VBS!

We spent this past week doing vacation bible school, or "church camp" as Chloe calls it. I volunteered to do arts and crafts, Chloe was in the 3s class and Luke was in the baby class. Fun was had by all! 

I've loved hearing Chloe sing all the songs she has learned throughout the week, but the best part was at dinner tonight. I was asking her about her bible story from today and what she learned, she replied "God knows everything about me!" My heart is so full. 

so much to celebrate!

Luke got to celebrate his first St. Patrick's day and Easter recently. 

We dyed our Easter eggs before, Chloe loved it. I actually got good pictures of the two of them, on both holidays, which is so rare.

We had fun opening up Easter baskets before church.

That weekend one of my best friends got married. We had the best time celebrating, Chloe got to be the flower girl too, she did a great job. 

 Emily was a beautiful bride!!!!

It was such a beautiful wedding, so happy we got to be apart of it. 

Gratitude List

I've been doing the She Reads Truth Psalms of Gratitude study as we lead up to Thanksgiving. I love all their studies, and this one is no exception. Thought I would share today's as I list things I am thankful for, it definitely made me think. 

I will give thanks in…

1. this joyful thing: baby Luke and my Chloe Mae
2. this suffering: not having our own place to do life
3. this certainty: that god has a plan for our family
4. this stress: trying to sell our house
5. this injustice: the Syrian refugees who need homes
6. this sorrow: the people of Paris
7. this plenty: our needs are met, a loving husband, Chloe's school 
8. and loving family and friends
9. this want: a home of our own
10. this wandering: the transition to Richmond 
11. this waiting: for our house to sell in North Carolina
12. 
    

Rejoice always!
Pray constantly.
Give thanks in everything,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

And I'll end with a picture of Chloe in the leaves, because why not?

My Grace is Sufficient

So I've been meaning to write a post about how we got here...

On May 21st, after 6 months of trying, I finally took a positive pregnancy test. 

Back in November, we finally felt ready to start trying. We always knew we wanted one more baby, and we always wanted them about three years apart. It was a big deal since my birth with Chloe was so hard and really I was ready to be pregnant, but being ready to give birth again was a whole other thing. 

I had been training for the Richmond half, and I ended up running a half in Winston 3 weeks later. Needless to say all that running totally through off my cycle. Of course I would speculate each month I got my period, why it didn't work. But it was hard, a lot harder than I thought it would be. 

I'll never look at a pregnancy announcement the same way again. It's such a sweet thing, such a blessing, such a miracle. But it definitely makes me think about those that are aching for that as well. I remember that feeling. Nothing could ever make me love Chloe more, but going through this made me appreciate the timing of her even more. With her we weren't sure if it was the right timing for us to become parents, but God knew it was. 

This time I thought it might take 2 or 3 months tops, but once again God knew the perfect timing. If we had gotten pregnant right away Clarke wouldn't have applied for jobs and we wouldn't be back in Richmond, and we are suppose to be here. God knew. And the thing that makes my heart so full is knowing how much I doubted the last month. I was so sure it was going to be negative again. I had convinced myself something was wrong with my uterus from the trauma of Chloe's birth. I doubted God's timing and perfect plan for our family. This verse comes to mind...

2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, " My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 

 In the mist of my weakness, my doubt and fear, God still blessed us with such a precious gift. His grace really is more than enough for us, more than we deserve. I can't wait to meet this baby, I know he or she is exactly what God wanted for our family.


 

Hello February

Hard to believe it's already February! Here's what we've been up to...

Saturday morning we went to one of Chloe's friend's birthday party. She had so much fun playing with all her toys, eating and socializing. When I asked Chloe if she was ready to go she said "No!" 

Best shot we could get of the four of us. The girls were obviously not into it.

After the party I hopped into the car and drove up to Richmond for the night. I had dinner with the girls to celebrate Lori's birthday, and then breakfast with my mom in the morning. It was such a quick trip but worth the drive for some much needed girl time. Clarke was so great to watch Chloe, and she loved her special daddy time.

Sunday we went to a Super Bowl party at our neighbor's house. Of course Chloe didn't want to leave this party either at half time. I was so tried I was in bed when Chloe was and didn't see the end of the game, oh well.

And I'll end with something random, but lovely. 

I'm loving this song, especially the lyrics. 

She Reads Truth

I wanted to share something that has been a blessing in my life for the past few months. 

She Reads Truth

The women in my community group at church started an online bible study. We read the daily devotional from She Reads Truth and post to a private fb group. It's been so refreshing to spend time each day doing this. I'll admit I definitely struggle with spending time in God's word. But this study makes it so easy, and it doesn't take long to do. I've really been encouraged by it and think you will be too!

Right now the study is on Ruth, a story I remember studying many years ago. I've loved getting a fresh perspective about how our God is a redeemer. Ruth goes through a very dark time and the story shows how God ultimately redeems her. 

Isaiah 45:3

I hope this encourages you today. 

Changes and Letting Go

One year ago I was extremely pregnant, waiting to meet my baby girl. I knew my life would never be the same, I knew big change was coming, but I didn't realize just how much. My life looks totally different now, they say becoming a parent changes you and I couldn't agree more. 

Not only becoming a parent, but moving to North Carolina has changed me as well. God has been teaching me all about letting go. Letting go of things and people I can't change. When Chloe was born I got a big wake up call about letting go. A c section was the last thing I wanted, and then hemorrhaging was the last thing I thought would happen. My recovery was rough, long and hard. I remember being so happy as a new mom, so in love with my baby and being so thankful we both were healthy. The day we left the hospital I shed tears of happiness and joy because we got to leave knowing we would both be fine. But there was so much about that situation I couldn't control, and I knew I had to give it to God. Moving here has been the same. Our house hunt has been hard, and there have been lots of situations where things didn't work out, and I was left wondering why but trusting in God's plan. It was a big risk for our family to come to North Carolina. A year ago if you had told me we wouldn't be in Richmond anymore I wouldn't have believed it. It seems things are finally settling down and I'm so thankful.

I made a video for Chloe's first year, and I love watching it. In about 7 minutes you can see her change so much, it's amazing how much they change in just one year. I am embracing it, well trying. There is so much joy in each milestone, each new development, but I also know we will never go back to those newborn days. Part of me is glad about that when I think about the sleep deprivation, but part of me morns that time. Change is apart of life, letting go makes it better. Letting God take control and lead me were I need to be makes it possible.

God is Good!

I am so happy to be typing this:

We sold our house! Here is what the sign out front looks like now!

Of course nothing is official until we close on June 28th, but we are pretty excited.

This is such an answered prayer. The house was on the market for 7 weeks, which isn't too bad but we were definitely starting to wonder if there was something wrong with the house we weren't seeing. God is so good to come through and bring us the right buyers. 

We already signed a 6 month lease down there, which I actually think will be good for us. At first I really didn't want to rent but now I think having time to get to know the area will be good before making such a huge commitment like buying a house. We can find the right church, see which areas of town we actually enjoy spending the most time in and not be rushed. 

This time next week we will be in Winston-Salem. How did the time go by so fast? 

Weekend Wrap-Up

I had such a great weekend, it was really just what I needed. A date, good times with friends and family and of course my sweet baby girl. 

I had my last MOPS meeting on Friday morning. It was sad because these women have really been an encouragement to me these past few months. It was hard to say goodbye. The lady who did our devotional for the morning talked about Proverbs 3:5-6, which says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own insight, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." I really needed to hear that. We are still waiting to sell our house and there are so many unknowns about this move still. I needed to be reminded to just trust God with all my heart, not just part of it, and he will guide us. 

Then I found out I get to be a bridesmaid!!

Here we are at my wedding. In March the roles will reverse and I'm so excited!!

Saturday Clarke and I went on a date to the Cinnebistro at Stony Point. I had been wanting to go for awhile and it was on our "bucket list" of things to do in Richmond before we move. We left Chloe with my mom and it was so nice to have alone time.

We saw The Great Gatsby which we both really liked, and I also must add the seats in this movie theatre were really comfy and the food was pretty good too. 

And because no post is complete without a picture of my baby girl, here is one from this past weekend.

Mother's Day and Baby Dedication

I am finally getting around to posting about my first Mother's Day, but it was really special. We had baby dedications at church, and Chloe got dedicated.

Chloe wore the same gown that my mom and her brother and sister wore,  all my cousins, my brothers and myself wore as well. She was the third generation to wear this! I am happy to say no spit up or anything got on it!

After church we went to Aunt Melanie's for a celebration. Chloe was over being in that dress, and she missed her morning nap so I didn't get that many good pictures. Oh well.

As you can see in this picture she is done! 

I definitely felt so loved on my first Mother's Day. I got so many sweet cards from friends and family, and it just made me so thankful that I get to be Chloe's mommy. I remember last year on Mother's Day I was anticipating becoming a mom, and now I am! It's such a great feeling and I am thankful I got to spend it with so many wonderful friends and family. 

He is Risen

I think it's always easy to get wrapped up in all the fun things about Easter, and with children I've found it's even easier. Like this.............

Sometimes I can't get over how cute she is! But I digress, the real reason for Easter. At my Mops group we were talking about how nice the Christmas story is, but the Easter story isn't as nice and pretty. It's hard to think about all the pain and suffering Jesus went through. But the fact that He overcame all of that makes it even more incredible. And the fact that He went through all of that for us, makes it the most incredible thing of it all. The fact that he was innocent, didn't deserve any of what He went though but did so that we could be forgiven. He died on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven. And Easter is the glorious part of the story, the part when he overcomes death and rises from the tomb. 

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

I love this verse, because it paints such a clear picture of what Easter is really about. By His wounds we are healed and brought peace. As much as I love the adorable baby clothes and yummy candy that comes with Easter I love what Jesus did on that cross even more. 

Hello 2013!

Last night we celebrated 2012 by going over to a friend's house for dinner and to ring in the new year. It was definitely low key, which is what we really wanted. I took some cute pictures, all of Chloe of course!

My sweet little girl before leaving. Had to do a little photo shoot of her in her party dress!!

One of me and her, she looks like a little doll sometimes!

We spent the evening with longtime friends. Chloe was definitely the center of attention, everyone got a chance to hold her. I also must say it was sweet because my friend's seven year old daughter was there having a sleepover with a friend, got a glimpse into my future. They were really cute too. 

First new year's eve as a family of three. 

After the ball dropped we totally went home, I fed Chloe and we all went to sleep! It was a really fun evening though. The older I get the more I realize I don't need to go out and make such a huge deal about new year's eve. It's just an excuse for a fun night with friends!

I saw this questionnaire about 2012 on another blog and thought it was cute so I'm including it.

1. What are you most thankful for?
My little girl, my health, modern medicine that allowed me to have a healthy baby and allow me to continue to have children after complications. Jesus, my husband, family and friends. 

2. What were the highlights of 2012 for you?

Being pregnant, our trip out west, my daughter being born!

3. What are you hoping for in 2013?

Quality time with my daughter, husband, family and friends, more time running, a bunch of firsts for Chloe, joining a mommy group, hopefully some fun trips and Chloe sleeping through the night!

4. What were some of your favorites of 2012? (clothes, movies, songs, TV shows )

I loved my cotton sundresses during pregnancy and vanilla ice cream cones from McDonald's. I loved cute scarves and necklaces.  I loved when we got rid of cable and joined Netflix. I loved watching Parenthood, Lost, Friday Night Lights, Hot in Cleveland, 30 Rock and How I Met Your Mother on Netflix. Of course I still loved Glee. I loved my new iPhone, instagram and twitter.

5. Who was God to you in 2012? (and if He was nothing to you - please be honest. You don't need to give Sunday school answers. I want to be able to pray that He will be something to you this year!)

God became the person I could rely on for anything. The person I trusted most during pregnancy and especially while I was in the hospital having Chloe. He was my comforter and gave me the strength to heal from a hard labor and delivery. 

Faith Over Fear

So I'm almost 38 weeks pregnant and I've gotten to the point of really being ready to meet my baby girl! I had my weekly doctor's appointment yesterday and she said my body is really getting ready for labor, I was thrilled. Now with every cramp or contraction I think "this could be it!" so far it hasn't been. 

I've come to accept that I can't control so many parts of giving birth, I must cling to the one constant which is that God is in control. He will decide when I go into labor, how our baby girl comes into this world and all the details in between. I have a peace about this now, there are times I still struggle with wanting to know more, but I remind myself to just trust. Have faith, because faith is the opposite of fear, and I am done being fearful about this whole process. 

I've given this to God because I admit to holding onto it for way too long.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6

I haven't struggled with anxiety like this since college, anxiety about giving birth. But like I just typed I am done with it. I am choosing faith. I'm not going to let the devil rob me of the joy of becoming a mom, because that's what it is.

For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

God has made so many promises in the bible about how he helps his people. So it doesn't matter when I go into labor, how exactly everything falls into place and how our baby comes into this world, God already knows all of that. 

To end on a lighter note, and because every post is better with a picture, here is the baby bump, I can barely see my bellybutton now. 

Thankful for God's faithfulness to me throughout this entire pregnancy!

Linking up over at: Faith Filled Friday and Friday Faves

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!

After church we are off to see the Pacific Ocean!

Below is a really neat video I think you should watch. Enjoy!

every march

Every March for the past 6 years I am reminded of where I was back what now seems like forever ago. March of 2006 was the month of my last anxiety attack. I posted about it last year. It's a sweet reminder of how Jesus really does transform us, changes us as we draw closer to him.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. " -Philippians 4:6

This verse is framed on my bedside table. It has been since college, and I've always loved it. It's a promise that I need to be reminded of everyday. No matter what changes or things we may face in life God is always there with us in it. In everything. So happy for that sweet reminder every March.

loving this today



Where I Need To Be

I saw this on pinterest recently and repinned it. I thought "this is so true about my job."

api.ning.com via meredith on pinterest

Yeah, I'm right where God wants me.

This school year has been really different than last year, and it's going to continue to change. Starting this week I won't be working in the same classroom I've been in for the past year and a half. A student moved to another county and I had to say goodbye on Friday, so this classroom doesn't need me anymore. I'm glad I already know all the students I'll be working with and I can say I am already very fond of them.  I've been in and out of their classrooms throughout this year and while I'll miss my current students I am excited to work with these new ones. Thursday was the perfect example. I was walking in the hall and I saw a student from one of the classes I've been helping. He gave me the biggest hug, which is funny cause I really haven't worked with him that much. I was on my way to the pre-K special ed class and when I walked in a little girl says "Hi Mrs. Jenny I've missed you!" Ahhh, it was great. I really was having a hard time with the transition of moving out of my current classroom. But like that quote says, I've ended up where I need to be. I know it's true of the children I'll be working with for the rest of this school year as well as why I'm in special ed and not art.

I wish I knew all the answers, but I see how God is guiding me and showing me piece by piece. In some sense I haven't gone where I intended to go (teaching art) but I have ended up where I needed to be (special ed).

How Pinteresting

Today I am linking up over at The Vintage Apple for Pinterest Wednesdays! Oh, how I love Pinterest...maybe too much? But I digress............

Right now I am loving these pins.............

Love this redo of the keep calm posters.

uploaded by user via katherine on pinterest

Always love a good cat picture!

we heart it via madline on pinterest

I know Easter is still far away, but isn't this a cute/cheap idea?

MixMingleGlow via Briana on pinterest

I have loved Tim Tebow since he played for Florida. Always will!!

gq via southernmommas on pinterest

This is sooooo true!

uploaded by user via megan on pinterest

What are you loving on Pinterest? Join The Vintage Apple!

God's Timing

I know the holidays always make people think about their past year and the upcoming new year. I am the same way, especially since my birthday is at the end of the year as well. But this year seems a little different. I always would think about where I want to be at this time next year, but strangley I don't find myself doing that this year. I think it comes down to one thing I have really embraced this year: God's timing. It's something I have always believed in and trusted, but this is the year I have really started clinging to it.

This is the year I have decided to let go of this timeline I have in my head of when certain things need to happen. (ie: getting a teaching job) It's funny because this has been the year with so many interviews and all of them ending in a no. Yet, despite this I still believe God has called me to teach. And I really believe it more than ever now.

I can feel God working in my life because I have opened myself up to a different outcome than what I originally anticipated. When I started this journey towards becoming a teacher I wanted to teach art. Now, I really believe God has called me to teach special ed. It's crazy, and I really wouldn't have it any other way.

I recently went on an interview to teach special ed, and although I didn't get the position God really used this to show me something. I am passionate about teaching children with special needs. Whether that be children with multiple disabilities or children who are mainstreamed into a regular ed classroom. A couple weeks before I ever applied to that job I met with an old professor at Uof R to talk about their special ed program. She encouraged me to apply to teach special ed on a provisional license. Before I went into that meeting I prayed for God to show me what I should do. Lay it on my heart if this was His path for me. I left that meeting almost crying. It was just one of those times when I felt the Holy Spirit so strongly.

I don't know where that leaves me now. God has been laying other things on my heart besides teaching recently and I feel I need to persue it. But ultimately He is in control of that as well. I think it goes back to timing. I have such a peace about His timing. I don't need to plan where I want to be next year because as long as I persue His will for my life, I'll be exactly where I need to be.

Words for Wednesday

Source: myrevelment via Rachel on Pinterest