tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2057052412849310212024-02-06T18:36:41.846-08:00Tiny Hiney'sRaychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-87970411335721811682013-07-18T06:56:00.004-07:002013-07-18T06:56:31.656-07:00"Let go and let God"<div style="text-align: center;">
"Let go and let God." How many times have you heard this? I have heard this a thousand times, and I have probably said it just as many times. At times this seems like the obvious answer. Other times it seems ridiculous, because surly we can fix whatever it is we are facing. I have heard this before and thought "Really? That's your advice?" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Standing on the outside looking in, it is the best advice. But I am beginning to believe there is a better way of communicating this with people. You have to leave your problems, heartaches, fears, worries, and frustrations at the Lord's feet and allow Him to take them. You cannot ask for them back if you want peace. But how often do we actually do that? I can say that for me, taking it to God isn't the difficult part. Its the leaving it there that seems to be hard for me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Apparently I think that I have a better idea that He does with how to handle something or fix it. So, I walk back to Him, kindly smile and take back my issue. How stupid! Clearly I am not equipped to handle it on my own, clearly. He would not tell me to bring it to Him if He knew I had the sufficient knowledge and wisdom to go at it alone. No. He has asked me to trust Him. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do I trust Him? Do I truly, with all of my being, trust God with my entire life? With my family? My kids? My husband? Everything?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not always. My trust in Him seems to be a wave. Of course I trust Him for my salvation. That He loves me unconditionally. That He is the Almighty. The Messiah. But the smaller stuff...our finances, a job, my kids, my family, my relationships...I got that stuff covered. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No! NO <span style="font-size: large;">NO</span><strong> </strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">NO!</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He has it covered. With His blood He has covered it all! I have zero prerequisites proving that I am capable at any level for dealing with or fixing any issues in my life. Or anyone else's life for that matter. I am simply here for His glory. That is all. I am not a "fixer." I am not all knowing. I have no idea what I am doing more than half of the time in my life. But He knows. His plan will unfold if I will just get out of the way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;">Psalm 37:5 "Commit your way to the LORD; <span class="criteria">trust</span> in him, and he will act."</span> There it is. He will act. Just as He has before. When He was the only obvious answer. When my certainty in Him could not be shaken. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lord, take me back there. Take me to the place where I am completely doused in You. Where You are all that matters. You are all I see. In everything that is happening, that I am going through, that I don't understand, make it plain to my heart that You are the only thing that needs to matter or make sense. Give me peace and comfort, wrap Your arms around me so that I am feeling only love and assurance. Keep me focused on You and Your will. Urge me to follow You and Your word. Thank you for always being present. Thank you for the peace you promise. Thank you for your faithfulness to me even when I am not faithful to you. Lord, please take all the stuff. All the things I cant fix. All the things that are uncertain. Help me to leave them with You and to just watch as You work. Use me in whatever way you see fit. Lord, I am nothing without You. So, consume me. Let Yourself be seen in me and nothing else. Amen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;">Psalm 143:10 "Teach me to do <span class="criteria">your</span> will, for you <span class="criteria">are</span> my God! Let <span class="criteria">your</span> <span class="criteria">good</span> Spirit lead me on level ground!"</span></div>
Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-63264535642260203322013-07-11T19:33:00.001-07:002013-07-11T19:33:07.450-07:00Babies Don't Keep<div style="text-align: center;">
Size newborn clothes, bibs, cribs, onsies, bottles, pacifiers, baby food, burp cloths, and a million tiny socks. All signs you are in the "baby phase." I have been in the "baby phase" for 6 1/2 years now. A long time to do anything, actually. But in this stage of life it doesn't seem that long.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We started to trying to get pregnant earlier than planned. We had discussed starting our family around the age of 25. Well, we discovered I had endometriosis and didn't know how long, if ever, it would take to get pregnant. So we tried early. Well, the surgery I had must've been effective because I became pregnant 1 month after trying!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had Leah in December of 2006. I was 22 years old and thought I had all of this "being a mom" stuff figured out. Of course, as soon as she entered the world, I quickly realized I had been quite mistaken. She was beautiful. I was in awe of her. Eric was in love. We had just begun our family. Leah was a fairly easy going baby. She had her bouts of crying, dare I say, screaming. We were blessed with sleep early on. And she could sleep ANYWHERE. Seriously. She would sleep anywhere we went, if she was tired, she would simply go to sleep. Awesome right?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="298" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/208596_502505618451_3741_n.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leah Michelle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In December of 2008 I discovered I was pregnant yet again. I woke up after Eric had left for work and something seemed...off. I sat up and immediately thought "I am pregnant." For some random reason (we weren't trying to get pregnant) I had a pregnancy test on hand. Sure enough, the test was positive! And instead of taking 3 more tests like I did with Leah, I was satisfied with the one test result. This was a complete shock seeing I was on the pill. But of course, its not 100% coverage. We found out we were having a boy and Eric was elated! On to choosing a name we went. In September of 2009 I gave birth to Jackson. My 9lb. 6oz. bouncing baby boy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/7023_140350036543_8119442_n.jpg" width="318" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jackson Richard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was now a mother of 2. I was terrified. The first couple weeks I was home alone with them, I cried. Everyday I cried. I had no idea what I was doing! I knew what to do with one, but two?! So, as we finally got into the swing of a routine, it got easier. We all adjusted. However, Jackson was not so pleasant at night like Leah was. He was a screamer. And once you got him to calm down, he would stay awake for hours. He, apparently, didn't get the memo about "sleeping when its dark outside."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here we are, a family of 4. One girl. One boy. Any number of people's wish for their family. And at this point, that was our wish. We could manage very well with 2. It wasn't too hard to find a baby sitter. We could play man to man defense. I had an arm and hand for each child. We've got this. But of course, I have to say to Eric that I would like to try for one more. Just to see what happens. And of course, he says "sure!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We didn't tell anyone we were trying. And I mean no one. Which is unusual for us. We are very open about this stuff. But, we didn't know what would happen or when, and we wanted it to be a big surprise, even for us. In November of 2010 we found out we were, in fact, pregnant again. We were shocked because it sort of snuck up on us. We hadn't been doing any ovulation tests, watching ovulation, pregnancy tests to see if I was yet, nothing. And one day, I had the feeling again. Took a test and it was positive! Of course we couldn't wait and told our family right away. We were still in shock but so excited. We decided not to find out the gender this time. We already had a boy and a girl and found out with them, so we wanted to find out at delivery. I loved that we didn't know the gender, it was very exciting! Although choosing names became more difficult than it had before. We had to choose 2! In August of 2011 I gave birth to an 8lb. 6oz. baby GIRL!!!! Names were up in there air a bit, but we landed on our original choice. Lucy. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/223638_2294038718410_2008263_n.jpg" style="height: 480px; width: 287px;" width="287" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lucy Joyce</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, we have 3 beautiful children. All of them healthy and vibrant. I no longer have a hand for them all, but we seem to manage just fine. Leah is going to be 7 at the end of this year. I cannot believe that! Time just flies too fast when your having babies. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now we are entering uncharted territory. For us anyway. We are all done growing our family. No more babies in our house. And that makes me sad. Not because I want to have 12 kids. But because that phase of newness is over for us. The newborn smell. The quiet coos at night. The napping baby on your chest. All of the major "firsts" of sitting up, crawling, walking, first words, first tooth! It makes me scared too. My baby will be turning 2 next month. 2. We are in toddler hood and beyond now. Anything past 6 years old is terrifying to me. I don't know anything about 7 years old. 12 years old. 16 years old. Nonetheless, it is time to embrace the new stage we are in. Not just having babies. Not just growing our family. But raising them. What an honor. What a blessing. What scary roads ahead.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="383" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/6614_1169370602410_7476294_n.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="648" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/263073_2141601187567_5495554_n.jpg" style="height: 601px; width: 401px;" width="432" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/428730_10151552214406544_516749683_n.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My three loves. My three babes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="890" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/603076_10151603993531544_561379996_n.jpg" style="height: 601px; width: 648px;" width="960" /></div>
Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-66698419658688029322013-06-26T11:14:00.000-07:002013-06-26T11:14:14.979-07:00Are you there summer?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leah's last day of school was June 7. It was only a half day and she was so excited for "Fun Friday" that I don't think she realized it was her last day of Kindergarten. She had an amazing teacher with wonderful classmates. We knew she had grown this year but until I took this photo we didn't realize how much! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/421340_10151612521541544_1584676129_n.jpg" style="height: 601px; width: 601px;" width="960" /></div>
First day of Kindergarten. Last day of Kindergarten.<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
What a change! Our beautiful girl is growing far too fast!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Leah brought home all of her school work and art work on her last day. It was so fun looking through all of her stuff. This is a page from Leah's Kindergarten journal. Almost made me cry! I love this girl! She is such a blessing, such a joy, such a gift. </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/993717_10151612571161544_1847689501_n.jpg" style="height: 601px; width: 601px;" width="960" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So finally we are into the summer! Some seasons we have been having...April showers seemed to bring May showers also...and maybe snow and frost as well. But it is finally June and we are seeing the 80's on the thermostats! My kiddos have great imaginations, so playing inside can get fun and interesting. But we have been waiting. Impatiently. For continued sunshine and warmth. And it is finally here! So, we have been taking advantage of the outdoors!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1012795_10151651436546544_990128320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1012795_10151651436546544_990128320_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are so lucky to have friends with pools! The kids are much more confident this year. It only took Leah a few minutes to venture away from the ladder! And, of course, Jackson is the fearless boy he usually is. He just jumps right in! Lucy took a bit to warm up to the pool, but after about 15 minutes was splashing and giggling. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1016831_10151645785771544_1383381930_n.jpg" style="height: 601px; width: 601px;" width="960" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These girls melt my heart! Such a sweet moment between sisters. Leah is such a mommy to her sister, it's adorable! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1044935_10151641714396544_348445002_n.jpg" style="height: 601px; width: 601px;" width="960" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To the beach we go! We stayed and played for over 3 hours and the kids never stopped! They had such a blast! We are very lucky to be only 5 minutes from the beach. Lucy loved to dig in the sand and splash her brother and sister :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So we are off to soak up the summer sunshine with these babes! Since we only have a little bit of time before school begins again. And this time we will be sending Leah to 1st grade and Jackson to preschool...what will I do with only one child at home with me?! </div>
Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-1851852293719819272013-05-22T11:40:00.000-07:002013-05-22T11:40:14.842-07:00This week I was thinking of my blog and how it has been months since I wrote anything. So today I logged in and let me just say, I composed a draft in January...4 months ago. Wow. Did you catch that though? I wrote a "draft" which means I never published it. So of course I had to read what I wrote and failed to publish, this is what it said;<br />
<br />
<em>"I'd like to start out by saying this last year has been quite a ride. Many ups and downs, many obstacles to face, and many hours praying and purely trusting the Lord with all of our needs. I can honestly say that I have never, in all of my 28 years, experienced God the way that I have this year. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>We moved our family across the state for a better job opportunity. Eric lost his job unexpectedly. We went through 5 months of unemployment, which was very trying. After countless interviews and what seemed like millions of applications, he finally was offered a job and accepted. We moved into our own place after staying with family for 6 months. Unbelievably gracious of them! Things just seemed to be falling into place. We were lead to a different church, where I began coordinating worship services, which I love because I love all things music. We have been guided every step of the way through the Spirit. Every move/decision we have made has been brought before God and prayed on. It seems to be so much easier to allow Him to make your decision for you in the beginning rather than deciding on your own and having to circle back to God for the right answer. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>God has provided for us at every turn. I am not exaggerating when I say this. He has blessed us by meeting every single need we have had. Of course, this shouldn't surprise me, as His word says He will meet our needs. Our bills are paid, we have food in our cupboards, we have heat and water and our family has not been hit too severely with illness. For these seemingly simple things I am extremely grateful."</em><br />
<br />
Four months later, we are in the same house, a different job, and still in God's hands. We are still relying on Him to meet our needs (not necessarily our wants) and He is continuing to be faithful in that. Eric was offered a different job and began working there in February. He loves his job. Loves it. How many people do you know personally that can say that? I don't know many! I have never in our 8 1/2 years of marriage seen him so happy and satisfied by his work. That's a HUGE deal! He has also become a youth leader at church and began a discipleship program with our pastor. This husband of mine is hungry and seeking God daily!<br />
<br />
Leah is about to finish her year of Kindergarten, which I cannot believe is happening. Jackson will be starting preschool next fall, which has snuck up on me completely. And my little Lucy Goose, she will be turning 2 years old in 3 short months. It seems to be that while we were in the midst of trial, struggle, and complete surrender, life still moved on. Our family still has grown and seen new steps. We have seen progress in our time of drought. Progress. How amazing. <br />
<br />
And as for me. I am still coordinating music, just finished an awesome study on the life of David, and have to die to my flesh daily and remember that my timing and desires are not always right. I can wait impatiently and be miserable, or I can wait in complete surrender and live right now, with God has given me right now. Because right now, what I have, where I am, this is EXACTLY where I am supposed to be. God is still meeting our needs. He is proving Himself faithful time and time again. He has made Himself obviously present. What more could we want?Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-52028792588196908512012-11-07T12:46:00.002-08:002012-11-07T12:46:37.278-08:00The Truth About Men (and Women)I am not one to discuss politics with people. I still believe that my opinion is just that, and I would rather not have heated discussions with friends and family. So, breathe easy because I am not going to talk about the election or any of that. <br />
<br />
Today I want to talk about men and women. I guess I should make sure that you know that I am a believer in Christ and His holy word. Having said that, I am so disappointed and saddened at the view when I am looking at men and women these days. Society has so much influence on us, whether we think so or not. It has changed the view of what a man should be and look like. The same with women. I'll begin with men.<br />
<br />
Men, do you know what your role is, as a man? God has designed men and called them to be leaders. To provide, protect, care for, and LEAD their families. If you do not have a family, you still have these qualities, even if they are buried deep down. How? Why? because God has embedded them into you. Society likes to mock men, call them stupid. Make them look like the lesser species. This is ridiculous. Men were made to be physically stronger. Look at their larger frames, their bigger, more callused hands, the roughness in their voices. We want to know why so many men are relying on women to handle business. Its because that is what we are grooming them into! Yes, women are strong and can handle their business, and I will get to that. But men, where has your pride gone? That pride that drove you to work hard every day to bring home even the smallest paycheck to feed your family? Where has the pride gone where you take great care of what you have so that it lasts a long time? Where has your pride gone to that allows your family to feel protected? There was a time, for example the great depression, when men had to go and ask for help. Those men beat themselves up about that. Why? Because their pride was bruised, because they were unable to provide for their families. As a society these days we are telling men that we don't need them. they are disposable. absolutely not! God designed you to be stand tall before your family, to be an example to others, to your kids, that they might say "i want to be just like my dad!" or "I want to marry someone just like my father!" Men are made to lead, and we should encourage them to lead, and hold them accountable to that!<br />
<br />
Women. Oh women. I am sorry if this is offensive in any way, but this is my blog and my opinion will be free to fly. What has happened to us? We were also designed in a special way, by God, to fill a role. First off, I am not a feminist, at all. And I do not believe we were made to be door mats. But seriously, we are made to be companions. We are strong, we can be independent and take care of ourselves. And we can climb the ladder of success in any career path we choose. Absolutely things we can do. But we can also hold tight to our God given design. We are natural nurturers. I realize there are extreme cases where this is not so, but most of us, we nurture. We care for people, animals, our belongings, everything! God did not create us to be equals in the roles we play. that is just the plain and simple truth. God gave women smaller frames, a curve in our arm that men do not have, softer voices, skin, appearance, everything! We are made to be "soft". Again, we are not made to be taken advantage of and walked all over. Do you have any idea the strength it takes to be soft? We have to control our tongues, our tone, step down sometimes to let a man lead where he should. It takes incredible strength to quiet our desire to take over and just be soft. <br />
<br />
As women we have a power that men do not seem to posses. With one word we can bring a man to his knees. We can tear him down so much faster than anyone else possibly could. Why? because we are who they are looking to for approval. They lead, provide, protect, and we give one ounce of attitude in our tone, and our man, our big, strong, tougher than nails man, comes slouching down. We are called to be encouraging, lifting them up. Not telling them they are idiots and stupid and that we can do things better than they can. Maybe you can do something better, but is that what you have been called to? Not necessarily.<br />
<br />
I find it incredibly discouraging that our society has been able to penetrate us this way. Every "family" show on television right now portrays the man as stupid. The wife will always say "oh ok" and the when the husband leaves the room they roll their eyes or scoff and give a demeaning remark. If your husband heard you say something like "you're an idiot!" how would he react? would he cower and walk away? Would he spew something equally hurtful to you? Regardless of what his reaction is, he is responding to your awful words of discouragement. And, I am sure, it stings when those words come from him. How can you feel good thinking your husband thinks you are stupid? If we are supposed to be "equals" why isn't that working out so well at home? If we are supposed to be equals, why does it only tear us down? Because we are not made the same, we are not "equal" in that sense. <br />
<br />
Women, love, nurture, build up your man. Tell him you appreciate him. Tell him you are proud to be his wife. Tell him anything like this, and i guarantee he will walk a little taller.<br />
<br />
Men, tell your wife you love her, that she is beautiful. That you are grateful for how she tends to your family. Provide for her, protect her, have pride in your family. You are supposed to be the one that steps up and takes care of business. Do it! Take back your pride! Lets step up and be the people we were designed to be, instead of trying to outdo everyone in our path. We were not created to be equal, we were created to be different. Complete opposites actually. We were made to compliment each other. <br />
<br />
I am so blessed that my husband knows his role and is fighting everyday to be what God has called him to be. I am proud to say that my husband does lead our family, he provides for us so that I can be home with our children. He has a natural instinct to protect us, whatever the "attack" might be. He walks with his head high knowing that he can take pride in the way he leads his family. <br />
<br />
Lets have it men! Let us see your leadership. And women, lets see your encouragement. Be the one lifting him up so he can reach that potential instead of being the one to tear him down and strip him of it all.Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-49169108254166772192012-10-24T12:00:00.001-07:002012-10-24T12:00:16.820-07:00My LoveWhile working on the computer today I stumbled upon some pictures that totally took me back! First, I'd like to address my "working" on the computer. I was actually working on church/worship stuff, and not playing around like I usually do :) <br />
<br />
Now, to give you some back story, I met my husband in college. We were best friends immediately. And when I say immediately, I mean that quite literally. We could talk about anything and could be completely honest with one another without any fear. While neither one of us were looking for a relationship, God had other plans.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9T6u8Y-iyjg_pWNDFiuZlT-9Bn0AxIfs_hTVT9WC-_pOIPuG0vm4wsCC1il7bTPxYiDVJg7lzpjm3kCwxt86Kc6Q3qjp5GkrK_GXaiWZhZqdeOT5R1QSYNcSiZwPb7G11WJtq6vS6iI/s1600/e+r+bowling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9T6u8Y-iyjg_pWNDFiuZlT-9Bn0AxIfs_hTVT9WC-_pOIPuG0vm4wsCC1il7bTPxYiDVJg7lzpjm3kCwxt86Kc6Q3qjp5GkrK_GXaiWZhZqdeOT5R1QSYNcSiZwPb7G11WJtq6vS6iI/s320/e+r+bowling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRWVVgEo_mP90DTuP3v3JavCFWtSyU2l8Qsnn-8puCVbrrxzBqptGnC77oUf_032UranV_ynDAaHZHs_kFtqY-pu3iF4cT1whNwjLXpWRSENeNqYe3B0c4AM1KFm3VnyKGCta82rY7TY/s1600/e+r+bootcamp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRWVVgEo_mP90DTuP3v3JavCFWtSyU2l8Qsnn-8puCVbrrxzBqptGnC77oUf_032UranV_ynDAaHZHs_kFtqY-pu3iF4cT1whNwjLXpWRSENeNqYe3B0c4AM1KFm3VnyKGCta82rY7TY/s320/e+r+bootcamp1.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We started dating and got engaged 6 months later. During our year long engagement, Eric went to Marine Corps boot camp. This would change both of our lives. He was gone for 3 months, the only way of communicating was through snail mail. It was very difficult to pick up and dial his phone number and then realize he wasn't there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6pVGWCKaQLlQfenP8RUx657m6Ig4A3OxiwFMqhrQCtha8C745MP7rCn7UraOYmJgra15vrRwHPUm4LLFw-emTzSoCdkIGR0stVXIzPFsAElOlz9bV1Nt2XLsL6bkIneQ68A_EuHi4gI/s1600/e+r+bootcamp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6pVGWCKaQLlQfenP8RUx657m6Ig4A3OxiwFMqhrQCtha8C745MP7rCn7UraOYmJgra15vrRwHPUm4LLFw-emTzSoCdkIGR0stVXIzPFsAElOlz9bV1Nt2XLsL6bkIneQ68A_EuHi4gI/s320/e+r+bootcamp2.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
(we look like little kids hahaha)</div>
<br />
<br />
Once he graduated boot camp, we go married, and 6 days later he was gone again. For about 2 months that time. This would be the beginning of not seeing each other. We were very young when we got married, I was 20 and Eric was 21, so add that to the mix of "things to overcome", we were still growing up. :) We finally moved in with each other 3 months after our wedding. Crazy. He was then in the field, always. Then he was in California for a month training for deployment. Then came that sad day. He had to leave. No other word than "awful" can describe that. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJIsml8lwabtCf0vf8eCPgRCHFbA7YdLTh-9yeaVY21LHvw3XIxnYurw1w4zs2Zl9AJVjne34TZCcc3Ket7sfXBZ_J27voMAF36lpptRFT6XHa-Q3U9WWzwOu1LQ3WqJdYkCGD3cl7r0/s1600/20090430_482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJIsml8lwabtCf0vf8eCPgRCHFbA7YdLTh-9yeaVY21LHvw3XIxnYurw1w4zs2Zl9AJVjne34TZCcc3Ket7sfXBZ_J27voMAF36lpptRFT6XHa-Q3U9WWzwOu1LQ3WqJdYkCGD3cl7r0/s320/20090430_482.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But let me just say that the military life is one of honor, for all involved. We made lifelong friends, and were a part of something great. But this post isn't about the military, its about my love.<br />
<br />
We have moved 8 times, gone through a deployment, rented 4 homes, owned 2 homes, had 3 beautiful children, and will be married 8 years this December. I love this man with every ounce of my being. We have done so much life together in these 8 years, more than many people do in 15 years. It has been interesting to say the least, but we are so much stronger and closer for it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA332yLQKoNTaAd3t96-fKKfA3mQEDdRvNVIKvmSS5ERVEMkAFiuT4CtSE1ulCtQNH_FlkDGBtm0ie8vdf7FjWnAqvrfYN7p8pN7KhaGRxH8Fn2_fDwRVOIXJa2XmG86eZXCW-L3mkFHE/s1600/97.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA332yLQKoNTaAd3t96-fKKfA3mQEDdRvNVIKvmSS5ERVEMkAFiuT4CtSE1ulCtQNH_FlkDGBtm0ie8vdf7FjWnAqvrfYN7p8pN7KhaGRxH8Fn2_fDwRVOIXJa2XmG86eZXCW-L3mkFHE/s1600/97.JPEG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am so incredibly blessed to have him in my life. Just to know him seems a privilege. He is a strong, Christ centered man that leads our family as he has been called to. He provides for and loves his family. He makes me laugh every day. And I still get so excited to see him! Though there have been hard times and learning curves through our journey, we have stood firm together. We have held onto God and each other and intend to prove that marriage is sacred in this world that views marriage as disposable. What a love I have for this man. What an honor to be called his wife. What a privilege to have a family with him. What an experience it is to do life with him every single day.<br />
<br />
I am in love you Eric Hines, always.<br />
<br />
Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-12802967648230643882012-10-16T17:28:00.000-07:002012-10-16T17:28:44.613-07:00ReunionsYes. It's true. My husband and I have been out of high school for 10 years. He seems to be fine with that. I just have a hard time. Not so much with how long its been since graduation, but with my age numbers rising...<br />
<br />
My high school reunion already passed. I guess I just didn't feel the need to go to hang out with people that want to act like we are still in high school. When you post things like "its time to get our drank on" and "lets get wasted class of 2002" I do not feel an ounce of desire to join the festivities. <br />
<br />
No, I don't want to get wasted. No, I don't want to "get my drank on". No, I am not 18 anymore, I am 28 years old. I feel like acting somewhat close to my age is a little necessary. <br />
<br />
My husband has a completely different approach to his reunion. He is just pumped to see everyone. Why is it so different? There are all these looming things, like who is married? Who has kids? What are people doing with their careers? And I know we all want to know what people look like these days...don't act like you are too good to think that stuff...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3483h0_Y7bqE3ot1p36YOqVjrwUqCruSCeFzapi8BOIRE3j7JpYQbrPUgr_GScicD1V7h4J2BZXhFCkgvT3aY4KQF4q66428MKvwLdFvsnVyPxL2xfGO2vguotzHxOaeIit-XU0wybU/s1600/548194_10151161190151544_1364451537_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3483h0_Y7bqE3ot1p36YOqVjrwUqCruSCeFzapi8BOIRE3j7JpYQbrPUgr_GScicD1V7h4J2BZXhFCkgvT3aY4KQF4q66428MKvwLdFvsnVyPxL2xfGO2vguotzHxOaeIit-XU0wybU/s320/548194_10151161190151544_1364451537_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, that's right everyone. Don't be jealous! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In high school I had a lot of acquaintances. I was only close with a handful of people. But I seemed to be on good terms with most people. I liked that I could say hi to whomever and it wasn't awkward. But its been so long since I have even spoken to some people, I feel like now, it would be a little weird. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now the husband, again, completely different view. He wants to catch up and see EVERYONE. I just can't feel the same :) I am perfectly content sitting at home in my jammies reading about our reunion on Facebook. I am a home body, and I am completely OK with that! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I couldn't resist this photo. Hilarious!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVpzAnQTtAUJXf61SGappmAkAz7gGh8qlRX4XrPbXl8L7AHkBAqfpUUOYv4OgJIgTPdve2j0kODVlmgzs8Ljrce-e3TcRqxgEMjPsYnFCvFR02NB3-MiJSqBlyzULURBZ6Ig28ppC7Q0/s1600/552373_10151187513101544_1194793499_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVpzAnQTtAUJXf61SGappmAkAz7gGh8qlRX4XrPbXl8L7AHkBAqfpUUOYv4OgJIgTPdve2j0kODVlmgzs8Ljrce-e3TcRqxgEMjPsYnFCvFR02NB3-MiJSqBlyzULURBZ6Ig28ppC7Q0/s320/552373_10151187513101544_1194793499_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anyone that knows me, knows this is complete sarcasm, but its great!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So since I didn't go to my own reunion, I am going to my husbands. It seems like I keep in touch with more people that he graduated with than with people I did. Really weird. But hey, hopefully its a good time! Gotta go show off my earrings!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-6290480479674007742012-09-27T11:44:00.004-07:002012-09-27T11:44:54.187-07:00Look who's 1!!!Alright...so this is a little late...but ya know, maybe I am in denial about the whole thing. Anyhow, my youngest, Lucy, turned one year old in August. She has just grown so quickly before my eyes. I cannot wrap my head around the fact that she isn't just 3 months old anymore. She is walking everywhere, getting into everything, babbling so much, and so happy! I am so in love with this little person! <br />
<br />
<div align="center">
Lucy Joyce Hines</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmpQLfMNNqx9ixjeLQQ8XTBKK8NxauWPdaFIJEckoiovw24IXg07bNckORIwfyQbBj1_Sltl8Auhn09whXMpRQ7DwOgP-_Bocpt6YzI2oAZh7loiHNwTqeZAq81Bzd9jZlDQ6HoSSnJ4/s1600/DSC_0970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmpQLfMNNqx9ixjeLQQ8XTBKK8NxauWPdaFIJEckoiovw24IXg07bNckORIwfyQbBj1_Sltl8Auhn09whXMpRQ7DwOgP-_Bocpt6YzI2oAZh7loiHNwTqeZAq81Bzd9jZlDQ6HoSSnJ4/s320/DSC_0970.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
The infamous mohawk</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1x2Ui7pnfZxNKiBSconUac26BieLqLxArBE1b2bGnn24KrEE1XE24laPtihyphenhyphenkMI-pC2CwmurR87efwa30n9wObxV05U4APCYsvLy4tth8nGk2e25IzP3ezZROPEYiTQC5foxX038K5g/s1600/DSC_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1x2Ui7pnfZxNKiBSconUac26BieLqLxArBE1b2bGnn24KrEE1XE24laPtihyphenhyphenkMI-pC2CwmurR87efwa30n9wObxV05U4APCYsvLy4tth8nGk2e25IzP3ezZROPEYiTQC5foxX038K5g/s320/DSC_1054.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pulling herself up!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCxcAXqky-qFaKj0xWQWcaNreUBfGByIgjsDK_tUQyCHeW75bU5ksnXW1Y990TNwWkgv4f-s1D5T3s_1mdyezOeOftqt_Q7htu9fUTI54i-KRYDWC87fxswV0VV0IktD_gp6n9phMays/s1600/DSC_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCxcAXqky-qFaKj0xWQWcaNreUBfGByIgjsDK_tUQyCHeW75bU5ksnXW1Y990TNwWkgv4f-s1D5T3s_1mdyezOeOftqt_Q7htu9fUTI54i-KRYDWC87fxswV0VV0IktD_gp6n9phMays/s320/DSC_1218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Cheesy girl</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN83nt6Dnt-FdPj3DQTTM_OLeqp1XkaqGLpFPKqe7P9AClDzhFzAPHJmib7YOgFPJ3chZZTm39KObLRZyA63l1MDu_rzBO3yQTyplpqU0vmJ3ijPqpVGgzwV5jgMLywEpTqmghTxC644/s1600/DSC_1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN83nt6Dnt-FdPj3DQTTM_OLeqp1XkaqGLpFPKqe7P9AClDzhFzAPHJmib7YOgFPJ3chZZTm39KObLRZyA63l1MDu_rzBO3yQTyplpqU0vmJ3ijPqpVGgzwV5jgMLywEpTqmghTxC644/s320/DSC_1503.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Easter 2012</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KLRDdPiCJNERIs4XW63inkOrN-B3rorfO9aSAVwVf9MzfCn76vpDtHkrDrdSeR3FII6xA3_2xqOjY77Bh9edFnxnhWnY3z2mWgICBvDA1THTQgyn-c2lbyLFbVs8yOV0b7IgydBDjII/s1600/DSC_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KLRDdPiCJNERIs4XW63inkOrN-B3rorfO9aSAVwVf9MzfCn76vpDtHkrDrdSeR3FII6xA3_2xqOjY77Bh9edFnxnhWnY3z2mWgICBvDA1THTQgyn-c2lbyLFbVs8yOV0b7IgydBDjII/s320/DSC_1248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Happy Birthday with Daddy</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vXh816WSoZc1XQ46jR4cBVhkzCpwfB9goF0nmsyNprccWdg2-YsY8wGjDCvLDOW7sDWbt4qu1LOcZ74iUdiSfc-6b8xUTGAntg_VWB809ESaKDrQGuF-zA8CE0BC2DSuYBXJmDYEMz4/s1600/DSC_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vXh816WSoZc1XQ46jR4cBVhkzCpwfB9goF0nmsyNprccWdg2-YsY8wGjDCvLDOW7sDWbt4qu1LOcZ74iUdiSfc-6b8xUTGAntg_VWB809ESaKDrQGuF-zA8CE0BC2DSuYBXJmDYEMz4/s320/DSC_0394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Yummy Cake</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgUlWwW73F6gFvoCgOG2ZkZLMdnxirlVo95kk206dJdfVlIW-d0kqp9YT_kBMiDOnWMtTLdaFVNx6hul0g1Ndd-0z-Nm5cyuNJEakXelONejXUlrXqYgbDdHtm0OVtp6DqnApAZx0WLI/s1600/DSC_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgUlWwW73F6gFvoCgOG2ZkZLMdnxirlVo95kk206dJdfVlIW-d0kqp9YT_kBMiDOnWMtTLdaFVNx6hul0g1Ndd-0z-Nm5cyuNJEakXelONejXUlrXqYgbDdHtm0OVtp6DqnApAZx0WLI/s320/DSC_0429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Loved her grocery cart and baby</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXP_bT2eIjC5F1K-Inl7HnPWHUZIXV3NpNw_WMmw1DOART9zwovAtwWMX4lwmq77oqPEpgLS4H8R_0CPO2dgNwBg2p4KYtyEpXdLtVc_A1DjxwFv8eYajU8UfG40VQeetlPAYkUQJydk/s1600/DSC_0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXP_bT2eIjC5F1K-Inl7HnPWHUZIXV3NpNw_WMmw1DOART9zwovAtwWMX4lwmq77oqPEpgLS4H8R_0CPO2dgNwBg2p4KYtyEpXdLtVc_A1DjxwFv8eYajU8UfG40VQeetlPAYkUQJydk/s320/DSC_0499.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My sweet girl is 1 year old</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUkyTyiWckPyKOBQTo0EfuL-nmrgVHhhWN607P9nAjAgH0sL4gG5uhYDaP52yezt8RAFcH6Ann_ktkQkEqfWim_ooY_MK_dGk-tQPyitl4-XpXgO3U7OHiQ9mafj2EXZ3x7kOUkaUE20/s1600/LUCY1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUkyTyiWckPyKOBQTo0EfuL-nmrgVHhhWN607P9nAjAgH0sL4gG5uhYDaP52yezt8RAFcH6Ann_ktkQkEqfWim_ooY_MK_dGk-tQPyitl4-XpXgO3U7OHiQ9mafj2EXZ3x7kOUkaUE20/s320/LUCY1.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqB8FEfM7lwLCxe3jMZOJkpCt_sidsxNK2KiSjPzhMDvfwO5cC8csEZJVy_TBvsN14I5Teuub8hO486k2XXBUj1yvg2gV-AU-L3b5U2KXPjxTXCNfLsirbJEywYpj8J51xlUyZH7sCz8/s1600/LUCY2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqB8FEfM7lwLCxe3jMZOJkpCt_sidsxNK2KiSjPzhMDvfwO5cC8csEZJVy_TBvsN14I5Teuub8hO486k2XXBUj1yvg2gV-AU-L3b5U2KXPjxTXCNfLsirbJEywYpj8J51xlUyZH7sCz8/s320/LUCY2.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRpqtvXKzjh31SbcQ9YhVLSJUKpgwFzQIr-KlDZOFegaUDJ50Oj07WNiwc9URsHdh2X7wVzP6LtKxpl2cChM7c5GVGRy2-Hi4N8v1Z1Gs2tBTJ7OhQrN5_ulkgNbwcOrxEgFpx_5GS7M/s1600/LUCY+CHAIR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRpqtvXKzjh31SbcQ9YhVLSJUKpgwFzQIr-KlDZOFegaUDJ50Oj07WNiwc9URsHdh2X7wVzP6LtKxpl2cChM7c5GVGRy2-Hi4N8v1Z1Gs2tBTJ7OhQrN5_ulkgNbwcOrxEgFpx_5GS7M/s320/LUCY+CHAIR.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-71628817149972340942012-09-27T11:19:00.004-07:002012-09-27T11:19:36.578-07:00Showers of BlessingsPRAISE GOD! Eric got a job!!!!! He started his new job on Monday and is very excited. We got the call on Friday and didn't know what to do with ourselves. What a <span style="color: purple;"><u>BLESSING</u></span> I had a hard time getting excited until he started, I think I was just worried and scared to get my hopes up. But he got it! He is really employed! After a very long 5 months, we are just so blessed.<br />
<br />
So, because he got this job, we are able to look for a place of our own again, which is great, but a little stressful as well. We have been so incredibly <span style="color: purple;"><u>BLESSED</u></span> to have family open up their home to us. All 5 of us, for so long. I am positive it has been difficult sharing their space, but we could not have made it if it weren't for Mike and Michelle. But being a homemaker, I am so excited to finally have a home to make again.<br />
<br />
Leah is doing so well in school. She is going to be joining a guided reading group early with 3 other students! She just accomplished tying her shoes all by herself. And she is going to be helping lead a song at church soon! She is a huge <span style="color: purple;"><u>BLESSING</u></span> to us.<br />
<br />
I cannot understand the way the God provides for us. Everyday it's something new. And because He continues to provide without fail, you'd think we would just be in constant trust and faith with Him. Why is that not the case? Because it is our human nature to rely on ourselves and believe that we have everything under control, when clearly, that is not the case. Praise God for His faithfulness, His provisions, and His grace. <br />
<br />
1 Timothy 6:17<br />
"Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly <span class="boldtext">provides</span> us with everything to enjoy;"<br />
<br />
So grateful for a God that knows my needs and circumstances and will always provide my needs.<br />
Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-24200543130520192232012-09-13T11:01:00.001-07:002012-09-13T11:01:24.134-07:00Who Loves Vacations?This girl does!<br />
<br />
This summer, like every summer, we took our family vacation. And when I say family vacation, I mean FAMILY. Every year we go to Gull Lake Family Camp, it is THE best place to vacation! My husbands family have been going on vacation there for over 40 years! So, when we go each summer, it's Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins...our whole family. IT IS SO MUCH FUN!!!! Not only do we get to see and spend time with everyone, we get to hear an awesome speaker. This year the speaker was incredible, Lloyd Shadrack, I recommend finding him online and listening to some of his sermons. Challenging. <br />
<br />
So, we get to play at the beach, go on paddle boats, play on the docks and look for sea shells, splash and run at the splash pad, go to the playgrounds, do the climbing walls, zip lines and play pickle ball. This place is fantastic! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMVzYrqHg53nH1nLj28mjH7SG3OdaczN1586wmGBJYvLRcG0v9h5WQwIWnl0tg5Vce3L-JJy5MEb2OT35GXXdnEdFVSlLagIEEPmEnl9rUasaoDw1SD-nvi2dAmufRzK7Gf1R5jTpk4U/s1600/20120804_77+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMVzYrqHg53nH1nLj28mjH7SG3OdaczN1586wmGBJYvLRcG0v9h5WQwIWnl0tg5Vce3L-JJy5MEb2OT35GXXdnEdFVSlLagIEEPmEnl9rUasaoDw1SD-nvi2dAmufRzK7Gf1R5jTpk4U/s320/20120804_77+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdXIgiwEOm-HdnWQf-YrRyrCSKjcKByQ0g0zBpKSNvaaQJ0OrAxh_W9DIvbiDTWjd0KvztdkZEq-zOJHZ_krrolIJ3P5cKu3HtQtNuw03sh7MY-wGkOyXfJrUBnFqDMWBOJTgWupepsA/s1600/20120804_131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdXIgiwEOm-HdnWQf-YrRyrCSKjcKByQ0g0zBpKSNvaaQJ0OrAxh_W9DIvbiDTWjd0KvztdkZEq-zOJHZ_krrolIJ3P5cKu3HtQtNuw03sh7MY-wGkOyXfJrUBnFqDMWBOJTgWupepsA/s320/20120804_131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj7AKwBfnzM6KQ1-l1U3KeD3h1uKx6c2UKSlWg88rzFDqcqGVYR8QmbNgNfy3-FnOwTk7BJekdeAM_HE0Z_xep-zpvqbxLTbA-gvnYxYdqsFv0Qsiw7GmSPU9Oz94Pen-qEBMS2yVCfw/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj7AKwBfnzM6KQ1-l1U3KeD3h1uKx6c2UKSlWg88rzFDqcqGVYR8QmbNgNfy3-FnOwTk7BJekdeAM_HE0Z_xep-zpvqbxLTbA-gvnYxYdqsFv0Qsiw7GmSPU9Oz94Pen-qEBMS2yVCfw/s320/DSC_0256.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3ZEemWuCP8CKaiypHG9ipc3vy1L8ZeRFUVJXxRFU8DymLe2SuiQz2ilo6dAix2oODdrx6vL8RDAslIwOvkOtWYR4A3CpZI3WJWwm0GArOeaIjYcddnaXchoXfJquzPl1OHQQoBr2hBg/s1600/DSC_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3ZEemWuCP8CKaiypHG9ipc3vy1L8ZeRFUVJXxRFU8DymLe2SuiQz2ilo6dAix2oODdrx6vL8RDAslIwOvkOtWYR4A3CpZI3WJWwm0GArOeaIjYcddnaXchoXfJquzPl1OHQQoBr2hBg/s320/DSC_0170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMigHNpN-qQ55MUI8_TvxZL7IcSPAxMa_p2afpJm6oc6hxWixa8kD6enCDYGQpwh5JSgiFIPlueXyo7I3-8feRr19jXm_r33yK_uZ7b53UJteFXSoc6P6PqzN1XY-JiRNLPKmL4cu-3fM/s1600/DSC_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMigHNpN-qQ55MUI8_TvxZL7IcSPAxMa_p2afpJm6oc6hxWixa8kD6enCDYGQpwh5JSgiFIPlueXyo7I3-8feRr19jXm_r33yK_uZ7b53UJteFXSoc6P6PqzN1XY-JiRNLPKmL4cu-3fM/s320/DSC_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOiZKl-7SoO_wC4tOxCEZ52FXjFon782XlIOXwrW34LIk-3Hz1ki42tcKbiipj7qFbfvNd1lB-jqodOmzuhWaslxenoG_a-eQh9fY3MZbCbZlggL_Oi_0msKL8513FYpQist-d8_EXNI/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOiZKl-7SoO_wC4tOxCEZ52FXjFon782XlIOXwrW34LIk-3Hz1ki42tcKbiipj7qFbfvNd1lB-jqodOmzuhWaslxenoG_a-eQh9fY3MZbCbZlggL_Oi_0msKL8513FYpQist-d8_EXNI/s320/DSC_0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWw_w1Wp-qE_8o2qBqwmsT3ArhsI4OYUtGOqHwkFh5s3QhIeEIQ0HFiSyRjPqQ2ynYOsPpaLzBlx7ortk-Iwr98Qd1rnEwXrxLHqW4ThC753dniF-pjHB_yaoxHi_Zdbr7LG8ydDPpnTg/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWw_w1Wp-qE_8o2qBqwmsT3ArhsI4OYUtGOqHwkFh5s3QhIeEIQ0HFiSyRjPqQ2ynYOsPpaLzBlx7ortk-Iwr98Qd1rnEwXrxLHqW4ThC753dniF-pjHB_yaoxHi_Zdbr7LG8ydDPpnTg/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But the absolute best part is watching the counselors show Jesus to our kids. They pour so much of themselves into the children, it's amazing! I am so thankful for such a fun yet tranquil place to go each year. What a blast and a blessing!!! I wish we could stay longer than a week! We love Gull Lake!!!!!Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-36964432467410175462012-09-03T17:40:00.000-07:002012-09-03T17:40:00.627-07:00I have the Kindergarten bluesTomorrow at 8:00 I am walking my baby girl to her bus stop. Her very first bus stop. For her very first day of real school...Kindergarten. I cannot understand how we are already here. Didn't we just bring her home from the hospital? Weren't we just terrified because we had this newborn at home and didn't have a clue what we were doing? And then all of a sudden I wake up and she is 5 years old and heading to her bus stop....no problem mom...right? No. Very wrong.<br />
<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaeu_LfW4V85czhvPVSitFuMaR4x0fknQ_2cixV35r5LiMOMAexiJ4Y4t-41THAVnn2EVD1Z7FACxrEptca6Kp293tynWaonLvoS5ENaaOgw3jBrKtfVlaECYceYU63bivzQkl1UPeAM/s1600/DSCN1847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaeu_LfW4V85czhvPVSitFuMaR4x0fknQ_2cixV35r5LiMOMAexiJ4Y4t-41THAVnn2EVD1Z7FACxrEptca6Kp293tynWaonLvoS5ENaaOgw3jBrKtfVlaECYceYU63bivzQkl1UPeAM/s320/DSCN1847.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEAGJMOE5D5T-ls3DNFryO_VVBWQ-F5huEguqhjEBOMVAr032xpVaVYQKWc3UR0M6HQFH93eTwDihGrg_IF-eSuXQLoIZsWin-Wbd_pCbSPFVc7MfJzqrIEzISTzNQuxT8AM23dAUORs/s1600/DSCN2211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEAGJMOE5D5T-ls3DNFryO_VVBWQ-F5huEguqhjEBOMVAr032xpVaVYQKWc3UR0M6HQFH93eTwDihGrg_IF-eSuXQLoIZsWin-Wbd_pCbSPFVc7MfJzqrIEzISTzNQuxT8AM23dAUORs/s320/DSCN2211.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27B_QyZAH4khPOXXB2qb_w83MvIs9kFT2kcT0Y4ecdgui2pbCti3GKeCSbCTBDoTFad6ruYIDV0xNLTSKByAeNz-fyW8yCCaE_GxANsbUpDSipySon5-vVFCHSj9H7Y22NUbh-QI8jhA/s1600/IMG_0566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27B_QyZAH4khPOXXB2qb_w83MvIs9kFT2kcT0Y4ecdgui2pbCti3GKeCSbCTBDoTFad6ruYIDV0xNLTSKByAeNz-fyW8yCCaE_GxANsbUpDSipySon5-vVFCHSj9H7Y22NUbh-QI8jhA/s320/IMG_0566.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCPxr_Sm3NDNSaDu1oZN6Qoqx5XAE6WSv-RyLcvWmx6C8srGTtYOF0gdDZZcan-yraXfLcLuHydsNz_i9FrD8IAY-9oCUtOJ6Aa9L5Go3JRTOc0_az5z4SN8lScjgaT40A8yhASocT6M/s1600/imagejpeg_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCPxr_Sm3NDNSaDu1oZN6Qoqx5XAE6WSv-RyLcvWmx6C8srGTtYOF0gdDZZcan-yraXfLcLuHydsNz_i9FrD8IAY-9oCUtOJ6Aa9L5Go3JRTOc0_az5z4SN8lScjgaT40A8yhASocT6M/s320/imagejpeg_3.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK-LUGAyc3sPjJB6nNFDSOFNg95UBd3jy_JVztEHoBMZ9mf9uyCeC89KagFhF_dmOghhErlsYsTx8_vWKawakzKEMZG0A1Yzai-q4H339VyTIkSihB8C-Bu5bNLgMyxSw0y4trEzfHOo/s1600/IMG_5341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK-LUGAyc3sPjJB6nNFDSOFNg95UBd3jy_JVztEHoBMZ9mf9uyCeC89KagFhF_dmOghhErlsYsTx8_vWKawakzKEMZG0A1Yzai-q4H339VyTIkSihB8C-Bu5bNLgMyxSw0y4trEzfHOo/s320/IMG_5341.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<br />
We took Leah to her meet and greet at the school last week. She was thrilled! I really like her teacher, which helped to ease the anxiety a little. That was until I received her bus route card in the mail. I immediately called the transportation office. This is my first time...I obviously have questions. OK. Concerns. Alright, I am terrified!!!! The kind woman on the phone told me all about their procedures for different "what if" scenarios. Thank the Lord they have procedures in place. But even though she tried to put my mind at ease, I know Leah. I know her better than she knows herself. I know that sometimes she is flighty. I know that she can get wrapped up in playing or talking and completely lose focus and stop paying attention. I know that she is <em>my</em> kid. So, like any rational mother, I had nightmares. That's right, full scale, freaking out, waking up a sweaty mess, nightmares.<br />
<br />
It went like this. Leah made it to school fine on the bus, had a great day. Then when I went to her bus stop to walk her home, she didn't show up. So, I did what the kind transportation lady told me to. I called them and the school. They ordered all buses back to the school. And I went there to get her. The only problem was, that her bus never showed. Imagine my thoughts waking up after that!!!!!!!!! Seriously. And now I have to walk her to her bus tomorrow...I am just not sure I can handle this. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, the moral of the post is, PRAY FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I may lose my mind all day. I am sad, scared, very sad, jealous of the teacher's time with her, sad some more, and anxious. Did I mention sad? She is a good kid with a good heart and a good head on her shoulders. She is going to be fine. Mom, however, will struggle through the day. Cannot believe my baby is so grown up already!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sweet Leah, I love you so much! You are such a blessing and so many of the reasons I smile!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskWY3TY41CJ1opllXTLP7GQFKj3WEF_vRNLjJyANlEcU5XpRBCttRhPEn6EXMWT8wwOAAuANazRoJsd89v8_qPtP2EJC0zF81N-w-GTJinj2938BMcEVr8K16wSdMtlYm_0Y7Jy1SHtY/s1600/DSCN1636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskWY3TY41CJ1opllXTLP7GQFKj3WEF_vRNLjJyANlEcU5XpRBCttRhPEn6EXMWT8wwOAAuANazRoJsd89v8_qPtP2EJC0zF81N-w-GTJinj2938BMcEVr8K16wSdMtlYm_0Y7Jy1SHtY/s320/DSCN1636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-60503295220934787212012-08-30T11:24:00.000-07:002012-08-30T11:24:09.967-07:00Birthdays, Beds, and Back to SchoolWith 3 children life gets crazy. And busy. And stressful. And sad.<br />
<br />
Yesterday we took Leah to meet her new teacher for Kindergarten. We saw her classroom, and cafeteria and play ground, and gym, and library, and all the hallways....you know, EVERYTHING. I really like her teacher, very nice woman. Leah found her table with her name where she will sit and the locker/cubby where her backpack will go. I have been through this with preschool, but this is different. Real school. With homework. Yes, I said it, homework. Oh. Boy. <br />
<br />
I am not all that concerned about Leah. She is naturally outgoing and has never met a stranger. She just believes that everyone starts out being her friend. Which is good, on some levels. I am more concerned with how I am going to deal with this. First, I am going to miss her!!! She has school from 8:40-3:44 each day. All day I will be missing her! And for the kicker, she will be riding the bus. She is thrilled. I am worried! I know that might be silly. All I can think of is "what if she gets on the wrong bus home?" or "what if she misses the bus completely? " or "what if she doesn't get off at her stop?" I know it'll be OK, but just to be safe I contacted the transportation depot and got as much information as I could on all busing issues.<br />
<br />
Now, not only are we doing Kindergarten this year. We just celebrated Lucy's first birthday. I cannot understand how that year went by so fast! She is just so big! And what a sweetheart! My wonderful sister in law helped take pictures of Lucy to mark her first year. Turned out great!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSg5EPjnvoBcleIFZ6TG6eKrYhUuX_IvcFQYjTsxaLQxLOoTPBv5whNoFIv0yDED08Hsh4clpMy4c3hrK7XR3PH4ueQaFjnw5CeGcSNsaQ_Tbn1E1YJlL22kmQsnN-mXEUt7ceArdMr4/s1600/LUCY1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSg5EPjnvoBcleIFZ6TG6eKrYhUuX_IvcFQYjTsxaLQxLOoTPBv5whNoFIv0yDED08Hsh4clpMy4c3hrK7XR3PH4ueQaFjnw5CeGcSNsaQ_Tbn1E1YJlL22kmQsnN-mXEUt7ceArdMr4/s320/LUCY1.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cHSCB9I4t4va-Z0LSBjSYdFuwPwMVw0sLkOAnMYsOWOsJjlyWscKQwx35GACsSxbb9zDFUQYIAdNnQX2PT7TnfYCTgAIE4F2w17hyphenhyphen7eiIvaXiOKcWkgJS67AgS80BERN1PSksN0ZN6s/s1600/LUCY.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cHSCB9I4t4va-Z0LSBjSYdFuwPwMVw0sLkOAnMYsOWOsJjlyWscKQwx35GACsSxbb9zDFUQYIAdNnQX2PT7TnfYCTgAIE4F2w17hyphenhyphen7eiIvaXiOKcWkgJS67AgS80BERN1PSksN0ZN6s/s320/LUCY.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4b_usuSWrkpfLxwU7zhKt0uY4Yvu2VKKI3PZ9E30YV1GI4CUPIi8QjaXByrc-a5b5an7L_SnNJvvuHLzk3CVgzxOWUp0iU2fp8plMAxeqglkpXP4tgtOyQioe81Zhxc5F8WotxVJyFo/s1600/LUCY2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4b_usuSWrkpfLxwU7zhKt0uY4Yvu2VKKI3PZ9E30YV1GI4CUPIi8QjaXByrc-a5b5an7L_SnNJvvuHLzk3CVgzxOWUp0iU2fp8plMAxeqglkpXP4tgtOyQioe81Zhxc5F8WotxVJyFo/s320/LUCY2.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7fOg88hO78rdftZqwhfj6dAj26kM2wZjp2xrIDhYX2mxcpvCYfJQAg_tcr2SX5dHQPUS1VJD-ScKb8usDXseB0odwuTf1x2Tdn10WnILzS7CaA79S49xFD0r-Eh-3Ct_RqovK3yYKso/s1600/LUCY+CHAIR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7fOg88hO78rdftZqwhfj6dAj26kM2wZjp2xrIDhYX2mxcpvCYfJQAg_tcr2SX5dHQPUS1VJD-ScKb8usDXseB0odwuTf1x2Tdn10WnILzS7CaA79S49xFD0r-Eh-3Ct_RqovK3yYKso/s320/LUCY+CHAIR.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<br />
My baby turns 1 and my oldest starts Kindergarten...that is enough for a mom right now, don't you think? Oh but wait, there is more!<br />
<br />
Jackson will be turning 3 years old in a couple of weeks. Yes. Three. And on top of that, he is now officially in his big boy bed. A twin sized bed with big kid Lightening McQueen sheets. Will I regret taking him out of his <strike>cage</strike> crib? Who knows, but it was time. <br />
<br />
This is just a lot of change for someone who does not do change well. Seriously. I cannot handle too much change. But that seems to be the story of my life lately. It'll all be OK though. Woooosaaaaah!Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-16820294494248671732012-08-15T05:44:00.000-07:002012-08-15T05:44:30.434-07:00Wonders of WednesdayToday is Wednesday, and unlike a lot of day during the week, today is a little more eventful for me. Today, my hubby has an interview! So, it started me wondering....<br />
<br />
Eric- I am wondering how your interview will go today. Of course we are all hoping it goes perfect! As we have been looking for a job for you to no avail for almost 4 months now. Insert sad face...<br />
<br />
Lucy Goose- I wonder how you turned 1 year old so quickly and didnt even bother to ask me how I felt about it. It seems like we had her party, she turned 1, and life just moved on so quickly. I am just not ok with that! Also, I wonder why you had to wake up so upset today. I realize when youre hungry, youre hungry, but nobody likes to wake up to that...lets work on it ok?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9udg8rkmhrlCHz14mlHW_k_Q_HlNinNhFQEgGKMCsKRD3NMwfzDvAEakoacUpv3V_7QAqINM_X95n4z9SNMUjQ5iWl6v5jsnbWKz1CSz9WvleRoCZoFQPhNB-aRI7eunmYrqa7kqiMgE/s1600/2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9udg8rkmhrlCHz14mlHW_k_Q_HlNinNhFQEgGKMCsKRD3NMwfzDvAEakoacUpv3V_7QAqINM_X95n4z9SNMUjQ5iWl6v5jsnbWKz1CSz9WvleRoCZoFQPhNB-aRI7eunmYrqa7kqiMgE/s320/2.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cMVAPomX2W-b03SNlQXpDwrxXe6ZeHzl729JR-Axc1eObD4DlYdWU6QCKD8KLr0DOUPoEFf-rJefjBHKpmZnRMOqDRDz4UsEPy2QL1oZgj4uX0KT_SkK9jQzTRa-KzbDes2zgsK6FTE/s1600/11.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cMVAPomX2W-b03SNlQXpDwrxXe6ZeHzl729JR-Axc1eObD4DlYdWU6QCKD8KLr0DOUPoEFf-rJefjBHKpmZnRMOqDRDz4UsEPy2QL1oZgj4uX0KT_SkK9jQzTRa-KzbDes2zgsK6FTE/s320/11.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Leah- How, on earth, I wonder, are you starting Kindergarten in 19 days????? Seriously!?! Talk about wondering where the time went. I swear we just had your first birthday pary in North Carolina. Yet here we are doing this new thing called "back to school" shopping. This is completely foreign to me...and I am not ready.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6fMa0kjJ_R2iI5BITfka0v-_K3SChrB1iuHptT7EnhOP0w0iYwEUnjeq1J9wCvfA1S6sSF3HyrweSfrsH1V1gZEPD2FehzTfGW67F_rjvXbhWtYXXHh7d66CCOnmD3qSK5QjQooF2EI/s1600/IMG_3662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6fMa0kjJ_R2iI5BITfka0v-_K3SChrB1iuHptT7EnhOP0w0iYwEUnjeq1J9wCvfA1S6sSF3HyrweSfrsH1V1gZEPD2FehzTfGW67F_rjvXbhWtYXXHh7d66CCOnmD3qSK5QjQooF2EI/s320/IMG_3662.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Jackson- You dear boy, make me wonder a lot of things. But mostly, how on earth did God make your normal speaking voice 10 times louder than the average human being? It's as if you are trying to contact someone accross the state using only your God given voice. Completely baffled.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8lM4Op9E9A7Ph3xCYUqOWi-okkW2Tgx-OGV0brc36CjjG9DAhAcUzr0IP24M2ChqBpMFiq9Jl2bdrgtCljn2RCoImWkL0c3Ej_Z3747NrC5WRIMukTtq8CHuMQnuzS1uu37HvoR0pc0/s1600/jax.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8lM4Op9E9A7Ph3xCYUqOWi-okkW2Tgx-OGV0brc36CjjG9DAhAcUzr0IP24M2ChqBpMFiq9Jl2bdrgtCljn2RCoImWkL0c3Ej_Z3747NrC5WRIMukTtq8CHuMQnuzS1uu37HvoR0pc0/s320/jax.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ben & Jerry's- I wonder how you come up with the best ice cream flavors ever. In all creation. The. Best. Ever. It's addicting. It's a problem. I wonder if I'll ever be able to control myself. Probably not. I suppose I will just have to add an extra 30 minutes to my already suffering work out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtGuDOGAPMN0OqaocBL1FRC0eyUu2QrGMM0W7R62pRAh05J37jvJhM2IWnp1Y38xInlg7vReedpw1hBQauhcguDxQkOM1tKSkHRQFDVUpNBcsbSagKE_c6oV9Wnd0od5RVm9MSs6GrIg/s1600/icecream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtGuDOGAPMN0OqaocBL1FRC0eyUu2QrGMM0W7R62pRAh05J37jvJhM2IWnp1Y38xInlg7vReedpw1hBQauhcguDxQkOM1tKSkHRQFDVUpNBcsbSagKE_c6oV9Wnd0od5RVm9MSs6GrIg/s1600/icecream.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Fisher Price/Vtech/Playschool/all other toy brands- I wonder why it is that you have to make your toys so loud. Now, I appreciate that on most of them there are 2 volume settings. My problem lies with how loud the loudest setting is. I don't mind the sounds, the music, the dinging. I mind that when my children turn the volume up on their toys, I have to talk louder for anyone to hear me. Annoying. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXkrHeWV6x62MTPVcVqIbQ9iwcGXRxMNdNoLGsnDwa_NvFOwOoMQ6aHFd2ehc6og14ZVUF1iz7o2C9Qqn-SVlbVHSJE0LEc7Ih8A0xUwx7-if2WLV0VXi79eyIlAM9zWIgFqZFkgf7Ik/s1600/tommy+turtle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXkrHeWV6x62MTPVcVqIbQ9iwcGXRxMNdNoLGsnDwa_NvFOwOoMQ6aHFd2ehc6og14ZVUF1iz7o2C9Qqn-SVlbVHSJE0LEc7Ih8A0xUwx7-if2WLV0VXi79eyIlAM9zWIgFqZFkgf7Ik/s320/tommy+turtle.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
One last wonder. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pinterest- Do I even need to say it? Ok, I will, even though we are all thinking it already. I wonder how you have become so addicting that you have to be a part of my every day? I cannot go an entire day without browsing through for at least a few minutes. And now that I have 12,649 crafts pinned to work on, I dont really have time to pin more. But I do. Everyday. I can't help it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6pXOg3abCR2Wy49Td1x9avp-lDKONTf4jnhjSi4OnlYjvhynC8BCAcQJK4M7sOzRx3_eYPWGHHWIkHBlvomQYJ9r7SInavpP6Q7KSHiNtyu8iB5LLrkDvLPBPqQDO358xjTERwuGx4A/s1600/pinterest.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6pXOg3abCR2Wy49Td1x9avp-lDKONTf4jnhjSi4OnlYjvhynC8BCAcQJK4M7sOzRx3_eYPWGHHWIkHBlvomQYJ9r7SInavpP6Q7KSHiNtyu8iB5LLrkDvLPBPqQDO358xjTERwuGx4A/s320/pinterest.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-43366833662048177412012-08-11T14:21:00.000-07:002012-08-11T14:21:42.297-07:00The Hairy TruthAs you may know, my family has moved across the state recently. And as you may also know, I am a hair dresser. That being said, I have many clients in our previous city, and not so many in our current one. I am a stay at home mama so I do not contribute financially, aside from avoiding an insane day care bill each month. So, doing hair is my way of helping. As you may also know, my husband lost his job...so, needless to say, we need any income possible right now with our family of 5.<br />
<br />
About once a month I come back to said previous city to do hair. It is worth my while to make the money and see my much missed family. If my husband and kids aren't with me, at least one child tags along. This visit, Leah made the cut.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6quQ4CRLVnezLY5G8rHE-mzUGojm0va7_TQ0btw20xmqBZjay1ODmxhSMflCxR_fACSjZ3avWl7H9MM2NdwzlD8MA4uFEqNg2TsJe0Zhyphenhyphen-UgcAH6ds4OkjuZ6nEa1_z4zg-PUxQv1aU/s1600/leah+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6quQ4CRLVnezLY5G8rHE-mzUGojm0va7_TQ0btw20xmqBZjay1ODmxhSMflCxR_fACSjZ3avWl7H9MM2NdwzlD8MA4uFEqNg2TsJe0Zhyphenhyphen-UgcAH6ds4OkjuZ6nEa1_z4zg-PUxQv1aU/s320/leah+car.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yes, we snack BIG TIME in the car on long drives. We had a good 2 hours to go, so who wouldn't pack on the heavy side of snacks?<br />
<br />
So I have 12,582 hair appointments this weekend to complete, and family to visit with. You are wondering how? How is this very human person going to accomplish all of that in the matter of 2 days? I dont have a clue! Today I have finished my hair stuff! I love to see these people, they have become family to me, and hey, some of them are family! So its great to see them! It is difficult though...since I am away and cannot always get back in time, people get desperate...this is what they say to me...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GovC6cNMYZ4nZBPCygSbES-_VAx5I9kuBkPD8b2uTsPPapWZ4uKv66WewC6huY5FsEyZlYmBLjgqU7w5Z9XDclXqZXKAgm6KiM6NoaOZFxo-_ugtxA8s_KLF3Fm7XoSStNF3zxV9yc4/s1600/hair+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GovC6cNMYZ4nZBPCygSbES-_VAx5I9kuBkPD8b2uTsPPapWZ4uKv66WewC6huY5FsEyZlYmBLjgqU7w5Z9XDclXqZXKAgm6KiM6NoaOZFxo-_ugtxA8s_KLF3Fm7XoSStNF3zxV9yc4/s320/hair+color.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Truly, what were you thinking?!?! Now, instead of the hour and a half I typically spend with you...its doubled, and that is <u><b><i>IF</i></b></u> I can fix what you have done. When you think to yourself "I can color my own hair, how hard could it be?" Remember this...would you tell your self "I can perform this heart transplant, how difficult could it be?" I realize I am not cutting you open and dealing with vital organs, but come on people! Get with the program! I had to be educated and licensed to do this!<br />
<br />
That being said, I miss my other little's. They are hanging with daddy this weekend, having daddy time. Which is good for them, especially my Lucy Goose, she is not feeling so hot with all 7 teethe coming in at the same time. Yes. You read that correctly. 7. Teethe. Same. Time.<br />
<br />
But who cannot miss these faces?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCDoBdyjBZ9TGaBJCa9HAy9qLK6dFhA4gmTITeCCAnt9o-vXOYVULD7HGVsXzBsS3P9y-diPlR015OWjle5khwy9NQq6-fbtmHRAlxr2AlUBSDuTzUHdD9fPxKO8VpSduahaX_CfVrRI/s1600/lucy+glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCDoBdyjBZ9TGaBJCa9HAy9qLK6dFhA4gmTITeCCAnt9o-vXOYVULD7HGVsXzBsS3P9y-diPlR015OWjle5khwy9NQq6-fbtmHRAlxr2AlUBSDuTzUHdD9fPxKO8VpSduahaX_CfVrRI/s320/lucy+glasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlq-BgOsEac-3xDOgTyroGaTjFkQBuM9BvKgclu4K2BDNRbLV0wiqbmh58is8RTA8LzIQgxt1J3JjqIJSyuWXdihQe_cKisaNtFQT5Q9cVAJTz1X3Tx0p47lcB2a416opJsHd7_EgF24/s1600/jax+glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlq-BgOsEac-3xDOgTyroGaTjFkQBuM9BvKgclu4K2BDNRbLV0wiqbmh58is8RTA8LzIQgxt1J3JjqIJSyuWXdihQe_cKisaNtFQT5Q9cVAJTz1X3Tx0p47lcB2a416opJsHd7_EgF24/s320/jax+glasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And yes, I do have the coolest kids in town! They rock those shades all over the place!<br />
<br />
So, in conclusion, I have 14,794 heads of hair to do, sometimes it gets hairy, and I love/miss my way cool kiddos! <br />Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-6930032391552983702012-07-18T17:53:00.000-07:002012-07-18T17:53:50.195-07:00The Working MomI find the phrase "working mom" to be interesting. Society tells us that the working mother is a woman that has a career outside of the home. But isn't that title a little repetative? Having had a job outside of the home while my child went to daycare, and now staying home with my kids, I have been able to experience both lives. Working in the salon 4 days a week while my daughter went to daycare was very hard. It was difficult to be away from her, I missed her all the time. When I got home from work, I then had to cook, clean, keep up the laundry, give her a bath, and try to find some time to play with her. It was exhausting! Needless to say my housework was neglected a lot. During this time, I felt incredibly inadequate at simply doing life. The juggling act was exhausting. Now that I am a stay at home mom, life hasn't gotten any easier. I have 2 children and one on the way. We wake up, early, shower, have breakfast, clean up, play, take my daughter to school, go home, put Jackson down to nap. Meanwhile, I am cleaning, doing laundry, doing dishes, making the menu and grocery list, paying bills...the list goes on. Once the time comes, we pick up Leah from school, run a couple errands, go home, play, start dinner, do dishes, do laundry, eat dinner, clean up, play some more, have baths, and go to bed. Now on some nights, my husband has class, so I am doing ALL of this on my own. So, I am forced to ask myself, why is it that only mothers with careers outside of the home hold the title, "working mom?" My day is full of work. However valuable, priceless, and temporary, I am a working mom. I would like to congratulate every mother on being a working mom. Anyone that is not a mom cannot understand in its entirety what it means the be a mom. It is a 24 hour a day job, everyday of the week. And some day my kids will get older, they wont rely on me as much. At some point they will grow into adults and move on in their lives. They will need me then, but not rely on me for everything. That day will be sad, but thinking of it right now, in this moment, it's very appealing. Thank God for children, what they teach us and for the opportunity to raise and guide them. I know that my kids have made me a better person. And it is worth all of the work!Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-5810500216155476012012-07-18T17:50:00.000-07:002012-07-18T17:56:15.072-07:00Sisterhood of the traveling tulleMy sisters and I have this fabulous business on<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/delicatedarlings?ref=pr_shop_more"> Etsy </a>called Delicate Darlings. Side note, feel free to visit our site and order tons of fun stuff!<br />
<br />
Some background on our shop. We make tutus, tutu dresses, flower clips, headbands, and framed accessory holders.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-lzAaaBSv0mszvB9EAgdeYDHcK322qzPKb-PAxMU-eagwqzNmTfueWFDzaaTcVe1_DEzV_tTGaUDlqssv1sHkGFsIG-pKsXIGmTeyN7c0fvJeJUQJVDO_MZtIIq9qNvr9bIBTJI9oh0/s1600/IMG_3566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-lzAaaBSv0mszvB9EAgdeYDHcK322qzPKb-PAxMU-eagwqzNmTfueWFDzaaTcVe1_DEzV_tTGaUDlqssv1sHkGFsIG-pKsXIGmTeyN7c0fvJeJUQJVDO_MZtIIq9qNvr9bIBTJI9oh0/s320/IMG_3566.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCfe062TbyNdoIfQFFo1m3fUdELhd788Xfdp5WTbJ0SmLebjWfc-ienxkX1M4f7lQkI_tTyr-iLp2Ra4nvgsCnrYMhMhUVtPRclnOXGSLu1WXE_pguBqFJ3Li_qa_vJStCVvkNBgN2bM/s1600/IMG_3638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCfe062TbyNdoIfQFFo1m3fUdELhd788Xfdp5WTbJ0SmLebjWfc-ienxkX1M4f7lQkI_tTyr-iLp2Ra4nvgsCnrYMhMhUVtPRclnOXGSLu1WXE_pguBqFJ3Li_qa_vJStCVvkNBgN2bM/s320/IMG_3638.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwd4_fC0ZGRqaVjoFzRQTEanuj36bMaK9zN4jTUy3CBHj8T376FDW4XDQJbcbl_ZwDXUXbJb2ZRuxQbhNmkhPw5BtZ2SUYRwUT8319N19mSiXH6x3gnbUq3TF3EsTpP8hF-_DT2YtRMJc/s1600/1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwd4_fC0ZGRqaVjoFzRQTEanuj36bMaK9zN4jTUy3CBHj8T376FDW4XDQJbcbl_ZwDXUXbJb2ZRuxQbhNmkhPw5BtZ2SUYRwUT8319N19mSiXH6x3gnbUq3TF3EsTpP8hF-_DT2YtRMJc/s320/1453.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We obviously do not all live together as we are all married, so we have to use the supplies that we have and switch out when we need something else. Needless to say, this can be difficult at times. One of my sisters has taken up making the tutu dresses, while my sister <a href="http://alongcameeleanor.blogspot.com/">Michelle</a> and I have made the frames. But recently we have started making tutus together. This has caused some issues in the world of tulle.<br />
<br />
In place of conference calls, we do a conference text. Yes, we are lazy. There is an everlasting text conversation between the 3 of us that seems to never end. Which is actually good, since we are business partners. I do not think I can count the amount of texts that we have exchanged trying to figure out where certain supplies are!<br />
<br />
Most recently, while making tutus, we could not find our red, white, and blue tulle anywhere. Where for art thou tulle?! Seriously though, where is it? As we exchanged texts for about an hour trying to figure out who brought what where, and when, I finally decided to look for it....yes, I decided to look with my eyes and not my mouth. And low and behold, we had it all along. But I will say, in our defense, it was hiding pretty well behind a high chair.<br />
<br />
So, as we continue with our business venture together, I am sure we will encounter many more text and phone conversations about where all of the supplies are,. But for now, we know where the tulle is, and we are happy and crafting!Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-9182850720253851672012-07-02T13:22:00.002-07:002012-07-18T17:51:13.418-07:00The Sleepy AngelOf my 3 children, my youngest Lucy usually naps the best for me. Although I am noticing some kind of rotation lately. Leah is my oldest, she is 5 1/2. She is my heaviest sleeper. I am talking a freight train is going through her room and she doesn't budge. However, that is the way she sleeps <i>IF</i> she falls asleep. Sometimes it takes her a good 45 minutes to get there. And sometimes she doesnt fall asleep at all, she just gets a nice rest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lBthph8AmNwQUVUudzqnM35kBC5wdokgHalEf_P_CWZSkUmrZVS1k97HZAXbCB-7whXZnCvwkcHilKKdukpOvVcXJw2IZt_o1aUuehBbvOj6kq5XpwAIYvnIobc5O_DCaPrymTdBYi8/s1600/imagejpeg_2_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lBthph8AmNwQUVUudzqnM35kBC5wdokgHalEf_P_CWZSkUmrZVS1k97HZAXbCB-7whXZnCvwkcHilKKdukpOvVcXJw2IZt_o1aUuehBbvOj6kq5XpwAIYvnIobc5O_DCaPrymTdBYi8/s320/imagejpeg_2_13.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Jackson. Oh my Jackson. He may not be the heaviest sleeper, but he is typically my longest napper. He likes to talk and make his stuffed animal have an adventure in his bed before he will give up and and give in to sleep. But once he does, he can nap for a good 3-4 hours straight!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBYjcpDzuQQkJ4tKsZ4RnlGM3JKM25VLXq38ZzgtHkgodNKxbAZRnsZEhOPY40SRuUgj80PEvfqVqTGKDlzDDfk0PZDKWbPugO5PtzIDqjBB0sh_oFFhoBJ0kIHpNYmDKhxsW5EnWVko/s1600/imagejpeg_2_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBYjcpDzuQQkJ4tKsZ4RnlGM3JKM25VLXq38ZzgtHkgodNKxbAZRnsZEhOPY40SRuUgj80PEvfqVqTGKDlzDDfk0PZDKWbPugO5PtzIDqjBB0sh_oFFhoBJ0kIHpNYmDKhxsW5EnWVko/s320/imagejpeg_2_12.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then there is Lucy. My baby girl. The most unpredictable of all. For a while there she was taking 2, 2 hour naps a day. Then one day she slept for 4 1/2 hours straight, so she didn't go down again. and that became her new normal. Then slowly that one long nap turned into one normal 2 hour nap. And then into 2 again. needless to say she is like a mood ring with her nap schedule. Now, dont get me wrong, I love that all of my kids still nap, and they need them! I just wish we could coordinate them all together so that i could have one as well!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN8iP-rpjBo8qZmhrLTu9Jwnnsv8lzD9t14elmGTevBbC9W6BMXxz0aC50AfFXhacuqpmJsBm67Usj7KKZGAkJ1gg7Q_jMOuoBTOYTimawCSHmFwmFr_QVCsq1RXYRdhfwPSFWkWjd38/s1600/1-1139-.facebook_25570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN8iP-rpjBo8qZmhrLTu9Jwnnsv8lzD9t14elmGTevBbC9W6BMXxz0aC50AfFXhacuqpmJsBm67Usj7KKZGAkJ1gg7Q_jMOuoBTOYTimawCSHmFwmFr_QVCsq1RXYRdhfwPSFWkWjd38/s320/1-1139-.facebook_25570.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have recently come to visit my mother with Lucy, while the other kids get to have some serious "Daddy time". So, Lucy and I stayed up a little late when we first got here. So when I put her down for the night, she didnt make a peep until 9AM the next morning. Which is sleeping in for her compared to her usual 7:30AM wake up call. She napped well yesterday, about 2 1/2 hours, and then went to bed at her regular bedtime, 7:00PM. This baby girl must be wearing herself out here, becuse she didn't wake up until 10:15 this morning! I got to sleep in and get around for the day before she ever woke up! Oh my little sleep angel! I so appreciate her sleepiness! So, because she slept in until her normal nap time, we had to push her nap back to 1:00. It has been 3 hours for her nap so far and I have yet to hear her stirring. I got to nap as well! I am so rested! Its fantastic! Now, if only we can keep this up....how do I keep her on this fabulous sleeping routine?!?! I am loving the rest that I am getting and I love to see her sweet, happy face when she wakes up so rested!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvsN_OJ620GzrG23lYN0U5pa9W-08EMiX3qiWWAJxJ438NHqx5o57ZmOClWxmrmYJ2XnrRTFO0JQNpIYjMtCTK7eCgJiSH9Fz0gGp1Z9qYbGzIi4cy8Ok1rsCje1EfpdDXukKyJ06_50/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvsN_OJ620GzrG23lYN0U5pa9W-08EMiX3qiWWAJxJ438NHqx5o57ZmOClWxmrmYJ2XnrRTFO0JQNpIYjMtCTK7eCgJiSH9Fz0gGp1Z9qYbGzIi4cy8Ok1rsCje1EfpdDXukKyJ06_50/s320/027.JPG" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-61014139201689839302012-06-28T12:03:00.001-07:002012-07-18T17:51:24.317-07:00Unfortunate AssumptionsI have recently been seeing and hearing many comments about a subject that bothers me. Comments like "you are on cash assistance and drive an Escalade?" or "Look at her, she is paying for groceries with food stamps and has a Coach purse." The latest thing I saw was posted on facebook. It went something like this. "You are on foodstamps and can afford an iphone, sounds legit." I have a serious problem with this. First of all, I would like to say that yes, I am aware that there are plenty of people that take advantage of the system. But can we please remember why that system was put into place? It was to help people feed and provide for their family in a timly fashon when thier financial situation took a turn for the worse. Again, I am aware that there are loop holes that people may find to get more than they are supposed to. Or simply decide to live off of the government. But can I just say, what if you are judging some of them when you dont know the whole story? What if you are just assuming that they are getting help from the government and using it poorly? <br />
<br />
Lets take a look at what could actually be happening. The woman with the Coach purse that is checking out at Meijer with food stamps, did you ever think that maybe that purse was a gift?<br />
<br />
Or the family loading into the Escalade that uses cash assistance to pay their bills, may have lost their great paying job and are responsible for making the payment on their car loan?<br />
<br />
Or how about the woman using foodstamps while she talks on her iphone? Perhaps her husband died and she is trying to take care of her 4 kids. <br />
<br />
And might I point out the crazy amount of money it costs to cancel that iphone contract...how in the world, if she can't afford groceries, could she pay that $300 cancelation fee?<br />
<br />
I am not ignorant to the folks out there that live off of our tax money, I get it. But don't be so quick to judge. Why not consider that most people are good willed people. Consider what could be happening in their lives and be glad for them that there is something set in place to help them in this difficult time. <br />
<br />
With the ever-rising unemployment rate, it amazes me that there are so many people out there judging others for not being able to find a job. Lets become aware of what is going on around us and be a little more sympathetic. Stop assuming, you KNOW where that goes!Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-66799337957146420702012-06-19T14:25:00.003-07:002012-07-18T17:51:37.229-07:00VeryJane GiveawayVeryJane is an amazing site that does Daily Deals. Things like headbands, party straws, throw pillow covers, hand stamped jewelry and so much more! The items they offer are unique and there is something that everyone will love! They are offering a giveaway right now! Check it out by clicking on the link below. Good luck to you all!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a id="rc-da14ce0" class="rafl" href="<a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com%22%3Ea/">http://www.rafflecopter.com">a</a> Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-39980356097819672212012-06-19T14:18:00.001-07:002012-07-18T17:51:55.006-07:00The Time of TestsThis year my husband was offered a new job 2+ hours from where we were living. Now this new job would be with the same company that his twin brother works for, and near all of his immediate family. We prayed all the way from turning in his application to the day it was offered to him that God would close every door along the way if it was not His will. Every door that opened, we walked through. The job was offered with the criteria we needed. So, he took the job and moved over ahead of the kids and I. As I packed our entire house by myself with 3 children roaming the grounds, you can imagine my attitude. Pure frustration. We found renters for our home quickly. What a blessing! However, 2 days before the move, we found out our renters were backing out. So, what do we do? With our house completely packed up, we decided to make the move anyway. <br />
<br />
It was difficult to say goodbye to my family and friends, but this had all worked out so far, so we made the move. Loaded up all of our belongings and made the 2.5 hour trek.<br />
<br />
We made the move in March. Anxious to save money and find a place of our own, we began looking around. my sister in law and her husband were so gracious to take us in until we could get settled. The kids LOVED it! The week after moving we got a call from our realtor, she had renters for our home! Praise God! In no time at all that prayer was answered!<br />
<br />
All the while my husband is not enjoying this new job like we all thought he would. I just assumed that he would really like it, seeing it was the same field of work and it was so close to his family. April 26th is a day I'll not soon forget. As my sister and I made plans to take all the kids to Chuck E Cheese, I got a text from my husband that said, "Don't leave the house yet." I asked him why...no response. Then my phone rang. He hesitantly told me to stay home, I again, asked why. He then said the words I am sure everyone has feared at some point. "I lost my job today." I asked if he was kidding, as he jokes about serious things with me sometimes. But I knew he wasn't joking this time. There wasn't much else to say. We hung up and I cried. Here we have uprooted our family of 5 two hours from a home that we own to living with family, a job that was secure, my family, and a church that we adored. What now?<br />
<br />
As we prayed and talked through the events, we came to the conclusion that if we are doing our part in this, God is going to provide. He has never let us down before, why would He start now? We cannot have fear about this, fear is not of God, and when we are consumed with fear, God's peace has no place to land.<br />
<br />
Today is June 19th. It has been close to 2 months with no luck so far. My wonderful husband has been on countless interviews with nothing offered. It didn't take me long to realize we had become a part of this staggering statistic, a large family with no income. Praise God that He has blessed us with such wonderful family. They are willing to house us and help us in anyway that they can during this time. <br />
<br />
My husband is a veteran, bless his heart. He is registered for a vveterans only job fair coming up. They are hoping to fill 10,000 jobs at this fair. It is our prayer and hope that God has not offered up a job yet because there is something great waiting for him. What a time of trial. What a test of faith this whole move has been. Praise the Lord He has been the guide in all of this. And even though I don't understand it, He sees the big picture. I am glad He is in control, because if it were me behind the wheel, I would mess it all up for sure! <br />
<br />
Let us simply wait on You Lord.<br />
<br />Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-89641882788422786552012-05-21T08:55:00.000-07:002012-07-18T17:52:05.929-07:00A Boy and His Superman Underwear!Recently my family relocated across state for a new job opportunity for my husband. Knowing the move was coming soon and our house was slowly filling up with boxes, I pushed off on the tell tale signs of potty training readiness exuding from my son. There was no way I would be able to accomplish all of these tasks and rush him to the potty before peeing everywhere. So, I waited. Once we moved and were basically settled, I continued to avoid the signs. I think I just wasn't ready to go through this big ordeal again. <br />
<br />
A bit of back story. I use the 3 Day Potty Training method. This means that by the end of the third day, your child will be potty trained. You cannot use diapers, pull ups, plastic underpants, or any other "crutch" for the duration of these 3 days. I used this method with my older daughter. They say boys are harder to train than girls....if you believe this, feel free to meet my daughter! It was awful with her. She didn't seem to care if your pants were wet or dirty...imagine my frustration. At the end of the 3 days with Leah, she grasped the concept, but decided playing was more fun, and would just sit and pee all over instead of running to the potty. <br />
<br />
Now, I decided that the best time to train my son would be 2 weeks ago, as my husband would be home to help with the other kids. So we went to the store and picked out 26 pairs of underwear for Jackson. Yes, 26 pairs. I wouldn't have a ton of time for laundry, so we had to buy a ton! He was so excited that night as he sifted through all of the different characters on his new, big boy underwear. As we put him to bed that night we told him, "This is the last diaper you will ever wear! No more baby diapers tomorrow buddy!" He was pumped!<br />
<br />
The next morning came and I was dreading it, but I had to keep a positive attitude or Jackson would not respond well. So on went the underwear! His first character choice? Superman. Needless to say there were many accidents the first day. 17 to be exact. But the major problem wasn't the accidents. Jackson was so excited about all of his new underwear that he wanted to keep changing them! Every 5 minutes he wanted to wear a different character...this became old very quickly.<br />
<br />
As the day wound down and bedtime came around, he was doing much better. I just thought to myself, "tomorrow has to be better." And folks, it was! It all began to click with him. That is just the way this method works. He only had 4 accidents the second day. The third day, 2 accidents total. And those don't actually count as accidents. As a boy, he had a hard time aiming at times. Finally! Success!<br />
<br />
The fourth day we ventured out of the house with him. We went out to eat. And guess what? He went potty like a big boy twice at the restaurant! Jackson's concern is not how many characters he can wear in one day anymore. He wants to keep Superman clean!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgO8kqvlFxldYOhJPsDftA2vExgp7I-aLAEE8YzneH7oX3z2Hi2HFoMquOAVaMujbjYHR1sEQZo_Mw4DIulWmvkELivOg9ayO93RtHbdVQI38RG6JddHf-fL0C1WZlu8zCRuyJzdp3G2s/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgO8kqvlFxldYOhJPsDftA2vExgp7I-aLAEE8YzneH7oX3z2Hi2HFoMquOAVaMujbjYHR1sEQZo_Mw4DIulWmvkELivOg9ayO93RtHbdVQI38RG6JddHf-fL0C1WZlu8zCRuyJzdp3G2s/s320/IMG_1469.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-19939580427845924602012-05-20T17:25:00.000-07:002012-07-18T17:52:22.617-07:00Time flies when your having babies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As I have said before, I have 3 great kids. Leah is 5, Jackson is going to be 3 in a fewo this, and my baby girl, Lucy, is 9 months. Today as I watched them all playing outside, I thought to myself, "weren't we just in the hospital having Leah?" I just cannot believe how quickly the time goes by as you watch children grow. And as you add more kids to the mix, the clock seems to be on warp speed! Not only am I watching my children grow up way too fast, I am now seeing my nieces grow up at remarkable speeds!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhPsZCPf8Xkro3VzkELHY7KU2Pf2cr_-Vn9EjMIBK9SVnGqUaye5qFGJJ9bMJQspCd9EfUn8fKcwwDEQWsBIA92LBCNuobWH8WVffXHhDZxxeT8vRjZbrD3wNOBiHmQvi1zPlh2gMSvo/s1600/IMG_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhPsZCPf8Xkro3VzkELHY7KU2Pf2cr_-Vn9EjMIBK9SVnGqUaye5qFGJJ9bMJQspCd9EfUn8fKcwwDEQWsBIA92LBCNuobWH8WVffXHhDZxxeT8vRjZbrD3wNOBiHmQvi1zPlh2gMSvo/s320/IMG_0122.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I think about how it seems like just the other day we brought Leah home from the hospital. New parents. Young parents. We had no idea what we were doing! And now, this week, I have to register my baby for kindergarten! Unbelievable! I think because Lucy is our last child, I am fighting with time even more! Every month I take her picture to keep record I her growth, I just hate that I have to place a higher numbered sticker on her onesie!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkf7YbXZ4yrUfNbHUZZXvbOmY7cnpFLZCWHZeIWhAqvS856XbN-v-RIgc7__jva1k12rnzSOBhdI0z2sZQ60hdZSl86xiHNSvffMwADYyxLOjmZwBPxwsPP8uFkITfdKIGC-K4CryCIX8/s1600/272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkf7YbXZ4yrUfNbHUZZXvbOmY7cnpFLZCWHZeIWhAqvS856XbN-v-RIgc7__jva1k12rnzSOBhdI0z2sZQ60hdZSl86xiHNSvffMwADYyxLOjmZwBPxwsPP8uFkITfdKIGC-K4CryCIX8/s320/272.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I am sure I am not the only one who has thought, "what did I do before I had kids?" But I honestly don't remember doing anything a worth while as raising children! What a blessing and honor it is to have them for this short time. After all, they are only on loan, they belong the the Lord. So, however fast this time goes, I MUST cherish it. I MUST make the most of it. And I MUST live and guide them. Oh these preciouse little bitty times are so short. Soon they'll be grown and moved on. I love these little babies. Yes, my babies. Always my babies.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKc5jSM5V1L5H-CkuZu1WxDRfaEBUlxMBYVOHHt9QoqoEn_GBg9baJigYNenUOqeihJaDr4xy4jonj9V8CfdGGroO4uNypLFB3qu4rPSOYDwDFE9Fk_ULAr0S6PQXR_q20uwPd6QHeS8/s1600/IMG_1192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKc5jSM5V1L5H-CkuZu1WxDRfaEBUlxMBYVOHHt9QoqoEn_GBg9baJigYNenUOqeihJaDr4xy4jonj9V8CfdGGroO4uNypLFB3qu4rPSOYDwDFE9Fk_ULAr0S6PQXR_q20uwPd6QHeS8/s320/IMG_1192.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyPAewyRVW6Kn-5gIv-FPuLuIAXKAvrKvncbGI4VYqgZDByzjneIv-xVpLEb0Y8Vn-7GZuYRoB_fsAsR33FqGAcZ9qEzkZNLXJkTFitQbiEwNArKmbWIFifmDxLhZQOiD1MzqDCHgWRM/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyPAewyRVW6Kn-5gIv-FPuLuIAXKAvrKvncbGI4VYqgZDByzjneIv-xVpLEb0Y8Vn-7GZuYRoB_fsAsR33FqGAcZ9qEzkZNLXJkTFitQbiEwNArKmbWIFifmDxLhZQOiD1MzqDCHgWRM/s320/IMG_1193.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJwbnoQMkCKvEOd4UCA423fe4ZYfnSNkIj8y8jeVWCj-EpD3aMohyphenhyphen8EJjOMODEZ7fn5kqnBlGHtG3VF1Dh1pN0lWoGvOeGQ_Nd7uMjrRpow_vy2haWPnupDYZpudzNSzM5pFxyfvP_ac/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJwbnoQMkCKvEOd4UCA423fe4ZYfnSNkIj8y8jeVWCj-EpD3aMohyphenhyphen8EJjOMODEZ7fn5kqnBlGHtG3VF1Dh1pN0lWoGvOeGQ_Nd7uMjrRpow_vy2haWPnupDYZpudzNSzM5pFxyfvP_ac/s320/IMG_1462.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-18600818422801842102011-08-26T12:25:00.000-07:002012-07-18T17:52:32.098-07:00my growing up baby girlMy daughter Leah is going to be 5 years old this December...quite a milestone birthday! She is so excited to turn 5. Turning 5 to her means so much! It means she is getting bigger, she is going to school, she will then like watermelon and broccoli...who knew so much came with turning 5. <br />
<br />
To me, Leah turning 5 means many other things. First, its devastating. My baby is growing up! She seems to have matured so much in the past few months, and I can only imagine how much she is going to grow from now until her birthday. I know that kids have to grow up, obviously, it is part of life. But I'll tell you what, I am not a fan. <br />
<br />
My son is going to be 2 next month and my youngest daughter will be 3 weeks old in 2 days...I feel like the time is just slipping away! Since having Lucy, Leah has continued to amaze me with her big sister skills. She helps so much around the house. She asks to do things like sweep, fold clothes, and feed the baby. And while I snuggle with her on the couch I think back to when she was only 3 weeks old. I feel like it was just a few months ago. We were living in North Carolina and it was just her, my husband, and I. Now, we have moved back home and we are a family of 5...5!!! Life sure has changed since Leah was born, but it doesn't make it any easier to watch her grow up and change. Although I am so proud of who she is turning out to be. I love you Leah Michelle, you are such a blessing in my life!Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-80261005068741529442011-08-11T18:40:00.000-07:002012-07-18T17:52:42.281-07:00D Day Finally Came!Being 40 weeks pregnant with my third child was completely frustrating. I never made it that far with the other two, I thought for sure I would go into labor early. Leah, now 4 1/2, was 16 days early, and Jackson, almost 2, was 5 days early...so what's the delay with this one? As each day passed all I could do was think of when this baby would actually decide to come. It was difficult to get anything done, I didnt want to start any projects that would be left unfinished. Everytime I got up to use the bathroom I wondered if my water would break. But no, it never happened. As I passed 40 weeks, the word "induction" krept in. I was due August 2, 2011 and was scheduled to be induced on Aug. 6. That morning I was so anxious to get the ball rolling, but it was delayed until 5pm. Baby was not going to be coming on the 6th. We used to cytotech to get labor started. It worked great! Once labor began, my body just took over, a first for me! I was thrilled. As it got more and more intense I decided to get an epidural, I was able to calm down and focus on the task at hand. Now, we decided not to find out what we were having, so this made delivery even more exciting. As I approached 10 cm I began to get nervous. Even though I had an epidural, delivering a baby is no easy task. Much to my surprise, baby had come down and it was time to push. It was the most calm and controlled event ever. I couldnt believe it! Baby was finally here! I began to cry, my husband did too, and all I heard was my husband saying, "it's a girl!" My baby girl was here! She was so beautiful! She weighed in at 8lbs. 6oz. and was 20 inches long. A full head of black hair and the spitting image of her big sister. What an imediate blessing! <br />
<br />
Now, we are home with our day old baby girl, Lucy Joyce. She is such a wonderful addition to our family. We are a family of 5, and it doesnt seem possible. It's so wonderful to see Leah being a big sister, she is such a little mommy. She sings to Lucy and feeds her, she loves to help any way that she can. Jackson likes to give her kisses, but doesnt show too much interest yet. He is pretty busy playing these days. I am a little nervous for when my husband goes back to work. I will be a stay at home mom with 3 kids...and I am not too sure how its going to go. But for now, I am going to soak up this beautiful view of our brand new baby girl sleeping on her daddy's chest. I have a blessed life.Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205705241284931021.post-25754889960772328172011-06-07T12:23:00.000-07:002012-07-18T17:53:08.053-07:00And baby makes 5!I am 32 weeks pregnant with my third child. I am sure I have mentioned that I have a son and a daughter, so this time around, my husband and I decided to keep the gender a surprise. Nobody, except the good Lord, knows what we are having this time. We are really excited to meet this new little one, and we are surprisingly not anxious at all about "what it will be." Now, just recently we realized just how pregnant I actually am...I am 32 weeks...that means there are only 8 weeks left until my due date. And as we all know, a due date is an estimate. My daughter, who is now 4, was 16 days early. And my son, now 18 months, was 5 days early. So if we follow trend, it will not necessarily be 8 full weeks until this bundle of joy arrives. While realizing this not so new information, we started to panic, just a little bit. We have clothes and blankets for a boy and a girl, so we just thought, we are all set right? We didn't think about the things that we will need to buy or dig out of storage. So, although it was a short list, we started to chip away at it. We are breathing a little easier now that we are getting things organized. <br />
<br />
Now, just because we started to get things ready for baby, doesn't mean that reality had hit us full on. Today I had a check up with my OB today. He measures my belly, listens to baby's heart beat, and asks if I have any questions or concerns. I tell him no. He then responds this way. "OK, everything looks great, we will schedule your last 2 week appointment today and then I will see you every week! Have a great day!" Wait a minute, what?! I am going to be seeing you every week...already?! This is real. This is happening. And it is happening so incredibly fast! I have been a stay at home mom of 2 for so long, things have become routine. I am going to have a 4 year old, a 2 year old, and a newborn baby at home. We are going to be a family of 5! We are going to have sleepless nights, midnight feedings, emotional siblings, and long days. But how blessed am I that my family is healthy and growing?! There are women that cannot have children of their own. There are families that have children with mild to serious health issues. There are children that have parents that don't want them, or don't care for them. God has blessed my life in ways that I could never have imagined possible. And the best part is, that He blessed me with 3 (almost :)) children to care for and to love, but they are just on loan from Him. Ultimately my children are God's children. He has given them to me as gifts to bring joy to my life. To help me learn and grow with them. What a gift, and what confidence my creator must have in me. So, my growing family of 5, however stressful, however overwhelming, is my joy. Because that is what God intended them to be for me. Thank you Lord for trusting me with your children. I know I fail at times, but you still believe I can do it!Raychalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16417294146109129985noreply@blogger.com1