Here we come Mickey!!

I remember the day I made all the plans for our Disney trip. I posted on FB that we only had 160 days till Disney. That seemed like it was far away but it got here. It has been almost a month now but since before Thanksgiving...someone in our home has been sick and I haven't been able to sit and write. Well...even today, I'm at home and not at church cause Joseph and Jena are snotty and coughing. But I'm going to try and write something, even if it takes a few tries.
Our trip to Disney would wind up being the second busiest week of the year. The week of Thanksgiving. But oh well....we were going and our names were on the books. We left 45 minutes behind my schedule but with tears in my eyes we pull out of the driveway about 6:45 am Saturday morning. The tears were from leaving Jena behind. She was in great hands though. Her aunt Cretia was gracious to take off work and stay with her for us. Jena is too little and was sick, so she stayed home. Even though it was tough it was the best decision.
Our first stop was around 7:45 and a false alarm with Jaci but Joey and I got us some coffee, 2nd stop around 10:45am, which was potty break for everyone and to find a drug store for cough drops and cough medicine at the local Walgreens. I ran in and when I came out it was a funny sight. Joey had Joseph and Jaci out side doing jumping jacks. I guess getting their blood flowing in their fannies for some more sit down time. I was wishing I had my camera. By the time we got gas and back in the road it was 11:15. We had gone 257 miles and that meant only 215 miles to go. The ride was good for the kids thanks to Scott and Dawn for letting us borrow their DVD player.
The next stop came after we got into Florida and we stopped at the rest area and I had packed us stuff for lunch. That was fun and relaxing. While I made sandwiches, Joey and the kids ran around getting some exercise. We ate and the kids played some more and then we were off....next stop....The Disney All-Star Resort!!!
We pulled in at 4pm. And we were ready to get out and stretch. Jaci said that this would be home for the next 5 days. Check-in took some time and our dining plans were taken care of and we were ready to go to our home for the next 5 days. Just your normal hotel room but with Mickey ears!! We unpacked and then it was time to try out this dining plan. This turned out to be great. Joey, Jaci and I got meals and were able to share with Joseph. There was plenty of food to go around. We didn't do much this night just hung out at the resort anticipating the next several days.

Sitting back looking at this makes me think of the many things in life that we anticipate.
~Christmas
~Christmas presents
~Birthdays
~the birth of a child
~that phone call from our loved one or a friend
~eating that dessert you made or someone else
~eating your next meal
~your next vacation
~a warm cup of coffee
~a babies first word or step
~getting out with friends or family
~girls night out
~a trip to the mall
~going to church, wishing I could be there now

So many things we anticipate but none of these should we anticipate like we should anticipate our relationship with Jesus Christ. Who is the reason for this season, the reason that we even have a Christmas Day. Jesus is not only the reason for the season, He is the reason for everything. Why? Cause He is everything and the reason we are here today. But yet so many do not choose Him. And they spend eternity with out Him. Our relationship with Jesus should be the most important thing in our life. Make Him to reason for everything...everyday.

Dear Jena

Yesterday was your very 1st Birthday. I sit and think about your life so far. You did not come into this world in the normal traditional way. I think even then you had your own way of doing things. You came early, tiny, dark headed, kinda tan, and having the longest toes. Weighing in at only 4lbs 12 oz but God had His hand upon you the in tire time. I have no doubt in that.
Only seeing you in pictures that your daddy had taken the first 24 hours was not easy. I was ready to hold you but yet scared to. You were so tiny and had many tubes and IV's were taped to your body. Within hours of your birth you were able to breath on your own but we still had many hurdles to jump before you could come home. Breathing on your own was one, being able to eat and hold your own heat. Weight was not so much an issue. I had to leave the long stay of the hospital without you. That was one of the hardest things I have had to do. But I knew you were in the best care possible and that God was with you. I was able to call and check on you as often as possible and not being able to drive yet, I had friends like Amy to help me get to see you. I had to still work out for someone to be with Joseph and then after your daddy got off work he would come and see you and we would go home together. Grandpa was able to help out too so that I could stay with you longer.
Our first days together were spent snuggling and lots of holding. I was given the freedom to take care of you just as if you were at home. Eighteen days may seem like a lot but your homecoming came on Thanksgiving. The night before we stayed in a room just the three of us with nurses standing by for the just in cases. You came home with a apnea monitor cause you would sometimes take to long before your next breath and the monitor would sound. And man was it loud. We finally put a mussel on that thing.
Due to the cold/flu season, you were not able to have many visitors. You would have easily gotten sick. For four months you and I stayed in the house unless we went to the doctor. It was tough but well worth it. It was my duty as your mom to keep you safe from sickness, even if it had to hurt some feelings. LOTS of things happened in that time frame and your first day out was to visit the folks at Campbellton and then Easter Sunday at Prays Mill. It was nice to get out and see people.
Jaci and Joseph both loved you the first time they laid their eyes on you which was Thanksgiving day. Jaci was instantly mommies helper to her new baby sister. Always wanting to feed you and hold you. Joseph loved on you and still does. Being the youngest you will see a lot. What to do and what not to do. Learn fast! Your milestones have always been behind but nothing to worry about. You seem to be catching up quick. Your able to wear some 12 month clothes and on your birthday decided to walk many steps. Today your not studying it.
We have been blessed to have only common colds and a case of eczema. You still have your blue eyes and dark hair, 4 teeth, saying a few words.....momma and dadda of course but when you smile it makes me smile. I'm so proud to be your momma and praise the Lord for it.
I will pray for you that God will protect you and guide your learning all the days of your life.
I could go on and on but I know one I will share with you more of your story. I'm looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in your life. I love you so much my Jena-pooh!
Mommy

One year ago today.....

As I got out my journal from one ago, it starts out saying,...Where the journey began..... And I have to say it has been a journey. Amazing, crazy, sad, upsetting, and even depressing things have happened in the last year. It started on a Wednesday as a normal day but as the day went by things did start changing for me. I won't go into all the details but by that night I went to bed feeling different. Thankfully we were able to get Joseph and Jaci into bed on time and I was able to got to bed. Things would quickly change. I got up around 11:30 to go to the bathroom which was normal but when I went to bed I could not get comfortable. I was cramping and then it happened. My water-broke!! I ran to the bathroom, hollering to Joey and we both knew this was not good. I was 28 weeks pregnant and it was too early for my baby to come. I started praying that the Lord would protect this baby and thoughts went through my head that this baby was not going to make it. Fear was in the house!!
We got to the hospital and had to go through a test but it was quickly determined that I was not leaving. I was going to have to stay till this baby was born and they wanted to try to get me to 34 weeks. My water had broke but not completely. The baby would continue to replenish it's fluids and I had to stay laying down......the whole time!!
Joey leaves later to get Jaci. Today was the day she was going to get her skin tag removed from her ear. It was a big day...in more ways than one. I had to get my thoughts together and start making phone calls. Family, friends, church, school...making arrangements for people to stay with Joseph during the day, who was only 15 months old at the time. He needed his mommy and I wasn't going to be there for him for several weeks. I just knew that he was going to forget me. Dr's came in and out that day. The most scary of all was the NICU Dr. Dr. Metcalf!! He started out saying that if I had the baby today there was a 90 percent chance it would survive. But everyday that I was pregnant was a good day. I need to go as far as I could. So it was set, that was the goal for everyday. Be pregnant and stay pregnant. Nurses even wrote this on my white board so everyone would know!!
By Friday night I finally got moved from the triage room and into my home away from home. Room 68. I had some visits, and calls which helped. But most of my stay was just me and my baby trying to stay together as long as we could. Baby J!! We did not know if the baby trying to come early was Jena or Jake, so baby J was the name. So many of the nurses thought a boy. They just did not know that the little feisty baby within was a tough little girl.
The days would be long and the nights went by great thanks to Ambien. I won't go through all the detail but I learned a lot about myself and how God is in control over all things. And sometimes He has to get us flat on our back to see this.
Just some things.... are that people really do care, my family can survive, I have a strong husband and that I need let go of some things and trust in the Lord and stop trying to do things on my own. I find myself getting back into the old routine sometimes and memories of my stay in the hospital become fresh on my mind and sometimes it gives me chills.
This story does end good. The day Jena was born was scary enough. Having a pre-lasped cord and being rushed to the OR, being put to sleep, not knowing still if my baby was going to make it. I woke up with Joey by my side and he was able to tell me that Jena was doing ok. She would have to stay in the NICU for several days. Since I had a C-section I would not be able to see my little girl till probably the next day. But Joey took pictures and she is so beautiful.
One day I think I may write a book about this journey for my kids. There is so much more to be told.
Today Jena is 11 months, 18 lbs and just about to walk. She has dark hair, blue eyes and a beautiful smile. She is a mommas-girl and has every right. I'm so thankful to my family that God has given me, I truly feel blessed.

Birthday Boy!!!

Joseph turns "2"
Every little kid needs to go to Toys R Us on their birthday. Joseph got a cool hat, balloon, and they announced his name and how old he was over the intercom. People all over the store told him "Happy Birthday." I don't know about him but it was exciting for me.





Even though we are experiencing some of the "terrible two's," he is still a great joy in our family. We are amazed at how he operates. He is a little boy with a little vocabulary but he knows what you are saying and can do whatever you ask him to do. For whatever reason he chooses not to say many words right now. But that is really OK, in time I will want him to hush and dream of these days of little words.

He's got a great big smile that can make you smile, and I love that. He's so friendly it's almost scary. He will walk up to anyone and let them hold him if they offer. Maybe that means that he will be a friendly little-guy all the days of his life.
Don't get me wrong....he can be a stinker. Just like a few minutes ago he went right up to his big sister and hit her for no apparent reason. But he does that...comes up and hits you. Is that a boy thing?? I don't know.

He has had many bumps and bruises this year. His poor head has had many falls.... he is only 25 pounds and probably 15 of it is his head. He has a big head for a little boy. When he was 15 months old we took him to Scottish Rite for a CT scan cause even the Doctors were concerned about the size. He was "off the charts" as they say. But our Great Physician is greater than any test or doctor and everything came back normal. His last well check showed that his head has not grown since around 15 months. So they believe his body will start to catch up with the size of his head.
It wasn't long after that when he was 16 months old and I was pregnant, my water-broke at 28 weeks and that night I went to the hospital and did not leave the hospital till after I had our baby. That was 4 long weeks in the hospital and many times I thought that since Joseph was so young that he would forget who his mommy is. But every time he got to come to the hospital, he knew exactly who I was. I sometimes wonder why our family had to be separated for that time in our life but the outcome was well worth it. Plus, God's Word tells me in Psalm 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
We got reacquainted after I got home, well..... after Jena got home, since we were home-bound with Jena for about 4 months. Thankfully he still takes a nap and he likes for me to rock him. That is always a sweet time, unless it's really late and I'm tired and ready to get to bed myself. I'm just being honest. Then it's "close your eye's and go to sleep....NOW!!"
It's getting time for potty training, he nods his head that he is ready so we shall see here in the next week or so. I got to get myself pumped up for it. I already have an extra bottle of Resolve and just need to get the pull-ups and we will be ready to go. I hope...
All has turned out well and I have my Lord and Savior to thank for it and so many other things in my life. Joseph moves up in Sunday School this Sunday and will also go to the Mother's Morning Out program at Central in August, but just for 2 days, that's all I could handle.
Give Joseph a big "High-five" when you see him!!
Blessings to you!!

Jaci's year as a Kindergartener....

It seems like yesterday that we were all getting ready to walk out the door on her first day of school and she says, "Come on family...lets go to kindergarten." And that's just what we all did. Now the year is over and she graduates to 1st grade.

Jaci received many awards....
~Accelerated Reader award
~Running Award-37 laps
~Awesome Art Award
~Music Award
In her classroom,
~Friendship Award
~Learning over 100 sight words
~For being a Great Line Leader
We are very proud of her and all her accomplishments.

At her friends birthday party at Snip-its, she got the "Diva" look, and let me tell you, she was proud of it. It lasted for Sunday and Monday for school. You can't see it but glitter is all over her head. Just had to throw that in there...






Thinking back at the first of the school year Jaci experienced new things. She had a great first day of school..I was relieved. I was more worried about her carrying that big lunch tray without spilling her milk and going to the bathroom with me than I was about school work. Now the second day (no..I'm not going day to day) while she was in the bathroom waiting at a door, a girl swung the door open and Jaci got hit in the face. So I was ready to come and get her when her teacher called to tell me what happened. She had to have some ice but recovered quickly and she was not devastated like I was. It took me a couple of days to get over. I was ready to sign up for bathroom monitor.

Within the year she:
~started Awana at Pray's Mill
~Played soccer (not my favorite for her)
~we had the flood and missed many days of school
~Had to be without her mommy for 4 long weeks
~Had her skin tag removed from her ear (her wishes)
~Got a new baby sister in November and mommy got to come home
~Had some snow days that meant no school
~got pink-eye twice
~got strep three times
~got her 1st "boyfriend"
~got her 1st phone call from her friend (not the boy)
~Lost her great-great aunt Ora Belle
~She got to sing in her 1st Children choir
~She and I got to go to our 1st mommy/daughter tea
~played softball with the Lil Angels
~Had her 1st trip to the Varsity and Braves game (she walked the field)
~The last week of school she missed two day because of sickness.

I think she had a great year and I'm so thankful for the teacher she had, Ms. McLendon and Mrs. Wessinger, and we are praying for her 1st grade teacher...whoever that may be.

Our little princess is growing up way to fast for me. The summer will not be long but I pray that we make the best of each day we have no matter what we do.
Blessings to you!!

My Mother's Day....

My Mother's Day was a great day. After waking Jaci up to get ready for church, she ran and gave me a card that she had made. On one side it has a picture of me and my body is the shape of a triangle with very long arms (the more to hug her with), and on the other side it has her words, "I love u cos u are sbeshll and cos u are shet" translation, " I love you cause you are special and cause you are sweet. Papers like this are priceless. I'm going to have to get a large tote to be able to keep all these special papers and things in. There is no way that I can throw it away.
I had an awesome time at church!! My Sunday School teacher preached our lesson about "Divine Purpose." He really hit on how we worship the Lord. I have heard a lot of people say that they are not getting anything out of the services, but it is their own fault. We have to prepare ourselves for worship before we enter the doors of the church. If we have not prayed and said I'm going to church to receive a blessing, then we normally don't get the blessing. Our attitudes are not right. We may not care for the messenger but we are missing the message with that type of attitude. Sunday School was Awesome, the music was Awesome, the special music touched my heart. I wanted to shout!! And yes the message was Awesome too!! I needed to hear all the things that I need to work on for my kids. Here lately..I have sweat ed over the small stuff and I need to stop and enjoy my blessings that God has given me.

Jaci~ does test my patience with her, but she is beautiful, thoughtful, caring, tender-hearted, and very sweet. She is asking questions about salvation and I believe it will be soon. This is something I can not chose for her. I have prayed for this since she was in my womb but this has to be all her. Her understanding and her decision. It is hard to believe she will be 6 this July. We are trying to plan a Disney trip for her but will go in November when it it cooler!!

Joseph~ is starting to have his own attitude problem. He will cut his eyes at you and give you a look...I'm not sure where he gets this. But we will have some work to do. He is a boy with a small vocabulary. He used to call me "MA" but now it is "Mom ma". He makes me laugh, he helps with the laundry, dishes, vacuuming... some things I don't want much help on but I grin and bare it...sometimes. It is hard to believe that he will be 2 in June. Time to plan a party....

Jena~ was dedicated yesterday. I can't wait to see what type of person she will be. I could call her "smiley" b/c she smiles at me all the time. She laughs...i love to hear her laugh. She rolls over, kicks her feet like she is going somewhere and it won't be long. She may be the adventurous one...I say this based on how she came into this world. It is hard to believe that she turned 6 months old yesterday. Time to get pictures made.

I feel very blessed and honored to be a mother. I remember the days when I wondered if I ever would be a mother. I sat through many Mother's Day services, holding back tears and wondering why not me. I remember my 1st pregnancy. Joey and I couldn't believe we were finally going to be parents. But in a matter of weeks that excitement turned into sadness to learn that I had miscarried. Not understanding but knowing that God had a purpose and a plan for our lives but almost a year later we were pregnant again. Being very cautious and not telling anyone till I was 3 months along and then July 7 Jaci Dalana was added to our family after 8 years of trying to have a baby. What a blessing the last 6 years have been and now we have not just one but three blessings from God. He has allowed for me to stay at home with these children and I am very grateful.

And last but not least....my mom...was able to come to my house for her Mother's Day and eat lunch with us. That was a blessing, knowing that I almost lost her in March. She is doing great and we hope to have her home by the 17th.

Thank you my sweet babies for calling me momma, ma, mom, mommy and sometimes "Hun"
I love you all very much!!

My Little Man looks little compaired to those ladies in front of him. He says, "Bull" every time we walk outside. He wants to see the cows all the time. Sunday he was 22 months... and he peepeed in the potty!! We did the dance but he was with his daddy when he did it. I told Joey that he was going to potty train him. I get the girls and he gets the boy...sounds
fair to me! He also went once today, he seems excited over his accomplishment. He is so sweet and loving and he blesses my heart. I want to say that for now...he is a momma's boy!! He is starting to say more words every week and it will be neat when he makes his first sentence.




And Jena...sweet Jena... cackles at her brother. Here he is showing her how the glow worm works. He loves and kisses on her all the time. He will be a great "Big Brother".
I changed her formula again and it seems to be better with spit up. I could not take the excuse that some babies spit up a lot. There is a reason for it and I say find the reason and fix it. I was going through so many bibs and burp rags, washing everyday just to make sure I always have some clean. Course around here now, I have to do one load a day just to keep up. Jena turns over a lot now and the way those legs are moving.... it won't be long and she will be crawling. I say by 7 months she will. We shall see....

The Milestone

It is amazing to think back to the night I went to the hospital, not knowing what was going to happen to my unborn child, who for some reason wanted to try and come into the world at 28 weeks. So many days and nights have past since that night but it is still fresh on my mind.
Today we have a beautiful baby girl....Jena Danyel. She brings a smile to my face every time I look at her, she has blessed my life so much. She is feisty, strong and willing to not let her pre-mature status stand in the way. Yesterday at Poppa and Nana's while I went to the dentist, she turned over from her back to her tummy and then again after we got home and Jaci was able to witness the great accomplishment. Both times I was not present. Even though I was excited, I was sad that I had missed this milestone.
But....I was not going to miss it again. I got her in the floor to play and I waited for her to try and sure enough it was not long......and she did it and I saw it. She turned over!!! She looked proud of herself and I surely was.
There is one thing for sure....she does not like being on her tummy. Once she is on her tummy she is trying to turn back over. It is kinda funny. I really didn't think she would accomplish this so fast. I looked back in baby books last night and Jaci turned over at 13 weeks and Joseph was 4 months old. So she truly is doing well for herself. You never know she might decide not to let this prematurity thing stand in the way. She may be sitting up, crawling, standing, and walking all on own before 9 months just like her sissy. We shall see.....

My Mom....

I went to see my mom tonight. I haven't seen her since Easter Sunday. I keep up with her through my dad who goes everyday faithfully to see his bride. Dad wanted me to come and paint her nails for her, red that is, to make her feel good. She always likes her nails painted. So after making some arrangements and eating dinner with my family, I took off to see my mom. She looked good. Sitting up eating her supper. She didn't have the bedhead that you normally get from laying in the bed and I told her her hair looked nice. She just smiled and said "hello baby girl."
After her dinner I filed her nails and painted her nails on her shaky hands. She didn't normally shake so it must be from all the trauma. Her arms, legs, face are not affected from the stroke, only her left eye and her memory. She is able to walk a short distance with a walker. She has short term memory lose and Dr's say it can take 6 to 8 months before her eye's and memory get back to normal.
My prayer is that it doesn't take that long. It is the simple things that we take for granted everyday....just remembering how to lift yourself off the bed, and how to pick up a fork to eat with. My dad has been quizzing her on things like her birthday, when they got married and the date. While I was painting her nails I asked her how many kids I had...she said 2. I asked her what their names were and she forgot Jena. I asked her when I was born....she took some time to think, so I gave her multiple choice and she got it right. It's September 8th, ....just saying!! But I asked her what year I was born in and myself having to think just a little bit but she said 2008. So please help me and my family to pray for her memory. God can heal her brain from this trauma that He has given her. Pray for my dad as he is exhausted but will not miss a day for fear she will not get the proper treatment. Not sure when mom will get to come home but everyday is a step closer. Knowing that it was time for me to leave, she simply said, "Bye baby girl."

IT"S HARD.....

It's hard ~ to go to the hospital to see my mom.
It's hard ~ to see her in pain
It's hard ~ seeing how tired my dad is
It's hard ~ knowing that you can't help them yourself
It's hard ~ knowing how she feels to be laid up in bed for days and days
It's hard ~ seeing tubes coming out of her from all ends of her body
It's hard ~ knowing the financial burden this is on my parents and I'm not able to help
It's hard ~ not being able to go and see her everyday
It's hard ~ getting a babysitter just to go and see her
It's hard ~ when her grandkids want to see her and can't
It's hard ~ knowing how she feels to not to be able to wash your hair
It's hard ~ when she talks and sometimes it doesn't make sense
It's hard ~ to leave knowing that she has many more days to go

Life sure can be hard on us...

John 16:33 tells us, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Even through our hard times, we can some how find rest in knowing that God will help us get through it. Praise the Lord for all the progress my mom has made. I give you God all the glory!!

Blessing to you

"IT" GOT US!!

We just thought we were going to escape us but IT found us. The stomach bug hit Joseph Sunday night, got Jena Wednesday and by Wednesday night....Jaci. She did not go to school today of course and I'm thinking of keeping her home tomorrow too. Wow, this thing is brutal to little ones. I'm given Jena less formula and some pedialyte, which she does not like... and we are praying that Joey or I get. I've seen enough throw-up in the last 5 days to last me a lifetime. But we shall prevail!!

All the girls with their mom and dad. Our MawMaw and PawPaw.
Jaci and Joseph are ready for church. Joseph had on his corduroy jacket...with the patches on the elbow!!

Life is precious...Life is sweet

Sometimes we take for grated just how precious life really is. We just assume that we will wake up and do our normal morning routine and go on with our busy life. This was not the case for my mom last Wednesday morning. She started her day with calling out to my dad, asking for prayer because she did not feel right. In the mist of prayer she passes out on him and hits the tub. Dad calls 911, and with instructions he tries to do everything that they are telling him to do until the EM T's gets there. How terrifying that must have been. Your mate, the love of your life lay lifeless in the floor. I'm sure pure panic was going on, crying out to the Father for help.

The day ended for my mother with not having a clue to what had happened to her through the course of the day. A stroke. Transported twice by ambulance, having been cut open and having a tube in your throat to help you breath and a tube in your head with it draining fluid.
Even now, with 5 days in the hospital she still doesn't realize how close she came to death.
If we really thought about it, there has probably been many times, God has saved us from death. I know that in His timing when it's time for us....it's time. But everyday we should praise Him for the day we have with our family and friends. We should try our hardest to be Christ-like in every way possible.
My moms recovery might be slow, but I'm thankful to still have her. Life is Precious...Life is Sweet!!!
Blessings to you!

Jena.....

At 3 am this morning I woke up to find that Joseph was in the bed with us....between us. I don't remember putting him in the bed with us and Joey says that he didn't put him in bed so either he got in there himself or we just don't remember cause we are so stink'in tired. Well, I put him back in his bed and checked on Jena who is still sleeping in her swing because she still is a little snotty but much better. So I'm thinking that in another hour or so she will wake up for her normal 4 am bottle. Well, I woke up at 6 something and looked over and she was still sound a sleep, so of course I cover back up and off to dream land. About 8am she wakes up!! Wow! She slept 10 hours!!!! I could get used to this. Rest does the body good. Hopefully this starts a new phase....10 hours or more sleep every night? We shall see....

Jena is doing much better. She took her last breathing treatment and dose of medicine this weekend. Her beautiful hair is still falling out. Joey seems to think that it will come back "jet blond" is his exact words. What is he thinking. I guess since he was born with black hair and it fell out and then it came back in blond, he thinks hers will to. We shall see....

Jena's 0-3 month clothes are fitting better and we are packing away the newborn clothes. Packing away for a yard sale or something but not to save!! We shall see.....

Jena has eczema, and it is really bad on her face. It is so red and looks so painful. I am keeping those mittens on her hands so she will not scratch her face and because she has found her fingers and her cute little thumb. I'm trying not to have another thumb sucker in the family. We shall see....

Jena goes back for a well check March 15. She will be 4 months on the 9th and hopefully we will get Dr approval to start getting out more. I'm praying that the flu season is almost over. It will be great for all of us when we are able to go to church as a family. I hope that is in the next couple of weeks. We shall see.....

Just like everything, we shall see what the future holds for us. The Rainwater's..... family of five.... trying to do the best we know how..... praising the our Precious Lord for it all!!!!!!!!

Blessings to you!!

Nothing last forever, right?

I was pondering on this the other day that nothing last forever. And as I write this Jena spits up again, not bad as before with the other formula but still it's spit up. It won't last forever I know but I feel so sorry for her. She already don't feel good from her snotty nose. She got exactly what we had been trying to protect her from, RSV. A mild case of it Praise the Lord and no hospital visit. We are doing breathing treatments and they seem to be helping. Bless her... that beautiful black hair is starting to fall out. It is very upsetting to me. I wonder what color it will be. Jena smiles at us now then we talk to her and she coo's and has grown to 11 lbs. Whew!! Awesome!!
Back to not lasting forever....I was thinking about all the things that don't last forever and here's a few that I came up with.
~ me and Jena staying indoors
~ a good piece of chocolate
~ a good cup of coffee
~ my favorite shoes, flip-flops, or shirt
~ a purse or wallet
~ a good hair day
~ good smelling cologne or perfume
~ a child's toy (we have told Jaci that some toys don't last forever)
so many other things just don't last forever.....so I pondered on the positive to this.
So what does last forever?
~Jesus!!!!!
~God's love last forever
~The Kingdom of God
~My Salvation is guaranteed and will last forever and I will spend eternity with my Savior.

I know if I really dug deeper I could find more but I thought these were enough for me. The song on the radio right now is "His Love endures forever, forever God is with us, forever God is faithful, God is strong forever" That couldn't have been better timing, but God is always on time with everything. I hope if you read this is blesses you just as it did me.
Blessings to you!!

WOW! I got about 6 hours of sleep last night. Dr. Fox changed Jena's formula cause she was having so much trouble with spitting up and she changed it to Similac Sensitive RS which has rice starch in it. It's thicker. We still put cereal in her bottles so we had to go to a fast nipple and added more cereal. She finished her bottle in 5 minutes this morning. She was so happy. It had been taking her 30 or more minutes to finish a bottle. So far she has only spit up a little, which is great. She will probably start really gaining some weight now.
I took Joseph to the Dr. yesterday for his head. He fell at church one Sunday in nursery and hit his forehead which now he has a scare from and it seems like when he falls now he hits this same spot. He has a bump on his head from these falls and I was afraid it would turn into a cyst or something worse. But she mashed on it and around it and Praise the Lord it's not a cyst. I suggested him wearing a helmet but she didn't seem to want to go that route. She measured his head, which he cried like you would have thought he was getting a shot and she was just using a paper measuring tape. But his head has not grown in the last 5 months which is great. So maybe his little body will catch up to his big head and stop some of this falling. That would be a relief to me.

So since Jena sleep long, it was about 5am when she got her bottle and so after she laid back down I was able and ready to read my Bible. I was not so tired that I could read. It was great. I read Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and just thought on these verse.
What does God expect from me? I have a hubby and house to take care of, 3 kids and all this laundry to do. These verse tell me that He expects me to respect Him, to fear Him in a reverence way. To walk in His ways not mine and to Love Him with all my heart.
I have got some work to do. Thankfully like the child's song says, He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be. I hope He never gets finished with me. Even on the days that I get so frustrated, He never gives up on me. And I am so thankful.

Thankful for ~ my hubby, my kids, my house, all that laundry, Joey's job, our vehicles, praying for a bigger vehicle to carry all of us, our family and friends and our church family.
Blessings to you!

Just this week....

Tommy and Laura came to help build the snowman as Jena and I watched from the window.
Joey took this and we thought it was pretty neat.
We had hail damage so we are getting a new roof.
Here's our smiley girl. She is so pretty!

The Great American Race just started. I guess since football season is over I'll be a fan of Nascar again. Who to cheer for, I don't know yet. We'll see who wins today. Oh, how I need to get out of the house!!
Thankfully Jaci is better from her strep throat. She went to school on Thursday and then they were out of school for snow. I like this snow. Get in and get out. It didn't seem to stay long but it was fun. Jena and I watched from the window as Joey, Joseph, Jaci, Tommy and Laura made a snowman in the front yard. Later that day, Joey wanted to ride to Tyrone to see the church that he would be preaching at today and I jumped at the chance to ride. I didn't care if I even got out I just wanted out of the house. So we quickly bundled up and strapped everyone in seats and we were out of here. It wasn't very exciting but I didn't care.
Jena is growing out of her newborn clothes, so we are starting to wear 0-3 month clothes. Which the clothes I have are summer clothes and that ain't going to do. So I'm going to have to take inventory and hit the thrift store. She is starting to smile at us and that is so sweet. I've been playing with her formula cause she has been spitting up so bad but the ones I tried didn't seem to keep her full so I'm back to the original. I'm thinking of calling the kids dr for Jena's formula and to talk about Joseph's head. He bumped it again yesterday and that same knot came up and that can't be good. I think it needs checked.
I gave Joseph a trim around the ears yesterday. That hair was hanging over!! He is so cute!!
I'm not sure how good this is but Jaci already talks about who she is going to marry but at least she knows that he has to go to church. I told her yes but she needs to make sure that he has a personal relationship with Jesus and not just go to church. It's scary alittle bit but a blessing that she knows what to look for. Oh, how we pray for all of our children's salvation and for their spouse to be saved at an early age. We pray for their purity and that God would use them in a mighty way. It will be exciting to see how God will use them.

Riley Kay's Birthday Party and Dorsett Shoals Valentine Dance












Oh, when the saints went marching to the Super Bowl and won. Not that I was really cheering
for them but it is neat that they won having never won or even been to the Super Bowl.
Super Sunday was great. Joey and I also joined Pray's Mill last night and we are very excited about what God is going to do there and how we will be able to serve.
Here's some pics I wanted to share.
Ragu will be calling soon.....and Joseph's poor head from his fall the other day
Blessings to you!

Super Sunday

Yes, it is Super Bowl Sunday and this day is super for many reasons than just the Super Bowl. It's the Lord's Day. The day that we are able to join other Christians and fellowship and worship our Savior. Even though I am not able to go to church right now, I'm looking forward to the day Jena and I get to go to church with our family. It's a "get to" and not a have to. I miss it. Most Sunday mornings are so hectic that you sometimes wonder if you need to take your ill self to church, and the answer is yes. The enemy tries to make this day terrible for us but we can defeat him. We got up singing praises and listening to one of Jaci's CD's of children singing hymns. I love it!! I love that Jaci is now able to be involved in a Children's choir. The girl loves to sing, so I am very happy for her. And Joseph gets to be involved in Sunday School with other kids which makes him and me happy.
Joseph has had a rough week. He still has a bruise on his head today from a fall from the table. I was changing Jena's diaper and heard a big bang and I ran in the dining room and Joseph had tried to climb on the bench and he fell. The big bang was his head hitting the floor and the big bump on his head was the size of a quarter and raised high off his head. It scared me so bad, I told Jaci to go stand with Jena and i got some ice to put on his head. Earlier that day he ran into the cabinet door and made a place on the corner of his eye. That was a close call. I told Joey that I was seriously thinking of getting one of those helmets for him to help protect that precious big head of his. Bless him, he could use your prayers.
Well this Sunday is super for another reason but I'll chat about that later on..... are you wondering? Good stay tuned.......

Blessings to you!!

Sunday Mornings are getting alittle harder for the family. Jaci wanted to go to Campbellton this morning and that's really ok and Joey and Joseph went to Pray's Mill. And Jena and I are here at home. I really don't like our family being spread out like this but it is the way it is right now. Just two more months and Jena should be ok to get out, I hope. And I explained to Jaci that once mommy and Jena can go to church we will all go to one church as a family.

Jena is doing great. Her heart monitor went off for the first time in weeks last night. Her heart rate dropped but just for a few seconds and she was ok. I look forward to friday nights now. Joey takes on all the (two) feedings so that I can get several hours of sleep instead of a couple. I felt so good Saturday morning, I fixed bacon, eggs and grits. It was good for me but my kids did not have to same appetite as me, but oh well.

Jaci and I went skating on Saturday. Dazzles is very busy on this day and not so good for a learner on wheels. I was going to just walk around with her but it was so crowded that I put on skates too and ohhhhhhh my word.....I was so tense by the time we left. Not only was I holding Jaci up....I had to hold myself up. One time it was not pretty....I thought we were both going to hit the floor, I rolled over Jaci's hand and I just knew I was going down! But I saved myself and had to skate back to get Jaci, crying at that. But we got through and yes I took a pain pill last night. My back , shoulders, and knees were hurting. But we'll do it again in a couple of weeks.
I know that when I am down and hurting that my Jesus is there to hold me up and to help me along the way, making the things in life that hurt us better. I'm so thankful that Jesus will always be here for me.

Blessings to you

Whats Love got to do with it?

I Love my family! I Love my hubby my hun!! I Love that he is concerned about me and hoping that I don't go insane within the walls of our house. I'm not quite there yet, thankfully. I look at it as my job as a mom. These are my kids and I Love them and God gave them to me to take of them. I Love that I got out of the house last night and my hun took me out to eat and we got to share it with a wonderful, godly couple. I Love that we have grandparents next door and are always there for us and ready to help anytime that they can. Know who else I Love...Jesus!! Because He Loves me even when I don't feel lovable.
So....whats Love got to do with it....everything.
As Christians we have many purposes. Love God. Matthew 10:37-39 tells us that we are to Love God above anyone else, even our family. Is this easy...no and no one said it would be. Of course sometimes for me it is since I don't feel like some in my family are lovable either.
But we are to Love God with all our heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:34-38). And of course we are to Love others just like Jesus has loved us (John 13:34-35). We don't want to say we Love God and not others cause then we become liars( 1 John 4:7-21).

1 John 3:18 says, "My children, love must not be a matter of words or talk; it must be genuine, and show itself in action." So not only do we need to say we Love but we need to show Love. Our family has been so blessed by others showing their Love for us by not just their words but their actions. We are forever grateful.

Do you Love Jesus? Do you know that He died on the cross for you and I and this whole world because He LOVES us (John 3:16)? If you don't, I hope that you will and turn your life over to Him so that He can show you how much He Loves you.

Blessings to you

ONE time...

It's Thursday already!!!! Wow this weekend has been busy. Saturday, Jaci and I were able to get out in the rain and do some things I needed to do and she got to go to her friend Natalie's house for some play time. It was great. Joseph started getting snotty so he didn't make to church on Sunday. Monday's holiday went by to fast and by Wednesday....no one in the house felt good. Jena had her 2 month checkup on Wed., and the poor thing got 3 shots in her tiny legs. She is doing good and hopefully by the time she is around 9 months of age she will be caught up on the development stages. Jaci's teacher called me and she was running a fever, so I quickly had to go get her. And I found out that 3 car seats due fit in the car. We so need a van or a suburban. I took a picture of her resting in the chair but I cant figure out how to get it on here from our new camera. When I do I'll put in on here.

Joseph is the typical boy who gets into everything. Why is it that you can tell your child the same thing over and over and they still never listen? For instance.... I have to tell Jaci to wash her hands after using the bathroom, every time. I tell Joseph fifty -eleven times to stop putting things in his mouth and just today...even after popping his hand, he still kept going to the plant and digging into the dirt. Now I know that repetition is good but come on! Seriously!!
I do know about one thing, it only took me asking Jesus to forgive me of my sins and asking Him to be my Lord and Savior ONE time. He died on the cross ONE time for you and me. Because of that, ONE day I will spend eternity with Him.
"And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Hebrews 10:10

Little Boy Blue...

Joseph has been a great sport and he doesn't even know it. He has been with me and Jena in the house and doesn't get to go anywhere. Anytime someone comes in the house, he is so excited to see a new face but OH MAN... when they leave, it's like you have broken his heart. Thankfully it only takes a few minutes to get him interested in something else but it breaks my heart too. He will have the pleasure of going to church this Sunday...Lord willing.

Well, the Lord blessed us today with some heavenly sunlight and we took advantage of it about 2:15 and we waited for Jaci to come home from school, thanks to Amy!! He got to ride around in his wagon and swing on the swing set and the highlight... going to the barn to see the cows. He can make a great cow sound.

There was one evening after Joey got home, I rushed Joseph to eat and he and I went to town. Nothing major but it was nice to go somewhere...it really didn't matter but we were out of there!!

God has a reason for everything, even when we don't understand why. His way is always best!!!

Oswald Chambers wrote, "God called Jesus Christ to what seemed unmitigated disaster. Jesus Christ called His disciples to see Him put to death; He led every one of them to the place where their hearts were broken. Jesus Christ's life was an absolute failure from every standpoint but God's. But what seemed failure from man's standpoint was a tremendous triumph from God's, because God's purpose is never man's purpose....The things that happen do not happen by chance, they happen entirely in the decree of God. God is working out his purpose."

I'm so thankful that God's plan is the best plan for my life. If I was on my own, I would fail terribly. I'm so thankful that I have the gift of salvation and even when this world gets worse everyday, I know that when my end comes that I know where my eternal will be. Let me fall into the arms of Jesus.

Blessings to you

Sweet little Jena... she weighs 9lbs now. We went to the Apnea Dr. today and she is doing well but he needs her to stay on the monitor for a couple more months just to make sure there are no more alarms. But I only have to have her hooked up at night and in the car seat. Awesome!!

Dr. Jaci during the day and who knows what she is the other part of the day. But she is cute no matter what.

Joseph is in a big boy bed now. I found a great deal at Kid to Kid and he is adjusting well to his new bed.

With all the toys he has to play with he chooses mommies bowls. Too Funny!!

Two Months...

The New Year is fast and on it's way. Jena is already two months old. Time is flying by. She is filling out more and getting chunky legs...which I love and still has a head full of hair. People want to keep discouraging me and tell me "Oh it will fall out" but just maybe it won't people!! Jaci kept alot of her hair, Joseph lost all of his but hopefully she will keep that already long, dark hair.
Wednesday we go to hopefully get her heart monitor off. I pray she does, she has done so well and the monitor hardly ever goes off.

This morning is kinda of bitter sweet for our family. Joseph stayed home with me and Jena but Joey and Jaci are at Pray's Mill this morning. Joey resigned as Pastor of Campbellton at the beginning of December. This was a very difficult decision but the right one because it was what God would have him do. We had 6 great years there and the people of Campbellton will always be in our heart. We are praying that they find a Pastor that can lead them and grow the church. We will miss you all. Since we are without a church, we felt it best to go back to our home church. We love Pray's Mill and pray also that they find a Pastor. Jaci is excited to be with her Clint, Riley, Ty, Keith and Stephanie and that's the order she put them in.

We are praying that God will open up opportunities for Joey to preach. He will preach at West View at the end of the month. God is good and He will provide for us. It may be difficult at times since there is a change in our income but we will do fine. We trust in Him.

I'm not a very good blogger...but it's fun to update about our family. I could write everyday about our Joseph...maybe I'll do better. He is so stinkin funny and getting into everything is an understatement. He can drive me nuts sometimes...oh did I just say that.

I just turned in our Christmas pics last night but we also bought a digital camera for our Christmas. So we are finally getting up to date and it should be fun.

Great is thy faithfulness!!

This is my story, praising my Saviour all the day long!!

Blessings to you,
Lisa