I have been thinking and praying about what to do with my blog. I have always said I want to use it to glorify God. It recently came to me and now I am going to announce it to my readers. The new series will be called "The Blessings of..." So far, I have these topics I will be discussing:
1. Being a Wife
2. Motherhood
3. Homeschooling
4. Raising Boys
5. Being a Stay-at-home-mom
6. Being a Daughter
7. Being a Sister
8. Family (including in-laws)
9. Having a great church to attend
10. Being a Christian and reading my Bible
I can't wait to get started. I am going to write my first post in the series on Monday the 20th. Please check back then to read all about "The Blessings of being a wife". I will also be doing my normal blog posts starting next week as well: Happy Homemaker Monday, Cooking Thursday, and Sacred Sunday. I am super excited to be blogging again. I am so thankful that I have readers who want to visit my blog (even if it is just a few of you). I really appreciate each of you and thank God for you.
Blessings,
Kristy
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Friday, May 17, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Magazines.com Winner!
And the winner is....
Ashley Spence!
I will be contacting you soon to claim your prize.
Congrats and enjoy your new magazine subscription from magazines.com!!
Blessings,
Kristy
Friday, May 10, 2013
The "G" Word!
I have been wanting to write this blog post for some time now. I have only delayed because I had a baby a couple of months ago and am just now getting back into writing. The "G" word I am talking about here is GUILT. You know...the one that makes you feel bad about every decision you make. As a woman, I am constantly feeling guilty about something in my life. I feel guilty that I didn't get the house clean today while Hubby was at work, I feel guilty if I go out by myself and leave the kids with a sitter, I feel guilty if I tell someone how I really feel, guilty, guilty, guilty. The list could go on for days so I will stop right there. You can name your own things to feel guilty about.
I have had so many situations in my life that are regrettable. Thankfully, I have a Savior who died to rid me of my regrets and guilt. There are words I wish I wouldn't have said. Things I wish I wouldn't have seen. There are people I wish were still in my life. I feel guilty for not calling my Grandmother. She is up there in age and I always say I am too busy. Too busy for the people who love me. I am not busy in the sense of running around. But, I am busy homeschooling, homemaking, taking care of an infant and his two older brothers and so on. Why do I let these things get in the way of making a simple phone call? One of the biggest things I feel guilty about in my life is saying things that are regrettable.
I recently read a blog post from Visionary Womanhood called "The Power of My Words". HERE is the link. I even posted it to my Facebook page because it was so powerful.
“Remind them to…speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Titus 3:1-2
Can you say...WOW! I have read the Bible many times but this never popped out at me. Avoid quarreling? Show PERFECT courtesy toward ALL people? I will just come out and say it: That is not my personality at all. I mean I am not rude. But, I have had a quarrel or two in my day. When driving...I would say I have slight road rage (although some people would beg to differ). Am I showing perfect courtesy to the little old man that I am behind? He is going so slow and I am running late. Does the beeping of my horn say "Excuse me sir. I'm a Christian and I love the Lord."? Or, does it say "Move it person! I don't care who you are or what YOUR needs are...mine are more important!"
I was curious so I looked up the definition to some of these words used in Titus.
Perfect- being entirely without fault, flawless, mature, pure
Courtesy- behavior marked by polished manners and respect toward others, consideration and cooperation of others
Quarrel- dispute or complaint, verbal conflict between antagonists
OK, so I am very convicted. I have not been courteous toward many people in my life (and those I pass along the road). I have, in fact, been quarrelsome. Can I say, GUILTY!? I have said many things to many people over the years that were horrible. It started with my parents, then my siblings, then friends, etc. Now, my Hubby. It makes me sad to think of what I have said to him that would tear him down as a man. He is wonderful, loving, kind, gentle, and the best thing that has ever happened to me.
At first, I thought "it's all hormones". Yes...that's it. Hormones. Well, what about those times of the month that I can't blame "hormones"? I guess, it's just me then. Thank God I have the Bible as my guide to life. Without it I would be a HOT MESS. I am so grateful that I have been saved by the grace of God. I am so thankful to have a great Hubby who reigns me back in when I start to feel guilty about everything in life and forgives me before I even have to ask for it. I am so blessed to have children who forgive me when I'm having a bad "mommy day" and still like to be around me all the time.
How many people have I torn down because of the words I spoke? I can think of a few. I can't say how truly sorry I am that I every used words to hurt someone. Especially someone I love. I have days when all I feel like I do is yell. Yell at my kids, yell at my husband, yell at the man who just rang the doorbell just as I put the kids down for a nap. I know...it sounds bad. But, I think we can all relate. There are days that just seem to never end.
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
That is how I want to live my life...no corrupting talk. Once you say (or yell) something...it's out there. If you gossip or talk bad about someone. You can't take it back. You can say you are sorry a million times but you can't take it back. I know people who try to make you feel guilty by the things they say. Nothing is ever their fault. Nothing ever goes their way. Life just isn't fair. How dare others have a great husband, wonderful children who love the Lord, parents who care. I have felt horrible after talking to these kinds of people. I think to myself "why am I so deserving of these things and yet they have none of them?" I have to say...it doesn't last long. I have a VERY blessed life. But, so do these other people. I'm not talking of a specific person. I am talking about everyone. We are all very blessed. Yes, we go through hard times. Yes, we will have struggles on this earth. Yes, there will be times when we question God. We have to focus on eternity and what matters there.
What I am saying is that none of this junk is going to matter when we get to heaven. The ONLY thing that will matter is if you have given your life to the Lord. Have you accepted Jesus into your heart and lived a life for Him? I am so thankful that God chose me to be His daughter. I am blessed beyond measure, beyond words. So, if you are like me and feel guilty all the time about something in your life, just remember that God doesn't want you to feel that way. He wants you to think on the things that are good:
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8
I have had so many situations in my life that are regrettable. Thankfully, I have a Savior who died to rid me of my regrets and guilt. There are words I wish I wouldn't have said. Things I wish I wouldn't have seen. There are people I wish were still in my life. I feel guilty for not calling my Grandmother. She is up there in age and I always say I am too busy. Too busy for the people who love me. I am not busy in the sense of running around. But, I am busy homeschooling, homemaking, taking care of an infant and his two older brothers and so on. Why do I let these things get in the way of making a simple phone call? One of the biggest things I feel guilty about in my life is saying things that are regrettable.
I recently read a blog post from Visionary Womanhood called "The Power of My Words". HERE is the link. I even posted it to my Facebook page because it was so powerful.
“Remind them to…speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Titus 3:1-2
Can you say...WOW! I have read the Bible many times but this never popped out at me. Avoid quarreling? Show PERFECT courtesy toward ALL people? I will just come out and say it: That is not my personality at all. I mean I am not rude. But, I have had a quarrel or two in my day. When driving...I would say I have slight road rage (although some people would beg to differ). Am I showing perfect courtesy to the little old man that I am behind? He is going so slow and I am running late. Does the beeping of my horn say "Excuse me sir. I'm a Christian and I love the Lord."? Or, does it say "Move it person! I don't care who you are or what YOUR needs are...mine are more important!"
I was curious so I looked up the definition to some of these words used in Titus.
Perfect- being entirely without fault, flawless, mature, pure
Courtesy- behavior marked by polished manners and respect toward others, consideration and cooperation of others
Quarrel- dispute or complaint, verbal conflict between antagonists
OK, so I am very convicted. I have not been courteous toward many people in my life (and those I pass along the road). I have, in fact, been quarrelsome. Can I say, GUILTY!? I have said many things to many people over the years that were horrible. It started with my parents, then my siblings, then friends, etc. Now, my Hubby. It makes me sad to think of what I have said to him that would tear him down as a man. He is wonderful, loving, kind, gentle, and the best thing that has ever happened to me.
At first, I thought "it's all hormones". Yes...that's it. Hormones. Well, what about those times of the month that I can't blame "hormones"? I guess, it's just me then. Thank God I have the Bible as my guide to life. Without it I would be a HOT MESS. I am so grateful that I have been saved by the grace of God. I am so thankful to have a great Hubby who reigns me back in when I start to feel guilty about everything in life and forgives me before I even have to ask for it. I am so blessed to have children who forgive me when I'm having a bad "mommy day" and still like to be around me all the time.
How many people have I torn down because of the words I spoke? I can think of a few. I can't say how truly sorry I am that I every used words to hurt someone. Especially someone I love. I have days when all I feel like I do is yell. Yell at my kids, yell at my husband, yell at the man who just rang the doorbell just as I put the kids down for a nap. I know...it sounds bad. But, I think we can all relate. There are days that just seem to never end.
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
That is how I want to live my life...no corrupting talk. Once you say (or yell) something...it's out there. If you gossip or talk bad about someone. You can't take it back. You can say you are sorry a million times but you can't take it back. I know people who try to make you feel guilty by the things they say. Nothing is ever their fault. Nothing ever goes their way. Life just isn't fair. How dare others have a great husband, wonderful children who love the Lord, parents who care. I have felt horrible after talking to these kinds of people. I think to myself "why am I so deserving of these things and yet they have none of them?" I have to say...it doesn't last long. I have a VERY blessed life. But, so do these other people. I'm not talking of a specific person. I am talking about everyone. We are all very blessed. Yes, we go through hard times. Yes, we will have struggles on this earth. Yes, there will be times when we question God. We have to focus on eternity and what matters there.
What I am saying is that none of this junk is going to matter when we get to heaven. The ONLY thing that will matter is if you have given your life to the Lord. Have you accepted Jesus into your heart and lived a life for Him? I am so thankful that God chose me to be His daughter. I am blessed beyond measure, beyond words. So, if you are like me and feel guilty all the time about something in your life, just remember that God doesn't want you to feel that way. He wants you to think on the things that are good:
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8
If you have said something to someone or done something to hurt someone and feel guilty about it, apologize to them. Seek forgiveness. Don't be too prideful to do this. If the person doesn't find it in their heart to forgive you, that is their problem. As my Hubby has said to me MANY times "Be the bigger person". If it's a fight and you are both wrong, then that saying applies to you. I have told my Hubby before that I am so big I can't fit in the house anymore. LOL! I laugh now, but that is how I have felt in the past. Remember the song by Chris August "7x70".
I have had to remind myself of this many times. Don't live your life feeling guilty anymore. I am still a work in progress but with help from God, my Hubby, and friends and family I know I will make a full recovery. LOL! Now, I am going to have to say it: "Hi, my name is Kristy and I feel guilty about everything."
I hope this helps even one person. I am praying for each of you and hope this can start some healing in your life too.
Blessings,
Kristy
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Magazines.com Review and Giveaway!!
Disclaimer: "Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Don't you just LOVE magazines?! I know I do. It's so great when you go to the mailbox and open it up to find your favorite magazine waiting for you to read. I was recently chosen to receive a free subscription to a magazine of my choosing from magazines.com. Well, needless to say, I was thrilled beyond thrilled. First of all, I LOVE free stuff. Secondly, it was for Cooking With Paula Deen. My favorite kind of magazine to read is a recipe filled one. I collect cook books and cooking magazines.
Magazines.com offers people a fun, easy way to discover new reads and helps them track their magazine subscriptions. Shop the great magazine subscription deals at Magazines.com for Mother’s Day 2013! You’ll find incredible savings on Mom’s favorite cooking, celebrity, crafting magazine subscriptions and more. Don’t forget about all the moms in your life—your aunt, sister and your grandmother! Give her a gift that keeps on giving!
Here are a list of magazines I was able to choose from:
Cooking with Paula Deen
Martha Stewart Living
Parenting Early Years
Parenting School Years
Prevention
Weight Watchers
Working Mother
Victoria
People
Southern Living
Food Network
Real Simple
Southern Lady
Crochet Today
Tea Time
Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting
Entertain Decorate Celebrate
Taste of South
Creative Machine Embroidery
Just Cross Stitch
Quilt
Quilter's Newsletter
Sampler & Antique Needlework Quarterly
Creative Knitting
Quilter's World
Sew News
Crochet World
Creating Keepsakes
Crochet
Card Maker
I really had a hard time choosing. I mean...Food Network magazine, Quilter's World (I do some sewing/quilting myself), or Card Maker?? I was at a loss. So, I just chose the one that I thought I would get the most use out of. Cooking with Paula Deen was my choice.
Doesn't that cake look scrumptious?! I can't wait to get mine in the mail in a few short weeks. Here is the GREAT news. I have a free subscription to give away to one lucky reader. You get to choose from the list above and receive a free magazine! a Rafflecopter giveaway The winner will be chosen on May 16, 2013. Come back and visit me then and find out if you won!
Blessings,
Kristy
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Our Newest Addition!
After 22 1/2 hours of labor our little angel made his debut on March 8, 2013 at 8:30pm. We call him our little Monkey...so that will be his "blog name". He weighed in at 7lbs. 11oz. and was 19 1/2in. long. He wasn't due until March 17th but decided he couldn't wait that long. I started laboring at around 10pm on March 7th. I called the OB that was on call and gave her all of my symptoms at 2:30am. My contractions were about 7-10 minutes apart. I was just checking in to let them know. She told me that I was not in labor and to take a shower...so that I did. The contractions got a little less painful at around 4:30am. Hubby decided to go ahead and go to work.
At 9:30am my mom and sister came over to my house to help me with the big boys since I started having bad contractions again. My mom did some dishes for me and my sister kept me company. Then, it happened. Bear (who had been sick on and off for about 3 weeks) decided to throw up everywhere. My mom helped clean it up and I promptly called Hubby at work and told him to come home ASAP. He got home around 1pm and we all laid on my bed and rested for about an hour.
Hubby and the big boys decided to get up and go play and clean up for a while. My contractions were getting VERY uncomfortable. I couldn't stand up for more than a minute before feeling horrible again. By now, the contractions were about 4-5 minutes apart. At 4pm I decided to call the OB again. It was a different doctor...MY doctor. He was delivering a baby and couldn't call right away.
That is when IT happened. My water broke...in my bed...all over the place! I called my doctor again and he apologized and said to come right to the hospital b/c I would probably deliver quickly. Hubby's parents quickly came to our house to take care of Bear and Ducky so we could leave. We got to the hospital around 5:30pm. My contractions were getting worse by the minute. After about 45 minutes of getting all of my admission paperwork done I was examined only to be told I was ONLY dialated 4 centimeters. Only 4!! After 20+ hours of labor. I was bound and determined not to have an epidural but the pain was overtaking my whole mind, body, and emotions. I am not an angry laborer but it was getting to the point of no control.
My doctor came in and recommended I get the epidural to relax my body and get some rest so I would have energy to push the baby out. By this time I was going on about 36 hours of no sleep. Hubby agreed so I went along with the plan. The anesthesiologist took a little while to come in. About 8pm my nurse checked me again and I was barely dialated 6. The anesthesiologist went through his whole talk about the risks, etc. This whole time I am having constant contractions and trying not to scream. So, he inserted to epidural. When he told me he was about to insert the medicinal line so that I would be numb...I felt it. The urge to push. I HAD to push. No meds. No doctor. No nothing. I screamed to the nurse that the baby was coming out NOW. She screamed into the hallway for help.
I don't really remember much after that. I don't even know where my husband was during this whole thing except he had been holding my hand a few minutes before. According to witnesses I would not open my legs so the anesthesiologist and my husband had to force them open. Another nurse came in and said to me "Get a hold of yourself!". LOL! So, I did just that and with one push our little Monkey came into the world.
Welcome to our family precious baby! We are so blessed to have you with us!
Mommy
Monday, February 4, 2013
My life right now...
I can't believe I only have 6 weeks left until our newest little blessing arrives. I am very excited to meet our new son. But, I am also anxious about having 3 children. Everyone has their own opinion on the situation. Some people say adding another one is not a big deal at all. While others say adding another one is like adding 10 more. I don't know what to expect. I just know that I am leaning on God's strength to get me through anything that may come my way. We have not picked a name yet. I am going crazy trying to think of a name for our little guy. We have it narrowed down to just a few...but only God knows what we will name him on his birthday.
This pregnancy has been the hardest yet. I was terribly ill for the first 12 weeks. Then, I had migraines for the first 20 weeks. I am talking like 4-5 per week. I have had horrible back pain and my gallbladder has been acting up. To add to that I am anemic and feel very tired all the time. I have been trying to really enjoy having this baby in my belly. You never know when it will be your last pregnancy. Only God knows that. The baby has been very active. Bear and Ducky are so excited to have a little brother. They love to kiss my belly and lay their heads on it to see if they can hear him. They talk to the baby through my belly button. LOL! It is so cute!
I have been doing some Bible studies about loving and respecting my husband. I have read many books lately about it as well. It has been wonderful and really changed my marriage. I mean, we weren't doing horrible anyway. But, going through these studies has made it all the better. I really have the best husband in the whole world. Since I am so huge and pregnant now, he does the laundry and even folds it for me. That's all I have to do is put it away. He takes care of me and rubs my feet and back. He lets me lay on his lap and watch TV if I am uncomfortable. I am so happy that God chose him for me. I have learned a lot through the years about marriage and how to treat my husband. I am a strong woman with strong opinions. I have learned to calm the storm within and let things go. I still get hormonal once in a while but I must say I feel like I have improved over the years. God gave me this wonderful man. He is a gift. I want to treat him that way. Just like my babies are a gift.
So, as I start nesting and getting ready for baby boy #3, I will try to keep you posted. I will, of course, post pics when he is born. I cannot wait to meet him. Please be in prayer as I get ready to go through this journey. Also, be in prayer for me as I go into this delivery knowing that I will not be using any drugs to help with pain. I used them the last 2 times...this time I am trusting God to get me through it.
Blessings,
Kristy
This pregnancy has been the hardest yet. I was terribly ill for the first 12 weeks. Then, I had migraines for the first 20 weeks. I am talking like 4-5 per week. I have had horrible back pain and my gallbladder has been acting up. To add to that I am anemic and feel very tired all the time. I have been trying to really enjoy having this baby in my belly. You never know when it will be your last pregnancy. Only God knows that. The baby has been very active. Bear and Ducky are so excited to have a little brother. They love to kiss my belly and lay their heads on it to see if they can hear him. They talk to the baby through my belly button. LOL! It is so cute!
I have been doing some Bible studies about loving and respecting my husband. I have read many books lately about it as well. It has been wonderful and really changed my marriage. I mean, we weren't doing horrible anyway. But, going through these studies has made it all the better. I really have the best husband in the whole world. Since I am so huge and pregnant now, he does the laundry and even folds it for me. That's all I have to do is put it away. He takes care of me and rubs my feet and back. He lets me lay on his lap and watch TV if I am uncomfortable. I am so happy that God chose him for me. I have learned a lot through the years about marriage and how to treat my husband. I am a strong woman with strong opinions. I have learned to calm the storm within and let things go. I still get hormonal once in a while but I must say I feel like I have improved over the years. God gave me this wonderful man. He is a gift. I want to treat him that way. Just like my babies are a gift.
So, as I start nesting and getting ready for baby boy #3, I will try to keep you posted. I will, of course, post pics when he is born. I cannot wait to meet him. Please be in prayer as I get ready to go through this journey. Also, be in prayer for me as I go into this delivery knowing that I will not be using any drugs to help with pain. I used them the last 2 times...this time I am trusting God to get me through it.
Blessings,
Kristy
Monday, December 31, 2012
An Overview of 2012
It's New Year's Eve and I am sitting here thinking about the things that I have accomplished (and not accomplished) in the year 2012. I cannot believe the New Year is tomorrow. 2012 has been filled with sadness as well as lots of joy. This blog post is going to be all about our year here in the Jensen household and how God has been with us throughout it all.
The beginning of this year was full of excitement as we found out we were expecting baby #3. We were so full of joy and Bear and Ducky were very happy to have another sibling. Unfortunately, baby Kendall was called home to heaven before we could meet him. I learned a lot through losing our baby. I learned that although I call them "my children", they are the Lord's children. He has given my husband and I the great privilege and responsibility to raise them in a Godly manner. We know that we will see baby Kendall in heaven one day but the pain is still there. God has comforted me and helped me through the hardest time of my life. Bear and Ducky took the loss pretty hard, especially Bear (he is 4 now). He didn't understand exactly what happened to the baby and why mommy was so sad. We got some books and advice on what to do and we all started the healing process together.
As a family, we all slowly returned to our normal routines and the boys got back into school. We spent most of our summer going to a local theme park. Since we didn't go on vacation we got passes and went just about every weekend. Speaking of school, we have been learning so much this year. Bear has learned how to write his name and spell it out loud. He can count to 20 and knows his ABC's. Ducky knows his ABC's as well and he is only 2. We go to the library often and read books every day. The boys color and draw constantly. We do unit studies every month and are currently learning about Jesus' birth.
Hubby and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary over the summer. It has been 8 wonderful years. I can't imagine my life without that man in it. He is such a Godly, loving, caring person. Ducky turned 2 over the summer as well. He has a Thomas the train birthday party. It was a wonderful time and he was a very happy little boy. He just loves his older brother and does everything Bear does. I mean EVERYTHING! LOL! Bear turned 4 in October. His birthday party was Lightning McQueen. It was also a great party. They are both getting big so quickly. I want them to stay little forever. They are both so sweet.
In July, Hubby and I found out we were expecting again. We were both very thrilled but very nervous. We learned that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. He is blessing us with another tiny baby to take care of and love. We were not necessarily "trying" to get pregnant but we are both VERY happy to have another baby. This one is a boy (nameless at this point) and he is due March 2013. This pregnancy has thrown me for a loop. It has been the roughest so far. The first 18-20 weeks I was so nauseous I couldn't stand myself. I also had migraines 5 days a week for the first 20 weeks. Now I only get one or two a week. My sciatic nerve is already killing me (I am currently 29 weeks). I am not complaining but this one has done me in for sure. My other pregnancies were not like this at all. My little peanut will be well worth all the "trouble". LOL!
Oh, I turned 30 in October as well. I was very nervous about turning 30 but it's not so bad. Haha! Hubby threw me an amazing party with all of our friends and family. I really am very blessed. It was a great time.
We celebrated Thanksgiving with Hubby's family here at our house. There were a lot of people and a lot of great memories made. We had great food and watched football. The kids played with their cousins and we all laughed and had fun.
When December came upon us it was quick. We had a wonderful Christmas. Bear and Ducky were surprised to get presents. We taught them the reason we celebrate Christmas. Bear really got interested in learning about Jesus' birth and about the angels and shepherds. Nanny and Poppy even got them both a Little People manger scene to play with. They love it! Hubby's birthday is the day after Christmas and we went to a restaurant and had lunch with his family. It was a lovely time. I am so thankful for every day I have with him.
Well, there you have it. Our year of ups and downs. More ups than downs though. I have been reminded time and time again this past year that God is in control. I pray that 2013 is filled with joy for each of you and for my family as well. None of us are promised our next breath so let's enjoy every moment like it's our last. May God bless you all this next year and bring you much happiness.
Blessings to you and your family in 2013,
Kristy
The beginning of this year was full of excitement as we found out we were expecting baby #3. We were so full of joy and Bear and Ducky were very happy to have another sibling. Unfortunately, baby Kendall was called home to heaven before we could meet him. I learned a lot through losing our baby. I learned that although I call them "my children", they are the Lord's children. He has given my husband and I the great privilege and responsibility to raise them in a Godly manner. We know that we will see baby Kendall in heaven one day but the pain is still there. God has comforted me and helped me through the hardest time of my life. Bear and Ducky took the loss pretty hard, especially Bear (he is 4 now). He didn't understand exactly what happened to the baby and why mommy was so sad. We got some books and advice on what to do and we all started the healing process together.
As a family, we all slowly returned to our normal routines and the boys got back into school. We spent most of our summer going to a local theme park. Since we didn't go on vacation we got passes and went just about every weekend. Speaking of school, we have been learning so much this year. Bear has learned how to write his name and spell it out loud. He can count to 20 and knows his ABC's. Ducky knows his ABC's as well and he is only 2. We go to the library often and read books every day. The boys color and draw constantly. We do unit studies every month and are currently learning about Jesus' birth.
Hubby and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary over the summer. It has been 8 wonderful years. I can't imagine my life without that man in it. He is such a Godly, loving, caring person. Ducky turned 2 over the summer as well. He has a Thomas the train birthday party. It was a wonderful time and he was a very happy little boy. He just loves his older brother and does everything Bear does. I mean EVERYTHING! LOL! Bear turned 4 in October. His birthday party was Lightning McQueen. It was also a great party. They are both getting big so quickly. I want them to stay little forever. They are both so sweet.
In July, Hubby and I found out we were expecting again. We were both very thrilled but very nervous. We learned that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. He is blessing us with another tiny baby to take care of and love. We were not necessarily "trying" to get pregnant but we are both VERY happy to have another baby. This one is a boy (nameless at this point) and he is due March 2013. This pregnancy has thrown me for a loop. It has been the roughest so far. The first 18-20 weeks I was so nauseous I couldn't stand myself. I also had migraines 5 days a week for the first 20 weeks. Now I only get one or two a week. My sciatic nerve is already killing me (I am currently 29 weeks). I am not complaining but this one has done me in for sure. My other pregnancies were not like this at all. My little peanut will be well worth all the "trouble". LOL!
Oh, I turned 30 in October as well. I was very nervous about turning 30 but it's not so bad. Haha! Hubby threw me an amazing party with all of our friends and family. I really am very blessed. It was a great time.
We celebrated Thanksgiving with Hubby's family here at our house. There were a lot of people and a lot of great memories made. We had great food and watched football. The kids played with their cousins and we all laughed and had fun.
When December came upon us it was quick. We had a wonderful Christmas. Bear and Ducky were surprised to get presents. We taught them the reason we celebrate Christmas. Bear really got interested in learning about Jesus' birth and about the angels and shepherds. Nanny and Poppy even got them both a Little People manger scene to play with. They love it! Hubby's birthday is the day after Christmas and we went to a restaurant and had lunch with his family. It was a lovely time. I am so thankful for every day I have with him.
Well, there you have it. Our year of ups and downs. More ups than downs though. I have been reminded time and time again this past year that God is in control. I pray that 2013 is filled with joy for each of you and for my family as well. None of us are promised our next breath so let's enjoy every moment like it's our last. May God bless you all this next year and bring you much happiness.
Blessings to you and your family in 2013,
Kristy
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