Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store....

One of my all time favorite Christmas movies is How the Grinch Stole Christmas and my favorite line in the whole movie is "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe just maybe it means something more". As I finished up my Christmas shopping and got excited about all the things I had gotten for Caleb and for Ryan, I had a wave of guilt overcome me. There are so many families out there that can't find the money for the next meal and here I am buying meaningless junk. I pray that I can instill the values in my son that make him grow up and realize that Christmas means something more than just the gifts. I know that he is just 2 1/2 months old right now and he really can't understand much of what happens around him, but I still worry that I am not good enough for him and that I won't do enough to lead him in the direction of Christ. I am reminded this Christmas season of a wonderful mother who is now in Heaven. How I wish she was still here for me to send a quick email to and receive back her encouraging words for a first time mom. I pray that I can have the same legacy in my children that she has so strongly left in her three!
The opportunity has come into my heart to teach children's choir at our church. I feel strongly that this is something I need to volunteer my time to take on and lead this. However, I also have an overwhelming fear that I won't be what the children need, that I will somehow let them and their parents down. I have never lead nor helped with children's choir before so I will be relying very heavily on God and praying that he use me in this position to draw these children closer to him. As I finish up this brief moment of silence as my precious son naps I want to mention a verse that was spoken on today in church, Revelation 21: 4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." I am so lucky to get the privilege of watching my son grow and change and I pray for the family of the mother I mentioned earlier. May they keep their faith in God this season as the upcoming anniversary of their mothers death looms.

Merry Christmas!

My Love

Welcome to the world my little sweet heart! Born September 28, 2011 7:40 PM 7 LBS 21 1/4 inches long! Ryan and i love him so much our hearts swell with all the blessings God has given us! We are moving into our home next week and we can't wait for what the future holds for our new family (hopefully he doesn't grow too fast!)

For the first time in my life I am not ready for what's next I am content and so peaceful with my life and what has become of Ryan & I and our relationship! Words cannot describe how having a baby changes you inside and out! I love you sweet Caleb!

Big Day!

So today is a big day for our family! I have been scheduled to be induced at 9 PM tonight! I am praying for a healthy baby boy, a smooth delivery, and a quick delivery! Before we head over to Midland we will be having a quick baby shower from some very sweet ladies here in Seminole! Ryan and I are so very blessed to be surrounded by people who love us and love Caleb already!

On top of all this that is spinning around in my head we put an offer in on a house and got back a counter offer. We still aren't satisfied with their counter so we are searching to find what we should do next...You might say it's going to be a bit of a stressful day! I keep trying to set my eyes on the end prize which is holding Caleb and finally getting to kiss his little nose!

I know that God has a perfect house for us I am just praying that we can clear our minds and hearts and really listen to what He is telling us! I can't wait to start our life with Caleb and our new home!

Here goes nothing!

Tomorrow is the big move! I can't believe we are moving with me being 35 weeks pregnant! We will drive half way to Dallas tomorrow afternoon ( that's about 5 hours away from here), and then the additional 5 hours to Seminole on Saturday! I hope we can find a home and sell our home here before baby Caleb comes, but things don't always work out the way we hope! All I know is that I am going to have a beautiful baby boy this fall and that makes everything else just seem menial! Ryan starts his new job on Tuesday, I really hope he's happy and enjoys his new working environment! I can't wait to start our new chapter together, he's going to be such a great daddy! I am going to post a few of our maternity pictures that we took. The amazing Mandy Bonds is to thank for these wonderful pics!

Giveaway time!!

One of my favorite blogs is having an awesome Twisted Twine give away! Hop on over to the blog and follow the directions for your chance to win!!!

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/08/bonus-giveaway-twisted-sugar-twine.html

Picture Window

Well I have finished it....almost...all that's lacking are pictures of my sweet baby boy!

Before

Why I made it in the first place!

Frames and Windows

I have been looking all over for a great cheap frame to make a message board out of. Today I ran into Beaumont to a store I hadn't been to yet called "Tattered Suitcase". I found a couple of amazing treasures. One I have completed and the other one is still a work in progress, I will post pictures as soon as I finish!

Chicken wire frame - before

and after!

Window...work in progress!

Happy 4th of July

Well it's rounding out 6 1/2 months with my first pregnancy with our precious Caleb. It is officially July in Southeast TX which means, hot, humid, nasty days! This in turn means this momma whale is staying indoors for most of the day! I am getting more and more antsy staying at home as the days go on, but I have decided to start doing some little onsies with my cricut, pictures will come soon! So far I have made a couple of birthday cards for my nephews and done a little bit of scrap booking. Also our lives could be in for a few changes if it's in God's plan. More information about that will come!  Here are the most recent cards and an updated picture of the pregnancy! 

Fruit Pizza

My mother - in - law specializes in my husbands FAVORITE dessert, so I got to learn from the best! It is really very easy!

What you need:
1 pkg. Pillsbury Sugar Cookie
1 pkg. cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
9 inch by 2 1/2 inch round pan
different fruits of your choice ( I usually use kiwi, strawberries, and grapes, however, I couldn't find any good kiwi at the store this time)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the inside of your round pan. Spread cookie dough evenly inside the pan. Bake until golden approximately 10-15  minutes depending on your oven.

In a small mixing bowl, mix together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Wait until your cookie crust is completely cool, spread cream cheese mixture on top. Slice up your fruit and place on top of the cream cheese mixture.

Place in refrigerator, it's best served cold! Hope you enjoy!

ITS A BOY!!!!!!!

Little Boys

Author: Unknown

Little boys come in all shapes and sizes,
Shy and adventurous, full of surprises,
With misshapen halos and mischievous grins,
Small dirty faces, and sweet, sticky chins.

They'll keep you so busy, and yet all the while
Nothing can brighten the world like their smile.
And no greater treasure has brought homes more joy 

Than a curious, active, and lovable boy


We found out today that our precious little bundle is in fact a boy! Even though his little heart rate was ALWAYS over 140 (wives tale proved wrong!), we are so excited! I am even more excited that I got to see my baby boy, Caleb Ryan Warren! He's already very handsome and just too sweet for words! 

PROOF!

sweet baby foot!

My favorite profile picture!

Yarn Eggs

So I was browsing through blogs and I saw a cute cute idea! I stole this from a friend of mine her blog address is: Living with Grace
These are super easy! Place glue on the end of the egg and wrap vertically until the entire egg is covered!
You'll need:

craft glue

multi-colored yarn

plastic eggs

wrapping

finished product!

Baby swing and rocker giveaway

As I am browsing through mommy blogs. I found this one blog that is having a BrightStarts giveaway. All you have to do is visit her blog and follow the directions! Here is a link to her blog
.

13 weeks

Last week of the first trimester...I am not sad to see it go! These first three months have been pretty rough as far as being exhausted and just weird feeling. I don't know how else to explain the feeling except weird. I can't really fit into my dress pants anymore, so I have been wearing a lot of dresses to work. You still can't really tell that I'm pregnant, but I feel VERY prego! Everyone has told me that in the second trimester you get your energy back and start to feel normal again...HOORAY! I am very excited for our little one and finding what he or she is, but I would love to not just be worn out by 4 everyday! Here's a picture of the progress so far.

Peace

This was in my bible study this morning and it has given me an overwhelming sense of peace about this day and every day that follows!

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven by you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. - Psalm73:23-26

Have a great Friday!

Emotional Wreck

So I am 1 week away from my second trimester, and I have been hit by the emotion train! Absolutely everything makes me tear up or just break down completely! It's insane, my husband usually just smiles and shakes his head...it's quite embarrassing because I cannot control it! It's like my tear reflex is extraordinarily alert these days! For example, I was looking through some blog pages, and I stumbled upon this little poem:
Little boys come in all shapes and sizes, 
Shy and adventurous, full of surprises, 
With misshapen halos and mischievous grins, 
Small dirty faces, and sweet, sticky chins. 

They'll keep you so busy, and yet all the while 
Nothing can brighten the world like their smile. 
And no greater treasure has brought homes more joy 
Than a curious, active, and lovable boy! - unknown


I just broke down crying, it's ridiculous! I am not even far enough along yet to know the sex of the baby, yet just thinking about the possibility of it being a boy makes me all gushy inside! I was already an emotional person before the pregnancy, but now it's just out of control! Here's a picture of me and baby at 12 weeks!

And Baby Makes 3!!!!

It's so unbelievable! I am pregnant! Ryan and I will be welcoming our first bundle of love into the world in October 2011! I am about 6 weeks pregnant...which brings with it nausea, irritability, and exhaustion! I had a sonogram on Monday of this week. We saw the little poppy seed of a baby and even though it's too soon to hear a heart beat, our hearts melted! I am going back to the doctor on Valentine's Day to receive the very best valentine ever! I will get to hear my babies heart beat! I am so excited and nervous! Ryan and I are so happy that God has blessed us yet again with this tiny little miracle!

Cartridge giveaway

Hop on over to busy bug for a give away!!!

http://thebusybug.blogspot.com/2011/01/busy-bug-babble-cart-week-give-away.html


Copy and paste the above link in your browser for a great cricut giveaway!!!

My first challenge!

I am excited about this new challenge from http://www.mypinkstamper.com
I know I probably won't win, being since there are many other people who have entered, and this is my first attempt! That being said, I am very proud of my little birthday card! I hope you like it!

I used:

Cricut Cartridges: Plantin Schoolbook and Create a Critter

Various textured card stock

Liquid pearls to embellish the flower

pink curling ribbon for the little bow :) 

Bible study

Ryan and I started a Bible study class this week. Our first day we read about being ambassadors for God. It is something that I never felt I was worthy of being. After studying and realizing that I am not only worthy it is my responsibility as a child of God to work as His ambassador. How many times have I fallen short of my responsibility? How many times have I let someone down by not being the example I am called to be? It's an eye opening terrifying concept. I can only pray that when God places me in a position of discipleship that he fills my mouth with His words.

Brie posted lyrics to this song the day she died. Our church's song of the month is now this song! God is everywhere. He touches our hearts with something as simple as a song! Every time I hear it, I can't help but joyfully cry! OH I am running to your arms, I am running to your arms, the riches of your love will always be enough!

Cricut giveaway!!!

Sweet_Magnolia_Rose Link To Giveaway 

click the above link to read more!!!

Forever Reign

This song was played today during our worship service. I immediately remembered Brie and that she had posted the lyrics to this song the morning of the car accident. My heart was saddened and overjoyed that she could be at such peace with "running into His arms". I continue to pray for her family and her new baby boy Curran.

We have started back to school and my kids are starting to feel the pressure of the TAKS test! I just pray that God fills my mouth with the words that will help to ease their stress by teaching them what they need to know to be successful on this test! I can't help but feel an enormous amount of pressure due in part to this being my first year to teach in a TAKS grade, but mostly due to the gifts that God has entrusted in me. I know my calling is in teaching, however, I find myself doubting how successful I can be. So far this year my students have shown great progress towards passing which humbles my heart! I just hope they know how truly special they are and how much they can achieve in their lives!

What's really important

As I finished my bible study this morning, I couldn't get the Gomez family out of my heart. I am not sad for Brie, I know where she is. I am pained for her family. I pray with every breath that they remember how much their mother and wife loved God! I pray that He wraps His arms around them and shows them his will for them! Eric Gomez posted this song on his Facebook wall and everytime I hear it, I have to stop and just praise God for the wonderful husband that he has blessed me with! We don't have any children yet, but I know with every inch of my being that Ryan will make a wonderful Godly dad! I just hope that we can both remember each day what is really important in life. Is it things, money, our house, material possessions that will just be left to moths and rust? "

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." -Matthew 6:20

My wish for 2011 is that I can live my life in a way that everyone around me can see the absolute joy that Christ brings into my heart.