out of her mouth. I grab a stash of napkins and try to dry it up to see what has happened. She has biten her tougue, but both front teeth went into it creating a gash the length of her 2 teeth. I freak out. I compress more napkins in her mouth, buckle her up, and decide we have to start either driving to the doctor or er b/c the grocery store isnt going to help.
1150- Realize we have to pick up David in 10 minutes from VBS and we are 10 min away.
As I drive I call the dr, they say that mouth wounds bleed the most, but heal the quickest. They also tell me that no office or hospital will not be able to help me except Scottish Rite downtown. They are the only ones that handle pediatric mouth wounds. Excellent.
1155- I start getting hot, really hot. My a/c is full blast. Between my low sugar breakfast, 2.5 miles on the cardio machine, and now blood all over my daughter...... I start blacking out.
The closest place I see is the Psychic and Tarot Card Store and I pull in and open the door. I black out and then start puking all over their parking lot.
1157- Start crying b/c I need to pull it together. Check on Mackenzie and she is just watching me silently wondering what the heck is going on and seems to be in no pain at all.
1205- We arrive to VBS, me white as a ghost, still sweaty, and bloody Mackenzie with rags coming out of her mouth.
1210- David comes out and I think is just scared. He is very quiet and by this time several people are around me and they page a doctor that is at the church that day. For the first time, I felt hope!
1220- Doctor shows up and looks in her mouth. He said her teeth went through the first layer of tongue but not the second. He said even if I take her to Scottish Rite, they wouldn't stitch it. And really.... Can you imagine me trying to get me 2 year olds tongue stitched?
It had stopped bleeding, just oozing a little and she appeared to be fine...
1230- We head home after I drank some water and finally asked Dave about VBS.
He was so upset Mackenzie was hurt, it was really sad!
1245- We stopped and got her some medicine and came home and had lunch. M was not excited about eating at all.... so I put both of them on the couch and just let her nap with me.

Dave and I get up after she is sleeping. Poor guy, Dave looked so tired but he just kept staring at her sleeping the whole time. He would lean over and kiss her!

We go outside to open my van with sweaty seats, vomit, and bloody rags inside. Awesome.

Anyway, please pray for my little angel. I am so sad. I should have just strapped her in her seat while she was having the tantrum instead of letting her throw it on the sidewalk. Sometimes its so hard to fight them!

You gotta love the unpredictable-ness of kids, I thank the Lord for watching over us... because as always it could have been much worse!

Home

2011-06-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Home sweet home it has been. My super awesome mini van got a bad diagnosis this week that I needed 2 new bearings/hubs. Dealer was gonna be $1100, but good ole Timmy ordered the parts online and is doing it this weekend for $250. I love my handy man.

Here is a shout out to Tim. People often ask how and when I have time to blog. Well, it's 11pm on Thursday night and my husband isn't home from work. So.... I like to see him! So i stay up and do crazy things.

Tim has full force poured his passion into his career and I am so happy for him. He is so good at it. And I am proud. He truly is fulfilling his God given talent.

Needless to say, we have been spending lots of time at home. We can't drive until Tim fixes my van this weekend so we have been here a lot. At first I was dreading it, but now I am just so thankful and really appreciate our home. Don't get me started on this soapbox, but I think it's so good for your kids to be content at home when you are there. And I also think you have to train yourself to be at home. It takes me a lot of planning and preparing, but home has become a safe haven and a content peaceful place to be. My kids feel peace here and they go about their little lives here! How can your kids be content at home when you are not, ya know?

They still get into trouble..... their poor kitchen got a full bottle of Epson salt dumped on it because they got a little carried away with "cooking"

Tim would be majorly ticked I put this pic up, but we buzzed everyone this weekend. The dog, David, and then David did Tim, lol!!! And Mackenzie is just naked because.... well, I'm not sure. She saw Tim and Davids shirts off while they were getting their haircut, so she decided to up it a notch.

We have been having fun snacks. Our garden has made the kids excited about fresh fruit and veggies so it has been a great lesson about how food is fuel for your body and what is good fuel to put in it!

Summer if officially here, we saw lightening bugs. The kids were speechless about them! I am so excited about my summer with these 2 babies!

Here fishy fishy

2011-06-06T19:05:00.000-07:00

Tim's mom, our Momo, was given some Aquarium tickets and she was so sweet to give them to us because she knew the kids would LOVE it! And love it they did. They really thought it was the greatest thing in the world and it is definitely something we want to try and do once a year because they were so interested in it!

Thank you again Momo for the fun memories our family made =)

We have been really relishing our time together as a family. It has been good for my heart to just love on them! Tim is slammed with work, which praise God for that. After being through what we have, I am accutely aware that my husband loving and working lots of hours is a blessing. He really has his priorities straight so even though he is gone a lot, when he is here... he is HERE. If that makes sense.

We are starting another smallgroup with our church this week and I'm really looking forward to it. Our other one just finished. It is so important to us to be plugged into a believing community and I can tell in my flesh when I am not surrounded by it.

My pottery classes start next week and go until mid August. My mom is doing them with me. I am really excited for this little outlet during the week. Tim and I have prayerfully decided to try for another baby this summer. Most people don't share that, but would my surrounding friends pray for us? After all we've been through with babies, the games are over for us. We tell people what we are doing and we would appreciate prayers. We believe God is with us. If the door closes again, then it does. I feel like we are supposed to try again despite my fears. I won't lie that as we move closer to this decision, anxiety tries to attack me.

I heard the perfect sermon this past sunday. It was just about roles people try to play with God.

Some people out there feel:

Entitled- because I am such a good christian, because I am a nice wife/friend/employee... blah, blah. And because I have X amount of money, a big enough house, and I am such a good person... God will bless me b/c I am a blessing to others. To those people: Your righteous acts are like filthy rags to God. I hope to never ever be in this category. We don't deserve jack and shouldn't act like we do. Can you tell entitlement drives me nuts?! I'm hammering it out of my kids!

Victims- i can struggle with this one. Because I have been through loss, suffering, hardship, tough times... God will give me this. I specifically remember one person telling me at Christmas when I was pregnant, "Jennifer, you have been through so much with pregnancies. God has given you enough suffering so you know this baby will work out." I miscarried 2 weeks later. Though I knew what she was saying wasn't right.... we WANT to believe that. That we've paid our dues and it's done. But God doesn't work like that. He is not transactional and keeping checks and balances. We live in a fallen world and fallen things are going to happen to everyone that lives. We should just be grateful not only has God chosen to give us life, but sent His son for us to walk with daily.

Pray against feeling entitled and a victim. We are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Paint the best picture of our Christ to others you can. Don't show them a counterfiet picture, just be real.

Memorial Day

2011-06-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

We spent 4 days down in Savannah for Memorial Day weekend with my sister! They moved there 1 year ago for Pauls, my brother in law, job. Needless to say, they are doing great, really happy, have a super cute house, and are on Wilmington Island. They are about 10 min from Tybee Island where it is perfect to go to the beach. We swapped weekend nights of babysitting so that we could all have a date night. As always, we ended up at a pizza place b/c we are 5 year olds. Vinnie Van Go Gos is downtown if you are ever there.

It is amazing watching these little cousins grow up together. At first, it was just complete pandamonium when they were all 4 together. They are all 12 months apart. But, their ages range from 2-5 now and they are adorable together. They have actually learned to play together. That sounds silly, but kids have to learn to play (and play nicely) might i add together. They were so well behaved and the beach wore their little tails out. This picture is funny b/c they thought the jellyfish were mesmerizing. We didn't tell them they were dead. Dead ones don't sting though =)

This little hole in the wall was like something out of a Jerry Seinfield episode, specifically the Soup Nazi. It is called, the Breakfast Club on Tybee Island. It is only open from 7am to 1pm. You have to wait in a line outside until your party is sat and can only come inside then. If your children are misbehaved, they will ask you to leave. It is a celebrity hot spot, but the FOOD is AMAZING. It's worth the wait and worth bribing your kids, works lika charm.

Since Miss Mackenzie Sassy Pants is the only girl on both sides of our family, my sister loves buying her clothes! Thanks Aunt B for her Savannah outfit =) And yes, I chopped her hair off for the summer!

We had a blast and were sad to leave. Here is a pic of both of the kids when we left Savannah. This is always a good sign that they had fun, ha!

The Healing Begins

2011-05-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

I am SO darn pumped today!!! If you've read about David's vision and our road so far with glasses and patching, here is an update:

My sweet baby is being healed by the minute!

I took David in for his pediatric optometrist appointment today and guess what?!!

That patch has done miracles and Jesus is healing my son's eye. In only 4 weeks with the patch on 6 hours a day, his eye went from a 20/80 to a 20/50.
When we first went in it was a 20/100 and glasses alone brought it to a 20/80.

3 whole levels in 4 weeks, out of control!! The optometrist about had a turkey right there in the office! She said when we come back in 6 weeks his eye should be at 20/20 or pretty darn close if it heals at the same rate.

AMAZING.

And David was beaming. And silly me said, "David!! We have to call Daddy and tell him right now about your eye!" He looked at me and said, "But Mommy, we have to call and tell Jesus first!"

I swear I cry every day. Please keep praying for my boy!

Twins

2011-05-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

Everyone always asks me about TWINS! Well, they run in my family. Although we have been pregnant with 2 sets ( 1 unsuccessful, the other half successful- thank you Lord for my sweet Mackenzie!)
Anyway, risks double a lot when you are pregnant with twins, but thank you LORD for my sweet grandma and her twin sister for celebrating 77 years this weekend!!!

Happy Birthday sweet Nell and June.

I love them. And they are adorable. June lives in Texas and came to visit for the weekend. It's bittersweet to see them together b/c my grandma Nell has suffered from dimentia and alzhiemers and moved into assisted living this past year. But, June is as sharp as a tack. They are still so much alike though and it's really sweet.

And here is "Jammie" reading to her 4 great grandchildren! They are peas in a pod!
There are 2 other random sets of twins in extended family, but the other set that is directly in my bloodline is that Nell's husband, my grandpa (deceased), had a twin brother and sister.
Bill and Lillian. Bill actually lives on the same street as us b/c his mother was Nellie Mae!
(isnt that funny my grandmas name is Nell and her mother in law was Nellie Mae?)

So neat. I am more and more thankful and keep researching Nellie Maes history living here on her territory. I have so many more fun stories to come about her!
So, Nell and Nellie Mae are responsible for all these twins everywhere. Well, and our sovereign God of course! We give God the glory for the lives He has chosen to create and sustain, since none of us deserve life anyway.

Free Zoo Passes

2011-05-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

Zoo Atlanta has teamed up with Georgia Public Libraries to give families a FREE trip to the zoo!
All you do is go to the library and check out the Free Zoo Pass DVD with a valid library card. Upon returning the DVD, a voucher for 2 adults and 2 children to go to the zoo is given! You have to use the pass within 7 days of receiving it.
Children 2 and under are free all the time also!

My sister and I took the kids the day after Easter and I am just now getting around to putting the pictures up! The kids had a blast, they were at the perfect ages (ranging 2 to 5). They really enjoyed all the animals and had a blast at the park!

Here is a website for more information on the free zoo pass. You can also call the Georgia Library Main Branch and call ahead to see which branch has the pass available (not being checked out) so you don't waste a trip! We just called ahead and then went to pick it up! It took a week of calling, but I finally was able to check it out and we went for free and had a blast!

yes, my son is the one holding a leaf in front of his face

Jens 4 ingredient Homemade Nut Butter

2011-05-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

My kids, well me too, are big fans of peanut butter. I have bought the organic, the kind you have to stir, and tried so many.

Bottom line. I feel like it all tastes the same no matter the price or brand. So, I've been researching how to make your own nut butter and came up with this!!!

Feel free to experiment on your own. Mine came out of a desperation for lunch today as I opened an empty can of peanut butter.

I had almonds, walnuts for some muffins i was going to make, honey, and coconut oil we use to cook veggies in and other random things.

So, just dump it all in a food processor and there you go.
I used approximately,

1 heaping cup almonds (i buy in bulk at costco, $8 for 2.5 lbs)
1/2 heaping cup walnuts (publix brand, $2.50)
swirled honey around it all 3 or 4 times
2 heaping tablespoons of coconut oil (you can buy online cheap, or publix, $8)

You can add more nuts or more oil depending on if you want it really creamy, more oil=more creamy.

just pick out some of your favorite nuts and go at it! I used almonds and walnuts just because they are a little healthier than peanuts.

My Mothering Heart

2011-05-10T10:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

It was a joy to spend it with my 2 little precious angels. I took them for some photos, and here is my favorite. I'm not a huge fan of the staged, serious, boring photos.... so we went with this. It's them to a "T".

We spent the weekend with family and on Sunday after church, we hung out at the Marietta Square. (Our church is on the square and only miles from our house). The kids love playing on the train every Sunday after church. There always seems to be a festival going on there too!

Tim got me pottery classes for Mother's Day, and I am so pumped!! It is 8 weeks, 2 hours on one evening night a week! I may suck at it, but I am really excited about doing it. Ha! It will be a great little break and project time for this stay at home mama!

Other updates: Tim is still super slammed, I am still hanging on to my last 2 families that I clean for, we still have a huge mess in our backyard from taking trees down at Nellie Mae. David is still a rockstar with the patch, going for a vision check on the 24 so pray for him, and Mackenzie is saying the most hilarious things I have ever heard!

We joined the YMCA for the summer and I feel so blessed and excited. We spent the day there at the pool and the kids think it is heaven!

Again, Happy Mother's Day and to those who are trying to be a mom or have lost a mom, my deepest sympathy and prayers are with you. Not everyone's mothers day is happy every year so I have learned.

Just remember God is the creator and sustainer of life. None of us are promised tomorrow nor do any of us deserve life today.

We humbly give our life and plans to Him and ask for His grace and mercy along the way.

My Child

2011-05-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

I think it's just across the board hard to see your child struggle.

Here is David and his patch. We are going on day 5 and it's amazing how something so hard can become so normal!

He still loves the patch and asks for it when he wakes up. I try and just have it on him when we are going to be at home for a 6 hour stretch. I am thankful we may get this patch off in time for preschool this fall. It really is the Lord that has given David this excitement about it. I can't imagine only seeing out of a bad eye. I just have to watch him close so he doesn't hurt himself (no bike riding, ect) with it on.

Anyway, this is his favorite patch with the spaceships so far.

the easter pic

2011-04-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

We had a great easter!
Here is David and Mackenzie, them with my nephews, and them with the cousins and my other nephew on tims side of the fam.

Patched.

2011-04-28T19:57:00.001-07:00

Patched.

That's what I heard at sweet David's eye doctor appointment this morning. I got hot, wasn't able to focus on anything else the doctor was saying, and wanted to just cry in the floor and let my 4 and 2 year old console me.

Patched.
Eye doctors will patch the good eye in hopes of strengthening the bad eye.

To start from the beginning, it was 1 month today that David got glasses. However, he's only been in the glasses for 2-3 weeks since they had to be ordered. We went in today for a checkup for them to see how he was doing.

He had a rough transition. Thank God I got a warranty on those suckers b/c the first week he had them, he would get mad and chunk them on the pavement, throw them on the floor, and once out of the car on the parking lot. He was just over them and didn't really get the importance of them at first. After the first week, he adjusted and slowly has gotten used to them and happy.
SO, you can imagine my SHOCK when they say they are ready to PATCH him. I wanted to say, Can we give him a break please??? Can we give ME a break please?!! But, I didn't. I acted like a big girl and tried to understand everything I could.

It's amazing really. In the 3 weeks David has worn glasses, his eye has gone from 20/100 (remember 20-20 is perfect vision) to a 20/80. So, it's improved a whole level!! So, that let the doctors know that his eye could be "re-trained" to see at the correct refraction.

So, since his eye showed strenthening, they are going full-force. He has to wear the patch 6 hours a day, every day. We'll go back in a month. They will test vision again. If it improves, the patch stays until it improves to 20/20. Then, the patch will go away. I don't know how long it will be, and I did not ask on purpose. Glasses will stay on until age 8 b/c that's when the eye finishes developing. And if they pull the glasses before then, the eye could go back to it's old ways.

So much mothers have to learn. Did you know you would know so much being a mom? Having kids? I have learned a wealth of knowledge about umbilical cords to patches on the eye, sheesh.

Anyway, the sweet Lord allowed this to be a super easy transition. I thought David would FREAK with me patching his eye, but he is more excited about this stupid patch than ice cream. And runs around screaming, "Arrggghhhh!! I'm a pirate!!"

He didn't want to take it off after the 6 hours.... go figure. It's basically a big band-aid with cute sport boy stuff on it and it goes under the glasses. I'll snag a picture soon but I didn't want to whip out the camera quite yet.

I am praying for complete healing for my sons eye. Complete vision restoration. Would you join me? I told David we would ask Jesus to heal his eye.... and I'm too late. God has already started. I know He is going to restore David's vision. And I want David to be apart of seeing Jesus answer prayers. Why not pray that, ya know? We serve a God who is mighty to save.... not to mention, healing the blind.

4.23.11

2011-04-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

Today marks the one year anniversary of when our 12 month storm began. We signed closing documents on our home on 4.23.10.
Sometimes, I find myself staring off.... Sometimes, silence falls between my husband and I. And I know what we are both distracted by in thought.

These are the things that pass by my mind as I process and move forward with the life that is in front of us. These past 12 months have brought so much change, but at the core... life changing values that I hope to become a better woman through.
I think about...
~How we thought we were being so random by putting our house on the market just to "see if it would sell". We were hoping to buy a bigger home (Oh, I laugh about this one a lot)

~How God brought us buyers who offered full price 13 days later.

I think about,
~How we started looking for homes, asked Tim's parents if we could move in until the new one closed, and how we almost put a contract on one in Roswell.

~ How the day I was getting paperwork ready for an offer, Tim called home and told me he was on his way home. He had been laid off his job.

~How we both just cried and tried so hard to understand what was going on. Why had God sold our home and now taken Tim's job??

~How we had such sweet friends comfort and pray for us. How my best friend that lived 2 doors down came over and just layed in the bed and cried with me as I sat in our house full of boxes.

~ How we tried to make light of our trials that at least we were both home to pack. We moved all our stuff to storage unit. And we called Tim's parents and told them we were going to need to stay a little longer.

~How I said goodbye to my sister and she moved to Savannah.

~How I helped my family move my sweet grandma into assisted living.

~How I've never baked a meal with so much love then the day my dad came home from the hospital having his Stage 1 Melonoma Cancer removed.

I think about ...
~How Tim went on a soul-searching journey the next month to find out what it was that God had designed him to do.

~How he became interested in HVAC and God provided a full scholarship for school, work, and all the tools he would need.

~How we quickly saw God's plan unfolding as our house selling allowed us the financial freedom and location freedom to pursue a career change for Tim

~ How within a month a buyer fell through on my grandmothers last rental property and the door opened for us to buy it interest free.

~ How even in our darkest moments, anger towards eachother, and bitterness, we managed to pull together, both work, raise babies, renovate a house, and pave through a new found career.

~How much our families and friends surrounded us, helped us, and physically came to work on Nellie Mae.

~How we completed the house, moved in with still so much work left, and were so blissfully happy just to have a place of our own again. (we moved in without hot water)

~How job offers rained down from the sky and Tim is now so happy and successful.

~But then how we quickly found out we were accidentally pregnant and then miscarrying at Christmas. A painful reminder of the unfortunate previous ones we have had.

~How we found a church home here, friends, and made a new home.

~How much I've realized that all my kids know as home is Tim and I. Home is not walls to them, just us together. They have an appreciation for family and love simple things.

So yes, during those silent times, sometimes we just look at eachother and smile. Only him and I have been through this specific storm together and what we've conquered is a bond that we share. We have become quick to listen to God, and quick to yield our plans and desires to Him. Our feathers don't really get ruffled. We bend with the wind.

Because on this Easter weekend, God has made himself alive to us in many ways.
He is alive because He never left us in the storm. He was with us conversation by conversation, moment by moment, and literally brick by brick building our new house and life together.

Our house was therapeutic for us. The renovation was about 4 years of stress from a Sales job that Tim got to have one huge outlet for. Some days I would just drive by the house, see Tim covered in dirt from head to toe, smile and hand him lunch. And leave.
The song, The House That Built Me, came on all summer and in so many ways.... it did shape and build who we are.
Thank you Lord for helping us. It' s the journey that God is interested in. We wanted a home, and He handed us a hammer! He gave us everything we'd need to get through the storm.

He is risen indeed.

:: Easter ::

2011-04-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Easter clothes are ready, the camera battery is charged...

the Easter baskets are ready (they each just get a toy, candy, and this year I put in a Maytryoshka Doll from Tim's Russia mission trip!)

the cookies are baked...
and the story of the gospel is alive and real.

John Piper has many great resources on his site, http://www.desiringgod.org/, and the scripture memory Fighter Verses are one of my favorites. They even have them for children.

I love that the gospel is so simple and has no barriers from the youngest little ones to the oldest generations.

I am thankful and ready to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Saviour Jesus Christ this weekend.

By His wounds we were healed for our salvation, and every morning that I wake up.

D.I.Y.

2011-04-17T20:25:00.001-07:00

That's right, a little Do It Yourself yard work!
Yay for some completion!!!

Here are the yard pics from our yard renovation over here! www.thenelliemaeproject.com

Get Educated.

2011-04-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

So the owner of Tims company has teenagers, and Jesus can you just please save us all? They are a strong, Christian family and their kids to go private christian school, but boy.... let me just tell you how quickly educated you can become hanging out with a teenager. I went into mild hysterics realizng that my children will one day become teenagers.

I am finishing up Elisabeth Elliots book, The Shaping of a Christian Family. And do you know what? She doesn't believe in teen years. She said teenagers is a coined myth that America has come to expect their kids to act a certian way. And, in their household, the teen years were a breeze. She has been amazing to read and study.

Anyway, I overheard the owners teen talking about Star 94's 90s weekend. Her comment to her friend was, "Oh great, Dad is going to listen to this all weekend... old people's music." I am 29 and I've never been labled old. Until now. I think I sometimes believe I can shelter my kids and play ignorance of what is "current" in their age. That's a bad idea. I want to know what's going on with the culture that will have some (hopefully not a lot) influence on who they are as a person.

I remember my parents being very involved with even the music I listened to growing up. I specifically remember coming home one day with the Offspring Cd. My dad opened in, read the lyrics, and the CD was immediatley thrown in the trash. (To my disfortune, I think the first darn song he read was "Bad Habit". Some of the greatest moms and dads out there with teens have facebook accounts and are friends with their kids. They immediately have access to see more about the friends their kids have made. Anyway, just for fun, I downloaded all the top searched songs for your music enjoyment. Even though I have heard some songs/bands.... admittedly, one or two were new to me.... happy listening! I downloaded the top 15 searched songs. And I had to add this.

Tim did a "test" and asked David, "Hey David, what's mommy's favorite music?" And David replied, "Mommy likes Jesus music. And she likes when Jesus sings." Haha! He thinks Jesus is singing in some of the songs, so cute. But seriously, can we all band together in prayer that by the time are kids are teens, Ke$sha will be long gone?!!

pics up!!

2011-04-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

I was informed my pictures from vacation were not able to be viewed! Not that anyone probably cares except the grandparents, they are up!! It is our snow trip a couple posts below =) Tomorrow I am hoping to have our Nellie Mae Yard Renovation pictures up! You can visit the site here to see the before and the process!

Making the Doughnuts

2011-04-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

Growing up, my mom always said "Time to get up and go make the doughnuts!!" Doughnuts as in $$$$. So funny to me. I say that to David a lot and he laughs b/c we LOVE dunkin donuts over here, coffee and the donuts!! I by no means think that we were put on this Earth to just make money, we believe strongly in the Great Commission and if you can find what God put you here for and be successful, well then that is a plus!! I would trade contentment over money any day of the week! Anyway, everyone I talk to or see is asking me about Tim and the new company launch!! If you missed it, he does Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, thus... HVAC. You can wow people now that you know what it stands for =) Well, it is going absolutely gangbusters as Tim and I say when we get over-crazy busy! For the past 5 years, the company has been busier and busier. But, THIS year, they are hitting record numbers and it is only April! Tim is super happy, super busy, and fulfilling ever God given talent he has between doing hands on service, repair, installations, maintainence, sales, and business development. I really can't say more than that, other than if you know the quest we've been on to find what God would have us do here on this Earth for Tim as a career, this is it!!! We are coming up on the 1 year mark (April 23) from when our house sold and Tim was laid off. It is MIND BLOWING what the Lord has chosen to do with us over the past 12 months. I did start a house cleaning business a year ago, and gladly and sadly have had to cut all my people out but 2. It was the original plan, for me to do my business until we resumed normal life. I'm having a hard time letting it go now though! It's become a little outlet for me, so I think as of now I may keep my 2 families! It's really nice feeling like I can contribute a little and have a break from itty bitties at home! So, that's our status. We've literally almost hit every stressful event in the past 12 months, but God is so faithful. For so long it felt like God left us in the storm.... and for what it is worth, my mindset is forever changed. It is during those times in the storms that I learn the most about myself, my faith, and God's relentless love for me to know him more. And because of that, I am forever glad we can praise Him in the storms. Here is Tim's company's website if you need some HVAC work! It is under construction, but has company info posted! http://www.abramsair.com/

Worst Mother of the Year

2011-04-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

I am calling myself that because poor little Mackenzie has been going potty since she was 15 months old. For whatever reason, she is obsessed with going pee-pee in the potty. For months now, she would come running up to me and say, "Mommmmmmmyyyy!! Need to go pee pee in the pottttyyyy!!" And do you know what my response was, "It's okay sweetie, just goooo in your diaper, okay?!!" What mother says that? Me, that is who. You see, I believe it's more that the mother has to be emotionally stable than the child. Ha! And that I am not! I was just not ready for 2 small children and potty breaks in public places. Especially since little girls can't stand up when they pee. So, I finally gave in. I pumped myself up and leave it to my mother to finally confront me and say, "Jennifer! Potty trian that poor child before she looses interest!" And she is right, M was so excited about it she basically potty trained herself. I'm so sorry for anyone out there who is in this stage. I pray one of your children will be easy to train, as David was not a walk in the park like her... Anyway, we took a much needed family vacation 2 weeks ago. Yes, I brought my own baby potty and she went in it during our roadtrip. Nothing like the smell of urine while you are all in a minivan. We went to Beech Mountain, where Tim's sweet grandparents have a vacation home there. It was breath-taking! It's been 2 years since we have gone. Well, I knew it might be cold in the mountains, but we got 4 inches of snow!!! Not quite the warm, sunny trip I had envisioned, but the kids had a field day! We watched movies, tv, read books, went sledding, drank 2 boxes of hot cocoa, played boardgames, went out to eat every night, and SLEPT!! It was everything and more that a vacation should be. The kids are 4 and 2 and at the most fun age ever. I can't wait to travel more all together. Here are the pics! And yes, we did fly a kite in the snow when it was 27 degrees and we also got to hear "snow thunder"!

Blindsided.

2011-04-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

I have so much to update on that I am having a BLOG-A-THON this week to catch up!! So this is Day 1.

Blindsided, that is what we were.

First, my dad likes to keep us on our toes. We kicked off spring with him in the ER overnight. Long story short, he was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, had tests and surgury, and is okay now. It is when part of your stomach purtrudes up into your diaphragm. It is complicated, but very common for men in their 50's. Basically, it causes you to strangle... bad side effect. The surgury fixes it and he is on some medication. We are so glad that he is okay! I am so glad our sweet Lord watches over us and always seems to put wise doctors in our path.

Second, at David's 4 year check up, they did a routine eye exam. He was goofing off and acting 4, so they couldn't tell if he couldn't see or if he just wasn't cooperating. They said if I wanted to make sure, take him to a Pediatric Optometrist. I love having peace of mind, so my mother's intuition kicked in and I decided to take him. And I am so glad I did. Turns out my poor baby was practically blind in his left eye. And I had no idea! After freaking out a little, they explained its the only way he has ever seen, so his brain has trained his eyes to "make it work." Basically, his right eye is almost perfect 20/20 and his left eye is 20/100. Thus his left eye being lazy. The plan: David will wear glasses until he is 8 years old, I know! So long!

They are hoping that the left eye will strengthen itself and between the glasses and maybe periods of being "patched" (where they will cover the strong eye for a period of time), he will come off them completely and his eye will correct itself. This happens about half of the time. The other half of kids will stay on glasses because their eye stayed the same, improved a little, or even got worse. They have no idea because you can't predict what an eye will do, but we caught it early. My little man has had a tough time for sure. He does NOT want them on his face =( He can, however, see better! He tells me all the time how well he can see. So, he has a love/hate relationship with them right now. We take them off during his nap/rest time, anything involving water, and at bedtime. Oh, and the trampoline. He is getting used to them more and more everyday, but is definitely aware of other kids not wearing them. Of course, I am his mother and I happen to think he is the most precious child on the planet and looks ridiculously cute. So far, people have said he looks like the little boy from Jerry MacGuire and little Ralphie from The Christmas Story. Ha!! Whatever, but I do pinch his little cheeks all the time! We kind of joke b/c David has similar personality traits of a grumpy old man. He is intense, sensitive, and a little grumpy sometimes. We'll see if his glasses change him at all.... it had to cause frustration and headaches not being able to see clear! And I know he is as smart as a whip b/c the fact he is able to write his name, draw, and do school with one eye is crazy!

This was our first conversation about the glasses:
Mommy- "David, mommy thinks you look SO handsome in your new glasses."
David- "Well, I'll wear them for a little while."
Mommy- "Sweetie, we are going to have to wear them a lot and keep them on so that your eye that is hurt can get better!"
David- "Well.....If I have to wear glasses alot, can I get a cane too?" My poor sweet baby associates glasses with old people b/c we visit my grandma so much at the assisted living home and everyone has canes to walk!
Mommy- "No baby, you don't need a cane. You might hurt yourself of people with that!"
So, here he is!!

Mackenzie- The Intercessor

2011-03-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to blog about this for forever!!! For some reason, Mackenzie has taken over our prayer time.
It could be because she is extremely vocal, but it is pretty darn hysterical to witness her praying.

It started one night at dinner. I guess she didn't like what I was praying for.... so she cut me off and spoke loudly over me....

Tank ew Jeeeesus, for da rolls, bean beans (green beans), ticken (chicken), and duice (juice).
Tank ew Jeeeesus, for Halwey (holly), Dabid (David), mommy and daddy.
Tank ew Jeeeesus, for my people (Little People toys), pin-cesses (her princesses), and tank ew for Jeeeesus.
AAAAAmen!!!

She will go on, and on, and on. And we just let her. David just rolls his eyes at her. I always ask if he wants to add anything and he says, "No!! I want to eat!!!"
Such a boy. I've been trying to let him pray first, but M still cuts him off too.
If you'd like M to be praying for you..... well you just let me know! I've started giving her my requests =)

Another funny conversation with David this week was about staying far away from the road because of cars. Here goes-
David- "Mommy, I can't go near cars?? Cause why mommy?"
Me- "Well David, you could get really hurt or die if you run out into the road and a car hits you."
David- "Then I go and see Jesus if i die?"
Me- "Yes David."
David- "Well Mommy, what kind of car is Jesus going to come pick me up in? Does he have a big truck?"
Me- (sigh)"Dave, let's just stay out of the road and away from moving cars okay. Mommy would be really sad if you got hurt. And I don't know what kind of car Jesus has."
David- "Oh, well okay mommy. I'll stay away."

Having children and especially vocal children is the greatest joy! *Some days the vocals are a little toooooo joyful for mommy and I have to take a time out and have quiet.
But, I could literally follow them around right now and write their conversations not only with me, but with eachother.
The ages of 4 and 2 have been so fun .Their relationship is adorable and I can't wait for them to be closer and closer the more they grow.

Here's To 7 Years....

2011-03-04T19:03:00.000-08:00

Now that we are all settled in and about to celebrate 7 years of marriage, my life is back on the crazy track. Meaning, my days are never normal. Far from normal. I found it only appropriate to share another day in our life to commemorate 7 sweet years. If you want to read Tim's sweet proposal, click on the above right link, Our Love Story.

Do you wake up sometimes and just know it's going to be rough? That's how Wednesday was.

745am- I woke up to the kids fighting and it wasn't even 8am. Mackenzie raced through the house and busted into David's room to get him up. She started pulling all his covers off and squealing. David of course started throwing stuffed animals at her. I stumbled into his room to separate them.

830- I get breakfast going and since we have a friend coming over with her kids to ride to storytime with us, we have Cocoa Puffs, fruit, and juice. Well, we were going to have juice until i left my 2 year old unattended in the kitchen momentarily.... I saw an apple juice river coming out of my kitchen and then heard splashing. As I walked in, Mackenzie said, "I pour juice." Yup, all empty.

We clean up, get dressed, and take the dog to the groomers.

1030- We make it back home and grab a few things for storytime, my friend shows up, and we load all 4 kids.

1100- I back into my friends car parked in my driveway. No she wasn't parked right behind me. I just failed to look in all mirrors b/c I am used to no cars being anywhere in my driveway.

We get out, look at it.... her bumper and my rear panel have major dents... hey, i like to whip it in reverse, okay? Also remember I had 6 people in my mini van, that's my excuse.

1105- We leave for storytime anyway and call our husbands on the way. My friend was so cool about the whole thing. And for some reason.... neither of our husbands acted surprised or uspet??

1130- We make it to storytime and I also needed to print out a dog groomer coupon on the library computer. My printer at home was out of ink, so I sign in and try to pull up the website. A pornography alert is set off at the computer I am on.???? http://www.petboutiquegrooming.net/ set off their alert system for some reason. My computer froze and a red flashing thing came across my screen. As a librarian showed up, they could clearly see I wasn't looking at pornography with my 2 and 4 year old and that i had typed in my dog's grooming website. But, no one else in the library knew that... all they think is I'm some pervert in the library.

Anyway, the librarians apologized and overrided the system and printed my coupon out. Geez, thanks. Thanks ALOT!!

1230- Storytime is over and I am completely exhausted.

100 - We come home and eat lunch here. Both of my kids have entered Meltdown and were acting pretty close to mental patients. Weeping, onery, sassy, and hard to manage.

My poor friend is still here with her 2 kids so we decide to take them out for a few minutes of fresh air before nap time.

130- This only works for 3 of them. David has completely lost all his marbles by this point. He sat weeping on the trampoline b/c there was a puddle of water on it. I decide he is done and carry him into the house to put him to bed. Of course I was way past my "window" and it felt like I was carrying a full size human thrashing as if I was throwing them into fire. He was out of control.

200- my friend decides to leave, huh? i wonder why? And before she was out of the driveway both of my kids were passed out.

230- well, sad to say i passed out too.

500- Tim came home and took us out for pizza. He also came home with Holly from the groomers and he had already printed out the stupid coupon at school. And Holly looks awful. She is a bichon and she is shaved to the bone. She looks like she has a fur disorder. Anyway, everyone was finally acting like normal humans and I was in depression mode b/c I put a huge dent in our new mini van. Pizza was the only cure.

That's enough of that day, whew. I will note that my mom called to check in on me and she later informed me that her whole office was in tears of laughter from my day. Especially that I set off pornography alerts in the library. Awesome, I'm glad I made someone's day.

I write all this to say, as bad as a day could be.... I am so in love with my little family and life. Jesus has put me on this earth to be Tim's wife and David and Mackenzie's mommy. Though some days are hard, I am so happy, confident, and peaceful at the calling the Lord has given me.

This anniversary, I'd like to thank the examples in our life. Our family consistently shows how strong the bonds of marriage really are.

Tim's Grandparents, Bill and Mary, this summer will celebrate 60 years of marriage!

Tim's parents, Willie & Marcie are about to celebrate 32 yrs.

My parents, Danny & Pam are going to celebrate 36 yrs this summer.

My sister and her husband will celebrate 10 this summer

Tims oldest brother will celebrate 5 years this summer

Tims youngest brother will celebrate 3 years this summer

We are so lucky to be surrounded by people that view marriage as a holy, sacred covenant. It doesn't mean that your marriage and life is easy if it lasts this long. In fact, I believe the opposite. The more trials and hardships actually bring you closer as a team, a united front. A force to be reckoned with!

So, this year for our anniversary we want to thank our families for the bonds they have laid for us. Our family really is like iron sharpening iron. We love you and are so thankful for each of you in our lives. And mostly, to our Savior and Lord Jesus for bringing us together over and over.

Thanks again to our wonderful parents who gave us the wedding of our dreams. We have been through the fire this year, but it has refined us. Life better watch out because we're ready!

Pop & Grandma- aren't they the most adorable people you've ever seen?

The whole Willis clan minus baby Josh and Mackenzie ( i was preg w/her here) Hulsey's with their grandbabies and Brandi my sis!

OH YES I DID.

2011-03-03T20:49:00.000-08:00

I've always thought I could conquer the world. No problem too big, no task too hard, no bet I wouldn't try to win, and no person I would try to not talk to Jesus with....
until her...

We lived in Canton for 4 years and I lived next door to a real, live witch. For real. If you are a long time follower, you know all about her. For those just tuning in, Here are the stories about her...
Basically, my top 3 events from her were 1. The night she showed up in her full black wedding gown and combat boots during my church small group, awesome. 2. For Christmas she gave me a real live spell. My husband put the spell box in our grill and later in the trash. 3. She told me she died and came back.

So, my efforts to speak Jesus into her life were not only dismissed, but completely overtaken by her Wiccan ways. I still know God's word does not return void so I pray the seeds I planted will one day take root.
Anyway, I think during most of my encounters with her over the 4 years I was so in shock that I never whipped my camera out. Well, after moving almost a year ago, I paid her a little visit tonight.
I went up to see a friend tonight in the neighborhood and when I left it was late at night. Low and behold the witch's lights were on. I got a crazy, high school adrenaline rush and just went up and rang the door bell. I stepped way back b/c I remember she always came to the door with a weapon!
She recognized me and I saw a smile for the first time ever! She did open the door with a huge 5 foot wooden crystal ball stick she uses for her weapon now. That is her picture showing me where to hit someone in the skull if ever attacked. Apparently, right behind the ear is the thinnest part of the skull. OKAY>>>> moving on. I had to photograph her b/c she really does look like a witch. I am bummed she had a pony tail in b/c her hair is long, white, and wavy. Real life witch hair.
Anyway, she was pleasant and it's almost been one year since I have seen her. I just had to share my photos and bring my witch story to a full closure for myself.

I know my stories of her are beyond entertainment, I mean really... who lives next door to a witch? I am glad I documented it all, but more importantly, I am glad I embraced her and reached out. Maybe someday, the light of Christ will penetrate her heart.

I was glad my children were moved away from her, but I'll always remember the witch and pray that God, who can do all things, will reveal Himself to her. David, my son, remembers her. And I am glad he will remember mommy trying to talk to the crazy lady about Jesus instead of ignoring her. I want to be a light to the darkest of worlds, and hers is one of the darkest I've seen.

Luke 11:33. No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.

Be Super.

2011-02-25T11:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, if you know me... you know I'm not a health freak. I think I've only had a few eyebrows raised at me and have had one person tell me I'm a hippie.

Anyway, I have really been trying to create a life my kids will remember! I want to raise a God-centered family and sometimes it takes a lot out on the mommy having babies, raising toddlers, meal planning, scheduling, appointments, and then throw on all the household chores!

The more organized I have become here, the more efficient our household runs. Also, the more I get poured into (by my husband, bible studies, reading) the better wife and mother I am. Along side of that, the better I take care of myself mentally and physically, the even BETTER wife and mom I can be. So, I have been setting our household on these simple elements and it has been wonderful!

My progress so far has been:
1. Plugging In, get your self connected with other moms and christians
2. Organize now. Don't put it off, throw away, donate, clean out, and get a system
3. Read. We joined our public library and go weekly to get books, movies, ect.
4. Exercise. Okay, some days this is cardio from vacuuming, mopping, or rocking a child
5. Eat Super. This is my list below of super foods that we have been loving.

Avacado
Beans
Blueberries, cranberries, raspberries
Broccoli

Cinnamon
Coconut/ coconut oil

Cocao- chocolate bars that are at least 75% cocao

Oats
Oranges

Peanut Butter
Pumpkin
Salmon
Soy
Spinach
Tea (green or black)
Tomatoes
Turkey

Nuts
Yogurt

Most of them you can get creative with, but here are a few ideas.

1. My kids don't like blueberries, but you can blend them up and make smoothies- banana, yogurt, throw in some blueberries!

2. I hide spinach in everything. Chop it up finely and throw it in scrambled eggs, a casserole, or last night i hide it in their quesadillas. It's tasteless.

3. I have a cup of green tea every morning.

4. Walnuts- same thing. Chop them up and put them in cookies. You can puree this stuff too so it's completely invisible.

5. We've also replaced our regular milk with Almond Milk. Just for cereals and recipes... its not so great to chug down a glass. The kids didnt even notice.

6. Anytime we have Mexican... get some guacomole and you can hide it in tacos! So easy to make

Here is a chocolate chip cookie recipe using garbanzo beans (chick peas) from Jessica Seinfields Deceptively Delcious cookbook.

Super Foods are basically how you get the most bang for your buck and pack in your punch. They are loaded with huge amounts of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3s.

They have been proven to reduce cholestoral, risks of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, and even put you in a better mood!!

So, if you call and ask me to go to McDonalds, I'll always say yes. But, if you come to my house for dinner.... it's going to be SUPER!!

Space Savers #2 and My Life

2011-02-22T07:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, if you missed my Space Saver # 1 it is a few posts down and a huge built-in we are currently under construction with! Hopefully, it will be all finished this weekend.
Toys and clothes are also in abundance at our house. So, I have a few rules I live by. If a toy is broken or missing pieces, it goes to Goodwill. If it is also unused and they haven't played with it forever, it goes.
Ikea sells this awesome grid shelf for super cheap, i think $89. They also sell these huge plastic toy bins for 1.99. You can't find a better deal, I have looked! They are perfect for toddlers b/c they are sturdy, big, and you can write the toys that go in them. This is great for clean up b/c they know where to put the toys.

I have also packed up the opposite season of clothes and put them under each persons bed in our house. Big Lots sells these awesome clear, zippered, under the bed storage bags! They are 2 for $5. Again, you can't beat that deal anywhere. I love them and they have one for each gender!

Miss Mackenzie got her first haircut. It was basically just a trim, but here are pics for the grandparents =) She thinks she is one big 2 year old! And yes, we took advantage of the Great Clips 7.99 haircuts, I think they did a fabulous job, ha! Here is the before..

Here is the after, yes she has swoopy bangs and I love them!!

And, this was my fun Mom's Night Out with my Canton Mom's group. Our babies have known eachother since birth and we all still try and do an occasional playgroup and dinner out alone! We went to the Alpine Bakery Restaurant in Roswell, Ga and it was absolutely amazing.

Peggy...Amber and KristenAnd me, Susan, and Lisa are not pictured.... I got distracted by my dessert! I love you girls! Yes, I'll have my cake and eat it too thankyouverymuch! That's been our past week! I still need to post pics of more storage tips and Davids room!

Perspective

2011-02-21T13:36:00.000-08:00

While I complain about our grocery bill or get bored with our dinner menu, 58% of Haiti's population is undernourished. And every day, 16,000 children will die from a hunger related cause. And it's not just Haiti.... maybe this will change your dinnertime blessing, it has mine!

And the next time I go to complain about how many kids I want and when I want them.... I will remind myself to look at this. Some countries have a 50% infant mortality rate. Can we really say we are suffering? I think suffering in America has a whole different definition than what the rest of the world might deem as suffering. Children are definitely a gift from the Lord, how am I treating my gifts?

And I know I can find myself complaining about my wardrobe, space in my house, or that gas is too high. But, here are some real problems people carry around:

7.6 million people will die of cancer this year

220 million have diabetes

1.8 million people died of AIDS last year

33.3 million people are living with AIDS

Am I thanking God for the health or myself and my loved ones?

And, while we may have disagreements and issues with our spouses.... some do not view marriage as a vowed lifelong commitment. Am I praying for my marriage and investing time and energy into it?

41% of people will divorce in their first marriage

60% of people will divorce in their second marriage

73% of people will divorce in their third marriage.

And while we complain about our finances, retirement, college funds, ect....

1 in every 200 homes will foreclose

The average consumer debt is $7,800 per person in your household, NOT including real estate

33% of this debt is totally consumer debt, aka credit cards

67% of this debt is auto loans, student loans, ect.

and the average new car loan is $27,000

and 1 in every 160 people will file bankruptcy

Am I trusting God will my money, making wise choices about spending, and honoring God with my tithe?

It is all about perspective. YOU can change your perspective. And you can pray and ask God to bring His truth and help you with your perspective.

We are reading, Death by Suburbs and I have been thinking about all of this. Here is an email from our group leader that asked some great questions.
The Bible is clear that we will all face tribulation. We don’t have to go looking for trouble in order to legitimize our faith, and we absolutely don’t want to confuse getting a bad parking place with suffering. We live in a fallen world and suffering will touch us all- guaranteed. We don’t know what that tribulation will look like- chronic illness, premature death of a loved one, job loss, etc- but when it comes, God will expect us to ‘stand firm until the End.’
Given the following four options (1) an attack from the devil, (2) discipline from God, (3) the result of living in a fallen and sin-filled world, (4) you reap what you sow, how do you tend to view the pain/suffering/disappointment you experience in life? If you say, “it depends on the circumstances,” then how do you decide which theory fits a particular circumstance? How does your perspective influence the way you respond to pain/suffering/disappointment?

Are we having a pity party for our life? I know I do sometimes. Satan truly wants to kill, steal, and destroy your life.
I need to get over it, pull my bootstraps up, and focus on the blessings God has poured out in my life. While at the same time, extending my arms out to those really in need and raising my children to live self-lessly and help those around us.

Connected

2011-02-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

I have to read books or my brain feels like it's turning to mush being around babies all day!

And among lots of answered prayers recently, God has answered a big prayer since we've moved here: connection.

We have found a home at Stonebridge Church here in Marietta and joined a weekly small group. I also joined a huge Mom's Bible Study at Church of the Apostles that meets weekly. I can't tell you how incredible it has been to have 2 consistent groups studying God's Word with. I love that we are meeting people and I love that I am constantly being reminded of the truth throughout the week. When we were on staff with a college ministry for 2 years, one of the biggest values we have pulled away is being immersed in a community of believers. We naturally find ourselves around non-christians b/c that is our passion, but it is hard to build up an intentional environment where we are not only finding our own friendships, but the kid's parents our children will be friends with too.
Here is the book we are reading with our small group.
Death by Suburbs- Keeping the suburbs from killing your soul. I am loving this one!
The moms bible study I am in is reading, The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elisabeth Elliot.
It is fantastic so far. I love anything by her. Because if you can have your husband sphered by a tribe and then move back and lead them all to Christ.... I'll listen to anything you have to say!

Anyway, I'll let you know my reviews on these books after I finish. I have just had to MAKE time to read. It was my excuse for years and now its baloney. I cut back my time on the computer and television and there is plenty of time! And spent way more importantly!

The Last Days

2011-02-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

We were apart of an amazing small group when we lived in Canton with North Point Community Church. We not only naturally clicked with everyone in the group, we all lived close to eachother and really did life together. Everyone was so open and we experienced seeing people be real. Our friendships have remained and for that I am blessed.

One of my dear friends from the group, Sara, has had a tremendous year. And by tremendous, I mean going through major hardships and still clinging so close to God. Sara's mother has been battling cancer and specifically, the past year it has gone downhill. You can read Sara's blog here about her family's journey through fighting this. Also on top of this, she found out that her 1 1/2 year old son has severe to profound loss of hearing. Meaning that he is mostly deaf.

Sara is a huge woman of faith in my life because despite dealing with her mother, who by the way also lives far away, Sara has packed up her 2 small children and made the drive over and over to go be with her mom. When she is at home recently, all she is dealing with is her son's doctor appointments and figuring out her son's future.

And today it happened. Sara got called home last week to be with her mother and sent the following email today:

"...For those of you I have not had the opportunity to talk to, I was called home last week to be with mom as her condition had severely worsened since my last trip 10 days before. I am heartbroken to share these are her final days but feel very fortunate to be able to love on and take care of her while she is still with us. We have chosen to keep her at home, but hospice is stopping by to make sure she is as pain free as possible.

Since many of you have asked how we are...we're getting by. Let's just say God's grace has been sufficient! There have been many tears and the heartbreak at times is unbearable, but there has also been laughter and love! "...

Would you please join me in prayer for my friend Sara? My heart physically hurts for her and her family. I can't imagine spending the last days with my mother. I know she would appreciate any encouraging comments in the days ahead. Sara is a loving, truthful friend and her mother has fought an inspiring battle.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4:16 KJV

XOXO

2011-02-14T19:30:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day was lovely with my sweet little family.

We spent the day at with the kid's playgroup and had a Valentine Swap. And it was adorable. It was sweet to watch the kids exchange the valentines, sometimes they would hug and say, "I love you." Ha! They were precious, precious babies!!

I've been meaning to post this pic of the kids doing what they do best, running wild.

Today, David drew himself for me. He may be an artist, huh?

My mom used to make these cookies all the time, so it's my new Valentine tradition to make them for my kids and their friends. They are very holidayish and so yummy!

Meringue cookie recipe

Tim came home with a new jacket for me today, some candy, and we had a candlelight dinner. Before you get jealous, we had our toddlers spilling food, blowing out candles, and interrupting any conversation we might have had! But, we just smiled at each other and soaked in our little children.

We kind of celebrated this weekend by going on a Marriage Retreat. It was Friday to Saturday and it was a christian counseling team in Marietta that came to our church. They lectured, gave exercises, individual time, couple time, and then counseling sessions. It was truly amazing and so needed. We have been through a lot together and have known eachother for 11 years. We are about to celebrate 7 years of marriage and decided to do this because honestly, it's been hard recently. Constant stress from change can wear a couple down.

Boy, was it an answer to prayer. I could literally blog forever about what we learned, ways to communicate better, tools, problem identifiers, ect.... but, I am still digesting so much. All I know is that we are on the same page. We feel unified. We feel stronger. We feel open and encouraged and ready for this new adventure we are embarking on. And mostly, we feel thankful.

One huge thing I keep thinking about from the retreat is this. It's so simple, yet so profound. I think I momentarily forgot that we are in the middle of a spiritual warfare. Our marriages are also in the middle of a spiritual warfare. Look around. Look at the media. What do they portray as a healthy marriage? Affairs, homosexuality, lying, there is no respect for either spouse, your spouse being a roommate or a paycheck, or just the father of your children.

It's really sad. And the truth is, there is an enemy. And he is trying to destroy your marriage. With all of the things above. John 10:10 says, "the thief (satan) has come to kill, steal, and destroy. I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly."

That's straight from the Word, people. Your marriage is under attack. It's God's most holy covenant to man.... of course Satan is going to attack and feed you lies.

Being reminded of this truth is a game-changer for me. It was a slap in the face of saying, Get on the same page now!!

And God answers those prayers. He'll bring you together, for better or worse. And we've had a lost of worse. For sickness and health and for richer or poorer. God knew these things were going to happen and the question is, will you fight? will you fight for your relationship with God and fight for your marriage with the man you vowed to?

I hope that your Valentine's Day was extra special this year, I know mine was!

Here is Tim and I's first Christmas together. I love looking at old photos. We laugh at them... we were so blissfully unaware of what life had ahead for us.

Happy Valentines Day sweetheart. I love you and you are my lifelong partner and best friend.

Tim's Big Break

2011-02-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

Today is the day we can share our news!
I did have several friends call and email to see what in the world was going on now! My favorite question was rhetorical and asking people what they thought we were up to. The best response was from my friend Anna...... that we were moving to Africa!
I love it. But, it's not that outrageous.

So, to preface. Tim has found his passion. He loves the industry he is in, thriving in it, and fully embraced the technical hands on work he is doing. Praise the Lord! Back in the summer, Tim was doing some contract HVAC work with a family friend named Richard. Richard has been in the industry for over 10 years and then began running his own company 7 years ago. He is a Christian and has run the company debt free. He has built up his business and slowly made steps over the years to be able to grow. Anyway, Tim worked for him this summer while going to school and renovating the house. Tim took a job with a big company at the end of the summer.

Well, Tim and Richard have kept in touch and a few weeks ago he approached Tim with his plan. He wants to launch the company. Hire crews, have an office, grow the company. And.....
he wants Tim to be his business partner.

Richard is the brains of the company and a brilliant technician. His vision for Tim is to go under his wing and learn everything he knows, but to have Tim bring in his Sales experience, people skills, and grow and market the company like crazy! Which Tim loves and is really good at. He is by nature a motivator and very extroverted.

I think the 2 of them are going to run one amazing company. So, we are very excited and ready for this adventure!
The longer this decision has sat with us, the more clear it has become. We have had so much change and were not planning on making this kind of change.
But honestly, when Tim came home and told me (this was right after our open house and a miscarriage that followed), I don't get Wife of the Year. My first response was, "Shut-up." And then followed by, "Wait, are you serious?" And then followed by, "I hate you." Obviously, I was a little rattled by anymore change brought in our path. Even though this was an amazing opportunity.

But, what do you do when an amazing opportunity comes along? Not take it because you don't want change? And won't there always be a greener pasture? Do you always seek it or do you just be? And be content? At what point do you stop making changes?
These are all the questions we have wrestled with and pleaded to God to show up. In the end, we feel as though we have made the wisest decision for Tim to take the partnership. And it's a great long term plan for our family. The potential of the company and his partnership could be such a blessing! Even though the next few months may be a logistical nightmare, we feel as though this is a great long term move with deep commitment. And we are all about making roots right now. Church roots, friend roots, house roots, and career roots.

A family can't thrive in limbo. For a short time, but it indeed produces and breeds stress. We have lived under that alot. Decision making times are gut wrenching. It is hard on a marriage. But, sometimes it is just part of life. You can stay in limbo for a short time, but make every effort to get out of it as soon as possible.
We are going on a marriage retreat this weekend. It is to get counsel and strengthen where you are. I know if Tim and I have made it through the past 7 years, specifically the past 12 months... we can make it through this little adventure.

There are so many un-knowns and that tends to bring fear. Again, fear is not from the Lord, so we embrace this opportunity and I am praying for peace, grace with my husband, and God's hand to be on us... and with us.
Grace is a funny thing. We want it so bad, but it is so hard to give..... I've had so many conversations with my girlfriends about grace. When you feel like you've given all the grace you can.... give more grace. Give extra grace. Our husbands need it. Our children need it. And, our marriages need it. When the rubber meets the road.... are you gonna bail or give more grace?
I am really proud of Tim, he has worked really hard and I feel like this is his "Big Break."

So, no Africa, but hellooooooo entrepreneurship! So for all your HVAC needs in the Atlanta area, I have a great recommendation.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-09T11:53:00.000-08:00

Space Saving Rescue #1

2011-02-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

Okay! Space Savers to the rescue!! We've had some great ideas to create space in our tiny little cottage over here! We have 1200 square feet and 2 closets. Yes I said 2 closets. Two of the bedrooms have closets, but they are small. I have a husband,toddler, preschooler, and a dog! So, to make as much room space and have a simplistic clutter free space, we've had to get creative! I have a few great ideas, but here is the first I will post about.

In our eating area, we have a wide open space! Tim did a cased opening to our family room so we have a very large "main area" in our house! Going from the main area to our kitchen, Tim is going to build these. They will be on each side of the open doorway. They are going to be quite simple and a HUGE space saver! We are just looking for a few cabinets for the base, then he will use the wood and trim to make shelves and make them "built-in". I also love the bead board they added behind. We are possibly going to make one side of these a dual desk/office space. All of our projects always start with..."I mean this can't be rocket science... we'll figure it out."
For me, this is where I will put (in the cabinets): office supplies, movies, books, gift wrapping supplies and cards, in and out going mail, and to put some of my pretty breakable decorative stuff out. No little hands can reach =)
So, this is my picture we are going to use for our basic idea.... what'dya think?!
This is my Valentines gift from Tim and I'm so excited. Wow, you know you are getting old when you want a home construction project for a present. Ha!
I'll be photographing our progress!

Grieving Lost Plans

2011-02-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

God has really blessed and answered many prayers over here. But first and before I dive into our future, I wanted to post about how I have been processing our past a little...
Everyone has hopes, dreams, and desires for their future. Sometimes, for whatever reason, God choses a different path and answers prayers differently. In our eyes, sometimes the plans are better, sometimes they are worse, and sometimes it makes no sense.

Either way, if you walk with the Lord, you know that He is good. You know that He will provide, take care of you, and give you the best for your life. Your circumstances may be opposite of that, but you know that He is with you and is Lord of your life. Even when things have been at the bottom for us, we have hope that God is with us. I constantly have just claimed Emmanuel: God With Us, for the past year of our lives. Because even though we have not had the answers and our future looked not so bright, we knew God was with us. And knowing that can give you the peace that passes all understanding.

All that to say, I have really learned in a healthy way to grieve plans that are lost. I think that it's healthy. You think life is supposed to be a certain way, and when you are wrong.... you have to let go and say goodbye to what you thought your plans were. Just like you would grieve a death of a loved one, it's okay to grieve things, hopes, and wishes that maybe aren't coming true yet. Do you give up hope? No. But, it is a constant reminder that "You Lord, are in control and Lord of my life. I grieve my disappointment that things aren't going my way."

I've had to grieve and let go of a lot. Yes, many babies, but even after miscarriages: the due dates, milestones, and seeing others progress in front of you. Moreso than that kind of loss, the loss of where you thought you would be. I am 29, is this where I wanted to be with my life? I know so many who are dealing with loss of so many things: losing health of yourself or a loved one, losing a house, losing a job, losing a mother, losing the battle of fertility, losing the abilty to have more children, losing the control of when to have more children, losing the "security" of your 5 year plan.
Grieve those things.
I have had to grieve the loss of tims job, the loss of our house, the loss of the new house we almost signed a contract on the day before tim lost his job. The loss of community we had in our old neighborhood. The loss of friends due to distance. The loss of friends b/c I don't think some can handle my life. The loss of being where I "thought" we should be when we were almost 30.

I share all this as a lesson learned in hindsight for me. Everytime our plans have fallen through, I have grieved them, been sad about them, tried to learn from them, and asked God to give me more hopes and dreams.... knowing they may or may not come true. If I had not grieved all the loss and changes we have gone through, I really might be a crazy person. Some might still argue that =)
But, it is so healthy. And you will feel a little dumb to grieve something that is intangible. But, you have to let go, move on, and tell God you are still on board. And you are ready for more. Because as my mama always says, "And this too shall pass..."
Let them pass.

If you hang on to those things, they will always follow you around. You will constantly ask, What If? And say, Well if this would have happened... And you will carry around your fallen-through plans and be bitter.

Life is too short to be bitter. Jesus has hopes to make you prosperous and successful. For us, He has. He has shown up in a big way. And I am grateful I have grieved every loss along the way. It makes His blessings that much more of a blessing. And we learn to give thanks, no matter what the circumstances.

This may not make sense to some, but for many.... it's right where you are.

Glycerin

2011-01-31T20:06:00.000-08:00

Our fork in the road has reached a solution and a very clear path! My advice and answer to everything is, "Run, Baby, Run!!" Just get yourself a one-way plane ticket and disappear! Haha. While this humor may not amuse some.... I have had a lot of fun telling everyone that's what I'm gonna do. Anyway, our new path is a little complicated so I can share as soon as we can smooth out all the details and tie it in a bow. It's really not a big change persay in our life, just a switch of focus and an opportunity that we couldn't turn down. Can't go viral with it yet due to the chain of communication we have to go down. If you are really dying to know you can call me though!
Until then, I have one last homemade post, pics of Davids new room coming soon, and some great organizational things I have found for super cheap!

Okay, last homemade post! If you really like the whole soap idea.... you can also have fun with bar soaps instead of just the liquid body wash. Glycerin can be melted down, you can add whatever you want to it or do color layers, and then pour it into a mold and it will re-harden. Most people grind up oatmeal or add some lavender to it. You can also add a few drops of oil and you have beautiful, handmade soaps! If you Google Image "homemade soaps" tons of pictures will come up! Micheals also sells a goat milk soap base and you can use that instead of the glycerin. If you missed the past few posts, make sure you check out how to make all of your own cleaners below!
Aren't these soaps pretty?

Household Cleaners

2011-01-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

Here are the cleaners I swear by! They are saving our family tons and more than that, they are chemical free! Not only are they pennies on the dollar to make, it's fun to get your kids involved with making the cleaners. You also don't have to worry about any chemicals since everything below is all natural!

Make sure water is really hot when mixing to get everything dissolved!

Also, just an FYI I learned while researching this, do not EVER mix vinegar and bleach. I do not use bleach any more, but together they make a toxic chorine gas. Just wanted to throw that out there if anyone was feeling real creative =)

Here is a link to the Homemade Laundry Detergent we've been using too.

All Purpose Cleaner (Kitchen, Bathrooms, Floors, ect.)

Cleans awesome, no streaking, love this.

6 T vinegar

1 T borax

1 T dish soap (*To make window cleaner, use same recipe & omit dish soap)

2 C hot water

1 drop lemon oil (to mask the vinegar smell, if you can deal with it, you dont have to use this)

Its sold at Micheals and you can buy any scent you want.

Pour all liquids in spray bottle, then add powder. Shake to mix well.

White Vinegar from Publix. around $2 or $3 dollars

Here is what the all purpose looks like, it will be tinted whatever color your dishsoap is!

Dish Soap and Body Wash- yes it cleans so well to do the dishes, but all natural and moisturizing for skin. You'll be hooked after you shower with it!

One thing to note: it is more liquidy than store bought. It will thicken a little when water cools.

Its all safe, organic, and natural... so it cleans dishes... and you!

1/4 c grated soap (Ivory or Dove) ...less than half a bar of soap)

1 T vinegar

2 C hot water

1/4 c melted glycerin ... half the bar cut up and microwave for 20 seconds

* Glycerin sold at Publix for 99 cents on the soap isle!

Grate soap and mix with hot water.Shake until dissolves. Pour in glycerin and add vinegar. It will be very liquidy, but as it cools will thicken! Here is a picture of the process...

Jewelry Cleaner

1 T salt

1 T baking soda

1 T vinegar

1 C hot water

1 sprinkle of borax

mix, shake it up. And amazing jewelry cleaner!

Furniture Polish

100% pure Lemon Oil Polish- only place I've found this is Ace Hardware for 7.99 However, this bottle will last you until you die. A drop goes a mile. And its not an oily oil... its just amazing. It makes your furniture look like its been waxed and oiled. Seriously amazing and a great smell. Its yellow liquid in a clear bottle.

*This is also the product that will make hard water (white drops) on your shower "disappear". Nothing will ever remove hard water stains b/c they are etched into the glass, but lemon oil will absorb it for 1 to 2 weeks and make glass clear. So great!

Air Fresheners

Fill a bottle half way of vinegar and the other half water

At first you will smell vinegar, but it absorbs odors and after about 10 minutes, your house will smell cleaner and fresher.

After I do this, I either simmer in a pan, or you can use a tart burner:

Orange Peels

a few sprinkles of cinnamon

It makes your house smell amazing! Always go for natural scents from fresh flowers or fruit rinds. It is a more natural way of freshening your home! (That and my husband gets headaches from Yankee Candle =)

Happy Home Day!

Having Outlets

2011-01-27T13:22:00.000-08:00

Our situation will be solved by Monday, so I will have the story then. Please continue to pray that God would shine light on His path. I feel as though we have had a few breakthroughs and lots of outside wisdom. I've been under a lot of stress recently, so I've decided to start some projects and not think about my situation!

Haha, great advice from the future counselor, but it's really helped to just focus on something else and do something fun. I have been organizing like crazy and have some awesome and cheap ways to organize. My friend told me today I could write a book on organization after losing 1,000 square feet of house! ha!

I also just completey re-hauled Davids room. He had huge furniture in there that was perfect in his old room, but did not fly in Nellie Mae. I will post pics and my deals.

Lastly, my newest and best project has been making homemade cleaners!

Please don't write me off that I am crazy. I'm not having 12 babies, homeschooling, and growing all our own food. Sorry if those are your plans. But, I do clean houses on the side and I've realized 2 things. Cleaners are kinda expensive. And they have some really harsh chemicals in them.

I have tested all mine to the max, and let me tell you that not only do they clean JUST as good, they are 100% natural and organic.

The first one I want to share is homemade laundry detergent. It is obviously free of dyes and chemicals and I use it on all our clothes, even the small childrens. Doesnt irritate skin.

Let me tell you how cheap it is first.

A box of Borax is $2 at Publix.

A box of washing soda is $3 at Publix.

Fels Naptha soap is 99 cents.

The lady that did the demonstration on it has had both boxes of cleaners for 1 whole year and has a family of 4. Whoa. You do the math!

The soap is the only thing you have to buy every time you make it. So far, one recipe seems to last 2 months. Isn't that crazy?!! That's $5 per year and 99 cents every couple months:

Here is how!

1/2 c of Borax

1/2 c washing soda

1 bar of Fels Naptha soap

*Publix keeps all 3 of these items next to eachother on the laundry isle. Near the stain remover section.

Anyway, you put the powders into a blender or food processor, chop the soap up into ice cubes and then put it on top of the power. Blend until it is completely smooth and looks like detergent. (It is white and khaki colored).

Get this. You only need 1 Tablespoon per load, 2 Tablespoons if its very soiled. I do 2 b/c my babies are messy!

I hope you try it, it will save your family TONS of money! I do lots of laundry! That's why I tried it out b/c it was worth the risk of seeing if it worked and i LOVE it! it also smells great! My sister learned it at a MOPS meeting and we've been doing it. So don't think Im super.

I have more awesome things and I will post soon.

A Fork in The Road

2011-01-25T09:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all the messages, notes, and phone calls about the miscarriage. I know it is not really a PC thing to talk about, but many women suffer and many women suffer in silence. This is one of the areas of my life I chose to write about because I feel it reaches many women. And we are doing just fine. As heartless as it may sound, I am used to miscarriages and the recovery, used to change and transition, and feel like it has made me bounce back quicker. I also have hope that as God always has, he will expand and grow our family in His timing, not mine. It's a lesson he has taught me several times so I will be faithful and praise Him in this storm.

During all of this mess, we've had another fork in the road come up and I am asking for your prayers.
We have 2 paths right now and are praying for God to direct us and show us the right one. It does not have to do with babies or anything like that and I will be able to expound later.

A decision has to be made whether we chose the path we are currently on or we take the fork. Either way we have to decide. We feel like we have little clarity right now and are waiting for God to show up and make our choice very clear. It's a positive thing and a blessing we feel either way. We just want God's best, we don't want to settle, and after everything we've been through.... we aren't going to take the easier path. The hard road has been hard, but worth it.
I know I've griped about how hard our life has been the past year, but I'd like to point out the blessings God has poured out b/c of it:

He sold our house at $200,000 in 13 days. The house value dropped and is currently at $170,000. Praise the Lord. ( I know for us, not the buyers....)
He provided Tim a new career and a fully funded scholarship to get his degree in it
Tim has never been happier and feel as though this is his life long industry
We were able to renovate a house from bare bones.
Our house only costs half of what it's worth is b/c of the renovations
We learned and did things we didn't know how to do.
We have no debt through this process and will pay off our house in 5 years.
We have 2 healthy children and I feel like my loss has shown me my career for later in life
I am living my dream of being a stay at home mother
He has also blessed my little house cleaning business with 5 families I adore

I have to remind myself of our long term progress and know that God is taking us somewhere. I have to remind myself of these blessings and His faithfulness during trials and decision making times.
So there, there was optimistic Jen. Please pray as God has clearly put this fork in our road we would do the right thing and know. Know and have no doubts. These are the verses I am claiming:
I love the KJV on this one.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things that thou knowest not.

Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans of a man's heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails

And my sweet mother in law gave me this verse b/c I feel as though we have lost fortunes along the way of this whole process...
Psalms 126:4-6
Restore to us our fortunes O Lord, like streams in the desert.
Those who sow in tears will reap songs of joy.
He who goes out weeping and carrying seeds to sow, will return with songs of joy carrying sheaves with him
Please pray for us.

Our Story of Loss Part 2 and 3

2011-01-16T21:55:00.000-08:00

I am 29 and I have had 4 pregnancies and 1/2 a dozen babies. Only 2 of them so far God has chosen to give us on Earth, so I think I might need a babysitter in heaven.
David was a normal, healthy pregnancy. I assumed everyone just got pregnant right away and had a perfectly, healthy, full term pregnancy.

When David was 9 months old, we experienced our first miscarriage and you can read about that one here.

We quickly became pregnant with Mackenzie after my twin miscarriage #1. We soon discovered Mackenzie had a fraternal twin that was not going to make it. Thus, I began miscarriage #2 while I was still pregnant with Mackenzie. Also, commonly called the Vanishing Twin miscarriage. I was bummed my body seemed to not be able to carry twins.

Due to life circumstances (our house selling, Tim losing his job, Tim going back to school and starting his HVAC career, us renovating a house, and trying to keep our marriage strong and our kid's lives normal) we delayed having another baby until now.

One might ask, why the heck don't you just be done?!! We have both always wanted 3 kids. Both of us. I refuse to not have a baby out of fear. Fear is not from the Lord. If I lived in fear, I would have not made many choices in my life. We fight to not live in fear.

Understanding that, we found out on Christmas we were pregnant, unplanned. We had not started trying yet. The month I had strep throat, it messed my cycle up and we ended up pregnant. Those high temps and antibiotics will getcha every time.

Anyway, after getting over the shock, a bad feeling just set in. Call it mother's intuition, but I knew something wasn't right. Thus, we did not tell anyone over the holiday. I went to the doctor and after bloodwork, they told me everything was fine. We went through New Years and our Open House, but I still had a bad feeling and had not leaked our news out. I woke up January 3 and knew something was wrong. I called the doctor and they had me come in immediately.

At my 7 week ultrasound I found out I was having a miscarriage. Miscarriage # 3. The medical name for this one was a blighted ovum. You get pregnant and a sac for the baby starts growing, but the baby never forms, or stops quickly after forming. The body recognizes it is not going to be healthy and rejects it.

So, after finding out we were surprise pregnant and then miscarrying, my body kind of took a roller coaster ride, and then to make it worse I turned 29. just kidding. but, boo.

Anyways, I'm "back to normal" or whatever that means and we will prayerfully make another attempt in the future. My doctors say I am totally healthy. They only worry when you have a repetitive miscarriage occurring with the same reasons. Mine are all different, I am the statistic.
Doctors say I obviously get pregnant very easy and one other good thing, my body can pick the healthy babies to carry to term. Good news I guess??

Again, if you haven't read my below post, God has pushed me to the point of truly living as a sacrifice for Him, a testimony of his gifts and a testimony of loss. The good and bad, the pretty and the ugly, the easy and the hard. These miscarriages are part of what has shown me what God wants me to do with my life, and for that I am thankful.

We've had a lot of hard. But, a sermon that has spoke to me, pushes me on because of this.

Jesus said,

Follow Me.

That's it. Follow Him. And along the way, all we want to do is backseat drive Jesus and say, "Where are we going?" "When are we going to get there?" "How much longer until we get there?" "Why don't we go this way?" "You are going too slow" or "You are going too fast."

You get the point.

That is me. I am all of those.

But, I am following Jesus and trying to help others along the way. He has a plan. He has a purpose. He knows where He is going. And He wants us to Follow Him.

Please pray for Tim and I. In the past 2 weeks, we've had life throw a lot more on our plate that I am still trying to digest and can't talk about yet. Some days I feel that I'm at the end of my rope...Thanks to all my fam and friends and blog support buddies out there!

What do you want to be?

2011-01-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

I think this blog post might shed some light on who I really am. It's taken me several years to really articulate what drives me, where my passion is, and how God has designed me.

I think I often come across as "too open". I can make people uncomfortable very quickly with things that I like to talk about. Marriage, intimacy, fertility, loss, and family issues are topics that I could sit and discuss for hours. I have to consciously make efforts to not ask people very personal questions...

Those topics make people feel awkward, uncomfortable, embarrassed, or just silent. Many people don't want to talk about any of those things and are bewildered at why on earth I take extreme interest in them.

Honestly, I think for a few reasons. One, it's just who I am. I feel like I am wired emotionally to hash through issues most people want to bury. Two, I think it's because I have been through a lot myself and feel relevent and emphathetic to people who are going through these things. And three, I've prayed for a while God would help me discover my passion to pursue later when my babies start school so I can work!

A licensed Christian counselor with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling. That is what I would like my title to be one day. It will take me 2 years and 1 year of practice to achieve my goal.
When and how I don't know, but I feel like it is who I am. If you know me, a light bulb may turn on for you and think..... that's why Jennifer is so wierd! Ha! But, in all seriousness, I hope it clicks for you how it did for me. I love to open the can, take it all out, talk about it, bring truth to it, and call it what it is.

It began for me in college. I loved being an RA and hearing and talking to every woman that lived on my hall about issues. I also loved doing Bible studies with them. I got my Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice because I thought law school might be a good avenue and at the time was focused on juvenile justice. Thus, my internship at the Department of Juvenile Justice. I was fascinated by all of the family issues and marriage problems I encountered then. That's where this desire started and grew.

When Tim and I went on staff full time with a college ministry for 2 years, that's why I really put it all together. Being on the Christian side of these issues was a whole different ball game. I found not only was I in the middle of people's life issues, I got to see Christ change hearts, minds, and lives.

Anyway, I'm not venturing out tomorrow for my degree, but feel a peace that God has a plan for my life now and later.... my ministry will always be #1 for my kids, but I was not put on this Earth to be just a mom, but a follower of God. I'm praying as I sort through all of this, God would continue to give me wisdom and opportunities to help others.

I hope even now my blog makes more sense. I constantly crave open-ness, confrontation, truth, and share the messy issues of life. We've had another messy part of life come up dealing with loss that I hope to share in the coming weeks. I just hope now people will understand the way I'm wired a little more...... I just like to talk about the messy issues of life and bring light into them.
That's me, take it or leave it :/

Willis Winter Update!

2011-01-11T13:59:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a while so I'll do a picture post to show you what our winter has been like so far! I've honestly been a little fragile recently, ha! We've had so many events occur in the past 9 months and I think everything just sunk in a little with me. Our Christmas was very fun and we kicked off the new year with an Open House of our completed home renovation, which was very special. Don't get me wrong: I am in a very thankful state, but just the transition of selling a home in 2 weeks, my husband losing his job, God re-directing and sending him back to school, now Tim in a full blown new career, renovating this house, raising toddlers, finding a new church in Marietta, new friends, and starting a new year..... it's been a lot to process! I think I just kind of had a "go with it" mentality and so much change happened so fast, now that we are settled.... I ask myself, "what just happened?" I may be able to verbalize better in the next few months our new life and our relentless passion to follow God wherever he leads. I feel like sometimes we are so young and have had so much life crammed into our years! ha! I know God doesn't give you more than you can handle, but the trick is..... God knows what your max is and you don't. I had no idea we'd be stretched to what we've been stretched to. I truly praise God for walking step by step with us.

So, here is my winter slideshow so far:
Our cozy little cottage all snowed in. Although we've been a little stir crazy, we're thankful to be snowed in together. We've filled the days with movies, art projects with the kids, cooking, sledding, and doing everything we can think of with the snow =)
Here is a couple pictures from our Open House we had on January 2. This is my favorite room in the house. We have beautiful bright windows and it opens up to the living room and kitchen.
Here is Miss Mackenzie's nursury. I've delayed the photos b/c 2 weeks ago, her crib was in here. She jumped out at 15 months and I put a crib tent on top. After her putting holes in the crib tent, she's a fiesty one, we moved her into a toddler bed! She I had to completely redo her room again! Here it is for now!
Our sweet neighbor, and also family, brought me this at our Open House. I burst into tears (have I mentioned I'm fragile recently?) It is a picture of the real Nellie-Mae. My great grandmother! It is who we named our whole house renovation after. She and her husband Arnold raised 11 children in a 3 bedroom house and built houses all over Marietta. I love this picture of her and it is really special.This is our family Christmas tree. My favorite thing about it is how the lights reflect off our hardwood floors. I am still so in love with the floors in our home. They are 60 year old wide plank pine floors and I can't get enough of them.
Tim sold his Honda and now drives a pick up truck! His sales car days are over and this pick up is a much better fit for his HVAC industry and our property!! (Our 1 acre lot requires a lot of maintenence!) And, everyone knows we have to have a good deal on everything. Would you believe Tim bought this truck for $1300? He did so good.
I tried to make a snow angel, but the thick layer of ice on the ground kept that from happening. My kids thought it was really funny. I was laughing, but when I got up from my numbness, realized ice cut me on the back! Oh well.

We made snow ice cream of course...

And Tim builds fires like its his job. He wanted to see if he could build one out of frozen, wet wood. Of course he did and David loved every second.

Family sledding

I'll try and post more pics soon! It's been really nice to kick the new year off with a break! I am not loving the single digit temps that are coming this way, but having kids has brought a lot of fun to our days snowed in!
Almost forgot this pic.... here is one of the kids favorite christmas presents, a 4 wheeler!

Happy trails!

Santa Baby

2010-12-21T13:56:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie is our little Santa Baby. She turned 2 on December 18! It's funny her due date was on Christmas Day, but me the OCD planner induced her a week early so we could be home together for Christmas. (If she were our firstborn I probably would have let her come whenever, but with a 2 year old.... missing Christmas could have been tragic!) And knowing my luck, I would have gone into labor slap during Christmas dinner.

Anyway, it has been SO completely different raising a little girl. I feel like I have 2 extremes. David is as wild of a little boy as you can get. Crazy. Loud. Busy. Active. Wild. But, Mackenzie is a little princess and the most girly, delicate thing you've ever seen. Sensitive. Dramatic. Squealy. Sassy. Attitude. Pink.

It just is so different. And I love that I have gotten to experience both, hard at times, but worth it! Mackenzie has changed all of us. She has stolen her daddy's heart and her brother's also! They are different men because of her. And I am a different mom because of her... I just love Mackenzie and having a daughter is so special. She already wants to take care of mommy. Mackenzie is our little sunshine!

We had a big dinner party for her on her birthday and she loved it! We've also been trying to do fun things together this month. Santa, Christmas Light drives, building gingerbread houses, story times, and making cookies! These are the things I remember when we were small and my mom stayed home with us, so I hope my kids have the same fun memories!

Thanks to everyone for making my little girl's birthday special!

Holly Jolly

2010-12-15T08:17:00.000-08:00

I write holly, jolly with a little bit of sarcasm... the first week of December, I seem to get sick. Last year, I got pneumonia. This year, I got strep throat. I've decided next year, we are going on a cruise and going to peace out during my sick season!

Getting sick wouldn't have been so bad if that was my only issue. I just updated Nellie Mae, but Tim just got our HVAC hooked up this past weekend. So, last week when it was cold and I got sick, my mother in law came over, helped me pack up, and we moved in with them during the week. It was too cold to stay at Nellie Mae! They were so amazing and took care of us, and we were warm! Meanwhile, Tim moved in with my parents b/c they live near his work and he was pulling some serious hours. By the end of the week, miracles were happening. He finished the system, I was well, and we all moved back in together. Let me also tell you about our Refrigerator miracle.

The one we bought off craigslist died. So, Tim was angry about it (he tried fixing it) and he shoved it out the back door and it was laying in our side yard. Nice. Real Nice. My grandma had an extra one we borrowed so we brought it over. Then, my sister called and hooked me up with a brand new one she found for $125. So, we moved that one in and Tim put my grandmas on the front porch.

At this point, we had 3 refrigerators on our property. OH MY GOSH, GET THEM OUT!!

So, my stipulations for moving back home were 1. Heat and 2. Get all the refrigerators off the property. Am I that high maintainence really???

One thing I love and hate about Tim is that he is so ambitious. A little too ambitious at times. He wants to do it all himself and has so many great ideas.... but, fleshing them all out always takes longer than expected. He wanted to take these old refrigerators to the scrap yard and get money for them. So, after we both realized we had more important things on our plate with him working on the HVAC and me recovering than going to the scrap yard.... Some man pulls up into our driveway and asks if he can have the old refrigerators. He was my refrigerator fairy. He made them all disappear!

Other than that, we are at home, getting ready for our open house on January 2 so friends and family can come see Nellie Mae. We are shopping, decorating, and getting pretty festive over here!

Here is some pics of Dec so far: I dyed my hair, visits with my sister and her kids, and our little nephew, Joshua, spent the night!

Happy December!

Tips and a Freebie

2010-11-30T10:48:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year, time to get your Christmas cards together, decorate, and find the perfect gifts! We like to keep things pretty simple over here in the Willis household. The kids always get 3 gifts like Jesus did. We make a birthday cake for Jesus and try to make the holidays really about the birth of our Savior. It's funny how that can get lost when that's what the holiday is really for!
This is a great Christmas for us, we'll be celebrating Christmas in our renovated house! We are very excited and Christmas was a finishing point for us in so many ways. And end to our crazy year. A celebration of our year and what we made it through.

Needless to say, we are days away from taking our family picture with the house this year. To keep it simple, I love using Shutterfly for Christmas card photos! They have so many different styles you have tons of options. They also run sales and are shipped straight to your house, which is the best part. We have used Shutterfly for other holiday gifts, our favorite is the calendar. If you love taking pictures, its a perfect gift to display them. Grandparents love these!
Miss Mackenzie will also be turning 2 this month so it makes it even easier that shutterfly has these birthday invitations. They are perfect because you can choose any theme and have them printed and shipped for just as cheap as invitations from the store.

Good luck pulling out all the Christmas decor. Don't forget to keep the main thing, well the main thing!
If you are a blogger, check out Shutterflys 50 FREE CHRISTMAS CARDS! It's a great present from them!

Jens Fall Favorite Things.

2010-11-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

To preface this post, I'm not pregnant! One might think that with my current fall favorite things!

Hands down. These 4 things are amazing and are making my fall fantastic. And I had to share.

Coconut M and M's. Grab a bag for 50 cents and they'll change your life.

Maxwell House Mochas. It's $2.50 for a whole tin of instant mochas every morning, all week! They are SO good!

For lunch, I am bored to death eating sandwichs, UNTIL i found this Chipotle Mayo from Kraft!!! Now, I will eat anything if it has this on it. It's $2 at Publix and sometimes it goes for B1G1. YUM.

Okay, last but not least! We aren't big alcohol drinkers, but we love having wine with dinner some nights. We just recently got into Prosecco! It's a carbonated, bubbly wine. Very light and good if you aren't a big wine drinker. A lot of people don't think about Prosecco, but it goes so perfectly with all the heavy holiday meals you'll be having. WE LOVE IT!!

Those are my fall favorites right now! Hope they become yours too =)

Road Trip!

2010-11-16T12:58:00.000-08:00

We (me and the kids) took a road trip to see my sis and her fam in Savannah! It was the perfect week because of Tim's crazy schedule and me having the week off from cleaning!

Here are the highlights!

We went to the beach b/c Savannah was almost 80 one day, went picnicking, shopped downtown, and let the kids run wild! Savannah was full of celebrities the week I went. Extreme Home Makeover was there with Ty and his crew, Paula Deen, and Jillian from the Bachelorette. It will air in February.

Like any road trip with toddlers, it was a huge effort to get us all packed and down there, but.... was well worth it! The four of them are almost like siblings, its really sweet. They had such an awesome time together and they were all so good! My sister and I are best friends and we are both cleaning houses on the side. We both are also staying at home w kids until they start school, just like our mom did with us. So it's fun to talk about schoolwork we do at home with them and all the activities we have them in!

I love all 4 of these precious, sweet, angel babies. I can't wait until Thanksgiving to get them all together again!

They might just be the happiest little children on the planet after their week together!

Jonathan- 5, David- 4, Michael- 3, Mackenzie- 2.David and his new best friend toy, "crab". Even though its a lobster.

David took M for a ride in the boys powerwheel

Oh Tim

2010-11-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

Tim is a great father. He loves showing David how tools work and what their names are, explaining how engines run, telling him what freon is, and reading him his HVAC textbooks. It's hilarious because David is interested in everything Tim does and says.
Well, the funny part is watching him with Mackenzie. She thinks her daddy hung the moon. Her cuteness level is always knotched up to the max when daddy is around to hear him Oooo and Ahhh over her!

Here has been our past week of the full time job and full time school!!

Tim gets to work at 7am. He finishes whenever he is done installing the system of the day. Sometimes that is 3 pm, sometimes it is 7pm. Whenever he is done, he drives straight to school and stays until 9p. HVAC school is not like a classroom. Its a huge warehouse with massive systems they install, diagnose, service, and learn on. It's "lab time" and he just has to get so many hours in!
On Fridays HVAC school is closed so we see Tim.....
after 5pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. He makes it home most nights to help bathe the kids and put them to bed. I also made dinner every night last week and transported it up to his school and he came out and we all ate together. I'm sure we looked kinda wierd, but my kids loved it! And so did I!

I have 4 current clients I am cleaning for with my house cleaning business, "MaidFaires." I clean one late Tuesday night when Tim gets home, Wednesday at lunch while the kids hang out with Momo (tims mom), and then Saturday mornings I have 2 families. I clean for all of them every other week so it's really not that hard to manage b/c its one week on, one week off...

As crazy as it is, we are grateful. Tim loves his new job and is thriving in school. I love being able to contribute and also having a mini break from the kids since my days are super long now without tim! This is temporary, school will end in Dec. and then tim will ease up on his class load to where he will only go half of what he is doing now. He also has a full scholarship to school, so praise the Lord we are on a good financial path.
I think long term perspective is key to a hard stage of life. Nothing is forever and sometimes to get through a rough patch, you just gotta pull up your bootstraps and press on!

That's are update, now here is what Tim taught little Mackenzie.

"Mackenzie! What does a kitty cat say?" - "Meow, meow"
"Mackenzie! What does a dinosaur say?" - "RARRRR"
"Mackenzie! What does a doggie say?"- " Arf, arf"
"Mackenzie! What does a birdie say?"- "tweet, tweet"
"Mackenzie! What does mommy say?" - "RARRRR"

Oh, Tim.

Happy Halloween!!

2010-10-30T20:48:00.001-07:00

A few things I need to remember about this halloween. My kids went BIZERK when they got candy. Completely. I almost feel a little bad b/c of their reaction to it. It's like they've never had it before. Granted, we don't have it often, but they seriously flipped out. So funny. We are trick or treating tomorrow night, but today we took them down the street to the Avenue shops to practice there! They were obviously Spiderman and the Fairy Princess. Both fit their personalities to a "T". David was climbing the walls and bouncing off of them and Mackenzie was sassing herself around everywhere thinking the whole event was completely put on for her. She also didn't quite get the "leaving" part. She proceeded to stand with her hand out, i think she got more candy than any child there.

Also, has anyone seen the HP commercial with the baby in the walker. I kinda love it. I found the song and put it on below 1. to annoy the crap out of my husband and 2. that baby is so cute i wanna steal it.

Anyway, Happy Halloween from us!!

Triumphant

2010-10-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

We have great news. Great news.

Tim just accepted a full time job with Casteel Heating and Air. He will be Installing HVAC systems.

Here's how it happened. In the past 2 weeks, Tim has had 2 job offers! One from the company he has been doing some contract work for and the other was Casteel. His professor at school pulled him into his office last week and said the company had contacted the university and wanted 2 recommendations for a full time position they had. The program has 150 students. They picked Tim. Can you believe it??

The ironic thing about it all, is Casteel was Tim's #1 pick. Back in March when he got laid off, he literally interviewed with 13 companies and they all said "No, go to HVAC school." He interveiwed with Casteel and made it to the #2 man, but they told him the same thing. His 4 year college degree was good, but not good enough. So, when he walked in for his interveiw this time around he said, "You told me to go to school... so I did."

It is pretty awesome and God is pretty cool.
Since March we have been in the valley for so long, to the pit of hell and back it seems. Our house sold so fast, Tim lost his job a week before closing, we put all our belongings in storage, we moved in with his parents, we decided to renovate my grandmothers old rental property, we moved into her old condo down the street while we finished it, I started cleaning houses to make ends meet and Tim did some contract work outside of going to school.

But, we made it. We really made it. This whole time one consistent thing that has brought us through, is our solid, steadfast dependence on Jesus Christ. Emmanuel: God With Us. We have claimed that for 8 months. And although this might have been some of the worst 8 months of our lives and marriage, we feel triumphant. We came out closer to eachother and the Lord, we now have an investment property, and by God.... my husband successfully changed careers and landed a job with his number 1 company! I am so proud of him.

The craziness will roll on.... Tim will have 6 weeks left of full time school and now beginning a full time job. He is not finished with school, but can now stretch out the rest of his classes after he finishes this quarter.

Thanks for sharing in our journey... we feel like we are starting over a little, and couldn't be more excited. Here is to new beginnings!!!

Holy Cow at the Willis'

2010-10-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

It's like our life is a joke, except it's not. This stuff really happens to us. I don't know why other than to tell you it's for comedic entertainment for others. That's what I have decided. We are having fun over here. Life is funny and God is good. So, here is an update....

So we sold our white mini van. Guess who bought it??

Thats right. Chick-fil-a called and wanted our van. Our van that Tim called "La Leche Grande" (The Big Milk) is now appropriately "La Vaca Grande" (The Big Cow). It's like it was it's destiny. We think this is hilarious. I have the happiest children in the world b/c their old van is now the chickfila delivery van. I am also the happiest mommy in the world b/c they called and paid full price for my old ride. Thanks chickfila, you really are the best company ever, I did work there for 11 years so its only fitting.

Next, we do not have our internet up yet b/c At&t might be the slowest people ever. I have been doing bigtime life management and unpacking all of our stuff!!! We decided to have a yard sale and low and behold made $600!!! I can't even begin to tell you what the heck I sold, but I went on a big time clean out and got rid of tons of stuff!! Our house may look a little institutional and bare right now, but I love it. It's so clean, small, and simple. I just put up pics of the kitchen finished. I am so in love with this little house. It's like my little doll house.

We have been doing lots of fun fall family activities =) Here is some pics of apple picking, hayrides, pumpkin farms, and my babies. I absolutely am in love with my family and in love with the fall. After the year we have had, the summer of renovating a house, this fall is a sweet time. I am so in love with my husband, and more grateful every day for my precious babies.

Happy Fall!! Sorry if I have not been in touch with you out there, you might have to actually call us if you need us right now since our internet is limited!! Also, Tim was the photgrapher is most of the ones above so he is never in the pics!

David is 4

2010-09-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

David. His name means "beloved." And beloved he is!

He turned 4 on September 19, 2010. I have to say, reading back on my blog about little dave has made me realize what a big boy he is. He has gone from a wild and crazy, out of control little toddler, to an adoring little man.

I think the 3's were huge for him. He learned a lot from having a sister to take care of, we moved, and renovated a house. I also started preschool with him at home. He will always be "Baby David", but I can honestly say he is developing into such a smart, sweet, and fun little boy.

David is a joy. He lights up our life and tells everyone that Jesus is his best friend. I know he'll be a little rock, just like his daddy.

We've come so far with him, birthdays are a milestone marker for me. We battled it out with David and sewed and sewed with him.... now I see the harvest it has reaped in his life.

Don't get me wrong, he still says crazy things, terrorizes but adores his sister, figured out to crank a car and open a gallon of paint this summer...... but, we've come a long way. He has also started to stutter a little bit, but I have read it is common for little boys around this age and then it just goes away. I'm hoping reading and preschool at home will help with this.

I made a slide show last year and his birth story. Also below is one of my favorite David stories where he decided to paint the walls with poop one day...

The Crap Hitteth the Fan

Slide Show of David

This year for his birthday, we had 2 parties for him. We had them at Nellie Mae! His big gift this year was a trampoline for the back yard!!! It is AMAZING! The kids love it and it gets all their energy out! We have no sleeping issues at all b/c they have plenty of exercise! And its perfect.... I'm trying to do something with our 1 acre backyard so the kids can enjoy this weather! Everyone is invited to come jump!

A New Ride

2010-09-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

So here is the deal with our new (er) car, had to post pics for our fam b/c we bought it on our way out of town to Florida!
Our best friends had a friend that was selling this for an incredible deal, like almost half off. So, we decided to sell both our semi-reliable cars for one super reliable car and then just buy tim a little pick up truck for HVAC school.

It's a 2007 Saturn Relay. And by far the nicest car we've ever owned. It's a minivan on the inside, but kind of an SUV on the outside. A Crossover I think. I love it more than my minivan and old 4 Runner.

Anyway, it's the newest addition to our family. It makes driving with my kids and dog a little more fun =)

A Break

2010-09-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

I am hoping to update the blog some this week while we are vacationing at the BEACH, yay! We took a much needed break from renovating our house to go to Florida for the week! David's birthday was yesterday, we got a new(er) set of wheels, and I have pics of everything to put up!

Check out our progress on the house so far, we are proud of our 61 year old baby. Hopefully this trip will give us a second wind to go home and completely finish. We are planning an Open House in October!

Best. News. Ever.

2010-08-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

I only have about 5 seconds, but my dad got the call.... a good call!! He is in the clear!

All his tests came back negative. The cancer is all removed from his back and no cancer cells appeared in any of the lymph nodes that were removed. Wahoo!

Even though it was Stage 1 cancer, it was still cancer and they will watch him. He will still indefinitely be going to the doctor every 3 months to be checked, and has to go back to get his incision checked, but he is doing great!

We are blessed and so grateful that God has lifted this burden and sickness. We pray that it does not return.

Thank you again for all your prayers!

I won.

2010-08-21T05:59:00.001-07:00

First of all, thanks for all the sweet messages concerning my dad. It is so encouraging to know that others around me are praying for him too. I hope to share some good results really soon!

Now for some comic relief, I won. Yep. I finally got the Storage Unit to clean our sofas. If you missed my post a few days ago, entitled "Buttholes", our sofas got a little dirty from a "Mice Break-In" into our storage unit. One corner was a little chewed and I was just generally grossed out and wanted them professionally cleaned. Chad, the owner, assured me he would do that. Then, he kept getting "busy" and "didn't have time." That didn't fly well with me because let me tell you something..... I assure you I am a heck of a lot busier than Chad who works 9-5 at a storage unit, okay?!! Well, 32 phone calls later (almost every day) and he finally consented. He just was showing poor business and not sticking to his word. And I have babies crawling on these sofas!! So, just in time before we move in, he finally consented and they are clean!

That's right, I said 32 phone calls. He was on my speed dial and I called him everyday when my kids were the loudest so I could be really annoying. But I am happy. They look and smell brand new. And I won.

Cancer Removed

2010-08-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

When tough times hit those you love..... call me old fashioned, call it southern hospitality, but we bring flowers, candy, cards, and chocolate...

we make meals

We love on eachother and spend time together...

And we ask our good Lord to heal, protect, and see us through the storm.

Today, my father had his cancer removed. And although we don't know what tomorrow will bring... we focus on today. And eachother. And family. My sister and fam came into town so it is so great to see them. Surgury went well and we will not hear anything from 1 to 2 weeks on if it has spread anywhere else in his body. Please join us in prayer that he would be cancer free as of today.

I also love the fact that my mom has decorated for Christmas. Upon arrival for dinner many puzzled faces looked upon the Christmas tree. Only for my mom's response of, "It makes me happy." That's all we needed to know. If my husband gets cancer, I'll be danged if anyone tells me I can't decorate and make the house cheery whenever I want. There is something sweet about it being up right now, and I just might be putting my own tree up as well when we move in our new house! I love you Dad, you are the strongest man in the world!

The Best is Yet to Come??

2010-08-16T17:00:00.001-07:00

Maybe, just maybe!!

Our house is about 3 weeks away from being finished, my Dad is having his cancer removed on Wednesday, and my sister is coming in town all week... but, more than that... God has given us a happy, positive, peaceful outlook in the midst of trials.

We are ready to have some uphill swing in our life right now, so we are working hard and trusting God that he will see us through!

Thanks for all the phone calls and emails! We might just have the best friends in the world =)

Struggling...

2010-08-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

28 Turning 55, Laugh it up!

2010-08-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, I did find one picture from my 10 year high school reunion that turned out =) I tend to forget my camera most places I go, or I bring it and just don't take any. Anyway, here is a picture of us at our dinner table! I wish I had taken more pictures with my friends. We had the greatest time and I bonded literally all night with some of my best friends that live far away! Bryan from Miami, and Kelli, Meredith, and Nicole from Birmingham! I already miss you guys so much and hope we can reunite again soon!

I'd also like to officially announce that we are gypsies. Yes, we are moving one more time before we move into our new house, the house renovation. I realize in posting this that:

A. I have no filter anymore for what is appropriate to share and not share.

B. If I were ever embarrassed or cared about what people think about our life..... well, that would have been tossed out the window a while ago!

Here's the deal. My grandmother, read the post below, just got moved into assisted living. So, we are going to have to put her house on the market and sell it. Well, her old house happens to be only 1 mile from Nellie Mae, our house renovation. So... I don't know if timing is everything, but we are going to move in and finish our house. We only have a few weeks left of work on the house...... we think it will go much quicker if we live near it. Right now, we are an hour commute one way to it. Nellie Mae is also right next to Tim's school, which means we will see eachother more. He has been going to school/ work/ working on the house... and we never see eachother. Now, we can work on the house and be 5 minutes from "home." And, with the phase we are entering...."Reconstructive and Interior" it is going to take time to paint, install cabinets, and start putting everything into the house. We will live there for a few weeks and also be packing up my grandmother's things and getting her house ready to sell for her.

There is one catch. It is a brand new house in an Active Adult Community. That's right. Laugh away. We are 28 year olds living in a 55 and up neighborhood. I didn't think our life could get much more awesome, and it just did.

On a for real note, we are sad to leave the "Party House" at the Willis' (Tims parents). They are a fun time. And we will all enter depression from here on out because they literally throw dinner parties, pool parties, tennis parties, parties for parties 24/7. They are the most gracious, sincere, amazing, giving, and all around awesome people out there. You see that instantly when you meet them, but they REALLY live that way behind closed doors. They are even better actually... just amazing people. Living with them has changed us in ways we could have never changed. Their marriage and lives have modeled before us something we'll never forget. We are forever indebted to the love you have shown us and our children. We love you Chef and Momo.

Living With Assistance

2010-07-29T20:09:00.001-07:00

Well, we moved my grandmother into Assisted Living this past weekend. This was also the weekend of my 10 year high school reunion! Which by the way, went flawless and was an absolute blast. I also have no idea why I did not decide to take any pictures! I am hoping my friends turned out instead ;)

Anyway, we left the reunion and went to move my grandmother out of her house and into assisted living. Honestly, it was a hard day.

But, update. She could not be happier. She was actually excited about moving in. After a neurological appointment last week and having tests run at St. Josephs, we were told to not leave her by herself anymore. She either needed to be in assisted living or move in with family and have full time care when we weren't there. We tried this and she was pretty unhappy with family caring for her. I watched her over the weekend with my kids and my nerves were fried. I took all of them to the grocery store and my grandmother about walked out in front of a car. It's funny how elderly people and young toddlers can be so similar. But honestly, caring for elderly is harder because they are "people size" and you can't just pick them up or move them when in danger like kids. Anyway, long story short, she loves it here. She has friends, activities, meals, rails everywhere, and a full social calendar. I think she really enjoys being with other people in her life stage. There seems to be something healing about sharing life with others..... since she has been widowed for so long, loneliness can be a sad thing.

As nice of a place as it is and as much as she loves it, it still stings. It stings and I cry every time I visit because in all reality, she won't be moving out. I mean, rarely, does a person go in here and then moves out. This is a new transition for a safe environment for her to live in. It is also sad because even though it's not the case, there is a certain feeling of "abandonment." You see elderly people in there who NEVER have visitors, and it's really sad. We obviously are wearing the doors out of that place, but it still is hard releasing control to a facility over a loved one's life.

Anyway, I know this is an emotional post, but this is my life right now. We made the right decision, my grandmother is super happy, we are now able to rest easy knowing she won't fall all the time, but..... it is a transition that is having to sink in. And it's hard.

Emotional and Physical Strength

2010-07-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

That's what life is taking out of me right now. Emotional and Physical Strength. And, I am trying to hang in there...

Psalm 103:1. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me. Bless His holy name.

I took Mackenzie for her 18 month check up! We did a little delayed vaccines with her this time around and she got an excellent report! She is still a peanut, but weighs 21 lbs. (10 % for her age), but in the 95% for her height. Since it's my second baby, I don't give a rip about all that. Kids are what they are. I don't stress about where charts say they need to be when they are 100% healthy. She is a smart little sucker and went pee pee on the potty this weekend. Clearly, it was random since right now I don't have a ton of extra time and energy to begin potty training with her!

My dad met with his surgical oncologist today. If you missed the last post. He had a place on his back that came up as Stage 1 Melonma Cancer. They are going to go in and shoot dye through his back on August 10th to see what lymph nodes they are going to be taking out. From then, on August 18 he will have them removed, tested, and also portions of his skin, tissue, and muscle removed where the cancer was. I still have no further thoughts except we are handling the shock of this news as best we know how. It's hard to process something when it's sudden like this. You just are forced to trust the Lords hand and know he is mighty, and the Almighty God.

My grandmother will probably be transitioned into an assisted living home in the next week. We have all contemplated her moving in with different members of the family, but it doesnt seem to be the best path. She has been independent for 25 years and doesnt really respond well when family tries to step in and take care of her.... I think she will be happier and our relationship with her will be better, if she lives independently among peers with the supervision of a nurse instead of us. My mom and dad have kept her at their house for the past several weeks and it's been really difficult, especially dealing with my dad's news. Sometimes elderly people with dimentia start rebelling against eating, bathing, and normal things like little children. My parents carry this burden heavily because they don't want to let her go, but have realized this will be a better living situation since she has fallen so many times. It's a hard thing, there is guilt for putting her in an assisted living, but even more guilt you risk of her getting injured within your own care.

The house renovation is going well. Click on the link to check out our progress! Just exhausting! I posted these pics on facebook because they are so funny..... these pictures show the transformation of myself through the renovation of this house, it truly takes a toll on you , but i had to share them with my blog friends! After all, you have seen my belly GIGANTIC with both babies =) I know, I might just be a little flat out crazy. Anyway, here is to life! All we can do is always hope, pray, and wait in expectation for the Lord to show up in big ways. He has proven to me he always does. So, in this season... I will not doubt Him. I don't go down easy!

in ALL things

2010-07-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

And we know that in ALL things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes. Rom. 8:28.

This is a season of life that I will never forget. I don't think I've ever had this much on my plate before with raising 2 babies, renovating a house, working (semi) part time, and my husband working and going to HVAC school. It is a sweet time, but a hard time. Tim loves school and loves working on the house, I love helping with it, we just don't see eachother a lot right now. But, it's for a season. He will get full time work at Christmas, I will stop working, and he'll finish up school. So, I was doing okay with all of this until my heart took a plunge with my family...

First, my Dad got diagnosed with Stage 1 Melanoma Cancer. Hopefully it's just stage 1, we don't know yet...He had a place on his back that came back positive. I really don't know much and I'm sure people don't share this kind of info this early, but we don't really know a lot. He has been referred to a surgical oncologist in Atlanta and will have more of it removed and then tested to see if it's in his lymph nodes. So, quite honestly... it sucks. Cancer sucks. I will randomly burst into tears at random times, but I have to know that God is in control. And in ALL things, he works for good.

Second, my mom's mother, sweet Jammie (when we were little babies "jammie" was easier to say than "granny" so that's what we call her, is not doing well. She is in her late 70's and she is the one that is allowing us to take over Nellie Mae, one of her old rental properties.
She has fallen 3 times in the past month and been rushed to the ER. No doctor seems to have a clue why so she is now having tests run at St. Josephs. Her health has steadily gone down a little bit.... she has the beginning phases of dimentia and we took her car away. It's just hard b/c she has been so independent for so long. My grandpa died when I was 3 so she has had her own little life. I think losing independence has to be the hardest thing about that age. There are lots of decisions to make concerning her health right now. So, again in ALL things God is working for the good.

That's where I'm at. Life isn't perfect and happy. And that's okay. I've begun to realize that the more okay you are with life not being perfect and happy, the better life you will have. Sin, sickness, and death are an ever present part of this world. But, Christ is our Living Savior who gives life, and life abundantly. If we can somehow find the peace that passes all understanding, surrender our fears to him, and walk with him..... life can be sweet. Even in the midst of trials. I think the problems we have faced so far in our walk would have been catoshropic early on, but now.... we are learning to just roll with the punches. And we are happy in spite of sadness.
Please join me in prayer for my father. And for my grandmother. As we make these transitions and put our hope that in ALL things, God works for good.

Snap Shots

2010-07-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

My life as a stay at home mommy has many snap shots that I want to photo freeze in my memory! I love watching the kids learn, grow, play, and just be kids.

They are very observantThey are curious

They are small

They are fun

They are silly

They are sweet

They play so hard,

And then they sleep so hard.I love the snap shots of motherhood.

Let Freedom Ring

2010-07-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

It's Independence Day! Happy Birthday America! We have celebrated with friends, family, and our children.

Despite all the problems with our country, I am proud to be an American. I am proud of our forefathers and all the beliefs and values they built this country on. I will raise my children to uphold that this is one nation under God. Because in our life, freedom is an awesome thing. This year we have been set free from many things.

We are free.

We are free in Christ, that is the ultimate freedom.

We are free from Sin and Death.

We are free from debt.

We will raise our children to learn about these freedoms.

So, let freedom ring!

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For through Christ Jesus the law of Spirit and life has set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2.

Oh no she didn't.

2010-06-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

Oh Yes. She did.

Mackenzie jumped out of the crib. 18 months. Same as David. Why are my children so wild? I don't know. I just don't know. She pulls her whole body weight up, climbs the rails with her feet, and hoists her little 20 lb body over the side. Unbelievable.

But, this time I fought back. And I won. You see, David transitioned VERY well when we moved him at 18 mths to a bed. He had "big boy" mentality and never got out of a big bed. Bedtime was never a battle, he just stayed in the bed. Mackenzie, on the other hand, does not have "big girl" mentality. She loves being a baby and wants to be a baby. She flipped out when we tried the toddler bed and twin bed. She acted like we were throwing her into a lake of fire.

So, my mother in law found this crib tent on craigslist, and turns out it's the best one with reviews out there, SCORE! And, I got it for half price =)

We researched them a lot and saw that there has only been 3 crib tent deaths. One b/c the parent did not install it properly and the other 2 children were older and ripped the tent apart and suffocated. Too much info I know, but seriously people?? The odds out there say that she would be more likely to die in a car seat malfunction, stroller accident, or on a neighborhood walk. Anyway, it is VERY safe. It is a whole piece unit that fits over the entire crib. There is no loose mesh and goes up pretty high. It has awesome reviews on amazon and I feel very safe with her in there. We also have monitors and I check on her many times anyway, even before the jumping episode.

So, I wanted to tell you..... if your little monkey jumps out. This thing is awesome. You are supposed to move them out by 3, but I'm sure we'll try at 2 1/2 to get her in a bed, a YEAR from now when she is SUPPOSED to do it!! Ha!

Does anyone else out there have this problem? I'm beginning to think my kids are supernatural.

Saving Money Gone Wrong!

2010-06-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

I get a little over confident sometimes with my abilities to save money. There are some things I am good at: shopping deals at Ann Taylor Loft, Publix, and CVS. I also have a knack for spotting deals on craigslist and yard sales.

Well, let me tell you what I DONT have a knack for: cutting hair. Once I tried to cut Tims, with guards and all, and totally screwed it up. He had to immediately go to a place and get it fixed. I gouged his head and it looked like he got into a fight with the clippers!

I decided to try once more.... this time on the dog! It's $40 to take her to get groomed. I've been taking her since we've had her so I don't know WHY I became nerodic and thought I could do it. I just had a whim and thought, "its just a dog, its not rocket science! how hard could it be?!" Famous last words. She looks awful. Poor Holly. She was a cute, fluffy Bichon and now she looks like we "found" her or she was a "rescue" animal. You can tell she is sad, she knows how ugly she looks. And I made her that way. Oooooohhhhh, sob. Oh well, at least she isn't hot anymore. After I shaved her, I had a grocery bag full of hair. She was kind of like a sheep before I shaved her.

It's okay, I know she looks horrible. You don't have to try and make me feel better. No more hair cutting for me. Period.

I don't know what it was with the hair this week, but David said he wanted curly hair and got into the curlers, good grief! I posted this one just for his daddy.

Anyway, little peanut turned 18 months and I put up some of her sweet baby photos! I don't quite know what to do with all her cuteness =) If she could be doing something all day, it would be this:

For Father's Day, Tim and David went to see Toy Story 3... apparently that was the popular thing to do b/c he was packed in the theather with other father/sons &daughters! David just thinks his daddy is a superhero for renovation our new house, it's hilarious! And sweet! He is a sweetheart and has been helping "correct" Mackenzie when she gets out of line. Which by the way, my theory is wrong. Girls can be just as wild as boys. I think we just make wild babies. Oh, well.... it's not gender specific so that's good for us! The wild ones are always the cute ones..... they have to be or else!

the game is still going

2010-06-13T19:05:00.001-07:00

Okay, remember the bigger and better game at this post?

Well, the $4 has now turned into $100, how fun.

We drove past a random garage sale and I spotted this.... a dollhouse, $10.

Mackenzie, obviously is a little too small for it now, so I put it on craigslist! Would you believe I sold this thing the first day for $75??!

So, our game is now up to $100. We'll see what is next. The game may have to slow down a little because of the home renovation we just took on!

If you haven't visited the site, I just made a new one for it! I am really excited about it so I hope you will follow and watch our progress! The new site is www.thenelliemaeproject.com.

It is really neat because for 4 years, my husband has dreamed of renovating a home. He actually left his first job doing college ministry to chase this dream. It was innately in him. I am just so happy for both of us because he gets to do his dream.... while also restoring the same home that my great grandfather built. I couldn't be happier.