JenaBug!

My thoughts today have been crazy, to say the least. I have walked around doing my daily things and I stop to ponder on God's blessings in my life. Three years ago today I laid in a hospital bed not sure if my little blessing growing within was going to make it into my arms. At 28 weeks pregnant, my water breaks late into the evening. By the time I make it to the hospital and get checked, it is very evident that my husband was going home without me. WellStar Cobb was going to be my home for the next several weeks. The tearful long weeks have pasted and today I have a precious little girl, who is one of God's blessings in my life. Almost 3 or not, I still carry her around on my hip like she is still a baby. Not really wanting her to grow up but oh how she has grown. She is a very independent little girl, feisty, blankie/pacy holder (and don't take either one away from her unless you get her approval). She can sing the ABC's and Jesus loves me better than anyone I know and she can hang with her two older siblings just fine. She is an amazing child and I love her so very much. Oh and if you ask her her name she will quietly say....JenaBug!

growing pains....

I'm having a few myself. I'm trying out a new style for my hair. My daughter loves it, Joey likes it and I'm not sure yet. I'm a natural curly headed gal who has to color her hair on a regular basis for....we'll say natural reasons. I get this from my mom's side of the family. Thanks Helton's.

And this year...I'm turning the big 40! I can't believe it. After all these years and now I'm going to turn an age that I used to think was so old. Thankfully my 7 yr old tells my that I will never be old to her. And this is why I color my hair so that I will not look like her grandma instead of her momma.

I'm not the only one in the house having growing pains. Jaci the 7 year old wanted to turn back into a baby last night. She even went as far as saying she wanted to wear a diaper again. In the mist of all this I was going back and forth to bathrooms bathing my kids, getting them out, dried off, putting on pj's and putting on Jena'a diaper. Who still needs it right now. She is only 2! Her daddy did come and "baby" her for a while. She loved it. And I had to carry her into the kitchen this morning, just to make her feel like a "baby" again. OH my back!

Then there's my 3 year old, who got in time out yesterday for not listening to his teacher. Seems this continued when he got home. I was turning on my flat-iron, cause I'm working on my new due, and I tell him not to touch it cause it will be hot. About this time I turn it on turbo so I can hurry. We were getting ready to take Jaci to practice. Well, guess what, he didn't listen again and touched the iron and burned his little, 3 yrs old thumb. Oh my! So now I'm doctoring up this burn which I know is very painful but I could not get on to him cause I knew he was in so much pain. I did tell him, "see what happens when you don't listen to mommy." I got a huge scream out of that one. He falls asleep at the dinner table and so I hold him close. I really felt like a bad mom for this one.

Last but not least is our Jena-bug. The one who is still in diapers cause I think she is just still too little for potty training and she still needs her pacy. I think her growing pains are hurting me more than her. I had a Kodak moment with her today but no memory left on my camera. She put her doll in her high chair and was pretending to feed the baby. She had a bottle and a dish for food and was feeding the baby with a spoon. I almost cried! She is so precious.

All of our gifts from God are so precious, even my hubby that He gave me.

...is there a spider in my shoe?

Being in a hurry, as usual, I realize it is time to go get Joseph from the Mother's morning out program and Jena has fallen asleep on me while I'm on the computer. Joey has me on assignment to find out how to start him a blog or a free website for his ministry. So I quickly grab my purse with Jena in my arms and I remember that I have some slip on shoes outside the door. These shoes have suffered many days with me. I love these black slip on shoes. But while I'm rushing to lock the door and pull it behind me with my big purse and holding a 2 year old, I slip on my faithful shoes. And quickly I think, almost in a panic, is there a spider in my shoe? Could there be? Sure I think. I move my toes around and I don't feel anything unusual, so I continue on to the car to try and put Jena in without waking her up. I figured that if a spider was going to bite me that it would happen quickly since I did disturb his nice warm spot. Thankfully, I haven't found a spider or bug in my shoe that waits for me outside everyday.

This got me to thinking that I should not take things for granted that maybe one day there will be a spider in there and it might decide to bite. So this also got me to thinking about my children and how they take many things for granted but as they get older they will start to understand what that really means.

Everyday we see the news and more and more children are being taken from their families cause of kidnapping and normally the end is not good. I don't even like for my kids to play on the carport by themselves without me being right there. My husband and I were just talking about when we were kids and we would ride our bikes or walk to the store with our friends and thought nothing of it. And neither did our parents, cause they let us go.

We have to watch for the wolves in sheep's clothing. Not only for ourselves but for our children. We should pray and pray for our children,and our families for God's protection. Cause one day you may have a spider in your shoe.

Blessings to you!

Amazed!

This is truly an amazing story and it's true and it just happened today. Life is busy as we know it. Today is our running around day. We started off at piano practice, had to return some keys to the church and we had to run back home, cause I, yes mommy forgot a juice cup. Joseph was not happy about this. He still was not happy after he had his cup in his hand and he let us all know it....all the way to our next stop, which was Wal-mart.
I just had a few things to get and we quickly ran through the isles we needed and headed for the check out, we are doing good and it's not even 10:30 yet. Oh, and Joseph finally settled down.
We are headed to the car trying to rush before our candy that I bought ourselves for good behavior melted, cause it is hot out there. Jaci is helping me get the doors open and bags in the car, just being a good helper.

I might want to mention that since I knew we had a few places to go, I always pack a snack and drink for everyone, this time I told the kids to pick out one toy to bring and a movie for the ride. For Jena, knowing it would be close to nap time before we got home I brought her blankie. This blankie was given to her by Pop and MawMaw Jewel from their trip to TN. This blankie is a black bear cause they got it from the Great Smokey Mountains and I must mention that she loves this blankie. She sleeps with this blankie, has had professional pictures with this blankie cause that was the only way she was going to cooperate. So needless to say this blankie is special.

So I'm putting the groceries in the car and Jena who didn't want to sit in the buggy is standing in the buggy waiting for me to get her out. She finds her blankie in her bag. It is stuck so I help her and she and I take the buggy to the buggy cart cause I have been well trained by my husband. Plus I always try to park beside one to make things easier on me. We get in the car and I start to open our candy and we enjoy our candy on the way home. Cause we deserve it of course, we have worked hard and it's now only 10:45. By the time we get home Jena will be ready for her nap.

Now we are all chocolate happy and as I'm emptying out the car I start to almost panic. I can't find Jena's blankie anywhere. I thought I was going to throw-up! I don't remember her having it when I was putting her in her car-seat at Wal-mart. I hurry to put the cold stuff up and thankfully Jena was so tired she laid right down with no fuss. But I, yes mommy, was about to be sick. I call Joey and he is disappointed to. I call Wal-mart, no one found it. I call granma!
I can't stand it. I'll be sick if I don't go back. She comes and I go. Yes....I'm praying for this blankie. Hoping some other little girl didn't find and say "mommy can I have it." Or was blankie laying there wondering if we would ever return. I was planning a trip to TN in my head to get it replaced. Tears are wailing up.

I pull in the parking lot and in the distance I see still in the buggy corral and tan figure. Could it be, really could it be? YES! YES it is! It's there still in the buggy. I couldn't put it in park fast enough. Thank you Lord I shouted as I picked up that bear and hugged it. I got in the car and tears were flowing. Thankfully tears of joy and thankful for this answered prayer.

Could God really do such a thing? Sure He can and He did. His love for me and my family still Amazes me. As I right this, Jena is sleeping with he favorite toy...her bear blankie and I have picture to prove it. Love "bears" all things...
Blessing to you and your family!

....another Mother's Day...

Today is not just another Mother's Day for me. I do take them seriously and take them to heart. Now that my 6 yr old is older and in school, she brings home many Mother's Day presents. Even today I received not one but two flowers from my younger children who really don't get what today is but that's okay....I cherish those presents also. The sad thing is...those pretty purple flowers will not last long in this house. I do not have a green thumb.

Mother's days used to be very hard on me. I tried to avoid them as much as possible. For eight years I sat through Mother's Day service after service trying not to cry and wondering why can't I be a mommy. Did I question God? Sure I did. Did He tell me why? No He did not. Even after my first pregnancy ended in miscarriage I asked why? Was it to be able to minister to other women who go through the same thing. YES! Shortly after, I was able to minister to a young bride after her first miscarriage. And now she too has been blessed with 3 children.

My heart still goes out to the wives who are trying to get pregnant and can't or have had a miscarriage or more. I don't know the answer as to why? But I do know this. That only peace will come through your dependence on Jesus Christ who knows all and is all. Will each time you hear of someone expecting or another Mother's Day rolls around get easier? Probably not. But be happy for those who are or becoming Mother's and be glad you have a Mother if she is still on this earth no matter how your relationship is with her. I do pray that if the desire in your heart is to be a mom, then you pray without ceasing, and you pray that God opens your womb as this was prayed for me. I am so thankful for the power of prayer. After many years, God has blessed me with two daughters and a son. And I cherish this Mother's Day.

Still Amazed!

I was looking over my blog wondering why I have not written anything in months. I read over the comments that have been posted from the beginning and it still amazes me what I went through to get baby J here safely. The comments and prayers from such dear friends and people I have never met brought tears to my eyes. I have had or having a rough time. Spiritually I am not were I need to be and that affects everything within me. I'm trying...trying hard! I know the Lord is with me cause thankfully I can still feel His presences. This to shall pass and my joy will be renewed but only with my Jesus' help.

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!!