Last weekend at church our pastor's wife shared a lesson for Mother's day. It was about delighting in the tasks that the Lord has given you. She spoke about how she deals with the challenge of delighting in staying home with their 2 small children (2 and 4). Then 2 of my daily devotionals have been about the Proverbs 31 woman.
Kind of a big lesson for me since the Lord has been working on me for a while about what I am being called to do. After 3 years of working rear off I am dealing with the decision to leave the office and stay home. I shared at our home group the other week that I was having a hard time with this decision. I am struggling with the thought of being 'just a mom'. Even though I know that being a Mom is the greatest career of all. I struggle with it because I worked hard to get my degree and I put in 3 years of grueling work at a company, and I had been wondering if I was 'throwing it away'. After Sunday's message at church and my 2 devotionals, I think it is very clear that the Lord is calling me to stay home with the girls and that our plan is aligning with His. I am so excited to know that this is where I am supposed to be.
I never really thought about being a mom before I met Justin. I remember a talk I had with my dad when I started dating Justin. He asked me if I was ready for kids and if I even wanted kids since Justin and Bethany are very much a package deal. My dad asked me because he knew I hadn't given it much thought. And to be honest I was never one of those little girls who says they want x number of kids and the white picket fence. I knew I would go to college, get my degree, and get a job and that someday far in the future I would get married and have kids. In my view of the future I didn't see myself getting married my senior year and becoming a step mom. I never saw myself living on the east coast, being married with 2 kids before I turned 25.
I have been surprised and challenged by the Lord's plan for me. I am so blessed by what He has given me in this family and in my role as Mom! Sometimes the Lord's plan is very different from your plan, but I am so glad I was open to what he set before me. And now the challenge of delighting in my new role begins.......
www.proverbs31woman.com
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Mother's Day
With my Nana and Mom at my bridal shower!
Being a Mommy is such a gift. I can say that with a deeper understanding of being a Mommy now than last year. I have been mothering Bethany, kissing boo boos, playing princess, wiping tears, and encouraging daily. I have been teaching and loving her since we met in 2006, and I can say that when she calls me Mom my heart swells with joy. The Lord brought us together as a family because we need one another. I need to be her Mom as much as she needs me and it really is a beautiful thing.
That being said, as I sit in bed with the baby sleeping on my chest I am filled with pride and happiness in each time she looks at me and smiles her toothless smile. Madison has given me the chance to fully experience motherhood and I am so happy the Lord blessed our family with her. She is such a character already, full of personality like we all knew she would be! She is a happy baby, and loves to snuggle. It is hard to explain how giving birth changed me. I am truly a Mommy and no one can take that away from me.
I love being a mom for my girls, I love watching Bethany play soccer and I love listening to her never ending stories that seem to be about nothing. And even when I am at my whits end, when she brings me a picture or note that says I LOVE MOM, I melt! I love all of the things B makes for me, which is why we have 2 large moving boxes full of her kindergarten work....what am I going to do with all of it?! I love Madison's little noises and watching her grow. I really don't mind the diapers and the late nights because she is only going to be this little for a short time. I love this season of life with the girls.
People may say that Mother's day is a Hallmark holiday but I think it is so important for everyone to reflect on how thankful they are for their Mom's and for Moms to reflect on how thankful they are for their children. My Mom is an amazing woman, and even though we can be like oil and water she is my stronghold. We talk at least 4 times a day, and I need those conversations. She is an amazing woman and I love her so much. Thank you mom for teaching me how to be not only a Mom but a Friend!! Also to my Nana, you are the most amazing person, and I am so lucky to have you in my life. These strong, beautiful women taught me everything I know about being a wife and mother. Thank you so much for the wonderful examples you set for me!
Here is a poem I found shortly after Madison was born, I think it is beautiful and wonderful and I LOVE IT!
That being said, as I sit in bed with the baby sleeping on my chest I am filled with pride and happiness in each time she looks at me and smiles her toothless smile. Madison has given me the chance to fully experience motherhood and I am so happy the Lord blessed our family with her. She is such a character already, full of personality like we all knew she would be! She is a happy baby, and loves to snuggle. It is hard to explain how giving birth changed me. I am truly a Mommy and no one can take that away from me.
I love being a mom for my girls, I love watching Bethany play soccer and I love listening to her never ending stories that seem to be about nothing. And even when I am at my whits end, when she brings me a picture or note that says I LOVE MOM, I melt! I love all of the things B makes for me, which is why we have 2 large moving boxes full of her kindergarten work....what am I going to do with all of it?! I love Madison's little noises and watching her grow. I really don't mind the diapers and the late nights because she is only going to be this little for a short time. I love this season of life with the girls.
People may say that Mother's day is a Hallmark holiday but I think it is so important for everyone to reflect on how thankful they are for their Mom's and for Moms to reflect on how thankful they are for their children. My Mom is an amazing woman, and even though we can be like oil and water she is my stronghold. We talk at least 4 times a day, and I need those conversations. She is an amazing woman and I love her so much. Thank you mom for teaching me how to be not only a Mom but a Friend!! Also to my Nana, you are the most amazing person, and I am so lucky to have you in my life. These strong, beautiful women taught me everything I know about being a wife and mother. Thank you so much for the wonderful examples you set for me!
Here is a poem I found shortly after Madison was born, I think it is beautiful and wonderful and I LOVE IT!
Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.
Oh, I’ve grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo
The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew
And out in the yard there’s a hullabaloo
But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren’t his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.
The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.
- Ruth Hulbert Hamilton
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
for the first time in about 11 months...OUCH!
Before I found out I was expecting baby Madison, I was doing really good with working out. I would get up in the mornings before work (yes at 4:45!) and go to the gym. I would workout and be at work by 7 and then work until 6. When I came home I would even do an at home workout on fitness on demand before bed. I was getting into a really good routine, until I got pregnant. Then I was sooo tired and just didn't feel like working out, so I didn't. That was all well and good because after all I was carrying our little blessing, but now that she is here I really want to get back into my pre-wedding shape. I gained some weight like most newlyweds do, and now it is time for it to leave! So last week I started with my walk down the fitness trail, and then on Friday I went to an outdoor mommy and me stroller work out that totally kicked my butt! To the point that I had a hard time sitting down all weekend because my legs and butt hurt so bad. Monday I had every intention of going to another stroller work out, but on my way out the door I ended up chasing down the elderly neighbor's dog, and then Madison decided to nurse for about 30 min longer than usual...so I didn't make it. This morning it is raining cats and dogs so I went to the gym at the complex (which is really nice) and decided to run. I started out with a goal of 1 mile or 30 min which ever came first. When I passed a mile at 11 min I kept going and finished at 1.5 miles in 18 min. So I kept going until 25 Min and my legs felt a little like jelly. I love the elliptical because it is so low impact, and I don't feel coordinated enough for the treadmill.
Anyway I will keep yall updated on my progress and I hope to work out at least 3 times a week!
I want to wear a dress that I wore on my honeymoon to my friend Kristina's wedding in June not to mention I have an amazing pair of Paper Denim and Cloth jeans that I need to wear in TX!!
Anyway I will keep yall updated on my progress and I hope to work out at least 3 times a week!
I want to wear a dress that I wore on my honeymoon to my friend Kristina's wedding in June not to mention I have an amazing pair of Paper Denim and Cloth jeans that I need to wear in TX!!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
On the trail!
Yesterday was a beautiful spring day! Spring is a season that I am experiencing for the first time this year, in TX it seems we always go straight into summer from winter. It has been nice easing our way into warm days before we find smouldering hot days. The only thing I would change about this new found season is the pollen. Holy smokes that crap is everywhere!! My car has a perpetual film of yellow on it, and I cannot stop rubbing my eyes.
Since yesterday was so pretty I decided to take full advantage of some of the amenities we pay for at this absurdly overpriced apartment complex. I went outside with Madi and Derby and went for a long walk. We did the entire fitness trail (1 way = 2.5 miles) and then we walked from our building all the way to the back of the complex and around from the clubhouse. We walked for almost 2 hours! It was great! Madison took full advantage of her comfy seat in her stroller and slept the whole time, and Derby was a champ. He loved the walk, although he hasn't gotten out of bed yet this morning. :) It felt so good to get outside and get some sun & exercise. I was in a really good groove of working out in the mornings before work and I was doing soooo good until I got pregnant. Then the extreme tiredness took over and other than work and caring for the fam I didn't want to do anything! Now that I have my sweet baby with me and some free time on my hands I am so excited to start working out again! Technically I haven't been "cleared" by the doctor....but I feel great! I will continue to 'take it easy' until I get the go ahead at the Doctor in 2 weeks.
The fitness trail is amazing, it is through the woods behind our building and wraps all around the complex. You feel like you are on a hike and the trees are great. The really cool thing about VA is that there are so many trees, and BIG ones! You will be driving through town and then all of the sudden there are woods to your left or right. It's neat!
On the home buying front, I toured 2 homes this week....one of them was craptastic! I cannot believe people would show their house in that kind of condition and expect to sell it for $200,000+! The entire property smelled like cat pee!! GROSS! I have a couple other houses that I want to go look at this week, since they are short sales. Our lease isn't up here until September but we want to have a seamless (or as seamless as possible) transition. It's stressful and exciting to find a new house in a new area. There are just SO MANY things to think about, and the homes out here are very different from the houses in Texas! Everything feels kind of vanilla in the houses, so hopefully we can find one with personality and promise that we can be happy in for a few years.
Okay enough rambling, the baby just fell asleep and after a sleepless night I am going to follow her lead!
Since yesterday was so pretty I decided to take full advantage of some of the amenities we pay for at this absurdly overpriced apartment complex. I went outside with Madi and Derby and went for a long walk. We did the entire fitness trail (1 way = 2.5 miles) and then we walked from our building all the way to the back of the complex and around from the clubhouse. We walked for almost 2 hours! It was great! Madison took full advantage of her comfy seat in her stroller and slept the whole time, and Derby was a champ. He loved the walk, although he hasn't gotten out of bed yet this morning. :) It felt so good to get outside and get some sun & exercise. I was in a really good groove of working out in the mornings before work and I was doing soooo good until I got pregnant. Then the extreme tiredness took over and other than work and caring for the fam I didn't want to do anything! Now that I have my sweet baby with me and some free time on my hands I am so excited to start working out again! Technically I haven't been "cleared" by the doctor....but I feel great! I will continue to 'take it easy' until I get the go ahead at the Doctor in 2 weeks.
The fitness trail is amazing, it is through the woods behind our building and wraps all around the complex. You feel like you are on a hike and the trees are great. The really cool thing about VA is that there are so many trees, and BIG ones! You will be driving through town and then all of the sudden there are woods to your left or right. It's neat!
On the home buying front, I toured 2 homes this week....one of them was craptastic! I cannot believe people would show their house in that kind of condition and expect to sell it for $200,000+! The entire property smelled like cat pee!! GROSS! I have a couple other houses that I want to go look at this week, since they are short sales. Our lease isn't up here until September but we want to have a seamless (or as seamless as possible) transition. It's stressful and exciting to find a new house in a new area. There are just SO MANY things to think about, and the homes out here are very different from the houses in Texas! Everything feels kind of vanilla in the houses, so hopefully we can find one with personality and promise that we can be happy in for a few years.
Okay enough rambling, the baby just fell asleep and after a sleepless night I am going to follow her lead!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Bunnies, Rock Band, and Birthdays!!
Spring time is always very busy in the Major house. With Justin and Bethany both having a birthday in the same week I always feel a little nuts the last week of April. This weekend we celebrated Easter with our VA friends who are very quickly becoming family. It was so nice to know that we had plans for Easter and even though we could not celebrate with our families in TX and OR, we still got to feel at home.
We started out the weekend BIG with Bethany hosting her first sleepover. She had her BFF, Abbey over after our church group Friday night and they had a blast. We have no idea what time they finally went to sleep but it was way after midnight. Justin was so sweet to make breakfast for the girls and help them dye Easter eggs. Madison had a hard night Friday night so I was lucky enough to sleep in while J entertained the older girls. He even brought me breakfast in bed...what a guy!
Saturday after the eggs were dyed and the girls were clean and presentable, we headed to church to celebrate Easter. I love our church, it is very upbeat and always has a great message. Although I am having a hard time adjusting to having the baby and sitting in the family viewing area....I am just not ready to leave Madi in the nursery. We went to the first service and then served in the infant's room for the second service. After seeing the amazing volunteers in the infant's room and meeting the lady that is in charge I have much more a sense of calm about leaving her in there. I think maybe by next week I will be ready...maybe. There is nothing that will brighten your day quite like a room full of babies. It was so much fun volunteering in there, and Justin loved it too.
Sunday was a great day for family time. Justin made his famous Major potatoes and we headed over to the Ramsey's house for linner. It was so nice to have homemade fried chicken, and for the kids to get to play. We have so much fun with them, our other friends the Kitchen's also joined us and between the 3 couples there were 6.5 kids running around. It was a little crazy but 100% fun! We finished the night with some rock band and lots of laughs. Nothing like celebrating Christ's resurrection with a little off key singing of No Doubt.
Today we are celebrating Justin's birthday, and I am going to be adventurous in the kitchen and make the bday cake from scratch....fingers crossed!
Happy 27th bday to my amazing man and happy 1 month Madi West!!!
We started out the weekend BIG with Bethany hosting her first sleepover. She had her BFF, Abbey over after our church group Friday night and they had a blast. We have no idea what time they finally went to sleep but it was way after midnight. Justin was so sweet to make breakfast for the girls and help them dye Easter eggs. Madison had a hard night Friday night so I was lucky enough to sleep in while J entertained the older girls. He even brought me breakfast in bed...what a guy!
Saturday after the eggs were dyed and the girls were clean and presentable, we headed to church to celebrate Easter. I love our church, it is very upbeat and always has a great message. Although I am having a hard time adjusting to having the baby and sitting in the family viewing area....I am just not ready to leave Madi in the nursery. We went to the first service and then served in the infant's room for the second service. After seeing the amazing volunteers in the infant's room and meeting the lady that is in charge I have much more a sense of calm about leaving her in there. I think maybe by next week I will be ready...maybe. There is nothing that will brighten your day quite like a room full of babies. It was so much fun volunteering in there, and Justin loved it too.
Sunday was a great day for family time. Justin made his famous Major potatoes and we headed over to the Ramsey's house for linner. It was so nice to have homemade fried chicken, and for the kids to get to play. We have so much fun with them, our other friends the Kitchen's also joined us and between the 3 couples there were 6.5 kids running around. It was a little crazy but 100% fun! We finished the night with some rock band and lots of laughs. Nothing like celebrating Christ's resurrection with a little off key singing of No Doubt.
Today we are celebrating Justin's birthday, and I am going to be adventurous in the kitchen and make the bday cake from scratch....fingers crossed!
Happy 27th bday to my amazing man and happy 1 month Madi West!!!
Friday, April 22, 2011
4 weeks already?!
4 weeks old!
1 week old
1 week old
I cannot believe my baby is 4 weeks old today! In some ways it feels like it has gone by in a blink and in others it feels like I have always had her with me. I love spending my days playing and snuggling. I don't really care if the laundry sits in the hamper for a couple days or if I lose a few hours to just staring at her. Happy 4 weeks little one, you truly are amazing!
just born...
Enjoying some Mommy time after she ate for the first time!
Inside Mommy.....around 28 weeks (I think)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Let's try this again...
I have thought about doing a blog for a long time, and now that I am home with the baby I thought it would be a great way to share what we have been up to with our friends and family. I was surprised to find out that I had started a blog on here back in 09....definitely forgot about that one! So that made starting this thing easier, since I had already started it!
Today is a very happy day for us as Bethany is turning 6! We celebrated this weekend with a party and lots of fun. She had about 10 of her friends over to the playground by the apartment for pizza, a pinata, silly string, and bobbing for apples. I might venture to say it was the most successful birthday party to date! Since today is her actual birthday, I am taking the girls to the mall so Bethany can finally get her build a bear! She has wanted one for a couple years, and we decided that turning 6 was the perfect occasion.
Madison is doing so great, and she will be 4 weeks old tomorrow. She is starting to spend more time awake, and is really focusing on us more. Her eyes are so beautiful and captivating that when she is awake we just stare at each other....its amazing. Everyone said there is nothing like being a Mommy, and even though I have been mothering B for almost 5 years, it is different. I feel like I have become more patient with B and being home the last few weeks has given me such a sense of calm. It is so amazing to not have to rush around in the mornings and to know that I don't have to spend 12 hours at work. I am loving this stay at home thing.
This week is Bethany's spring break, so we have been doing fun things each day. Yesterday we went over to our sweet friends' house for a playdate! The Lord has given us some great new friends in Virginia, that have made our transition to the new area much easier. The Ramsey's have 3 little girls who are 2, 3, and 5 so when they get together with B it is a messy, fun, crazy time!
I am so looking forward to each day now, and cannot wait to see what cute things Madi is going to do!
Today is a very happy day for us as Bethany is turning 6! We celebrated this weekend with a party and lots of fun. She had about 10 of her friends over to the playground by the apartment for pizza, a pinata, silly string, and bobbing for apples. I might venture to say it was the most successful birthday party to date! Since today is her actual birthday, I am taking the girls to the mall so Bethany can finally get her build a bear! She has wanted one for a couple years, and we decided that turning 6 was the perfect occasion.
Madison is doing so great, and she will be 4 weeks old tomorrow. She is starting to spend more time awake, and is really focusing on us more. Her eyes are so beautiful and captivating that when she is awake we just stare at each other....its amazing. Everyone said there is nothing like being a Mommy, and even though I have been mothering B for almost 5 years, it is different. I feel like I have become more patient with B and being home the last few weeks has given me such a sense of calm. It is so amazing to not have to rush around in the mornings and to know that I don't have to spend 12 hours at work. I am loving this stay at home thing.
This week is Bethany's spring break, so we have been doing fun things each day. Yesterday we went over to our sweet friends' house for a playdate! The Lord has given us some great new friends in Virginia, that have made our transition to the new area much easier. The Ramsey's have 3 little girls who are 2, 3, and 5 so when they get together with B it is a messy, fun, crazy time!
I am so looking forward to each day now, and cannot wait to see what cute things Madi is going to do!
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