Monday, March 28, 2011
stay tuned
Stay tuned because this weekend I am going to be turning our kitchen table from drab into fab using some techniques from www.allthingsthrifty.com. Check out her yellow furniture section... that's what my kitchen table is going to look like. :) I'm so excited. Yellow table. Black chairs. A little glazing. And some fabulous new cushions. It's going to look super fun in our apartment! :)
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Leaving... but not for a few more years
*Sigh*
Karen Kingsbury is such an amazing author. I <3 all of her work. I own all of them too, so if you eve want to borrow a book, I'd be happy to loan them out. :) Ok so her newest book just came out. It's called Leaving. It is the first book in a series about Bailey Flanigan. Bailey is one of the characters that you meet in Karen's earlier series. This is one of the things I love most about Karen. She keeps the story of her characters going on forever! You know how you read a book, and if you're like me, at the end of it you're like.... nooooo! Most of the time it ends there and you never hear anything else about the person's life. I know it seems kind of silly, but that's just how I read! I <3 to read and I realllly get into it.
I'm going to try not to spoil this new book, but I had to blog on it. The reason: because this book was the first one that I connected with on a personal level. Every other book has just been a really great book. Although they all have a great story of redemption in them and Lord knows I've been redeemed! :) But, like I said I connected with this one.
I hope it doesn't seem too silly (because I can't blame the tears on pregnancy this time). The book is about Bailey leaving home. The mom, Jenny, does a lot of remembering about when Bailey was little. This family, the Flanigans, are such a Godly family. There is joy in every relationship. They have 2 boys adopted from Haiti and 3 biological children. All of them LOVE Jesus and LOVE others. It's a beautiful model of family.
But as I read I began thinking about my two girls. Madison is just growing by leaps and bounds every day. I heard over and over in the book "cherish these moments, they go fast." I've heard this in real life too. My Madison is just the sweetest 2 year old ever. I am glad I didn't let that term "terrible twos" take over my thinking of this age. She learns something new everyday. I love the way she asks for "hugs-kisses." I love the way her hair curls a little in the back. I love how she treats her baby sister with such tenderness. Even though she says it over and over and over, "what you doing mommy?" She is just so sweet. I love her so much.
So as you can imagine, this book got me thinking about when Madison no longer lives with me. When she no longer needs me for everything. When she doesn't come up to me anymore asking to brush my hair or to snuggle. It makes you cherish them even more.
God gives the perfect gift in a child. We are so blessed to be able to raise Madison and Anna up in the Lord. I just pray we do a good job of it!
So.... check out Karen Kingsbury! She's awesome!
Karen Kingsbury is such an amazing author. I <3 all of her work. I own all of them too, so if you eve want to borrow a book, I'd be happy to loan them out. :) Ok so her newest book just came out. It's called Leaving. It is the first book in a series about Bailey Flanigan. Bailey is one of the characters that you meet in Karen's earlier series. This is one of the things I love most about Karen. She keeps the story of her characters going on forever! You know how you read a book, and if you're like me, at the end of it you're like.... nooooo! Most of the time it ends there and you never hear anything else about the person's life. I know it seems kind of silly, but that's just how I read! I <3 to read and I realllly get into it.
I'm going to try not to spoil this new book, but I had to blog on it. The reason: because this book was the first one that I connected with on a personal level. Every other book has just been a really great book. Although they all have a great story of redemption in them and Lord knows I've been redeemed! :) But, like I said I connected with this one.
I hope it doesn't seem too silly (because I can't blame the tears on pregnancy this time). The book is about Bailey leaving home. The mom, Jenny, does a lot of remembering about when Bailey was little. This family, the Flanigans, are such a Godly family. There is joy in every relationship. They have 2 boys adopted from Haiti and 3 biological children. All of them LOVE Jesus and LOVE others. It's a beautiful model of family.
But as I read I began thinking about my two girls. Madison is just growing by leaps and bounds every day. I heard over and over in the book "cherish these moments, they go fast." I've heard this in real life too. My Madison is just the sweetest 2 year old ever. I am glad I didn't let that term "terrible twos" take over my thinking of this age. She learns something new everyday. I love the way she asks for "hugs-kisses." I love the way her hair curls a little in the back. I love how she treats her baby sister with such tenderness. Even though she says it over and over and over, "what you doing mommy?" She is just so sweet. I love her so much.
So as you can imagine, this book got me thinking about when Madison no longer lives with me. When she no longer needs me for everything. When she doesn't come up to me anymore asking to brush my hair or to snuggle. It makes you cherish them even more.
God gives the perfect gift in a child. We are so blessed to be able to raise Madison and Anna up in the Lord. I just pray we do a good job of it!
So.... check out Karen Kingsbury! She's awesome!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
they are so worth it...
but oh sleep how i miss you.
last night was rough. i thought anna had done a decent job of having good awake time during the day. i had done my best from 8 until 10 to keep her awake. so when 10 rolled around i thought for sure she'd eat good and go right to sleep. sike. i heard her cry out about 15 minutes after laying her down... of course i had decided to go to bed early and had just hit that "knocked out" zone. so i went in and tried rocking her to sleep. she wasn't having and wouldn't keep her passy in. so i sat with her on the over-sized comfy chair in her and she fell asleep on me. well at 2 in the morning after i knew she was asleep, i laid her down. 15 minutes later i heard her again. well it went on and on until at 5 in the morning i brought her to our bed. i am usually not a co-sleeper, but lately "what works... works." so she fell asleep with us and i got, oh about 3 hours of sleep last night. i have NO idea what was wrong with her. maybe an upset stomach. we are still trying to get rid of some thrush she got when i was on antibiotics. so maybe it's the medicine. idk.
on a happier note. :) madison is so cute these days. she talks sooo much! for instance, she just told me, "watch super why humpty 'ducky' fall of the wall." HAHA! there is a new season of super why on netflix and i found it yesterday. she loves super why!
yesterday i braided her hair and it was so cute i did it again today. :)
we are still potty training. it's going ok. we've had a couple accidents recently. i'm kind of in limbo because she's using the potty more, but now i have to put her in panties and pants. she has more accidents when she has these on. and i'm not sure what to do about going out in town. so any advice would be helpful. :)
i bought a breast pump today. it should be here next week. i'm looking forward to having a few date nights with my husband. it is much needed. i also want anna to get used to other people comforting her and providing for her. it's super cute (most of the time) but she is definitely a mama's girl. she has to have mama rock her. she has to have mama talk to her to get her to smile. :) it's not that bad, but i'd like for her to be comfortable with her grandma too! that way grandma can watch her... wink wink. ;) we will probably have to split the kids up though. gosh, it was easy asking family to watch one of my children, but to ask them to watch both... seems a bit much. :)
tim is still doing really well in his calc 2 class. so far on his tests he's got a 99, 100, and at least a 92 on this last one. which was the hardest portion of the class. i'm really proud of him. he also got his official acceptance to UNCW to start summer classes and continue on with the Grad program in the Fall. he also was accepted to NC State to take an online summer course. things are starting to fall into place. he's put in one scholarship application and we are anxious to hear back from them. otherwise we'll be chalking up the bill with loans. not fun. but at least we are going into it debt free (besides our mortgage). we are thinking that we will not move to wilmington until late June. but all of that is still in the works also.
today is my sister's birthday! Happy Birthday Callie! love you boo boo!
ok that's all for now.
last night was rough. i thought anna had done a decent job of having good awake time during the day. i had done my best from 8 until 10 to keep her awake. so when 10 rolled around i thought for sure she'd eat good and go right to sleep. sike. i heard her cry out about 15 minutes after laying her down... of course i had decided to go to bed early and had just hit that "knocked out" zone. so i went in and tried rocking her to sleep. she wasn't having and wouldn't keep her passy in. so i sat with her on the over-sized comfy chair in her and she fell asleep on me. well at 2 in the morning after i knew she was asleep, i laid her down. 15 minutes later i heard her again. well it went on and on until at 5 in the morning i brought her to our bed. i am usually not a co-sleeper, but lately "what works... works." so she fell asleep with us and i got, oh about 3 hours of sleep last night. i have NO idea what was wrong with her. maybe an upset stomach. we are still trying to get rid of some thrush she got when i was on antibiotics. so maybe it's the medicine. idk.
on a happier note. :) madison is so cute these days. she talks sooo much! for instance, she just told me, "watch super why humpty 'ducky' fall of the wall." HAHA! there is a new season of super why on netflix and i found it yesterday. she loves super why!
yesterday i braided her hair and it was so cute i did it again today. :)
we are still potty training. it's going ok. we've had a couple accidents recently. i'm kind of in limbo because she's using the potty more, but now i have to put her in panties and pants. she has more accidents when she has these on. and i'm not sure what to do about going out in town. so any advice would be helpful. :)
i bought a breast pump today. it should be here next week. i'm looking forward to having a few date nights with my husband. it is much needed. i also want anna to get used to other people comforting her and providing for her. it's super cute (most of the time) but she is definitely a mama's girl. she has to have mama rock her. she has to have mama talk to her to get her to smile. :) it's not that bad, but i'd like for her to be comfortable with her grandma too! that way grandma can watch her... wink wink. ;) we will probably have to split the kids up though. gosh, it was easy asking family to watch one of my children, but to ask them to watch both... seems a bit much. :)
tim is still doing really well in his calc 2 class. so far on his tests he's got a 99, 100, and at least a 92 on this last one. which was the hardest portion of the class. i'm really proud of him. he also got his official acceptance to UNCW to start summer classes and continue on with the Grad program in the Fall. he also was accepted to NC State to take an online summer course. things are starting to fall into place. he's put in one scholarship application and we are anxious to hear back from them. otherwise we'll be chalking up the bill with loans. not fun. but at least we are going into it debt free (besides our mortgage). we are thinking that we will not move to wilmington until late June. but all of that is still in the works also.
today is my sister's birthday! Happy Birthday Callie! love you boo boo!
ok that's all for now.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Accountability with Jesus
Ok so I know this is gonna sound horrible, but every year I say I am gonna give something up for Lent... and I never do. I was raised Baptist and I'd never even heard of Lent until college. Not to say that some Baptist don't participate in this humbling act, but those around me just did not.
Back to the part about me saying I was going to and never did. This year I am gonna try things a little different. I have chosen the item/s that I am giving up and I'm gonna let Jesus hold me accountable! I always look for ways to reverently observe Easter. Last year I did a sermon series online and it was really great. But this year I wanna experience to Holy Spirit like never before. I want to be filled with him every time I think about what I'm giving up... which will mean I will have a lot of holy Spirit in me. :)
So pray for me as I try and let Jesus hold me accountable. I just pray that this be an experience that leaves me humbled and in awe of the sacrifice God made for us in Jesus.
Back to the part about me saying I was going to and never did. This year I am gonna try things a little different. I have chosen the item/s that I am giving up and I'm gonna let Jesus hold me accountable! I always look for ways to reverently observe Easter. Last year I did a sermon series online and it was really great. But this year I wanna experience to Holy Spirit like never before. I want to be filled with him every time I think about what I'm giving up... which will mean I will have a lot of holy Spirit in me. :)
So pray for me as I try and let Jesus hold me accountable. I just pray that this be an experience that leaves me humbled and in awe of the sacrifice God made for us in Jesus.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Psalm 23
1 "The lord is my Shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever. "
I was reading this Psalm today and as I read it I began to feel convicted. Verse 1 starts our by saying "I have all that I need." This is so true! I have more than I need. The chapter goes on to talk about all the things God does for me; gives me rest, renews my strength, guides me along right paths, stays close beside me, protects and comforts, honors me, and gives me eternal life with Him! As I read all of these and saw how "my cup overflows with blessings" I couldn't help but look back at verse 3.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
I know God brings honor to his name when His will is done. But do I always bring honor to his name? This is where I fail. In church a couple weeks ago we talked about how we are to be witnesses to the things God does in our lives. God is so good to us. God is good to me! How will the people I come in contact (even via facebook) each day know how good God is if I don't tell them.
So here is part of my witness.
During my last couple years of college I really let a lot of people down. I say this because I was the President of the Baptist Student Union at UNC-Greensboro and during that season I was at the lowest point in my life spiritually than ever before. I was not leading by the Spirit. I know God worked anyway, cause He is so gracious, but I was walking against His will. I had been in a relationship since my Sophomore year in high school and was engaged to be married. I had it set in my heart and mind that this was the person I was going to spend the rest of my life with. The only thing was, was that I wasn't praying. I didn't know what God wanted for my future. I only knew what I wanted. Because I didn't want to hear differently, I didn't do much communicating with Him. It really grieves me to think of the students who I could have ministered to and the people I passed up who I could have been a witness to.
But... God's plans are WAY better than ours. After that young man broke it off with me, I was in the deepest pain I had ever felt. My whole world had been turned upside down. It was there that I felt the presence of God. It was there that He met me.
*Let me do a quick flashback* Like a year before this man broke it off I had a dream. I truly believe that it was prophetic. In the dream I was in a white wedding gown and in a back yard. the man I was dating wasn't anywhere around. I knew the people that were there, but I couldn't see any faces. They were standing around talking like it was a reception or something. The only person's face that I recognized was Tim's! He was wearing a tux and I was walking toward him. I went and stood next to him and he took me by my waist and pulled me into a hug.
Ok so this dream was funny, cause I was already engaged and I always thought Tim was just a funny guy. :) But God proved me wrong. A week after the break up God began laying Tim on my heart. Soon after that I emailed him to see where he was and what God had him doing. I We started corresponding. Well the rest of that is history, but in November of that same year Tim and I were engaged and by February of 2009 we were married. By far the BEST decision I have ever let God make for me!
So now you've witnessed my love story. :)
Throughout our time together we've; traveled to Africa (almost moved there), lived in a mother in law house, moved into Tim's parent's townhouse, moved to Phoenix, had Madison, moved back to Jacksonville, lived with parents for a month or so, moved into a 2 bed house, moved into a 3 bed house, had Anna, and here we are... :) you liked that huh?
Needless to say, we have been very busy. We've done a lot of moving around. We've had lots of adventures. It's been fun. Don't know how many people can categorize their first years of marriage as fun, but I can!
I'd like to share just a little about our finances, which is one area of our lives where God has provided for in miraculous ways. This is how I know God takes care of His children. During our first year of marriage Tim and I paid off about $20,000 of debt. I think we only made about $23,000 that year. We worked hard and with God's guidance were able to stay frugal enough to pay off debt. We wouldn't have been able to do that without being obedient to Him. We are now completely debt free besides our mortgage in Phoenix. It hasn't been easy. Some months, I don't know how we made it except by the grace of God. But we trusted Him and we did what we could and left the rest to Him.
We are getting ready to start a new chapter in life and with that will probably come some new challenges, but God is provider and he leads us along right paths. While on that path my prayer is that with every step I continue to honor his name.
God wants to share his goodness with every single one of you. If you'll just let Him. It's your choice. :) Choose the good life. :)
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever. "
I was reading this Psalm today and as I read it I began to feel convicted. Verse 1 starts our by saying "I have all that I need." This is so true! I have more than I need. The chapter goes on to talk about all the things God does for me; gives me rest, renews my strength, guides me along right paths, stays close beside me, protects and comforts, honors me, and gives me eternal life with Him! As I read all of these and saw how "my cup overflows with blessings" I couldn't help but look back at verse 3.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
I know God brings honor to his name when His will is done. But do I always bring honor to his name? This is where I fail. In church a couple weeks ago we talked about how we are to be witnesses to the things God does in our lives. God is so good to us. God is good to me! How will the people I come in contact (even via facebook) each day know how good God is if I don't tell them.
So here is part of my witness.
During my last couple years of college I really let a lot of people down. I say this because I was the President of the Baptist Student Union at UNC-Greensboro and during that season I was at the lowest point in my life spiritually than ever before. I was not leading by the Spirit. I know God worked anyway, cause He is so gracious, but I was walking against His will. I had been in a relationship since my Sophomore year in high school and was engaged to be married. I had it set in my heart and mind that this was the person I was going to spend the rest of my life with. The only thing was, was that I wasn't praying. I didn't know what God wanted for my future. I only knew what I wanted. Because I didn't want to hear differently, I didn't do much communicating with Him. It really grieves me to think of the students who I could have ministered to and the people I passed up who I could have been a witness to.
But... God's plans are WAY better than ours. After that young man broke it off with me, I was in the deepest pain I had ever felt. My whole world had been turned upside down. It was there that I felt the presence of God. It was there that He met me.
*Let me do a quick flashback* Like a year before this man broke it off I had a dream. I truly believe that it was prophetic. In the dream I was in a white wedding gown and in a back yard. the man I was dating wasn't anywhere around. I knew the people that were there, but I couldn't see any faces. They were standing around talking like it was a reception or something. The only person's face that I recognized was Tim's! He was wearing a tux and I was walking toward him. I went and stood next to him and he took me by my waist and pulled me into a hug.
Ok so this dream was funny, cause I was already engaged and I always thought Tim was just a funny guy. :) But God proved me wrong. A week after the break up God began laying Tim on my heart. Soon after that I emailed him to see where he was and what God had him doing. I We started corresponding. Well the rest of that is history, but in November of that same year Tim and I were engaged and by February of 2009 we were married. By far the BEST decision I have ever let God make for me!
So now you've witnessed my love story. :)
Throughout our time together we've; traveled to Africa (almost moved there), lived in a mother in law house, moved into Tim's parent's townhouse, moved to Phoenix, had Madison, moved back to Jacksonville, lived with parents for a month or so, moved into a 2 bed house, moved into a 3 bed house, had Anna, and here we are... :) you liked that huh?
Needless to say, we have been very busy. We've done a lot of moving around. We've had lots of adventures. It's been fun. Don't know how many people can categorize their first years of marriage as fun, but I can!
I'd like to share just a little about our finances, which is one area of our lives where God has provided for in miraculous ways. This is how I know God takes care of His children. During our first year of marriage Tim and I paid off about $20,000 of debt. I think we only made about $23,000 that year. We worked hard and with God's guidance were able to stay frugal enough to pay off debt. We wouldn't have been able to do that without being obedient to Him. We are now completely debt free besides our mortgage in Phoenix. It hasn't been easy. Some months, I don't know how we made it except by the grace of God. But we trusted Him and we did what we could and left the rest to Him.
We are getting ready to start a new chapter in life and with that will probably come some new challenges, but God is provider and he leads us along right paths. While on that path my prayer is that with every step I continue to honor his name.
God wants to share his goodness with every single one of you. If you'll just let Him. It's your choice. :) Choose the good life. :)
Friday, March 4, 2011
... been meaning to do this
We have had so much going on in the Williams' household since little Anna was born. I feel like I am just getting the chance to breathe... luckily it's nice Spring air I'm breathing! :)
After Anna was born and Tim went back to work, I found myself wondering... "What was I thinking?" I had a newborn at home and an almost 2 year old. My body was still racing with loads of pregnancy hormones and I found myself ready to cry all the time. Maddy was into everything and needed 115% of my attention while Anna needed 120% of my attention! Then... everyone got sick. Maddy just had a cold, but with massive amounts of snot! It was everywhere because of course she doesn't know how to cover her mouth or nose when she sneezes. Tim had something yucky and I had a sinus infection and fluid on an ear. But poor Anna had it the worst, RSV. It was mild and we treated it at home. But we found ourselves in the emergency room two nights because we just weren't comfortable with how she was breathing. She was so congested. It was the most pitiful and sad thing I have ever seen.
With some time and God's healing we are all back to being healthy. I know that first part sounded kind of negative.... you know the "what was I thinking" part. Well I say that because I learned a big lesson with the whole sickness episode. I LOVE taking care of two healthy girls!!!!! There will be some tough spots as there is with any mom at home with children. But God did not give me anything I couldn't handle. He gave me two perfect precious daughters.
Gosh. I am so incredibly blessed. Here comes the bragging! Madison is just the smartest little 22 month I've ever met! She can already count to 10 in English and in Spanish. She sings along with you to teh ABC song. She can read a couple of words already: mommy, daddy, baby, grandma, and hi. Her language is so clear and she is putting at least 5 or 6 words together to form a sentence. Some of those are questions. I just really couldn't be more proud of her. She uses her manners all of the time also. We were just in Michael's today picking out invitations for her birthday party and she said, "excuse me" as we passed this older lady. The lady turned around and mentioned what wonderful manners she had. It's the little things that make me smile.
We are potty training Madison right now. She is doing great! I think in no time we will be down to just a pull-up at night.
We are planning Maddy Jo's 2nd birthday party! On April 11th she will turn 2, but the party is gonna be on the 9th. We decided on a Bubble Birthday Bash! She loves bubbles and we have a great screen porch, deck, and back yard area where we can host her party. She is most excited about all of her "friends" coming and about the cake. :) She announces to everyone when she sees them that she is having a "Bubble party with cake."
Madison is at such a fun age right now. A very wise and special friend of mine told me to count these years as the "terrific twos." I think I'm beginning to see that as sooo true!
My sweet Anna Beth is growing bigger every day. She is going on 2 months old. It seems I may have missed a week and a half of her life when we were all sick. :( They just grow so quickly. Her face is changing so much. She is smiling at me so much more. I tell ya, those smiles... they melt the heart. I used to wonder how I could love them both... there is no doubt... I love these girls so much it hurts sometimes. I am so blessed. So so blessed.
I am so excited for this new chapter of our lives. We have felt a very clear calling on Tim's life. This summer he will continue with a couple more prerequisites so that in the fall he can start work on his Master's degree. In order to teach full time at the college level you need your Master's. Tim is such an amazing teacher. I am not just saying this. Over and over, semester after semester he gets amazing reviews from EVERY student! They ask him to teach the next class up so they can have him again. He continually has positive results from students in his GED course. I think he had 5 students who passed the math portion of the GED this semester. So with all that being sad we go to being a family of a full time student and bread winner. I'm so thankful for my husband and all that he does to take care of us. He works SO hard. I wouldn't and don't ask for anymore than I have. I am so blessed.
In just a short couple of months we will pack up (again) and move to Wilmington. We will be there for at least two years (which is how long it should take Tim to finish his degree). Then God only knows where will be after that. Most likely back to Jacksonville to work full time at the Community College. Tim really enjoys the staff that he works with in the curriculum department. His boss is very easy to work with and does everything she can for her teachers. It's his ideal working situation.
Wilmington should be fun. I will miss my mom being so close. Even though it's not Phoenix... or Africa. She comes over in the afternoons and even during the middle of the night sometimes. :) I know it's only for a short time. I've especially enjoyed out chats over coffee. It's been nice. But I will enjoy being closer to things that Madison will enjoy! The Children's Museum in Wilmington is so fun and Maddy hasn't been. She will love it! Also there is a YMCA in Wilmington and we look forward to being members there. They have swim classes Maddy can do and all sorts of activities. So that part of Wilmington will be nice.
So yeh, there is lots going on and lots to look forward. My prayer is that I can stay in the present as I look forward to what the near future holds. Sometimes that is difficult for me. Luckily I have a birthday party to plan! That should keep me busy!
Well that's all for now!
Bobbie
After Anna was born and Tim went back to work, I found myself wondering... "What was I thinking?" I had a newborn at home and an almost 2 year old. My body was still racing with loads of pregnancy hormones and I found myself ready to cry all the time. Maddy was into everything and needed 115% of my attention while Anna needed 120% of my attention! Then... everyone got sick. Maddy just had a cold, but with massive amounts of snot! It was everywhere because of course she doesn't know how to cover her mouth or nose when she sneezes. Tim had something yucky and I had a sinus infection and fluid on an ear. But poor Anna had it the worst, RSV. It was mild and we treated it at home. But we found ourselves in the emergency room two nights because we just weren't comfortable with how she was breathing. She was so congested. It was the most pitiful and sad thing I have ever seen.
With some time and God's healing we are all back to being healthy. I know that first part sounded kind of negative.... you know the "what was I thinking" part. Well I say that because I learned a big lesson with the whole sickness episode. I LOVE taking care of two healthy girls!!!!! There will be some tough spots as there is with any mom at home with children. But God did not give me anything I couldn't handle. He gave me two perfect precious daughters.
Gosh. I am so incredibly blessed. Here comes the bragging! Madison is just the smartest little 22 month I've ever met! She can already count to 10 in English and in Spanish. She sings along with you to teh ABC song. She can read a couple of words already: mommy, daddy, baby, grandma, and hi. Her language is so clear and she is putting at least 5 or 6 words together to form a sentence. Some of those are questions. I just really couldn't be more proud of her. She uses her manners all of the time also. We were just in Michael's today picking out invitations for her birthday party and she said, "excuse me" as we passed this older lady. The lady turned around and mentioned what wonderful manners she had. It's the little things that make me smile.
We are potty training Madison right now. She is doing great! I think in no time we will be down to just a pull-up at night.
We are planning Maddy Jo's 2nd birthday party! On April 11th she will turn 2, but the party is gonna be on the 9th. We decided on a Bubble Birthday Bash! She loves bubbles and we have a great screen porch, deck, and back yard area where we can host her party. She is most excited about all of her "friends" coming and about the cake. :) She announces to everyone when she sees them that she is having a "Bubble party with cake."
Madison is at such a fun age right now. A very wise and special friend of mine told me to count these years as the "terrific twos." I think I'm beginning to see that as sooo true!
My sweet Anna Beth is growing bigger every day. She is going on 2 months old. It seems I may have missed a week and a half of her life when we were all sick. :( They just grow so quickly. Her face is changing so much. She is smiling at me so much more. I tell ya, those smiles... they melt the heart. I used to wonder how I could love them both... there is no doubt... I love these girls so much it hurts sometimes. I am so blessed. So so blessed.
I am so excited for this new chapter of our lives. We have felt a very clear calling on Tim's life. This summer he will continue with a couple more prerequisites so that in the fall he can start work on his Master's degree. In order to teach full time at the college level you need your Master's. Tim is such an amazing teacher. I am not just saying this. Over and over, semester after semester he gets amazing reviews from EVERY student! They ask him to teach the next class up so they can have him again. He continually has positive results from students in his GED course. I think he had 5 students who passed the math portion of the GED this semester. So with all that being sad we go to being a family of a full time student and bread winner. I'm so thankful for my husband and all that he does to take care of us. He works SO hard. I wouldn't and don't ask for anymore than I have. I am so blessed.
In just a short couple of months we will pack up (again) and move to Wilmington. We will be there for at least two years (which is how long it should take Tim to finish his degree). Then God only knows where will be after that. Most likely back to Jacksonville to work full time at the Community College. Tim really enjoys the staff that he works with in the curriculum department. His boss is very easy to work with and does everything she can for her teachers. It's his ideal working situation.
Wilmington should be fun. I will miss my mom being so close. Even though it's not Phoenix... or Africa. She comes over in the afternoons and even during the middle of the night sometimes. :) I know it's only for a short time. I've especially enjoyed out chats over coffee. It's been nice. But I will enjoy being closer to things that Madison will enjoy! The Children's Museum in Wilmington is so fun and Maddy hasn't been. She will love it! Also there is a YMCA in Wilmington and we look forward to being members there. They have swim classes Maddy can do and all sorts of activities. So that part of Wilmington will be nice.
So yeh, there is lots going on and lots to look forward. My prayer is that I can stay in the present as I look forward to what the near future holds. Sometimes that is difficult for me. Luckily I have a birthday party to plan! That should keep me busy!
Well that's all for now!
Bobbie
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