Hey friends!
The last 13 weeks were a real doozie! I was so nauseated I had a hard time looking at the computer screen! I am feeling great now! No more "morning sickness" and am really getting excited about #2!
We went to get a sonogram of the baby last week (thank you, Leesa) and saw some sweet pics of our little 4oz sweetie! He/ she had its legs crossed like it was posing for the sono! How cute!
After much whining, temper-tantrums, and begging.... from Ross, we are going to find out the sex of the baby! I wanted to be surprised, but my sweet OCD husband wants to be able to "decorate the nursery". He said it and I will hold him to it! Ha! I think that was one of his persuasive arguments meant to convince me I HAD to know the sex of #2! I'm okay finding out, but I really didn't think Ross would be okay not finding out, so I submitted. :) Love you , babe!
Myra is growing so fast! She is adorable! She really is the most precious little girl! She is so loving and cuddly! She loves nature and her daddy! Myra said a prayer at SNL Sunday night after we talked about how God sees us as His precious, perfect child in Jesus! It was quite a moving experience to listen to Myra and to see her sweetness and to think that God looks down and sees me like her! WOW!
She asks about our family everyday, by name. She is a people person! Her eyes speak so loudly a language of love and interest to even a a stranger in the grocery store! She is speaking more clearly everyday and communicating so well. It is the most blessed fun to be honored to be her mama!
Now to some deep thinking! I have really been mulling over in my head the Church. Sleepless nights give me many hours to weed out the weird dreams and focus on the ones that are important. (As I continue, I am in no way thinking specifically of Eastside, I am thinking broader in terms of the "Body of Christ") I dream of a church that one day will have no walls! A church that truly loves, that we love so much that we can't see enough each other! It seems that just to get people to attend worship or Bible class is a struggle, a trick, a secret! When will be like the early church and have worship and fellowship daily and add to our numbers because they SEE Christ in us! It is a lot to ask this society we live in... to give up your tv shows, your overtime at work, your "down" time. Trust me- I am there... when I think of the work involved I get tired! BUT, I really think if we could just try it for a few weeks, we would be amazed at how little work it really is, how awesome it is to really KNOW one another, to encourage and pray with each other in our struggles, and to rejoice in Jesus! I think our kids and teens would see and learn true devotion to God without us having to pound a Bible over their heads and make them sit quietly in worship.
The morning dawns and the dream is overwhelmingly too big! It gives me hope, though. Maybe one day, we can BE the Church, the Bride of Christ, the Body of our Savior. And yet, aren't we? Romans tells us that God sees us as little Christs-- He doesn't see the imperfections! So why don't we believe God and start seeing ourselves that way! Stop buying into the lies - no one cares about me, they are hypocrites, don't trust, they will never... That is not what God sees, why do we?
Join me in embracing the dream! join me in loving one another and believing that the church is God's perfect child! And soon, very soon will start acting like it. What you think about you bring about!!
Hugs!
Sorry for rambling...
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Help!
I changed my background and lost all of my favorite people's blogs! So, if you ever visit my blog and your name was in the right column, email me or comment so I can find you again!!! Please!!! PLease!!! I'm missing being on the inside already!
Love you all!
Love you all!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
BIG News
Well, we've decided to go public with our exciting news for two reasons.
1- The more who know the more prayers that can be lifted
2- I'm feeling so sick that people are sure to start figuring something out... I don't want anyone to think that Lupus is showing its face in my life again. It is gone for good. Praise GOD!
Yes- I am expecting baby number two!! Can you even fathom it? If it weren't for the nausea and fatigue, I wouldn't believe it! God is good and we are thrilled!
It is so weird to be walking in healing. Sometimes I think the 6 years of really bad health was like a twilight zone! It's strange to look back at the despair, fear, and pain that once gripped my everyday life. Now, I'm doing the unthinkable! I'm healthy, with child #2, and having no signs or symptoms of that horrible disease! I praise God every time I pick up Myra and we dance around the kitchen with no pain! This summer in CO, it was awesome to hike the trails and not think about aching joints or piercing stabs in my feet with every step!
I find it easy to forget on a daily basis what God has done for Ross and I. Living in a new place with people who have only seen me healthy makes it a challenge to remember everyday the bondage God has freed me from through Christ Jesus!
Stranger still, is traveling further and further away from the time in which I suffered. As time moves on and life takes us on its crazy journey, Lupus has truly become a thing of the past! It wasn't until being sick with this sweet baby that I realized what people might start thinking. I had to drop out of a few commitments due to the nausea and dizziness and all I could say was, "I'm not feeling well". I have forgotten the feelings that go with "I'm not feeling well'.
Those 4 words use to define me in many ways. Others defined me as the sick girl, family defined me as the weak one, and strangers saw me as lazy. The worst was people who felt like I was a hypochondriac-- those who didn't believe that a young, athletic girl who looks fine on the outside can be so filled with pain. Having to pull out of a few important events in the last month brought all that back for me. It made me realize that I have not been sensitive to those around me who "don't feel well" yet keep their smile and keep trekking. It was a gentle reminder for me. Although I don't live in the past, I must hold on to the lessons learned so I can be compassionate to those around me.
Well, world- Look at me now! When you look at me the "sick girl", "the weak one", or the "lazy wife", I hope now you see Jesus Christ and His healing power! I hope now you see what we all hope to be true in scripture, that God does heal and that there is hope for the hurting! May you be blessed by the miracle God has done in our life TODAY and rejoice with us as it continues in baby #2! WOO-HOO!
1- The more who know the more prayers that can be lifted
2- I'm feeling so sick that people are sure to start figuring something out... I don't want anyone to think that Lupus is showing its face in my life again. It is gone for good. Praise GOD!
Yes- I am expecting baby number two!! Can you even fathom it? If it weren't for the nausea and fatigue, I wouldn't believe it! God is good and we are thrilled!
It is so weird to be walking in healing. Sometimes I think the 6 years of really bad health was like a twilight zone! It's strange to look back at the despair, fear, and pain that once gripped my everyday life. Now, I'm doing the unthinkable! I'm healthy, with child #2, and having no signs or symptoms of that horrible disease! I praise God every time I pick up Myra and we dance around the kitchen with no pain! This summer in CO, it was awesome to hike the trails and not think about aching joints or piercing stabs in my feet with every step!
I find it easy to forget on a daily basis what God has done for Ross and I. Living in a new place with people who have only seen me healthy makes it a challenge to remember everyday the bondage God has freed me from through Christ Jesus!
Stranger still, is traveling further and further away from the time in which I suffered. As time moves on and life takes us on its crazy journey, Lupus has truly become a thing of the past! It wasn't until being sick with this sweet baby that I realized what people might start thinking. I had to drop out of a few commitments due to the nausea and dizziness and all I could say was, "I'm not feeling well". I have forgotten the feelings that go with "I'm not feeling well'.
Those 4 words use to define me in many ways. Others defined me as the sick girl, family defined me as the weak one, and strangers saw me as lazy. The worst was people who felt like I was a hypochondriac-- those who didn't believe that a young, athletic girl who looks fine on the outside can be so filled with pain. Having to pull out of a few important events in the last month brought all that back for me. It made me realize that I have not been sensitive to those around me who "don't feel well" yet keep their smile and keep trekking. It was a gentle reminder for me. Although I don't live in the past, I must hold on to the lessons learned so I can be compassionate to those around me.
Well, world- Look at me now! When you look at me the "sick girl", "the weak one", or the "lazy wife", I hope now you see Jesus Christ and His healing power! I hope now you see what we all hope to be true in scripture, that God does heal and that there is hope for the hurting! May you be blessed by the miracle God has done in our life TODAY and rejoice with us as it continues in baby #2! WOO-HOO!
Friday, August 1, 2008
It has been way too long, once again, since my last post. I've attached a few pics of Myra Kate... she is nearly 18 months old! Some are of dressing up in her tutu and in Colorado at Ross' grandparent's house. We are having fun exploring the world and learning new things everyday! She has learned what a "video" is form our long drive to CO. Her Grandma and Grandpa bought a portable DVD player for the trip so Myra could watch videos. ( It was a life saver!) Since then, she wants to watch "vee-o" all the time! I, of course, narrow it down to once a day, but she asks often. Usually when she is tired. Anyway, she loves to sing and dance with the videos.
Sunday night, we had a good laugh with some friends from church and a few teenagers. After small group, Ross pumped up the jam (rap) and Myra began busting her moves! It went on for nearly half an hour! It was hilarious and oh, so cute! We laughed and explained this is why we don't go to movies-- we have our own entertainment at home!
I don't have much to update... we have been busy, I mean BUSY, with all the summer activities a youth minister gets to do! We've had fun, but we are looking forward to school starting up so we can be more scheduled again.
We are living each day in God's love and grace and are so thankful for our family, friends, and church. We are challenged by our teens constantly which helps us grow and seek God's hand more and more. We have decided to try to look at the "progress" in baby steps and focus not on the numbers, but in the spiritual growth going on in the hearts of our teens. It can be hard to measure that, but God gives us glimpses every now and then that so encourage us!
I'm thinking of giving art lessons to kids this fall. It's a little intimidating thinking of teaching something that has been so personal to me. I keep thinking if when I was a child, I had opportunities to explore art, I might have known sooner that it was a love and talent I had. I would have done many things differently in college. But there is still time to learn more and grow! I think teaching the kids will be fun and may give us a little extra money so I can do some of my own creative projects at home.
I check out all of your (my friend's) blogs often... I just don't always post. And Kaci-- if you read this, I've tried commenting on your blog to get back to you about your friend with Lupus. I can't comment. hmmm. Find me on facebook and email me, girlfriend!
Count your blessings! Below is one of mine!!
Sunday night, we had a good laugh with some friends from church and a few teenagers. After small group, Ross pumped up the jam (rap) and Myra began busting her moves! It went on for nearly half an hour! It was hilarious and oh, so cute! We laughed and explained this is why we don't go to movies-- we have our own entertainment at home!
I don't have much to update... we have been busy, I mean BUSY, with all the summer activities a youth minister gets to do! We've had fun, but we are looking forward to school starting up so we can be more scheduled again.
We are living each day in God's love and grace and are so thankful for our family, friends, and church. We are challenged by our teens constantly which helps us grow and seek God's hand more and more. We have decided to try to look at the "progress" in baby steps and focus not on the numbers, but in the spiritual growth going on in the hearts of our teens. It can be hard to measure that, but God gives us glimpses every now and then that so encourage us!
I'm thinking of giving art lessons to kids this fall. It's a little intimidating thinking of teaching something that has been so personal to me. I keep thinking if when I was a child, I had opportunities to explore art, I might have known sooner that it was a love and talent I had. I would have done many things differently in college. But there is still time to learn more and grow! I think teaching the kids will be fun and may give us a little extra money so I can do some of my own creative projects at home.
I check out all of your (my friend's) blogs often... I just don't always post. And Kaci-- if you read this, I've tried commenting on your blog to get back to you about your friend with Lupus. I can't comment. hmmm. Find me on facebook and email me, girlfriend!
Count your blessings! Below is one of mine!!
Monday, May 12, 2008
I'm so miniscule!
Okay, I just spent the last 20 minutes roaming around the blog world and am amazed at how DETAILED some of the blogs are! Some of the blogs I ran into looked like a tv series or a chapter book of someone's life and thoughts! It is truly amazing! I honestly don't have that much time (or typing skills) to sit at the computer and blog my life. I am truly awe struck at the gift of those of you who have organized your life into such interesting categories. I wonder if you could come organize my brain a bit?
I feel so proud when I sit at the computer to post a note... now, I see that it is a miniscule task compared to what the "real blogger" does. Here is a quick update on the Thomas family.
Ross is at a Chamber Luncheon getting a reward for graduating the You Lead CLass that he participated in each month for the last year. He enjoyed learning about the community and getting to know some new friends. He came home last Thursday from the carnival where he made funnel cakes for 6 hours! He smelled sweet and greasy!! (It was kind of cute and yummy in a weird sort of way! ) Anyway, he had a great time with his You Lead companions. He said, "It is really a treat to be blessed by someone and by doing something that you really did not want to do." In other words, when you go out of your comfort zone, there is always a blessing to be found!
He shared this with the teens Sunday. We have found teenagers growing up in a small town see the world as such a small place. They get really scared when they are asked to go somewhere else, to serve outside of their comfort zone, or to simply go to summer camp! I'm amazed at how many times we hear them say, "Can't we just have our own camp ( or whatever activity) with just our youth group? "
I guess that simply HAVING a youth group in the first place is a huge adjustment for the teens and parents, none the less asking them to go BE with OTHER youth groups. It is definitely a drill in patience for me. There is so much JOY and FUN when we experience Christ outside of our comfort zone. I so badly want these teens to experience that!
Sorry, I rambled away from the Thomas Update...
Myra is growing so fast! She speaks a new word or two everyday! She is learning to grumble or moan. It is quite a sound to heara one year old moan out of frustration. I know I need to be ahead of the game and have new things for her to discover each day. I'm finding myself to be boring in her eyes. I'm going to try to change it up a little more each day so we can have fun and maybe distract her from the new "mooooaaaan" that she has learned. She is a joy!! Truly a bit of heaven in my arms!
I'm enjoying my Monday after celebrating Mother's Day. I made a cute wall plaque with Myra's handprint for each grandmother and myself. It was a fun project. Ross gave me the BEST gift... I suggest you all give your husbands the link to Pajamagram. It is a site that sends you pajamas in the mail. Of course, mine are "green" as in environmentally friendly! They are soft and oh so cute!
We have had two deaths in my family and my Mama is moving home very soon. She has stopped eating and drinking now and it could be days. The death of my cousin, Grant, has rocked my family and I'll blog about that at a later time. I'm still not ready to put my feelings out there for everyone (all five of you) to read. My Grandaddy died at 93 and we leave to go to Atlanta this weekend for his funeral. My parents are seriously grieved at this time and I pray for their health. Death has lost its sting- praise be to God- but the loss we who remain on earth feel is still great. Even Jesus wept when he arrived at Lazarus's tomb. The Victor of Death cried and mourned with those He loved. Death is not from God, and it is painful.
So, I'm still healing, Myra is still growing, and Ross is still serving. I guess that sums it up pretty well!
I've attached a picture of Myra's hand prints that I scanned for the project I did.
I feel so proud when I sit at the computer to post a note... now, I see that it is a miniscule task compared to what the "real blogger" does. Here is a quick update on the Thomas family.
Ross is at a Chamber Luncheon getting a reward for graduating the You Lead CLass that he participated in each month for the last year. He enjoyed learning about the community and getting to know some new friends. He came home last Thursday from the carnival where he made funnel cakes for 6 hours! He smelled sweet and greasy!! (It was kind of cute and yummy in a weird sort of way! ) Anyway, he had a great time with his You Lead companions. He said, "It is really a treat to be blessed by someone and by doing something that you really did not want to do." In other words, when you go out of your comfort zone, there is always a blessing to be found!
He shared this with the teens Sunday. We have found teenagers growing up in a small town see the world as such a small place. They get really scared when they are asked to go somewhere else, to serve outside of their comfort zone, or to simply go to summer camp! I'm amazed at how many times we hear them say, "Can't we just have our own camp ( or whatever activity) with just our youth group? "
I guess that simply HAVING a youth group in the first place is a huge adjustment for the teens and parents, none the less asking them to go BE with OTHER youth groups. It is definitely a drill in patience for me. There is so much JOY and FUN when we experience Christ outside of our comfort zone. I so badly want these teens to experience that!
Sorry, I rambled away from the Thomas Update...
Myra is growing so fast! She speaks a new word or two everyday! She is learning to grumble or moan. It is quite a sound to heara one year old moan out of frustration. I know I need to be ahead of the game and have new things for her to discover each day. I'm finding myself to be boring in her eyes. I'm going to try to change it up a little more each day so we can have fun and maybe distract her from the new "mooooaaaan" that she has learned. She is a joy!! Truly a bit of heaven in my arms!
I'm enjoying my Monday after celebrating Mother's Day. I made a cute wall plaque with Myra's handprint for each grandmother and myself. It was a fun project. Ross gave me the BEST gift... I suggest you all give your husbands the link to Pajamagram. It is a site that sends you pajamas in the mail. Of course, mine are "green" as in environmentally friendly! They are soft and oh so cute!
We have had two deaths in my family and my Mama is moving home very soon. She has stopped eating and drinking now and it could be days. The death of my cousin, Grant, has rocked my family and I'll blog about that at a later time. I'm still not ready to put my feelings out there for everyone (all five of you) to read. My Grandaddy died at 93 and we leave to go to Atlanta this weekend for his funeral. My parents are seriously grieved at this time and I pray for their health. Death has lost its sting- praise be to God- but the loss we who remain on earth feel is still great. Even Jesus wept when he arrived at Lazarus's tomb. The Victor of Death cried and mourned with those He loved. Death is not from God, and it is painful.
So, I'm still healing, Myra is still growing, and Ross is still serving. I guess that sums it up pretty well!
I've attached a picture of Myra's hand prints that I scanned for the project I did.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Imagination
Whew! We have been busy with LTC, Easter, Spring Break, family visits, and strep throat. The first four were so fun! I have many pictures to download, but I've got only a second to add a post.
The latest thing Myra does is pretend she is a dog. Se will crawl around the house barking and panting! Is a 13 month old suppose to be pretending? Back in November, before she was walking, I played Tea Party with her and was amazed at how she poured the tea and sipped from her cup just like I did! She has such an imagination already! I think she gets bored at our house. Any fun ideas, parents?
Okay, I'm bragging about my child! I never understood why parents liked to talk about their child's "amazing" behaviors. Now, all you parents out there can completely relate to me. When you watch your child grow up it is like a miracle everyday! Watching Myra learn about this beautiful world is the highlight of my days.
Thank you, God, for allowing me to be at home with Myra Kate! May she grow to love You more than anything in this life and to love her neighbors.
The latest thing Myra does is pretend she is a dog. Se will crawl around the house barking and panting! Is a 13 month old suppose to be pretending? Back in November, before she was walking, I played Tea Party with her and was amazed at how she poured the tea and sipped from her cup just like I did! She has such an imagination already! I think she gets bored at our house. Any fun ideas, parents?
Okay, I'm bragging about my child! I never understood why parents liked to talk about their child's "amazing" behaviors. Now, all you parents out there can completely relate to me. When you watch your child grow up it is like a miracle everyday! Watching Myra learn about this beautiful world is the highlight of my days.
Thank you, God, for allowing me to be at home with Myra Kate! May she grow to love You more than anything in this life and to love her neighbors.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Ticker
Okay, I'm feeling so techno-savy right now! I just added this little ticker at the top of my page from lilypie.com to my blog. It was very easy!
Sometimes its the little victories in life that mean the most! Ha!
Sometimes its the little victories in life that mean the most! Ha!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Myra is ONE!
I can't believe it! Myra is growing so fast. She walked across the room today for the first time. Everyday seems to hold its share of "firsts". Many of you have not had the opportunity to meet Myra, yet. So I'm going to take a moment ad tell you about our precious Myra. I never brag about my child, but since it is her birthday blog, I'm going to take the liberty.
She is a joy. Myra smiles and waves at everyone! Going to the grocery store with her takes a while because she makes everyone feel like they are her new best friend. Myra makes the silliest faces! She has so much personality in that little 21 pound frame! You never wonder what she is thinking... her expressions speak louder than her goo's and ba-ba-ba's! Myra picks up on things very fast. She is smart. Don't let those big blue eyes full you when she sneaks off to get into something and looks at yu with that, "Who me?" gaze. Most of all, Myra is so loving! She blows kisses in her sleep! She loves to cuddle and hug. Her little "aaww" sound she makes when she hugs your neck, her stuffed animals, or her friends just melts my heart! She truly is a big bundle of love! She enjoys books and balls. She reads books during the day about every 15 minutes. Then she gets up and chases a ball around or helps with the laundry. Myra is our sweet miracle from above and every day is a reminder of how great our God is!
Well, a year ago I was wondering how I was going to survive this amazing adventure of motherhood. Sleepless nights, painful nursing, sore body, weird emotions... things nobody tells you about giving birth was all very overwhelming. It was the most exciting and amazing time of my life as well! The precious little baby in my arms was given to me from my Father above and I was filled with such joy and awe. A year later I am still awestruck. I am still healed of Lupus and enjoying life with Ross and Myra as I had dreamed of doing. Here's a shout out to all my prayer warriors! PRAISE GOD for you!
I've attached some pics of Myra's Birthday. We had all been sick with bronchitis so we look a little pooped. We didn't get to enjoy a cake made by me... but the party went on!
As you view our pics, say a little "praise prayer" for the blessings in our life and yours!
She is a joy. Myra smiles and waves at everyone! Going to the grocery store with her takes a while because she makes everyone feel like they are her new best friend. Myra makes the silliest faces! She has so much personality in that little 21 pound frame! You never wonder what she is thinking... her expressions speak louder than her goo's and ba-ba-ba's! Myra picks up on things very fast. She is smart. Don't let those big blue eyes full you when she sneaks off to get into something and looks at yu with that, "Who me?" gaze. Most of all, Myra is so loving! She blows kisses in her sleep! She loves to cuddle and hug. Her little "aaww" sound she makes when she hugs your neck, her stuffed animals, or her friends just melts my heart! She truly is a big bundle of love! She enjoys books and balls. She reads books during the day about every 15 minutes. Then she gets up and chases a ball around or helps with the laundry. Myra is our sweet miracle from above and every day is a reminder of how great our God is!
Well, a year ago I was wondering how I was going to survive this amazing adventure of motherhood. Sleepless nights, painful nursing, sore body, weird emotions... things nobody tells you about giving birth was all very overwhelming. It was the most exciting and amazing time of my life as well! The precious little baby in my arms was given to me from my Father above and I was filled with such joy and awe. A year later I am still awestruck. I am still healed of Lupus and enjoying life with Ross and Myra as I had dreamed of doing. Here's a shout out to all my prayer warriors! PRAISE GOD for you!
I've attached some pics of Myra's Birthday. We had all been sick with bronchitis so we look a little pooped. We didn't get to enjoy a cake made by me... but the party went on!
As you view our pics, say a little "praise prayer" for the blessings in our life and yours!
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