Happy Birthday Kelly!!

Aspen had the best time "accessorizing" with Daddy!

Kel-
I cannot imagine me without you.

I love you more than I could ever put into words.

Happy Birthday honey!!

xoxoxoxo,
Monster

Here I am...kinda...

I'm still alive...kinda. :)

This pregnancy has been difficult. I'm not gonna lie. I had a very good pregnancy with Aspen. My normal health issues seemed to melt away, and my body seemed to relish the feel-good-preggo hormones. This time I was expecting the same...but it has not been so. I've felt like crap for the most part, to put it mildly. lol

The nausea has been extreme, and the achiness has taken more of a toll than I like to think about. My right hip has decided to send a shooting pain up and down my body most of the day and all of the night. The nausea has been way better lately since the Dr. gave me some meds to help with it. So I've been MIA for a bit. My job has been pregnancy and taking care of my other sweet busy baby. Kelly has been an angel. He has never complained, picked up more than his share, and encouraged and comforted me. He's simply amazing. My parents have helped with more than I ever could have expected them too. A few special friends have continued to support me and pray for me and contact me even though I'm not able to return the favor a whole lot lately. That means so much.

This last year has admittedly been the hardest year Kelly and I have had in our marriage so far...NOT that our marriage was the issue at all, just the external circumstances that we endured this last year have definitely made it the most trying so far. Without too many details...financial disaster, cancer, feeling betrayed by someone close, loss of possesions, secondary infertility, severe hardships endured by extended family....just to name a few. We know this last year was God-ordained and God-orchestrated. He has brought us to Him through these trials in ways we didn't anticipate or know we needed. We were forced to recognize what exactly was important, and what wasn't. Once again, faithful friends and family members were brought out of the woodwork, supporting us even when we didn't deserve it and couldn't offer much in return. The most wonderful blessing of all...a baby. A totally longed for but unexpected pregnancy. I have no words to describe it except divinely precious.

Kelly and I were able to get a quick getaway to the coast for our 11th anniversary. Aspen had the time of her life with her Aunts in Salem while were gone. We knew the trip would not consist of a lot, since I am low in energy, but we enjoyed our room on the beach leaving the windows wide open the entire time so we could hear the roar of the ocean and feel the cool sea breeze. It was much needed and neither of us wanted to leave! lol

Just wanted to share a few pics...I am 17 weeks in these photos. I am huge. People are already asking if I am getting close (I'm not even half way!) and one lady questioned if I was having twins. Oh well. I do looooooooooooove that I am pregnant! And we love, love, love this little baby more than we can imagine. It's all worth it :)

Sweet girl asleep in the car on the way over. I love this so much. Kelly said I was sleeping the same way...I have a feeling it wasn't so cute on me.

Guard your heart...

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. "
Proverbs 4:23

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I'm avoiding the blog-world lately, BUT I had to post a heartfelt Happy Birthday to the best dad ever.

This year has been a rough one for our family, for my dad in particular...his wife went through breast cancer, and he unfairly lost his job.

He has drawn on his faith and kept his head high amidst hurt, uncertainty, and complications. I am proud to have him as a father, and respect him so much. He is the best Grandpa and the best daddy. I am very, very blessed.

Happy birthday dad! Thank you for everything you do.

LOVE you!

In the bath...

Aspen: Mommy, there is a BIG bubble! Ow!

Me: What? Where did the bubble come from?

Aspen: From my bottom. There are lots of them.





Nice.

I am NOT...

my weight,

my facebook friends,

my shoes,

my bank account,

my church,

my emotions,

my jean size,

my fertility,

my vehicle,

my wit,

my neighborhood,

my education,

my health issues,

my friends,

my hair color,

my blog comments,

my credit score,

my home decor,

my text messages,

my job,

my family,

my talents,

my failures,



In fact I am not even my own...





Lord-

It's not because of who I am,

but because what of you've done.

It's not because of what I've done

But because of who you are.



And you told me who I am.

I am yours.



I am yours.







(song excerpt Casting Crowns)

Prayers for Mom: last surgery tomorrow!

Tomorrow is my Mom's last surgery in her treatment following a breast cancer diagnosis in early April 2009. She is now cancer free, and after tomorrow, she will be done with treatment for good!


Her surgery will most likely be around 7:30 am in Bend, and we would appreciate your prayers... specifically for the doctors wisdom and care, and for a complication free procedure and recovery.

Prayers for my dad and his career direction would be appreciated as well.

Thank you friends!




Aren't they cute :)
They've been married 35 years, and despite this year being a particularly rough one, they are still in love with each other, and in love with their God.