Perfect Moments

Every now and then you find yourself in those moments where the world is absolutely perfect. Some of these might include a proposal, seeing your child for the first time, vacationing in a new place, etc. Tonight was one of those moments for me. Mitch, Jacey, and I decided to go to Braum's for ice cream. As I sat down to enjoy my chocolate cookies & cream single dip, I looked over to watch Mitch entertaining Jacey. She could not get enough of him. She smiled and smiled. I realized that at that moment, with great ice cream, a beautiful child, and a wonderful husband and father that the world probably couldn't get any better.

God-things

When I was in junior high and high school my friends and I were hooked on to a series of Christian romance novels. They provided many opportunities for dreams and giggles. They also gave me the phrase "God-things." Although that phrase most likely didn't originate with that author, the stories provided many examples of God-things in "real" life.

Today I was part of a huge God-thing. We were told by the hospital where we had Jacey that we might qualify for financial assistance, since our bill was large and we didn't have maternity insurance. I felt blessed just to have that opportunity, because many places won't mention things like that to you unless you ask. Today I completed the forms and sent them in. And (drumroll please...), we qualify. Completely. Our bill was 100% forgiven. WOW. Who knew hospitals did that? God certainly did.

Definitely a God-thing.


Maybe now we can get a new couch...

Thanksgiving

We had an awesome Thanksgiving holiday in San Antonio. It was great to get away and hang out with family for a week. We were able to enjoy the sights, including the Riverwalk, the mall, and H-E-B with about a million other people who were buying food. Mitch's parents really spoiled us with the nice house and meals.

I also enjoyed watching all of the little ones play together. Each child is at a distinctly different stage, and it was interesting to watch. Reese is babbling like crazy and reaching for everything; Keynan is starting to talk and learn about boundaries; Raylee is talking and watching out for everyone; and Ryland is starting to read. Such a variety! I learned a lot about what to expect with Jacey over the next months/years.

Sunday we drove home and actually got to see some snow. Between Big Spring and Lubbock there was probably 2-3 inches. Unfortunately we didn't get anything in Canyon, but maybe soon.

The only downside of our trip is that I came home with a horrible cold. I don't think I got it from anyone in the family, since I got sick so soon after seeing them. But it's no fun. I've been in bed most of the time Jacey's napping the past 2 days. Today I'm a little better, and hopefully can make it to the grocery store without too much exhaustion.

Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving!

The Father's love

After a particularly difficult day today with Jacey, I sat rocking and feeding her thinking about my love for her. Days like today are fairly rare. She usually plays, naps, eats, and smiles right on schedule. Today she took a good morning nap, and then a short afternoon one. She woke up early, which meant she was grumpy. After spending 2 hours screaming and crying, she went to sleep, only to be woken up again in 20 minutes by our dog barking. Needless to say, my emotions were spent. (Luckily I have a wonderful, forgiving, and patient husband.) And I love that child more than I can possibly imagine. I used to wonder how my parents felt about me. Not that I wasn't absolutely positive they loved me, but I wondered what it felt like to have a child of my own. What kind of love is it, and what does it feel like? To be honest, I can't describe it in words. Awesome, consuming, fulfilling; these are a few adjectives, but they don't paint the whole picture. I really would do anything it took to make her happy and healthy. And I would fight anyone or anything that threatened her. I understand now the Father's love. I can barely fit my love for Jacey inside myself; God feels that for every single person.

That's just amazing.

3 Months

Today we are going to Sears to get Jacey's 3 month pictures taken. I'm quite excited honestly. When I was growing up my parents had our baby pictures on the wall for all to see. It made me feel special, and it was also fun to look at how little I was. I hope to continue the tradition with Jacey and all of our children. My only dilemma is what to dress her in...

The pictures should be online tonight, so if you would like to order any just let me know!

We are also going Christmas shopping. Yes, I know it's before Thanksgiving, but we're getting together with Mitch's family for a week of fun in San Antonio, and we're celebrating Christmas then. I'm also excited about this. Even though we just went to Nashville, I'm looking forward to a vacation. Maybe just a trip to a place we haven't seen in awhile.

God has really blessed us this year. We have plenty of food, clothing, health, a cool house, great friends, and a wonderful family. So many people can't say that!

And it might even snow here on Thanksgiving.

Recent Pictures

Here are some recent pictures for your enjoyment!

Jacey and Aunt Charlotte

Just hanging out.

My little bumblebee!

I just loved the antennas.

It's been awhile...

Sorry it's been so long since my last post. We've had a very full few weeks. A couple of weeks ago we flew to Nashville to visit my parents. It definitely was a whirlwind trip, but a very enjoyable one. Jacey got to meet most of the family and some friends too. We even got an adorable 4 generation picture with my grandparents. Jacey was pretty spoiled all week, but handled it well, of course. She even enjoyed the airplane, since it incorporates the best things in her world: being held my mom & dad, eating a lot, and white noise.

Halloween was great. It was one of the most perfect Halloweens I've seen in awhile. The trees were turning colors but hadn't lost their leaves, the sun was shining, and the air was a little crisp. Jacey and I got a cold but still had a blast. She went as a bumblebee (pictures coming soon,) and the antennas were the best part. I'm sure she'll hate us for making her wear them in about 15 years.

This past weekend we went to Hooker for their youth rally. I ask Mitch every year if he is excited about going "home," but to him it's not really home anymore. Which is very understandable with all that has happenedsince they've moved away. But once he sees the land he grew up on, he gets this cute goofy smile. I love watching it every year. We enjoyed seeing the members of the church there and showing off Jacey. Mitch did a great job leading singing, and I think everyone had a great time.

Before we left for the youth rally, the coolest piece of technology I've ever owned arrived. How cool is it, might you ask? So cool it toook Mitch and I 5 minutes to figure out how to turn it on. Yes, I got a new cell phone, the Blackberry pearl. It is a phone, organizer, calendar, note taker, music player, and anything else I could ever want it to be, all in one. I used to think I didn't need all those things in a phone. Because a phone is just that, a phone. But after having Jacey, I've forgotten so many commitments that I just had to do something. And it's wonderful. Mitch is very jealous.

Pictures of the past few weeks coming soon!