In The Homestretch!

Ok - I'm now 9 months pregnant, and SO ready to have this baby!! I'm uncomfortable all the time, in pain at times, tired due to lack of sleep, in the bathroom non-stop, have major cankles, and am just so READY! I have pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel now, so that's a whole other pain to deal with!!!

I've loved being pregnant, don't get me wrong, but I'm just ready to meet my little man. So many people have told me that the last month of pregnancy is the hardest - and boy are they SO right!!

Here's some pictures from tonight!

36 Weeks and Counting



Serious Cankles!!



Belly Pic



30 days and counting - the nursery is ready, the hospital bags are packed, our phone list is ready, I'm pre-registered at the hospital, and we're just about done watching our childbirth dvd. We're ready Elijah - we can't wait to meet you!

Elijah's Laundry

This is all of Elijah's laundry from just ONE shower!



This kid will never go naked!

Baby Shower #4

The final baby shower was this past weekend. It was our family shower. The day was absolutely amazing! For many reasons! We got to the shower and I was chit chatting with my cousins and aunt and uncle and such, and I told them I was going to put my purse in the other room. Well, everyone followed me to the room, and I was like, ok, whatever they want :-) Well, I walked into the room, and there was my mom and grandmother standing there!!!!! They flew in from New Hampshire for my shower and surprised me. It was the best gift I could have asked for! They had this planned since JANUARY and they were able to keep the secret! How amazing!!

Then I looked to the other side of the room and saw SOOOO many gifts!! WOW! We got a lot of the bigger items at this shower. We got our travel system, our high chair, the infant-toddler car seat, and TONS of clothes! I kid you not- I have 4 loads of laundry to do for Elijah's clothes just from this shower! This kid is spoiled already!

One of the best gifts that we got was a hand made cradle that my uncle made for us. It is the most beautiful cradle that I have ever seen. I am in awe of the craftmanship that it has and everything he put into it. It's absolutely beautful and it will be handed down through many generations!!

All in all, it was a great day! The food was delicious (chocolate fountain included - yummy!), the gifts were abundant, and the blessing of family was wonderful. God has blessed us with a wonderful family (Vince and me) and we are so grateful to have them supporting us through every step we take in life!!

Baby Shower #3

These pictures are from the shower Vince's work gave us. They gave us some really nice things. It was at the end of the shift for everyone, but then when there was about 30 minutes left in the shift, everyone got calls to be somewhere in the hospital, and then Vince got paged for a code in the hospital, so needless to say, the festivities were cut short. It was a fun time nonetheless and we are thankful that his co-workers did this for us!

Baby Shower #2

Well, this shower was given by my work. I work with some of the BEST people! They were so generous to Elijah and got us some amazing things!! Here's a view!

Baby Shower #1

Well, I'm finally getting caught up on my blogs and the next 4 posts are about our baby showers! Yes, 4 showers! We are definitely blessed!!

This first shower was just a few of my friends that got together. Not too many people showed up and I was slightly disappointed, but it's the thought that counts! Here's some of the goodies Elijah got!!

Indianapolis Weekend

A few weekend ago Vince and I went to Indianpolis for a much needed weekend away. We didn't really plan anything while we were there and just laid low the whole time. We did a lot of eating, sleeping, eating some more, napping, and eating again! We did some sight-seeing on Saturday and had some amazing seafood. I got some crocs at the mall and they are the most comfy shoes, espeically for a swollen ankle pregnant woman! We had such a great time (with the exception of a very uncomfortable bed - at least I thought so). It was definitely a great time of just me and Vince before Elijah gets here. Here's some pictures from our trip!


Vince on the not-so-comfortable bed (although he slept like a rock!)


The view from our hotel room


Another view from our room - the Reporatory Theater


Monument Circle - Downtown Indianapolis


Vince and I


Typical Self-Portrait Couple Picture :-)

Happy Early Pre-Mother's Day!

Well, Vince took me out to dinner tonight to celebrate my first mother's day! I came home last night and had a dinner invitation in my email to The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant!

I got so excited! We had talked about going there sometime, but I didn't know when that would be. Well, he made reservations and we went tonight! Also, I got home from work today and he ran in the door before me and when I opened the door I had roses and other flowers waiting for me and a really sweet card! What a wonderful husband I have!

Well, dinner was sooooo yummy - 4 courses. First course was the cheese fondue course - served with breads and vegetables and apples. It was quite delish!



Then the second course was salad, and we both got chef salads - again, quite yummy!

Then the main course - this was so fun! There was a plate of meats - chicken, teriyaki tenderloin, sirloin, shrimp, and salmon. Then there was a plate of veggies - potatoes, squash, broccoli, and mushrooms. You cook everything in a boiling vegetable broth. They brought out 6 different sauces/dips to put on the meats and veggies and it was amazingly good! It was fun cooking everything and picking out what sauces I wanted on each piece of meat. Very filling!



Then of course, the dessert! We got what was called a yin and yang chocolate fondue. It was white chocolate and dark chocolate swirled together. It then had a side of dippers! That was cheesecake, strawberries, bananas, pineapple, brownies, pound cake, graham coated marshmallows, and oreo coated marshmallows. It was AMAZING!



We had such a great dinner. It was a great time and we had so much fun. Thank you Vince for making my first mother's day so memorable and wonderful. I love you and you're going to make a great father to Elijah!!!!

Happy Mother's Day to everyone out there!!! Hope you have a great day!

The nursery so far!

Here's pictures of Elijah's nursery. We have 2 more showers next week, and then I'll be able to go and get the crib and changing table and get them loaded in the room. All of his clothes, sheets, blankets, towels, etc have been washed and put in the appropriate drawers, although I'm sure I will be reorganizing several times over the next few weeks!!

Less than 2 months and counting!

Well, I'm at 33 weeks and have 48 days left (hopefully)! time really has flown with this pregnancy! I feel as though I've been pregnant forever somedays, and other days it feels as if I just found out we were pregnant! I have loved being pregnant for the most part, up until about 2 weeks ago! That's when I started not sleeping and I've been uncomfortable and in pain here and there. It's getting better, and I know that it will be so worth it!!!

Here's an updated picture for those that care :-) A lot has happened over the past few weeks, so I'll be posting more blogs in the next day or so and get everyone up to speed!

WOW - I can't believe it!

I still have about 11 weeks to go, and I don't know where it's all going to go! HA! One of the drawbacks of being short I suppose!

I think Elijah's trying to flip to be in the non-breech position. He's been moving so much more than usual, and his movements are constant and bigger I guess you could say! I could just sit there and watch my belly movements for hours! I catch myself staring at my belly at work - probably not the most productive of things to do, but this doesn't happen all the time!

I have decided that I will miss all the belly movements once Elijah is born. Sure, I'll have him in my arms, and there will be other movements going on that I have to look forward, but just the thought of this little man moving around inside of me is an amazing thought!! OF COURSE, I can't wait for Eli to be here!! I am counting down the days!

We went and did our hospital tour this weekend. What a site - 10 pregnant woman waddling around the labor and delivery wing of the hospital I'm delivering at. It makes it that much more of a reality! It just brings it to the forefront of my mind that Elijah will be here soon!! I have SO many lists to finish, so much to get done, everything!!!

Vince and I are going away for a much needed weekend away the end of this month. We figure that we need to do this now before Elijah comes, and before I get too big to move around comfortably! We're going to Indianapolis for the weekend, staying at a NICE hotel (Hyatt Regency) and just spending time together. No distractions, no email, no pets, no nothing :-) Just me and Vince. We're staying right by the Capitol in Indianapolis, and our room is a King room with a Capitol view. I'm really looking forward to this time of relaxation, fun, and time away with my hubby! Lord knows we won't have much of that soon enough!!

Anyway, there's the updates. I'm sure everyone was waiting on the edge of their seat for that! Considering I only get a few comments from my "faithful" readers! So - if you read this, COMMENT! :-) I like to know who is out there!!

Love to all!

How Elijah Came To Be

No, this is not a PG-13 version of THAT story! Come on people! Seriously though, I love to hear how people have come up with names for their children and stories behind them. I thought I'd share our story of how the name Elijah Vincent Turner came to us. It's an amazing story, and it's direct from God, I promise!

Well, let's see - where do I begin? We've always pretty much had a girls name picked out. There was no disagreements over that. IF we were going to have a girl one day, her name was going to be Mia Imogene (Imogene is Vince's mom's name). When we miscarried our twins almost 2 years ago, we knew that one was a girl, and I was devastated, because I automatically associated Mia with that baby girl. But, needless to say, we were still going to use that name if this baby was a girl. We could NEVER agree on a boys name - it's so funny - we went through SO many names. I searched online, I looked in books while at Barnes & Noble, I searched message boards, everything. I would come up with one that I was SURE we would both love, and wouldn't you know it, NOPE!

So, I made a list of names one day and forwarded it to Vince while I was at work - pretty productive day, I know! Just like now actually! Ha! Anyway, there were some that we actually agreed on. The main 2 were Caleb and Levi. Elijah was on the list, but nothing was said about it - kind of overlooked actually.

When we found out that we were pregnant, we went out to dinner to celebrate - and I already started having a craving for Fettucine Alfredo!! Good excuse for both! Well, when we were talking at dinner, the topic of baby names came up. Vince told me that he didn't like the name Caleb Vincent that we picked out (it's not a bad name for those of you that have Calebs in your lives! Just not for us!!). I then looked at him, and suggested the name Elijah. He stopped eating, basically dropped his fork, and proceeded to tell me this story.

Vince is in seminary through our church right now, and they had what they call a weekend intensive a few weeks prior to us finding out we were pregnant. This intensive was on prayer I believe. At one point during the weekend they took time out to pray for/over each person in the class. There were some of the senior pastors there as well as the directors for the prayer team at church. They prayed individually for each student, so there were a lot of prayers gonig on!!! Well, on 2 separate occasions that day, 2 separate men in the class prayed for Vince. One of them was our administrative pastor and the other one was another man, not sure which one. They didn't pray for him at the same time. BOTH of them as they were praying kept getting the name Elijah. They had no clue why God was laying this name on their hearts. BOTH men got this from God. BOTH men had no idea why that name kept coming up during their praying. BOTH knew for sure that God was giving them this name. Vince didn't know why that name was coming up either! Remember, we hadn't really discussed this name for the baby if it was a boy.

Vince didn't tell me that story after class. I think he was just so overwhelmed with everything else and with the Holy Spirit that he kind of forgot the story - it could be because he didn't know what it meant, and didn't know why that name had come up twice! Well, when we were at dinner a few weeks later, he knew the reason!!

I definitely know that God can show us things and reveal things to us, but come on, a baby's name?! But when Vince told me that story at dinner that night, I knew the baby's name would be Elijah, IF it was a boy. I couldn't commit to saying that I knew this baby was going to be a boy. Vince could! He has been convinced from the beginning that this baby was going to be a boy, and that his name would be Elijah Vincent!

With dad's homegoing in February, it was kind of bittersweet. We found out we were having a boy just a few days before dad passed away. From the very beginning of our pregnancy, dad knew that we were going to have a boy! So, to be able to tell him that we were having a boy, and that his name would be Elijah Vincent (dad's name was Vincent) was a great thing. We are honoring the memory of Elijah's grandfather (paw-paw) but giving him his name as a middle name, and I couldn't think of a better man to honor!!

So, there's the story of Elijah Vincent - Elijah which means the Lord is My God or Jehovah is God, is definitely a gift from God in many ways. We are so excited about his arrival and waiting with anticipation for him to be here! I hope that this story encourages you and just shows you the amazing power of prayer and the awesome wonder of our God!!

Only 82 days to go!!!

So Truly Amazing!!

Today was Elijah's ultrasound to check his heart and make sure he didn't have any genetic defects. The ultrasound was LONG and took over an hour, but we got some amazing pictures from the appointment. Eli's heart is perfect and he is doing very well! PRAISE THE LORD!! He was quite active during the ultrasound and decided to kick the ultrasound wand several times! He's already being a handfull!

During the middle of the ultrasound, the tech switched over on the computer to the 3D part. WHAT A NICE SURPRISE!! Here's what we saw:

PLAYING PEEK-A-BOO


HANDS RESTING ON TOP OF HIS HEAD


CUTE AS A BUTTON


Is my son the cutest thing ever?! What a great surprise for us! It makes me want him to be here that much sooner! 12 weeks and he'll be here! I can't wait!!!!

This and that!

So, more updates on life and such! I'm 26 weeks pregnant and feeling pretty good. I'm starting to waddle more and more and am moving around a lot more slowly. I guess that's bound to happen at this stage in my pregnancy!! I'm starting to swell, and my rings aren't fitting well. But, I actually love being pregnant and am enjoyingthis part of my pregnancy. Elijah moves around non-stop it seems like and it's amazing to see my belly moving around all the time. I could just sit there and watch it move! It's truly amazing also to think that there is this living person inside of me. That just floors me!!! God definitely is amazing! Here I am - Hugeness and all!



I also wanted to say how much I love my husband. He has put up with SO much during this pregnancy. The hormones, the mood swings, the weird cravings here and there, everything! He is truly amazing and I love him so much!!!!



I love you Vince!

BOY, do I feel hugely pregnant! I'm almost 24 weeks (I'm measuring big), and I feel and look like I should be a lot further along than that. I have the waddle going on. I thankfully don't have much of the swelling (yet), but that time will come, I'm sure! Elijah is moving around all the time and making his presence very well known. I just sit there and stare at my belly as he moves around. I could stare for hours it's so amazing!

Anyway, here's some new pictures of me, my belly, and Elijah!

There's a Ninja in my Belly!

The other night I witnessed the most amazing thing so far in my pregnancy. Elijah was moving around a lot last night - that in and of itself is amazing! Well, I looked down at my belly, and I thought that I saw something pop out of my belly! So, I decided to stare a little while longer to see if I could see anything. Well, lo and behold, I could SEE Elijah kicking me! My stomach kept popping out each time he kicked!! It was such an incredible thing!

One thing that has been on my heart is for Vince to be able to feel Elijah moving. Every time Elijah starts kicking, I try to have Vince feel him, but as soon as Vince puts his hand on my belly, Elijah stops kicking! I guess Vince has that soothing fatherly touch! Well, a few nights ago I kept praying that Vince would be able to feel his son kick. Well, we were in bed, and I told Vince just to keep his hand on my belly, because when I lay down at night, Elijah gets going to town on kicking! Well, after a few minutes, Elijah belted my belly and his daddy's hand. Vince just looked at me, and asked, "What was that?" I told him, "That was your son!" Then Elijah kicked again. How cool is that?!

Well, then the next night, I was on the couch and knew Elijah was moving around, so I told Vince to come and stare at my belly. Well, sure enough, Elijah kicked a big one, and Vince saw that as well. I think Elijah is just showing off!! I am just so excited to see this baby grow and feel him moving around in my belly. It's just another way God shows His goodness and love in our lives! He hasn't stopped kicking since then!

Thank you Lord for this baby and for an amazing husband who is going to be an amazing daddy!!!

Thank you!

I just wanted to thank everyone that has been praying for our family, especially for my father-in-law. The past few weeks have been emotionally and physically draining. Dad went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 17, 2007. He didn't suffer and went very peacefully. We are thankful that he didn't suffer and that he wasn't in pain. We were able to tell dad before he passed away that we are going to be having a boy. He told us from the beginning that he thought we were having a boy, and he was right!

We haven't been home much over the past few weeks and I haven't been online much and I feel so out of it!! We went down to the country for the visitation and funeral on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week. We found out at the funeral that dad's sister accepted Christ the day after dad passed away! What an amazing God we serve! We joked around about how no one would have ever thought that Dad would lead someone to the Lord! God definitely has a sense of humor too!

We got home on Wednesday night and I had to pack my bags again for a quick trip up to New Hampshire for my cousin's wedding which I was in. It was so much fun being home and seeing my friends and family for a short visit. It was pretty much non-stop while I was up there. I got home yesterday and finally unpacked tonight from the funeral and the wedding.

While I was up in NH, I talked to Vince and he was at the emergency vet with our dog Alex. Seems that she hyper-extended her paw and she sprained it. Go figure! Then, this morning I'm on my way to work (already running a little late) and I realize that I have a flat tire as I'm turning out of my alley. So, I park in front of the house, get Vince's car and head to work. When I get to work, my computer wouldn't start. It had some major issues and finally got fixed around 4:00, 30 minutes before I leave for the day! So, needless to say, I didn't get much work done today after being out of work for over a week.

Well, that's pretty much been my week in a nutshell. Thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers over the past 2 weeks. It really means a lot to us to know that we have such great friends out there on our side!! God has been good to us and we are so thankful to see Him working in our lives and working through us during this difficult time.

This just in. . . . .

We had our ultrasound on Tuesday and found out that we are having a boy!!! I'm sooooooo excited that we are having this boy! Little Elijah Vincent will be here soon enough, and I can't wait to meet him!!!

Dad's Homegoing

I just wanted to send out a final email update on dad. This morning at 10:42, dad passed away. Vince was with him and he said that it was a very peaceful moment, just as we had prayed for. I'm glad that we were able to all say our goodbye's and tell him that we love him before he passed away. We are praising God that dad accepted Christ and gave his life to the Lord. I am thankful that we were able to know that our baby is a boy and that dad will be Elijah's guardian angel up in heaven.

Dad's funeral will be on Wednesday down in Jackson, KY. We appreciate all of your prayers during this time. It is definitely God's grace that has gotten us through this time and his peace that passes all understanding. It's comforting to know that we have such amazing friends and family upholding us in prayer.

Update on Dad's Condition

I just wanted to update everyone again on dad's condition. He was diagnosed last week with Stage 4 Lung and Liver Cancer. His liver levels are too high for the doctors to do any sort of chemotherapy at this point. Basically, his liver is full of tumors, and it is failing. The lung cancer is in his airway basically, so his right lung isn't functioning either.

He is very weak and tired most of the time. The radiation oncologist is trying some radiation treatments on the liver in order to attempt to shrink it a little or at least salvage the good parts, so that his liver levels will go down to attempt treatment. The chances of this happening are very slim at this point, but they wanted to give it a chance.

I know many of you have been praying for dad's physical condition as well as his spiritual condition. Well, the angels are rejoicing in heaven today. Yesterday, Vince was able to lead dad to Christ, and dad gave his heart to God yesterday. What a miracle after all of these years!! Even amid the pain and sorrow, God's sovereign grace amazes me! Knowing that we will one day see Dad again makes this situation we are going through a little bit easier to bear.

Please continue to pray for dad's health. He is not in pain right now which is totally from God. Dad even told Vince yesterday that he's sure that God has allowed him not to have any pain. With all the problems going on, he SHOULD be in pain, but PRAISE THE LORD, he's not. If the radiation treatments do not work, he has only a matter of days/weeks before his liver completely fails. Please pray for strength for dad to get through each day and his treatments. Please pray for strength for Vince and I and Vince's brother as we have to determine all the arrangements and figure out everything that needs to be taken care of. Please pray for strength for me and this baby. We are half-way through this pregnancy, and I'm trying to take things easy and relax so that this baby is healthly. Please pray that I will find the time to relax and de-stress amid all this.

I will update more when we find out more about the treatments and if they are working. His oncologist said she would know after 3 or 4 treatments. If the treatments don't work, like I said before, it's all a matter of time. We just take each day, day by day. It's all we can do.

I am reminded of the passage in Lamentations 3:21-26:
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Praise the Lord for his grace amidst the pain and heartbreak. God will always receive the glory. Thank you again for your prayers. Keep them coming!!

News I'd Rather Not Know

We found out today that my father-in-law is in the hospital. He's been sick for about a month and they had been saying it was pneumonia. Well, he ended up going to the hospital because he was coughing up blood. They did a CT and discovered a mass on his lung. Tomorrow they are doing a bronchoscopy and biopsy. They think it might be lung cancer. His liver is also enlarged and he has some jaundice.

Vince's mom passed away several years ago, and dad has been the only parent in his life for a while. He's been an amazing father-in-law to me, and I really don't know what we would do without him. Dad has already said that if it is lung cancer, he doesn't want to get treatment for it, which means it could be a short time.

Please pray for Dad. There are so many uncertainties right now and we just really want God's will in his life. He is not a believer, but we are praying that God works a miracle. I want him to meet his grandchild. He's been so excited about this baby. I want him to hold on through this whole thing!

Please pray.

29? Ho hum!

Well, my posts have become more and more spread apart. I'm not online much anymore. I come on here and there, but when I get home from work each night, I pretty much crash! BUT, here's a rundown of what has been going on in my life as of late!

I am almost 17 weeks pregnant, and am amazed at everything the Lord does in our lives! I am amazed at my ever growing belly! I am amazed that this baby is going to be here in no time at all!! Here is the newest picture of the "baby" and a new one should be coming soon - this was 3 weeks ago, and boy has there been some growth!!



We had our 4 month appointment the other day, and heard the baby's heartbeat nice and strong and right away. This baby is very cooperative, and I'm just praying it remains this way the rest of this pregnancy! We have our ultrasound appointment on February 15, and HOPEFULLY we'll find out what we are having! I'm soooooo excited and can't wait to know if it's a little Mia or Elijah! So, that's just in 21 days. Let the countdown begin!!!! I'll keep everyone posted!

In other news, yesterday was my 29th birthday! I can't believe it's my last year in my 20's. Ugh! The "celebration" actually started on the 23rd since Vince had to work yesterday and didn't get home until 8:00. So, we went out to Carrabas Italian Grille. I disliked it VERY strongly! The only thing that I liked was the bread and Vince's meal! So, what did I do? Well, I went home and did what any other pregnant, hormonal woman would do. I cried! But, it was ok after I had some delicious cake that Vince made for me! I got some wonderful presents from my husband - Doc Marten shoes - sooo cute!, adorable socks - I'm a sock freak, and a blue-tooth adapter for my cell phone since I have some weird ears and hands-free kits don't usually work with my ears! And then of course, the obligatory gifts of money from relatives. That's going towards additions to my Vera Bradley collection! Fun time there!

Then, I went to work, and was showered with things. Well, not showered, more like sprinkled, but showered sounds so much more impressive! But one of the girls brought in donuts for me (of which I'm about to have another one leftover), another got me a gift certificate to the coffee place in my building, another got me a nice double picture wood frame and then my director took me out to lunch to a nice place in town. The meal for 4 of us was over $100! That was a nice lunch! Then, last night, we had Indian food and that was yummy! Getting that food was a story in and of itself, so we won't spoil the good end to my birthday. And then, before the day ended, Vince ended the night as he started it for me, by singing Happy Birthday to me. He's so adorable and I love him so!

We're on our way up to New Hampshire in about a month. I'm in my cousin's wedding, so that will be fun. We haven't been up north since this summer for my other cousin's wedding! It will be nice to see everyone since I won't be able to see them for a while with the baby coming and such. We're driving, so that's the only thing I'm dreading, especially since I'll be 5 months pregnant at the time. We're doing the trip in 2 days. 9 hours the first day, 5 hours the 2nd. Same thing on the way home. So, in essence, we're only home home for a short time, but it will be fun nonetheless.

Anyway, there's the updates on my life. Hope everyone is doing well. Thanks for all the prayers and congratulations during this changing time in our lives. Love to all!!!

It's been forever!

Wow! It's been forever since I've posted anything - here or on my myspace account. I guess I've been preoccupied with the holidays and with the baby and dealing with everything that goes along with it. Let's see - here's some updates:

We are currently 11 weeks pregnant and just loving life! I can't believe that there is this growing human being in my belly - I can SEE that it's in there! I've had to break out the maternity clothes already, but that's ok - they are pretty cute at this point and I don't feel HUGE yet! Thank goodness for thrift stores with name brand maternity clothes for a few dollars! I'm very thankful for that!

Vince is doing well in school. He's on break until mid-January, so I'm glad to have him around a little bit more with the break. Another huge praise is that he doesn't have to do the summer term this summer since he already took the class this past summer. That means, since the baby is due the beginning of July, Vince won't have to worry about classes and mid-terms and finals and all that good stuff. Thank you Lord!

Christmas is right around the corner, and I can't believe it! I still haven't mailed my Christmas cards yet! It just takes so much time since I make all our cards, and we include a picture and such. I made 80 cards this year to send out!!! Needless to say, next year, we're getting pre-made cards and throwing a family picture in it that we'll get taken for the holidays! I am just about done my Christmas shopping - last gift tonight!! After that, i have to make some gifts and get them in the mail this weekend. You know how that goes - trying to be resourceful and make my own gifts for some of the relatives, but then I just haven't had time and am just now getting around to it! It will be a busy weekend to say the least!

Other than that, same ol' same ol'! I suppose that I should be getting back to work. Gotta do something to stop thinking about this afternoon sickness and heartburn! UGH!

My Answer To Prayer

Yup - You've guessed it! We're pregnant! God is so good, and so far, things are going really well. We are thankful that God has allowed us to carry this child.

God is SO good!

Pray Pray Pray

Well, there's some things going on here, that I can't go into details about yet, but they are good, and God is amazing. But, just pray for us. Like I said, things are good, we just want God's will for us, and to see Him glorified, so pray pray pray!! As soon as I know more, I"ll delve a little deeper for you all!!!!

My Early Christmas Present

That's right folks, this is my early Christmas present from my mom. I am SO excited! This is the story!

I was searching around last night killing time before Vince got home from class. Well, I went onto www.craigslist.com (great site), and just looked at musical instruments on a whim. Well, this piano was listed, and the owner (Christy) is currently attending Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. The piano was her grandmother's and she really wanted it to go to a good home. Well, thankfully, I was the first one to respond last night, and I went and looked at it and loved it! Best of all, my mom bought it for me for my early Christmas present. I was telling her about it last night, and she called me today and asked if I wanted that for my Christmas present! And, she's even going to pay to have it moved to my house. God is good!

Let me tell you about Christy, the girl who sold me the piano. She is definitely a kindred spirit and is very very sweet. She's the type of person that you click with immediately, and just have a connection. I'm so glad that I got to meet her and that she felt comfortable enough selling me her grandmother's piano.

Again, God is good!!! Have a good night all!!

My new toy!

Well, here's my new toy! YAY! I now have a faster, better laptop. My old laptop didn't have much wrong with it, it was just time for an upgrade. So, now my sister will be the proud owner of my old laptop, which was a huge answer to prayer for her, so I'm happy that I can help her! Anyway, I'm still figuring it all out and working on transferring everything over to the new laptop, but in the next few days it will be complete - yay!!

One Year Later. . .. . .

Well, my one year anniversary since my Lap Band surgery has just passed, and since that, I've lost 60 pounds and almost 5 sizes. I feel amazing, and more so, am so thankful for everything God has done for me!!!!!

In Everything, Give Thanks

Lamenations 3

1 I am the man who has seen affliction
by the rod of his wrath.
2 He has driven me away and made me walk
in darkness rather than light;
3 indeed, he has turned his hand against me
again and again, all day long.
4 He has made my skin and my flesh grow old
and has broken my bones.
5 He has besieged me and surrounded me
with bitterness and hardship.
6 He has made me dwell in darkness
like those long dead.
7 He has walled me in so I cannot escape;
he has weighed me down with chains.
8 Even when I call out or cry for help,
he shuts out my prayer.
9 He has barred my way with blocks of stone;
he has made my paths crooked.
10 Like a bear lying in wait,
like a lion in hiding,
11 he dragged me from the path and mangled me
and left me without help.
12 He drew his bow
and made me the target for his arrows.
13 He pierced my heart
with arrows from his quiver.
14 I became the laughingstock of all my people;
they mock me in song all day long.
15 He has filled me with bitter herbs
and sated me with gall.
16 He has broken my teeth with gravel;
he has trampled me in the dust.
17 I have been deprived of peace;
I have forgotten what prosperity is.
18 So I say, "My splendor is gone
and all that I had hoped from the LORD."
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

This weekend has been a trying weekend for us, with not a whole lot of good news coming our way. This passage from the Bible has really been sticking in my brain for some reason, and I know that it's from God. There has been so much pain and hurt, and it's hard to see that God can use that for good. But when we keep our trust in Him and see that each day is a new day for Him, one can rest a little easier in Him knowing this.

There is an old hymn that we used to sing a lot at my mom's church growing up. Some of the words are a little old and such, but it definitely correlates to what has been going on in our lives lately.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

There is always HOPE that God is doing the right thing for us and allows for things to happen in our life. God's way is perfect and exactly the right plan for us. I just need to redirect my focus and keep God in the center of everything, and after that, things will fall into place.

There are probably some of you out there reading this that aren't very "spiritual" or religious" but are struggling with things in your life. Just know that you can turn those struggles over to someone much bigger than you. I'm so thankful that I can do that! My hands are too small to carry everything I have on my plate. I'm glad that God is there to carry it for me. At least I know its' being carried in good hands!!

Pray Pray Pray

Please pray for Vince and his family. They received some devastating news this week. I can't go into details, but it's pretty awful. There is a lot of hurt and pain associated with this, as well as shock, disgust, and shame. Please pray for his family and for Vince. It's a long road ahead, and we could really use the prayers. In all things, God will ultimately be glorified.

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's. . . . . . . . . .

That's right - me - SUPERWOMAN! Why you ask?! Well, this weekend, I single handedly rearranged our bedroom. I moved all the furniture, yes, ALL the furniture to different locations and cleaned while I was at it. Our furniture is not just any frail and week furniture. This stuff is solid wood and very, VERY Heavy! But, my superwoman strength and willpower made it happen. AND, surprisingly, I hooked the television and satellite back up and the TV worked! Go figure!

So, the bedroom is all rearranged, and it looks so much bigger. It looks really nice. And Vince was so surprised, pleasantly I believe! Then, today, I rearranged both of our closets. I took over Vince's closet in the bedroom, and moved all of his items into the hallway closet. The bedroom closet is bigger (so I think!), so I'm happy having the extra room and storage. I just have to go through my drawers tomorrow and organize those and move stuff to the larger closet - yay!

So, this has definitely been a "Labor Day Weekend" but for other reasons. I am sore to boot and I am seeing the beginnings of some good bruises! Tomorrow will be even more labor. I had a 3-page list of things I wanted to get done this weekend. I don't foresee it all happening, but I'm pretty sure a lot of it is going to happen, hopefully!

Vince has his final for his first class in seminary tomorrow night. This past week has not been really conducive to studying with his co-worker's death and subsequent memorial service on Friday morning. Vince spoke at this and did a great job. He has a knack for public speaking (good thing since he's in Seminary!!!). Anyway, we're praying for him to do well on his final. I'm sure he will, but it's been a rough week for us to say the least.

Anyway, I guess that's all for now. I hope everyone has a happy and safe Labor Day! Love to all!!

Unanswered Prayers

I heard a country song yesterday (insert laugh here - you happy now Vince?!) and it seemed to sum up a lot of things going on in our lives. I'm not a huge fan of country (even if I did live in Nashville for 6 months!), but this song is pretty good - here is the chorus of the song (the part that really is what I'm talking about):

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
That just because he may not answer doesn't mean he don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

Some of God's greatest gifts are all too often unanswered...
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

I normally don't refer to God as "the man upstairs", but you know what I'm talking about. I just think that sometimes I get so caught up in the outcome of my prayers, and that when God doesn't answer exactly how I think it should be, that it's just not right. And that's now what God teaches us. No matter what the outcome of our prayers, whether they are answered the way we think they should be answered, or another way, God is in control and the answers He gives is HIS will. I need to be more God focused in my prayers as opposed to Abby focused.

We've dealt a lot with infertility and miscarried twins last year. And although I want a baby right now, and I want to be pregnant right now, it's not what God wants for us. I can see HIS will in every part of this. As hard as it was to lose our babies, I can see God working in that. For one, I wouldn't have been paid for the time I'd be off from work for maternity leave. I know God provides. I don't doubt that. But being off for 8-12 weeks with no pay would be difficult.

I now have a new job which is better in many aspects. It's a non-stressful job, which will definitely help with getting pregnant when we do start trying. I also have been able to lose close to 65 pounds, which again will help with the fertility. I am able to be off from work during maternity leave and get paid 80% of my pay. That's a huge answer to prayer.

So, in many aspects, God has answered my prayers, even the ones I don't think about at the moment. And as hard as it is to lose our babies, and to desire so much to be pregnant right now, I know that it's not God's will for us right now, and I need to just trust Him for His timing in our lives!

This is another song that really means so much to me, especially in dealing with our miscarriage.

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Ok - there's my sermon for the day!  I've gone on long enough I suppose!  God bless and have a wonderful weekend!!

iPod Update - What to add?!

OK - so here's the deal. I need some new stuff on my iPod. I love everything I have on it right now, but I could use some NEW music.


So, here's the deal. What are your suggestions? I wanna know your favorite:

3 artists/albums
3 songs

Let's see if we can't agree on something and have some new tunes on Abby's iPod!!!!

You guys are the best!!

This is truly awful

This weekend, one of Vince's co-workers was murdered. He was found stabbed in his apartment on Friday night. They are saying it's from an apparent burglary since his car was stolen and used in an early morning robbery as well. This leads many to believe that the person that did this knew him since it was his car that was stolen.

We are just beside ourself. We weren't really close to him since he worked a different shift from Vince, but we talked to him a lot and had interactions with him. He didn't have the best friends and didn't keep the best company, but no one deserves anything this brutal. Deep down, he had a good heart, and good intentions.

Please pray for his family at this time. They are all located in Chicago (6 hours north of us). We are unsure of his salvation. He grew up Catholic and all his family is Catholic. He's had some interactions with Vince and talks of heaven, so please pray that he was able to accept Christ before this happened.

Also please pray for the investigation: for the detectives working this case, for the people involved that they be caught, and for the aftermath of all of this. Please pray for Vince and his co-workers as they deal with this tragedy.

It really hits home that we have no idea how long our time on earth is. It can be taken from us just like that. Make the most of your time here on earth, and work on expanding the Kingdom. Don't let a moment pass that you have regret. Don't let an opportunity pass you to share the Gospel, tell someone that you love them, that you appreciate them, that you are glad they are in your life. It reminds me of that verse in James - "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." (James 4:14,15)

I love you all and appreciate your encouragement and friendship.

Are you serious?!

Ok - here's another weight loss update! I can't believe that I fit into these jeans last year prior to surgery!



Are you serious? Yup - totally! I've lost a little over 60 pounds and 5 sizes. God's goodness has been totally evident throughout this whole journey. I'm 2/3 of the way there. Almost there!!!! Praise the Lord!

Praise The Lord!!

Well, today was my last day at my job. I am so thankful that I have a new job to go to on Monday and that the Lord was so amazing in giving me this new job. I am happier than one can imagine at this point I think! This week has been a rough week. I've had to train the person that basically forced me out of my job, and the ladt at the front desk commented to me that I've been so patient with her and that I've been amazing in training her and getting everything set up for the office. I told her that it was NOTHING of me that got me through the week. It was all God. I've said the serenity prayer often this week, and I've been praying non-stop it seems for God to get me through the week and keep my testimony. He's been gracious in helping me get through this trying time.

I start my new job on Monday morning, and I'm looking forward to the changes that are coming. I am just so relieved and I can't even fully describe how happy I am about the way things have turned around for us! In other news too, I've finally hit the 60 pound weight loss mark! Only another 30 pounds to go. Praise the Lord for so many answered prayers!

What A Nice Surprise!

Well, tonight was a nice surprise for me. Vince and I had plans to go out to dinner at a nice restaurant near my office. So, I finished my day at work, and went over and met him at the restaurant. We were looking at the menu, and much to my surprise, the nurse, receptionist, and one of the doctors I work with came and surprised me. Little did I know, but Vince and the nurse have been planning this for over a week. It was like a nice little going away dinner. I even got presents and everything! It was such a great night and it was so nice to spend time with the people I enjoy working with currently. Although I won't miss my job, I will definitely miss these great people! Thanks Vince for a wonderful evening!

Well, my vacation away at my sister's house was great. Besides the fact that the flight there kepts getting more and more delayed and we ended up not getting home to my sister's house until way after midnight. It was a lot of fun though. Time with the kids was wonderful as usual. It was so hard to have to leave them. When I left the house on Sunday, my one niece stayed home with my sister (my brother-in-law and the 2 oldest kids brought me to the airport since it was 2 hours away). When I said goodbye to Emma, Amy had to tell her that Aunt Abby had to go home now, and she said, "But I don't want my Abby to go home." (She calls me My Abby instead of Aunt Abby - it's SO cute) She was pouting and wouldn't stop holding me. It made me cry! And then I had to say goodbye to my sister, and that made me bawl - always does! It's so hard being away from her and the family. We've grown so close over the past couple of years. Then when I was at the airport, my niece Mackenzie started crying when she had to say goodbye - she's the very sensitive one. It was awful! I started crying again, and then had to say goodbye to my nephew too and he kept holding me too. Gosh - this is awful! I was crying in the airport listening to my iPod and hearing songs that reminded me of the kids. And then cried again when we were taking off in the plane. This happens everytime I visit them! You'd think I'd learn by now :-) Such is life!

We had a great time! We went to Hershey Park on Friday and went on the Chocolate Ride - saw how they did the chocolate and it was free, and you get CHOCOLATE at the end of the ride! How can you NOT love that! Then I stocked up on some good ol' chocolate. If you have never been to Hershey, it's so cool. Once you approach the town, roll down your windows, and you will be engulfed with the smell of chocolate. It's amazing. The street lights look like Hershey Kisses! It's so fun!

Then on Saturday we went to the outlet stores and went crazy shopping. I was pretty good - didn't spend too much money and got some great deals. Gotta love the deals! Got some cute sneakers at the Reebok outlet. They were only $20 and it helps that I can wear kids sizes still!! I've been trying to find a picture online of them, but can't seem to find one in the color I got, so I'll have to post one later - they are cute - take my word for it!!!

Anyway, here's some pictures of the kids - it was such a great time!!!!









Other than that, I only have 2 days left at my job, and I cannot wait to start my new job!! YAY!! I've been having to train the person that basically has made my job horrible, and basically forced me out of my job. God has given me grace to get through this trying time. I know it's all HIM and nothing of me!!!

I suppose that's all for now - I'm going to finish watching my tivo and then get myself to bed!! Love to all!