Craigslist Find!

I've been scouring Craigslist lately for great deals on different things we need for the nursery. My first purchase was the BOB Revolution Stroller...THE mac-daddy of all jogging strollers. Retails for over $400... I found a nearly brand new one on Craigslist for $200. My one splurge. No worries...it will certainly get used as much as I am on the go!

My most recent find was an amish-made rocking chair/glider from this incredibly sweet family in Lakeland. I've been bracing myself for the over $150 price tag of a (half-way) decent glider from WalMart, so I feel like I've found a treasure for a mere $75. Belinda and I picked it up today. Isn't it just the sweetest thing you've ever seen?? I look forward to cuddling, snuggling, and rocking some nights (and early mornings) away!



Jimmy and I were just talking about how expensive all of these baby "things" are- or can be! I don't see how parents buy new without breaking the bank. We are committed to getting everything our child needs debt free. I've been given so much already from others, including a crib, dresser, toys, pack and play, carseat, clothes, and am soooooo thankful! Bring it on! I'm all about recycling!

Coming along...

She is growing!!! (Her, not me...well maybe, both of us!) Today marks 23 weeks and 5 days preggo! I went to a prenatal appointment yesterday and all checked out well. I'm measuring normal and Baby Girl's heartbeat was 156. Blood pressure and all was good. Next appointment in four weeks will be my Glucose test. (Not looking forward to the icky orange drink).

Jimmy and I placed the Home Depot order for our windows and door for the back porch yesterday. I'm definitely in a nesting phase right now! I can think of a million things I would like to do to our home before she arrives. Good thing she won't mind if it all doesn't get done! We expect to have Jimmy's office moved out to the porch by the second week of August or so. Then....nursery time! Mom has been ordering the crib bedding piece by piece (Brooke by Pottery Barn...sooo cute!- check it out http://www.potterybarnkids.com/room/rom/romnur/romnurbrk/index.cfm).

As far as fetal development goes... Baby Girl is gaining about 3 ounces a week (then why am I gaining, 1 lb a week, right??) Her tastes buds are forming, which means she can actually experience the yummy foods I am eating through the amniotic fluid. While I'm spinning, swimming, and yoga-ing to stay in shape, she is sucking her thumb to increase muscular coordination of her hands. Believe me, she gets quite a work out running the walls of my uterus (or whatever she is doing in there!). She is a whopping foot long and is now covered in fine, downy hair and waxy vernix to protect her skin. I thought it was very interesting to read that babies born at this age have 36% chance of survival...hard to imagine, as they are still so tiny and fragile. Stay in there little one, just as long as you can!

Hurst Girls Fishing Trip (with Guide Jimmy)

Saturday, Jimmy took his wife, mom, and sister fishing!!! What was he thinking, right?? Aside from a motor malfunction and a hard time catching bait, we had a great (but hot!) day out on the water. We drove over to Stuart (East Coast) and actually went off shore for a bit, before coming back and fishing the beach and inlet. We didn't catch a ton of fish, but the fish we caught put up a good fight! Belinda and I caught Bonita offshore and Jimmy and Lindsey caught a couple of HUGE Jack up by the beach. We piddled around and reeled in a few small snook before calling it a day.

You can tell the difference in the color of water offshore. It is absolutely clear, blue and beautiful! We don't go offshore much, so when we do, I just love it! Excuse my protruding abdomen... I wasn't prepared for pictures. We caught these Bonita just as soon as our line hit the water. They must have seen us coming!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

My wonderful hubby took me to one of my favorite restaurants for my 25th Birthday last night...The Melting Pot in Orlando. Such a fun place to celebrate something special.

Jimmy...stuffed!


Did I mention you have to cook your own food?! We had duck, shrimp, steak, marinated pork, potstickers, and veggies! Yummy!

Lots of delicious treats to dip in our "Flaming Turtle" chocolate fondue for dessert. (Free with coupon...yay!)

Here we are on our way out the door after a wonderful evening together.

Thanks, Baby, for an awesome birthday night!

Half way there!

Now that we know that Baby H is more likely to stand for Hazel than Hansel, and I've posted adorable in-utero snapshots of our baby girl, I keep trying to think of ways to one-up myself with a better post. I figured a video clip in her amniotic swimming pool should do the trick. Watch closely at the beginning and you can see that she is covering her face with her hands...then she pulls them away and you can see alien like features. That's her beautiful face!

Today, I am 20 weeks and 2 days. Technically over half way there! (But probably not...my mom was late with all of us, so things aren't looking good for punctuality). We are now measuring baby girl from head to toe (vs. head to rump) and she measures a staggering 10+ inches. (Did we mention she might have Uncle Marsh's legs?) Apparently, one of her favorite past times is practicing swallowing, which is kind of gross considering that she pee pees in the amniotic fluid. When we went in for the sonogram a couple weeks ago, we actually saw her opening her mouth and swallowing...so cool! She has been flipping around and kicking like crazy- most active in the evenings (typical bedtime rebellion). I've been trying to get her to perform for Jimmy, but up until two nights ago, the timing was off. Finally, I caught her really close to the surface (trying to come up for air?) and just a kickin! Jimmy felt her kick over 5 times! It was so fun- and funny...it makes me laugh hysterically!

Still no name- or at least not that we are sharing. I've noticed that is one of the questions most people love to ask. Along with, "how much weight have you gained?" Arghhh!!! (That is my mean pregnant lady growl).

I'm actually really enjoying being pregnant. I'm sure that some women who never have fertility issues completely enjoy and appreciate their pregancy and growing fetus, but from my own experience, I have to say that I am relishing in every moment more than I ever would have without the trials. I'm thankful for each moment, and, now that I'm out of puke purgatory, I feel better, stronger, and healthier than I ever have. Pregnancy is good to me :-) at least so far!

She's a She!

Our little one greeted us so nicely this morning (after a tall cup of coffee)...she even waved! See those five fingers?? I love when she turns her head towards the US doppler, as if she's looking right at us (even though she looks like an alien)!

And the proof is in the pudding! Our ultrasound tech was pretty sure of it this time...she's a she! Little Hurst still wouldn't spread eagle for us, but she was a bit more cooperative, letting us sneak a peak a few times. Three clear lines is what we were looking for! Now... on to the name game and pretty pink things...

A stubborn baby!

Well, our sonogram appointment today didn't go exactly how we planned, but nevertheless, we have a growing, healthy baby!!! That is the good news! We also, however, have a very stubborn baby who wouldn't open her (?) legs for anything! At one point she (?) even covered her private parts with her (?) hands!!! I keep using 'her' and 'she' because the ultrasound tech was pretty certain she was a she...but not as certain as usual. She wants us to come back next Tuesday for a confirmation. So no buying pink anything until we find out for sure.

Other than not finding out the sex (for sure) we had the best time watching our little one move around, make funny movements and funny faces, and were glad to learn that she (?) is growing on schedule (or maybe 4 days ahead, even)- a whopping 9 ounces! Here is a pic of our baby...isn't she (?) beautiful??

Mother's Day

I was surprised at all the special treatment I received on Mother's Day! I love this holiday!!! Jimmy surprised me Sunday morning with a beautiful ring of the baby's birthstone- Opal (October- hopefully he/she isn't born in November!) Jimmy and I hosted Mother's Day dinner at our house, since this will be the last year that I'm not a busy mom. All the other mothers in my family are completely deserving of being pampered on this special day :) We decided to switch things up a bit from our usual southern cuisine and dined on cuban roasted pork, black beans and rice, salad, yummy garlic bread, and flan for desert. It was a delicious meal!!! I put together a few pics of everyone hanging out...and, of course, Lance and Toni Boy wrestling in the living room.

A Day at the Beach

My cousin, Danna, and I took her little boy, Quinten, to the beach last Friday for the day. The water temp was perfect for swimming and we enjoyed the Gulf breeze and warm sunshine! It was a perfect day :) I took a ton of pics of Quinten playing in the sand and bobbing around in the ocean. I'm practicing my photography skills for when our little one comes along :)

What you've all been waiting for...

Desperate Mom Acts

I just committed two of the most common desperate mom acts...with my dogs. Jimmy is coaching a ball game tonight, so I'm here by myself with "the girls" (Jada and Millie, our dogs). For the third day in a row we have forgot to buy dog food. (Can I get an amen, anyone?). I can only imagine how this situation is going to get worse when we add an infant to the picture. Anyway, for the third night in a row I've had to get creative with a dog food substitution. That is Desperate Mom Act #1: forgot to thaw something out for dinner and no groceries, so throw together some 1/2 way nutritious food for your kid. I was making grits, eggs, and bacon for myself so I decided to cook a few extra pieces of bacon for the dogs. (That's even better than dog food, right?). But no mom can give her child a candy bar for dinner and feel good about herself (candy bar is to kid as bacon is to dog), so I decided to raid the frig for a few items to balance the meal. In the end, we had two bowls of leftover chicken salad (complete with nuts and fruit), doggie treats, and bacon. I put the food down for the hungry savages and watched as they both picked the savory bacon pieces off the top. No surprise. After they both looked up at me simultaneously with their hungry, puppy dog eyes and then back down at their bowls (as if to say, "you can't be serious, lady") I had an ingenious idea. Pour the bacon grease over the chicken salad and dog treats. Desperate Mom Act #2: disguise food that your children will not eat by covering it with some kind of delicious sauce (i.e. Hershey's or ketchup).

So for all you moms out there...am I on the right track? Should I seek immediate help or embrace the desperate mom survival instincts?

Head colds and butterflies

I just conquered the 16th week of pregnancy and I can hardly believe it! I can't believe I'm going to say this, but it seems like it is going by so fast. Okay, now that I said, it...not really. It's taking FOREVER!!! (depends on the day, I guess). I am so ready to find out if our little bambino is in fact a bambino or maybe a bambina. Jimmy and I found out at our last visit to the midwife that we will get an ultrasound early- at 18 weeks. They only do one ultrasound at the birthing center, usually at 20 weeks, but our midwife thinks she can get a more accurate gestational age a few weeks earlier. Sounds good to me :)


Aside from the milestones that I've already mentioned in previous posts, the only addition that I have is that Baby H has grown a few tenths of a centimeter and has fully formed fingernails...the better to scratch you with, my dear! I recently read in one of the "week by week" pregnancy calanders that quote, "you shouldn't be surprised if you have a cold during your 15th week of pregnancy." Are these people psychic or what???... I ponder as I take another shot of nasal spray. During Week 15 I had one of the worst colds ever and I'm still getting over it. Apparently, my body is producing mega-mucus and colds are common during this time of the pregnancy. Good to know.


People keep asking me if I've felt any "butterflies" or other indication that the baby is moving around in there. Nothing that I'm sure of yet, but I've had two quivers that have me suspicious. In the coming week or so movement should become more frequent and I'll get that feeling figured out. Speaking of movement, I got the ultimate moving machine yesterday (and for a steal of a price)- a BOB stroller. I know its a little early for all of that, but I found one on Craigslist and couldn't resist. This stroller is truly amazing! It reminds me of one of those zero turn lawnmowers (except it doesn't have blades- thank God!). I was so excited when I got it home, I was tempted to push it around the neighborhood with a sack of flour wrapped up in a blanket! (I even thought...can I fit one of my dogs in here?) I resisted the urge, folded up the strolling masterpiece, and look forward to using it when the baby arrives :)

In the coming week, Baby H will begin to exhale amnoitic fluid and his/her circulatory and urinary systems will be working in all their glory! Hair (hopefully blonde) will begin to fill in on his/her little head, eyebrows, and lashes. I will give everyone an update after the ultrasound in week 18. Until then...

"One day at a time"

I've been disguising my Thankful Thursday posts lately, but, readers, be assured, I am thankful for soooo many things ;) I realized recently that I have never blogged about a very important part of my life (which I'm extremely thankful for ;) and decided it was about time to share. Plus, last night on Grey's Anatomy (my fav show) Meredith's estranged, alcoholic father came to the hospital to make amends with his daughters- the 9th step in the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous: make direct amends to those you have harmed... That was my cue.

Since January of 2007, I have been attending Al Anon meetings. Al Anon is a support group for people who are affected by the alcoholism of a family member or loved one. Most people would say, "well I'm not the one with the problem, why should I be going to a meeting??" People who live with an alcoholic or have a family member who suffers from alcoholism often become sick themselves. Sick in not so obvious ways. Before Al Anon I allowed my dad's drinking to rob much of my peace and serenity in life; I didn't know how to detach with love so I found myself either resenting and ignoring my father or enabling him to continue his self-destructive behavior; and I, myself, had a slew of character defects, some of which resulted from dealing with (or not dealing with) the negative feelings associated with my dad's disease. Through Al Anon I have learned to have more compassion for my dad, to look inward and take responsibility for my own emotional health, and to live in peace despite whether or not my dad is drinking. I am thankful for this group of people, (despite how crazy this gathering sounds to outsiders), and am thankful that through their love and support I am encouraged to take things "One day at a time" and to "Live and let live".

Earth Day - Riverwoods Trip

My goal was to post a wonderful Earth Day message to all my blogger friends yesterday, but I was honestly just too pooped to do anything! Mom and I joined our fellow Ridge Rangers (a volunteer group that works to protect the Florida ridge ecosystem) for a clean up day/canoe trip at the Kissimmee River research station called Riverwoods. We arrived early in the morning and got busy clearing out invasive, exotic species that were growing up around the education center. We trimmed up the native species and before too long, had the place looking quite spry. (I wish I had a before/after photo to show you!)

A quick briefing on the Riverwoods Center and Kissimmee River Restoration... Florida Atlantic University, partnered with SWFMD and the Kissimmee River Restoration Project, manage the property east of Lorida on the Kissimmee River. They use it as a base for research scientists who are studying the health of the restored Kissimmee River. As I'm sure most of you know, the Kissimmee River was channelized in the 1960's, which was a major "bad call" for the environment. In 1992 restoration efforts began to bring the river back to its orginal form and restore health to the ecosystem. The final dam blow-up is expected to be completed in 2013.

I teach Environmental Science everyday (well, not exactly everyday, but you get the point) and nothing compares with getting out there in nature and experiencing the beauty of God's creation for yourself. I must also say from experience, that the best way to get involved and make a difference in conservation/preservation is to do exactly that...get involved. Get your lazy butt off the couch and do something! :) Here are some pictures of our day...hopefully you will learn something along the way.

Starting off on our canoe trip. This is actually part of the original Kissimmee River that has not dried up. It has no water flow because of daming upstream, but is surprisingly relatively healthy. When the river is completely restored, this view will change. Leased cattle pastures, which currently border each side of the river, will be flooded and broadleaf marsh will take it's place.


I'm not much of a bird lover (unlike my other Ridge Ranger friends, who are bird FREAKS!), but I figured I'd pretend like I was and take this picture. Someone told me to tell my blog audience that this was an immature blue heron, but it's not...just a cow bird. Pretty picture, though, huh?

Others on the canoe trip. Gotta love the cow up ahead checking us out.

Mom and I with our Ridge Ranger leader, Jim. He works so hard to organize weekend events for the group to participate in. We took this picture for Uncle Ed. Recognize this guy??

We canoed from the Riverwoods Field Lab on the original Kissimmee River to the channelized river (Canal 38). I tried to insert the text in the picture above at the appropriate locations so you could see where the two intersect. When the restoration project reaches to this point, the spoil banks on each side of the canal will be pushed back in, filling up the dredged channel. This will divert the water back into the natural riverbeds and flood much of the surrounding area, restoring thousands of acres of wetlands. The coolest thing of all is that scientists and those working on the restoration project have never planted native species or distributed seeds in an effort to return the habitat to its original state. With a little water and sunshine, seeds that have been dormant in the soil for all of these years spring forth to life! It is truly amazing to see the determination of nature as this ecosystem thrives with the plant and animal life that it was always meant to possess.

This was such a special sight to see! Sandhill Cranes mate for life, but better than that, they both share equal responsibility in caring for their young. Both mom and dad sit the nest and take turns watching over the area. This was especially neat because the nest was made in the water to protect the eggs/hatchlings from predators. If you look carefully, you can see the mom sitting on the nest with her head poked out above the lilypads. She's checking us out. Dad is standing guard on dry ground.

Making poop!

I just learned that this week Baby H will be reaching a gastrointestinal milestone... the making of poop. In the 14th week, the fetus begins to make meconium (first resemblence of poop) within the intestinal tract. Wow, talk about holding it a long time!!! We call that constipation... in the fetus world, it's completely normal.


According to my very trusty sources (WebMD and the Mayo Clinic websites), Baby H weighs almost an entire ounce!!! He/she has eyelids that are fused together (so much for sight-seeing for a while) and already has distinct facial features (hopefully, my eyes, my nose, my mouth, my chin... okay, so I want my kid to look like a mini-me. Is that so bad?). Supposedly, in the 14th week the little fetus will begin to respond to external stimuli (i.e. people poking me in the stomach) and respond by "wriggling away". Too cute :)

Easter Reflections

Since I didn't submit a post for Easter (camera batteries were dead), I at least wanted to use my Thankful Thursday to reflect on my gratitude for having a Resurrection Sunday to celebrate! I really tried to meditate on the truth of Christ's resurrection last week and focus on the implications of Christ truly being alive and reigning King. I was sharing with Jimmy that my all-time favorite worship songs (even before and after the easter season) are those that exalt Jesus as King, Lord, Conquerer...you know, those vertical songs that allow you to connect with the majesty of God and declare the Kingship of our savior. Perhaps the reason that I am so drawn to those songs and feel such passion when singing them, is because my spirit connects with the truth of the words and what they mean for me. Jesus' resurrection means power over sin and death and victory for me. How can you not get excited out of your skin when singing about the risen Jesus conquering the grave!!! I am thankful to serve the Greatest God!

Mission 1st Trimester: Accomplished!

I'm so happy to be able to finally write this post! We have conquered the first trimester! Today marks the beginning of Week 13 and our little jumping bean is well on his or her way to looking less like an alien and more like a human! For obvious reasons, I've resisted blogging on the events, milestones, and really funny stories of the first weeks of pregnancy... so just to recap, the baby has grown so incredibly much from the time of conception, that if he/she continued to grow at this rate he/she would be like the size of a 2 story building at the end of 9 months! I'm sure it would be hard to find clothes to fit a baby that big...so thank God things are starting to slow down a bit. Baby pretty much has everything, in terms of organs and body parts, that he/she will need, but we're still working on the proportion thing. According to WebMD, "The head is still disproportionately bigger than the body, but the rest of the body is starting to catch up. The face is starting to look more human, with eyes moving closer together. Toes and fingers are clearly separate, and ankles and wrists have formed. External genitalia are becoming visible. Intestines are shifting into their proper place, too." Even though I can't feel it yet, the baby is moving all over the place! He/she is enjoying that olympic size swimming pool before things start getting cramped. I haven't had an ultrasound yet (won't until 20 weeks), but I love looking at youtube videos of 3D ultrasounds that other moms have submitted. I'm amazed that even though a 13 week old fetus is so incredibly small (about 4") it's so developed and active!

I'm especially thankful that "morning" sickness (which was rarely in the morning) is pretty much a thing of the past. I'm not sure if that is a mental-behavioral response, or truly due to medical reasons. Either way, YAY!!! As my uterus is moving up out of my pelvis, my southern organs, particularly the bladder, are breathing a sigh of relief. I'm only getting up once in the middle of the night to pee = more and better sleep. (I've been reminded that excessive urination will soon return in the third trimester).

Here is a 3D ultrasound pic of a 13 week old fetus...not Hurst baby, but they probably look really similar :)

Thankful Thursday

- Cheap maternity clothes at Bealls Outlet!!!
- So many generous and cheerful givers, willing to hand-me-down all kinds of goodies!
- God's mercy (forgoing the punishment we truly deserve)
- God's sovereignty and ultimate control in the earth (whew!...what a relief to know)

You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.
-Psalm 118:28

Thankful

Missed yesterday (what's new), but I have been ready for Thankful Thursday for almost a week! I'm so thankful for all of my family and friends that have been supportive during these pregnancies and losses and especially encouraging during this very exciting time in our lives! I didn't realize how many people out there were lifting us up in prayer until I started getting this flood of emails and comments after last week's post. Thank you, Thank you! We are encouraged by your love :)

Held

Today I attended a memorial service for a baby who never experienced life outside of her mother's womb. Today I attended a service to support two parents who are not only grieving the loss of their baby girl, but who are also grieving the loss of the excitement and anticipation of becoming parents. Today was a tough day.

One of my childhood friends lost her baby from placenta abuptio at 7 months, last Saturday. I have spent the past several days thinking about this, literally dreaming about this, and imagining what this pain must feel like. I have an idea, but the excitement of having a child grows month after month, just as you get to know your unborn child more with each passing day. I imagine that the wound is a little different than what I have experienced; a little deeper. Let me just say, I can't think of many things that would be more painful.

So... in the midst of this great pain I am reminded of a truth that never strays too far from my mind. Pain and suffering on this earth are the very things that drive us into the arms of God. Without great trial in our lives, we would never realize that we are insufficient in and of ourselves; and that He is all sufficient. We are insufficient to handle such pain and hardship, insufficient to carry on in peace. But He is sufficient, providing and being all that we need. I haven't lost a parent, sibling, or spouse (thank God), but I have experienced enough loss in my life to have learned to remember this truth during times like these. It almost seems like these times of loss are much needed opportunities to remind ourselves that "God is in control" and "His ways are higher than ours; His thoughts are deeper" (both truths spoken at funerals everyday). Losing those closest to us, particularly in tragic circumstances, is a reality check on so many levels. There is nothing like thoughts of death and eternity to make you self-evaluate and reflect on your view of God.

In light of loss, I have added a new song to my playlist- "Held" by Natalie Grant. This song is so touching, reminding us that we've never been promised a life without trial or suffering. But rather, the promise is that during those times He will hold us in His everlasting arms.

Friends of the NRA Banquet

Saturday night was the Friends of the NRA banquet for the Lake Wales Ridge Area. Through a strange string of events I was asked to join the planning committee and since Jimmy and I are gun owners and participants in shooting sports, I figured this was a good cause for my volunteer time. (Let me just say that I feel completely blessed to be in a position to give some of my time to worthy causes). It was exciting to be a part of something so big and semi-political. If I didn't believe that our second amendment rights needed to be defended before, I sure do now! Here are some pics from the event...

Me and Jimmy, Mike and Kelly after a yummy Texas Cattle Co. steak dinner!

Our "winnings" from the live auction. I was so excited to be the highest bidder on this crazy buffalo painting. First of all, this was my first time actively participating in a live auction (which is super fun!). And most importantly, we got a killer deal on the item. (I guess there weren't too many buffalo fans in the house). When the charasmatic auctioneer yelled, "sold, for $150 to the lady in the center," I could have just screamed! That was me! I kept saying "oh my gosh, I've never won anything in my life!" And Jimmy didn't hesitate to remind me that I didn't win anything. I'd be paying good money for that picture. I don't know...There is something about an auction that makes you feel like a winner. :)

This picture doesn't do it justice; it really is a great work of art. Come by the house y'all and see it for yourselves!

Michelle's Bachelorette Party- Saturday, March 21st

Thankful Thursday

Tonight I'm thankful for something I've never really been thankful for before... the sound of a baby's heartbeat. "swoosh, swoosh, swoosh" Ah!

I haven't shared this with everyone yet, but I am 10 weeks and 3 days preggo today! Went for my first visit to the midwife and everything looks good! I'm eager for week 12 to get here, but hearing the heartbeat today brought me more joy and peace than I ever could have imagined. I have a feeling this will be 6 1/2 more months of "more than I ever could have imagined".

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
-Psalm 139:13

Thankful whatever (man, I was doing so good).

In our Bible study last week, Missy and I talked about revolutionizing the way we think in regards to who we are in Christ and how we view the world. We were encouraged to memorize scriptures that were affirmative of our standing with God. So, I'm thankful for truth.

• I am God's child. John 1:12
• I am Christ's friend. John 15:15
• I have been justified. Romans 5:1
• I am united with the Lord and one with him in spirit. I Corinthians 6:17
• I have been bought a a price; I belong to God. I Corinthians 6:20
• I am a member of Christ's body. I Corinthians 12:27
• I am a saint. Ephesians 1:1 (Hey, I didn't say it, God did).
• I have been adopted as God's child. Ephesians 1:5
• I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:18
• I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. Colossians 1:14
• I am complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10

Life

I enjoy blogging my thoughts and all the things I'm thankful for, but I most enjoy sharing everyday moments in life. Surely we've all looked at someone else and thought, "wow, they have the best life ever...always active and having fun." We all have adventure and excitement in our lives that we don't recognize or acknowledge enough. I don't want to forget how incredibly blessed I am or just how much fun we really have!

Me, Jimmy, Mike, Melissa, and Trey at the Blue Crab in Sebring. All You Can Eat Crablegs, baby! We ate for over an hour, but surprisingly weren't that stuffed. Guess we worked off some calories with all the crackin' and pickin'!

Jimmy, being silly. These look like really bad bubba teeth.

I love taking pictures of little ones! Trey was such a good sport at dinner. My camera captured him enjoying his extensive menu which included lemons and cheesecake! Yum!

Kayaking with Mom

Last weekend, my mom and I went kayaking across Lake Reedy. We were just shy of the south shore (say that 5x's fast) before turning around and heading back home. Glad to be enjoying this Florida weather!

Thankful Thursday

• abundant life
• certified mental health counselors (...no, really)
• bubble baths and toenail polish
• my family (excluding no one, no matter how screwed up they are ;)
• healthy babies and good deliveries (welcome Rylann Rae, born to Amanda and Ryan TODAY....very, very early this morning)

"Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men..."-Psalm 107:8

Thankful Thursday

I'm especially thankful tonight for my wonderful hubby! I'm thankful that he is adventurous, creative, fun, and young at heart (as seen in the following mechanical bull riding pictures). He has many strengths that I do not, such as spontaneity, which is particularly helpful in this balancing act called marriage. (See bull; ride bull). I'm thankful that he can really hold on when the going gets tough (testified by his determined facial expression in the first bull riding picture). He's a fighter; usually gets right back up when he gets knocked down. (Well, except in this case. At $5 a pop, one ride will have to do). I'm also very thankful that my husband is brilliant! He really is a smart cookie and will do whatever it takes to provide for his family. (By the looks of his 15 second ride, bull riding may even be an option!)

Grace and Sanctification Part II

Now that I'm really getting into this study, I'm wondering if I bit off more than I could chew!! ;) God has so much to say on these subjects and so many wonderful revelations to reveal! This is a mere organization of my thoughts...


At some point in our walk with Christ we begin to mature. We grow from babes drinking spiritual milk to ...well, toddlers eating baby food? Do we ever get to steak and potatoes? I'm not sure. The point is, we grow. God doesn't expect perfection from us. As a matter of fact, as I like to say, failure IS an option. Failure is inevitable, which is why His mercies and grace are new everyday. Nevertheless, through the teachings of the scripture, God makes it clear that He wants us to live pure and holy lives; offering our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God— for this is our spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1) This is not to be confused as payment for salvation. As my pastor reminds us, our desire to live a life pleasing to God is a response of what He has done for us and our love for Him, not as a way to earn what has been freely given. Acceptable living before God (sanctification) is possible because of the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Perfect living, however, is not. If it was, the sacrifice of Jesus, as the scripture says, would be for nothing. So, if even our best works are not good enough to obtain for us eternal life, yet God's freely given grace through faith is, then why even strive towards right living? "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love." -Galations 5:13

"Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God".
-I Peter 2:16


The Parable of the Talents (paraphrased by me)
It's like a man who goes on a journey, but before he leaves gives each of his servants some talents (dolla bills). He gives his best worker (let's say) $5,000, the next best worker $2,000 and the last worker $1000. While he was gone, the first two servants invested their money, earning back double what they started with. The last worker buried his money in a jar. When the boss man returned from his trip he took inventory of what the workers did with his money. He commended the first two for their wise thinking and rewarded them with more money. The last servant, however, was scolded for not using what was given him and his money taken away. Everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.


"And I could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it..."
-I Corinthians 3:1


"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things."
-I Corinthians 13:11


"Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
-I Corinthians 9:26-27

Grace and Sanctification Part I

I've been thinking a lot lately about grace. For a few months now I've been pondering the relationship between grace and sanctification or self-discipline and how they both play an important role in our lives without canceling each other out. At first glance they seem almost opposites, but I believe God designed our lives to be characterized by both [grace and self discipline] simultaneously and in perfect harmony. (Only God can get away with such seemingly contradictory expectations). In his book The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning discusses the all too typical church mentality about grace, which focuses on grace applied at salvation and then transitions into works based faith...where grace essentially ends. Manning reminds us of a great point and Biblical truth which is that grace continues on and on as we walk with Christ; that it extends beyond the point of salvation; and that it never changes- grace is always the only way. Grace is never replaced by works, salvation is never earned, and nothing can separate us from the Love of God... no matter how long (or short) we have been walking with God. I think this truth is frankly unbelievable to so many because we are so unworthy. Thus, the meaning of grace.

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (paraphrased by me):
The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. He agreed to give each of them a denarius (let's say $100) for a day's work. He hired a few early in the morning, a few more at lunch time, and some in the afternoon. At the end of the work day, he paid each of them the same. Of course, the men who worked longer hours complained that they should receive more pay. The boss man said, "Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you."
-Matthew 20:1-16

"Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ."
-Romans 5:20-21

"That I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ..."
-Philippians 3:8-9

...stay tuned for Grace and Sanctification Part II

Thankful Thursday (subject to changing days)

• fresh air and sunshine
• forgiveness- from God and others
• good health and healing
• I'm thankful that I have so many things to be thankful for, that sometimes it is hard to come up with examples!!!

...that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever. -Psalm 30:12

Thankful Thursday

• I am thankful for having a functioning refrigerator IN my kitchen!!!!
• For having ice. Period.
• Did I mention I am thankful to have a refrigerator and ice after three long months of trucking back and forth to the garage to obtain cold food and beverages??? Thank you, Jesus!
• I am thankful that God cares about even the little things in our lives...like refrigerators.
• I'm thankful that God answers prayers...in a variety of ways, not always the way would like Him to, but always perfectly and timely for His will. His ways are higher than ours; His thoughts are deeper.

I have to share this. This may seem silly to some of you, but in the midst of our refrigerator nightmares (when we found out that our "new" refrigerator was not working either) I stopped for a moment, literally laid my hand on the refrigerator door and prayed in exasperation, "God, PLEASE, make this refrigerator work...or at least let whatever is wrong with it be fixed for little money. In Jesus' name. Amen." I giggled as I walked away, remembering all the times growing up when my very Pentecostal grandmother laid her hands on EVERYTHING (including family members) demanding that they function properly (or behave properly) in Jesus' name. I soon forgot about my refrigerator request and went on complaining and worrying about, you guessed it, not having access to an icebox in the house. Okay, now fast-forwarding to Tuesday night... Jimmy asked a friend who has experience in air conditioning repair to come over and take a look at our frig. After tinkering with a few things he pulled out a small switch box and said, "looks like just a small problem...should only cost about $20 to fix". A small problem???? Thank you, Jesus, for answering my prayer...in a way that makes me (and my pocketbook) particularly happy :) He listens. He cares. ...and He humors me at times.

The Writing on the Wall

I've always wanted to decorate with vinyl lettering and finally took the plunge! I thought this scripture was perfect for the dining room and, of course, it is in no other color than "orange juice" :) Just what I needed to highlight the oranges in my kitchen...(now if I can just budget enough money for the fiesta tangerine canister set)! Words are so powerful (The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.-Proverbs 18:10). I'm really looking forward to being reminded of God's goodness everytime I walk in the kitchen! I told Jimmy at dinner tonight that I can just imagine our little one asking, "mommy, did you eat the Lord for supper?" "No, of course not, honey." "Well, then, how do you know he tastes good?"

FYI, I bought the lettering from Fruitful Vine Creations (http://www.fruitfulvinecreations.com/).

Love Writes a Deadly Verse

Jimmy and I celebrated Valentine's Day on Friday night at the murder mystery dinner put on by the Frostproof Chamber of Commerce. We didn't quite know what to expect (especially since this was a Frostproof production with an amateur cast) and even found ourselves a little nervous during the drive there! Nevertheless, we had a great time trying to solve the murder mystery and were impressed by the dinner and show. Here are some pics from the event, which was lots of fun (even though Jimmy and I were by far the youngest couple there!). XOXO

Thankful Thursday

Owning your own business is hard work! Can I get an amen?! I've recently taken on the daunting task of being the "office manager" for Hurst Pest (although, Jimmy says that's just a glorified name for secretary). I'm putting my organizational skills to the test (along with my accounting talents...or lack thereof) and learning the ins and outs of running a business. So, in the spirit of entrepreneurship, I've decided to give thanks today for...

• having a brave husband who had the guts to make his own way and who has consistently portrayed the Provider image of the Father.
• the freedom to make our own schedule and take as many vacation days as we'd like (or can afford).
• Quickbooks.
• loyal customers.
• the opportunity to learn something I was never taught in school.
• endless opportunities to grow, experience, and be creative.
• drawing closer to God and relying on His faithfulness during times of uncertainty.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.- Psalm 100:4

Thankful Thursday (yay, I finally did it...thanks to Nikki's friendly reminder ;)

Today, I'm thankful for...

• having the BEST yoga instructor ever...even if I only have her for a little while :(


• great songs (and books) that I hear (or read) just when I need them


• facebook- connecting with old friends


• the sunshine (which I would really like to experience right now)


• my house and the fact that we can still pay the mortgage! Hallelujah!

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.- Psalm 7:17

While I'm waiting

I want to share with you the lyrics to a song that has really ministered to me lately. You're probably thinking, "wow, you must just sit around all day listening to music"...that's not exactly the case (though I do listen to music while I'm doing most things). Songs tend to fall in my lap unexpectedly, like this one...at a superbowl party. Go figure. (Thanks Heather for your obedience in sharing).

As I shared in an earlier post, I'm in a season of waiting, encouraged by scriptures and songs that remind me that waiting on the Lord is beneficial and many times necessary to strengthen us for the great things He has planned. Since my last post, however, baby shower invitations seem to be coming in droves, happy, pregnant women are everywhere I look, and precious and loved babies are being born. I caved momentarily under the pressure and became debilitated by my pain. I cried out to God, "I have to move on with my life. I can't live like this. I have to be content in my circumstances." A few days later (at the superbowl party), a friend of mine asked me if I heard this particular song. She played it for me and God immediately spoke through it. The lyrics encompass everything I've been experiencing, including the pain, as well as the hope that I have in Christ Jesus and His miracle working power. I have played the song repeatedly throughout this week and have been encouraged by the words of truth, hope, and faith. I finally realized that God not only wants me to trust in Him during my trial and rest in His strength and promises, but He also wants me to carry on, persevering for the promise...to serve him, worship him, and be a functional member of the body of Christ, not held down in depression and despair. The enemy wants us debilitated, unable to be a useful tool for the Kingdom. God wants us to serve Him through our pain.

So here are the lyrics (for those of you party poopers who keep the speakers on your computer turned off). Otherwise, listen and enjoy.

"I'm waiting" by John Waller

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You While I'm waiting
I will worship While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Thankful Thursday (or Friday...again!)

Not exactly sure why I can't seem to remember Thankful Thursday (which phonetically makes much more sense than Thankful Friday). Nevertheless, here goes my list for this week. I'm thankful for...

• Curling up in a warm blanket with a good book on a rainy day (like today!)
• Having the freedom to be out and about during the day and choose your own work hours (something I've recently discovered is quite a luxury).
• freedom.
• grace.
• having an extra refigerator in our garage when our indoor frig broke. (Sometimes it takes going without a conveniently located refrigerator to really appreciate it!)
• Jimmy's success at getting a new account which is allowing us to expand the business.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. I Chronicles 16:24

Everywhere I go I see You

Have you ever known something, but you really didn't know it? Or you thought you knew it until you really knew it? Or thought you understood something until it ...okay, okay, you get the point. I'm doing a Bible study right now called "Left of Matthew"- really neat study on the highlights of the Old Testament. It appropriately starts with God creating the earth and it's fullness- a study on the first chapters of Genesis. I taught a semester of biology, environmental science, have been saved for a number of years, read the Bible, grew up in Sunday School...I should have a solid understanding of creationism, right? Not until I really knew it!

I've mentioned Job before in my blogging and think of his story often, particularly when everything in my life seems to be going to pot. What a man, right? To go through losing everything in your life (except your life) and never turn your back on God. That doesn't mean Job never questioned God or that he never cried out, "God, what are you doing??!!" If fact, he did...and God answered him. God answered Job with a series of questions that could be summed up, "Are you, Job, seriously questioning, me, God?" In a much lengthier version, God says, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?...Who determined its measurements...or who shut in the sea with doors?" He almost sarcastically asks Job if he created and ordered this laundry list of things; if he knows the meticulous details of all of the creatures; if he can accomplish divine tasks like sending out lightning with his voice. I can hear Job now... "well, uh, uh, no, but, uh, no..." God was saying, "DUH!!! You aren't God; I am. And if I created all of these things, and master over them, what makes you think I'm not capable of mastering over the forces behind your problems?!" Great point, huh?

Okay, back to creationism...(women. we do that sometimes. belaboring the point.) So, the thing that really got me in that passage- God's answer to Job (Job 38-41) was how intricately he knew the animals. He talks about how He didn't give the ostrich wisdom or understanding, which is why she lays her eggs in the sand only covered by dust (an environment not conducive to successful egg hatching). And how the horse in all of its might and splendor, born ready for battle, is scared of a locust. (I'm sure many of us can attest to the spookiness of horses- bees, noises, trash on the ground- they're scared of anything that can't harm them ;) As I read these things and the many other details I found myself truly knowing for the first time. God really did create each of these creatures "according to their own kind". He knows what makes each of them different. After all, he designed their differences, their idiosyncrasies, their color, shape, height, purpose, life cycle, feeding patterns, behaviors... And creatures are just a portion of creation. He has a purpose and design for all weather patterns (which after teaching earth science really amazes me!)

I ended the first chapter of my new Bible study with a commitment to acknowledge God in His creation more. To remember that He created ALL of the things surrounding me and that His glory is revealed through each detail! With that in mind, I came to church this morning and a BIG grin swept across my face as we sang the following song. I looked for the lyrics on the Internet and came across this amazing video! I encourage you to take 5 minutes to watch it, listen to the words, and reflect on His greatness.

(You'll have to scroll down to my music box on the right and pause it in order to hear this song. And it might need a minute to buffer.)

Everywhere I Go, I See You

Everywhere I Go, I See You

Thankful Thursday (or Friday)

Okay, my intentions were good, but I missed the Thankful Thursday bandwagon (great idea Heather...or Heather's friend). Jimmy is out of town this weekend and here I am up at almost midnight trying to do anything but go to sleep alone (I hate that). Sounds like a good time to catch up to the Thankful Thursday bandwagon and jump on.

What am I thankful for? Hmmm...let's see.

• Getting to sleep beside my husband every night. (Had to start with that one).
• Good friends.
• Living in Florida and getting to enjoy the sun on my skin so often. (I felt it today for the first time in a while!)
• Dogs that love me and offer unconditional companionship.
• Saturdays to do whatever makes me happy (which lately has included all kinds of silly things like belly dancing cardio- Yeah!)
• Learning...always learning. "Aha" moments.

That felt good. To give thanks. So much is praiseworthy. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil. 4:8

"Teach me Lord, Teach me Lord, to wait"

It's funny how God works sometimes, isn't it? I've been in a slump lately- which is not my usual New Year mentality, but nevertheless, 2009 did not start the way I planned. As probably way too many of you know, Jimmy and I are eager to get pregnant again and planned to "get it on" New Year's eve and enter the new year with a happy, healthy, and SUCCESSFUL pregnancy. Unbeknownst to me, God's plan was not exactly the same. It also didn't help that January 13th, a difficult day (a difficult month), was the due date of our first baby. So, anyway, where was I?...in a slump. So, one of my great friends in Christ (love you, Kristy- what a joy to be a tool in His hands) called me the other day for a short but inspiring and loving chat that left me in total awe of our Lord and how much He loves me. She said the words of a popular Christian song, which are also from a verse in Isaiah, "our strength shall rise as we wait upon the Lord." When I got off the phone with her I began to sing the song and tears began to flow. God was meeting me in my pain right then and there. It was like he was wrapping his big, comforting hands around my heart. And in that moment I was sitting in my Daddy's arms letting Him wipe away every tear. I realized He was there all along waiting for me to rest in his comfort.

The story gets better from here... I decided to add the song to my blog playlist, but wasn't sure of the exact title or artist. I googled the words quoted above, clicked on one of the search results, and was led to the blogspot of a random family who posted the lyrics of the song in response to a great trial in their lives. Back in February of last year they lost their newborn baby boy at birth. The son that she carried and nurtured for 9 long months was not able to come home with them...and my heart ached for her. I try to not minimize my own pain, but it sure puts things in perspective when you hear something like that!

I am waiting... and learning what it means to wait upon the Lord. I've heard a few different sermons on that popular phrase from the Bible, but to me it now has a whole new meaning. To wait on the Lord is to rest in the moment of trial or uncertainty, knowing that He is ultimately in control of all things, working all things for my good, and that in a matter of His timing He will show himself strong and faithful. It's like watching a game that is head to head, waiting for the ending because you know your team will be victorious! And as I wait, my strength will rise.

-Isaiah 40: 27-31
Why do you say, O _____ (put your name here), and speak O _________, "My way is hidden from the Lord, and my just claim is passed over by my God"?

[I like to read this next part really loud with great enthusiasm ;)]
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary.

His understanding is unsearchable. he gives power to the weak and to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.
But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not faint.