The Body & Blessings

Brooklyn team, praying after their last meeting.

A big part of our world involves my husband traveling on various types of youth trips. During the "school season" the trips include weekend retreats, conferences, etc. and those are quick and wonderful little learning times. The summer, however, offers the lengthier trips and fuller weeks. At this point in the summer we've already gone through a week of VBS at our local church, a week of SOS (students offering service), a day trip to our local amusement park and several Wednesdays in a row of our summer study - hosted in our home.

Right now we're smack dab in the middle of a LONG trip week. It's day 5 that my husband has been gone and its no wonder I was feeling like an emotional train wreck last night when I went to bed. {But, I'm also blaming a certain sappy, sad, Netflix movie. WHY do we subject ourselves to those things?! }
My husband and a team of teens and leaders are in Brooklyn, NY and they'll be back on Sunday night. I miss him. Not just the security of having my man in the house, and not just his help with the children or his work around the house.... I miss him. It's truly amazing how God can bring two people together and turn them into one! My life and days really do feel incomplete without him in them. I'm so thankful for the opportunities that he has to travel and learn and serve - and I'm thankful that it's not every week. :)

But let me share with you just some of the ways the Lord has really shown me this week how much he cares for us in so many little tangible ways. I'm always blown away and so thankful.

- Sunday after church a lady stopped by and handed me a gift card to Wendy's. She mentioned how she knew she wouldn't have had time to make us a meal (which I wasn't even expecting) so here was our meal. We ended up using it that night! Such a treat to my girls and I!
- Prior to Wendy's we spent the afternoon in our friends beautiful pool. This is also such a treat for us! We are so thankful for friends who give up their family time to open up their home and pool to us. My girls were thrilled and it made our otherwise difficult Sunday evening much more pleasant.
- Yesterday one of our sweet teen girls watched my girls for a few hours so I could get grocery shopping done alone - something I've vowed to do from now on. When I shot her a text to say I was heading home she encouraged me to do something else because they were "just fine" there. :) Music to a momma's ears!
- A friend teaching me how to air up my van tires after trying to do it herself.
- Our precious Sr pastors wife dropped off ice cream and pb M&M's. She loves me!
- Encouraging check up texts and facebook messages
- A cell group of ladies who share scripture and challenging thoughts - keeps me focused!
- Air conditioning. It's HOT here and I believe I'd be losing my mind without this "extra".
- Kids who love nap time and bed time. Yep. I have amazing kids.
- Netflix. This is an extra we budget in each month (it's $7.99) and it has been wonderful on the really hot days this week to pick a fun family movie and just veg it.
- Coffee. I'm tired.

Every time my husband goes away I get a first hand look at the Body of Christ and how it was made to build up and encourage the other members. These are all blessings that I cherish. And some of them may seem silly, but, each one meets us where we are and what we needed this week.
I'll close this out with a special blessing from today.

Today was Cow Appreciation day at Chick-fil-a and the rules are simple: Dress up like a cow and get free food. I've never done it before because honestly it seems like a load of work - long lines, making costumes, taking 3 kids to fast food ALONE, etc. But we did it and it was totally worth it. We got 5 free complete meals and the girls were able to jump around the play place afterward. Wow, amazing time and such a blessing to score some yummy free food. Not to mention that it broke up our middle of the week!

We are so thankful for the body and the many blessings the Lord shows us! Here's to a fantastic rest of our long week... 5 more days :)

My very own Dream.

It has been a lazy Saturday around these parts, complete with a mug of hot cider, warm blankets and football on the tv. My girls spent a good part of the late morning playing outside in our yard while I walked from room to room noting all the things I still need to work on and do. But, they will wait. Lazy Saturdays are a gift to be appreciated, in my opinion, not filled with work that can be done Monday. ;) Although, the dishes in the sink will get a good scrub and the laundry will be put away in preparation for Sunday. That's just life. 

I can't be sure when it dawned on me - maybe it was as I stood at the dining room door and snapped pics of my monkey-hat-clad children riding bikes on the back deck, or as I adjusted the fall decor on the table. But it was whispering in my ear - "blessed". Because that's how I feel today. Everything I have ever wanted in life I have the opportunity of enjoying right now. My husband - loves me. My children - precious. Serving in full time local church ministry. Making a home our own. And while I know those are not the most important things in life - they sure do rank up there and today I'm counting my blessings over and over. I'm not naiive to think life will always be the same - we don't have that promise, and I'm ok with that. But today I can't stop smiling and being thankful for the One who gives us these Good gifts.

Day after Day

Life is never predictable. We can write things down in our planners and set dates and expect this and that from to time to time - but, ultimately we are not in control. This has been my constant lesson these last few weeks since my last post. Our house closing date came and went 3 times and day after day we lived in our boxed up home waiting to move on. This past Saturday the reality of moving actually started happening as we moved everything out of 1st street. We had tons of help and within a few hours all of our earthly belongings were packed neatly in a friends basement for temporary storage. I barely had to lift a finger - we have awesome friends and church family.

The next day, Sunday, we took our last stroll through our empty 1st street house - just my husband and I. Surreal to wait so long only to find it finally happening. I, of course, being the sentimental, got choked up several times. This was the house that my babies learned to walk in and where we measured them growing up on the wall in the kitchen. Our first home was no longer ours and it almost seemed like those 4 years didn't even really happen... such a blur. Life is quick. I wrapped my arms around my husband and we praised the Lord for his Faithfulness to us as the chapter closed. The familiar would be gone now as we began our transition.

Today we close on our new house and then in the beginning of September we'll be able to move in. To say that the Lord has provided would be an UNDERSTATEMENT. The Lord has reigned seems more appropriate. Times have been tight, no doubt, but what an amazing time in our lives when we are totally dependent and waiting on the Lord. I know all of life is that way, but I have sensed it more in these days. I could tell you story after story of all the millions of little ways the Lord has shown himself to this Momma...

Like, getting a card in the mail from another Mom friend who says, "I didn't know why I had this much $ left over after grocery shopping this week. Now I do, it's for you." Or, how extended family here has taken us in and given us free reign in their home. Or the day I found $100 check in our mailbox - kind of out of nowhere. The memo line just read, "gift". And I cried and cried and poured the praise back to Father God who gives us all Good things! {James 1:17} A gal offering a bag of winter clothes for my children and friends stepping in to watch our children during all the appointments and meetings tops my list, as well. The Lord is good to His children. Every day I'm reminded.

But it hasn't just been in the material that I see Him working. In my quiet times alone in the word I have seen His love and Grace...the books of Judges and Ruth, of all places. And in the reading of this book, by Margaret Jensen - a story about her mother and how she held things together during their slim days. I was so moved, challenged, and convicted. It was a random choice for me from our church library, and I'm so glad I read it. Story after story about how "Momma" was able to stretch a soup, mend clothing to wear again, wait for God to provide, all while loving her children and honoring her husband had me in tears more then one night. I want to be like that! I want to have the unwavering faith of Mrs. Twetin {Authors mom}.

Then we have my children, 2 and 4. They have transitioned beautifully for the most part. {wink} Though my biggest girl seems to enjoy the volume of her voice more often these days. Even though they are in new temporary rooms, don't have their own toys, etc. they are doing so well. Napping like champs and going with the flow. I am so thankful for this. And because most of our life is packed away in a friends basement - it leaves ample time for me to be with them without distractions. I'm computer-less during the day so we play dress up, read books, watch cartoons, go on walks, have snacks and sometimes drive each other crazy. True story. But it's good! We are learning about all the parks in our current area and per my usual, I'm discovering all the "free" things to do until our next big move. It's a new challenge.

Yesterday was our 8th anniversary, hubby and I. Because of where we are in life there were no roses or fancy dinners or even time out alone. But it was life. He worked all day while I tended the children at home and we ended the evening with our girls at a local park. I couldn't help but count my blessings as I sat on that park bench - it's thrilling to me to see how God is working out and writing our story. I rest fully believing that the next 8 years will have just as many adventures.

Day after day we continue to wait on the Lord and to see His goodness.
So, that's where I've been and where I will be for another half a month. I so value your prayers and look forward to sharing pictures and stories from our new home, here soon.

Let's do this.

 

Sitting here right now, at the end of another busy and full day of family and fun... I'm feeling oddly motivated. I have a kitchen and front room full of empty cardboard boxes, reminding me that July 18th is very near to us. Maybe that's why. Or, it could be the toys tossed here and there throughout our home. How many kids do we have!?  All the same, let's hope this motivation sticks around for the rest of the week. Let's do this moving thing.

The Lord has answered some very specific prayers in the last few days - which, I'll love to share all the details with you come Fall, once the rest of the story takes place. How's that for a teaser? {grin} But in short, we have found a place to live for FREE during our transition time before our new house is ready.  So many little things are falling into place and we so clearly see the Lord caring for us. Praise God! 

I'm having a fun time looking up new ideas for our new home on the ol' Pinterest site. Hubs and I agree we want to get in there and make it HOME right away. Considering we'll get in either late August or early September and already be FULL SWING back into youth ministry... it's even more good motivation. We cannot wait to open those doors up to our teens and people in our church! 

So, the ideas. Ah, it's fun. Here's a few I've dug up in the last few weeks. 

This first one is NOT the most exciting, admittedly. But for a lady who has NEVER had a coat closet at the entrance of their home - I'm going crazy excited over it! All things organized :) Just love the double level of bars in here, and the big ol' pot for umbrellas. 

 

And staying on the practical theme - this fridge organization will be happening, pronto. Dollar store frames with magnets on them. Genius. How nice 'n neat is that?

 

In the new place we'll have an actual mudroom/hallway/transition space coming in from the garage and back yard - I have all kinds of dreams for that space. Including the use of my HUGE pallet that still sits in the garage...2 years later. Geesh. Scratch the rainbow colors, but, the idea for coat hanging is pretty great.

 

And, while you are in there... how about...rolling crates. You know. To catch those outside toys, shoes, random toys straying from their homes, random things found in the van. I love this idea! 

Have I mentioned the deck outside? Huge. We so look forward to entertaining out there and watching our kiddos love a real yard. I'm seriously digging this idea for the outside area -

Anyone have any old barrels they want to get rid of? 

It's fun to dream and imagine. Now, keep praying us through. We have lots and lots to get done and a few more steps in this whole selling and buying process before we can even think about attempting the fun ideas. 

But I'll tell you one thing - we are learning daily what real trust and faith in the Lord looks like. Minute by minute. And, maybe I'll share more about that in the future, too. 

Have a wonderful week. 

When the amazing falls in your lap. Quite literally.

Several days ago I was messaging back and forth with a long-time-ago friend on facebook. She's about 12ish hours away from where I live and our connection is a small town camp we both worked at one summer during the college years. I haven't seen her in person since then, I don't think. Seeing how I turn 31 in a few months... it's been a while. :) We chatted about ministry stuff and hard times our families had gone through recently. It's such a comfort to know people who go before you in a circumstances and can share their experiences and hopes. Anyway, it was a nice to sorta "catch up" via virtual world.

Long story short... this happened this week.
This.

And an amazing case to boot. {sigh}

The UPS man opened the front door and plopped it on the rug. It would be a big fat lie to say I didn't jump up and practically run to the door. {blush} Because... I knew it was coming. In our chats this friend had mentioned "the gift" was on its way and how the Lord had moved in her heart to give. It felt like childhood and the days leading up to Christmas morning and all those shiny, bright, wrapped packages. The expectation. I was giddy for days and days. My kids looked at me like I was nuts. :) No regrets. Show that joy and anticipation, mommas!

So I'm sitting on my couch yesterday opening my box with shaking hands because I'm so excited... and I just hold it and the tears start to blind over my eyes a little. Because what you don't know is how I've always and forever wanted a nice camera. Always. But it's never been a real option for us as usually in this house food and bills take the priority. :) And now I'm crying out my thanks to God and my deep amazement at this friends generosity to me. I'm speechless and overjoyed and don't even know where to begin. How God uses His children blows my puny mind. I can't even grasp it. But I'm SO overwhelmingly thankful for it! If this friend were sitting next to me - I would have hugged her a million times. Instead I prayed out thank you's and asked blessings on her and her family. And why not... as she had just brought so much joy and blessing to me!?

Next, I did what any amateur gal with a gleaming new camera would do...
I took pictures of my messy house and pile of dirty laundry near the stairs. But, oh, how amazing it all looked in this fancy zoomed in way! I played with that thing for the rest of the day with the biggest, cheesy, goofy, grin on my face. And even more then the "thing"... the grin on my face remains as I realized how the Lord has provided AGAIN. How He continues to show me time after time that He cares and He knows my heart and desires. And now I'm fueled to be that person to someone... bless the socks off of some unsuspecting person. Look out world. I'm replenished, I'm refreshed, I'm thankful. And...still grinning ear to ear, silly thankful for that friend far away who took the time and effort to refresh me down to my very soul. You know who you are - and I am humbled.

Here are some of the first shots with Momma's new toy :)

{techy heads!}

{you know "grumpy cat", well, I have my own version.}

Sing Praise! The amazing has come to the Pausley home :) 

Preschool: Day 1

It's been a long time coming, but, we finally started preschool at home today. But let's back up... so I can tell you how ONCE AGAIN my plans were thwarted. I, wanted to get up at 6 and have some quiet time in the word. Drink a cup of coffee. Gather my thoughts. Pen some notes in my "teacher" planner book. I, wanted things to go a certain way. Limited chaos was at the top of the list. And, once again I didn't get my way.

August woke up at 5:42am. Which, is just a gross time. Especially when you already have an early morning planned and those last 15 minutes would have been precious. Anyway, my plan changed from having a quiet time in the word - to laying on the couch in the dark, with a toddler on my chest. I was freezing because I forgot to grab a blanket for myself and I didn't dare move or it would stir her again. {sigh} So I just lay there and prayed. I was tempted to cry. Why does it seem that every time I set the alarm early... my kids wake up BEFORE me?! It's like a kid radar or something. Actually, I know its part of my sanctification. But that's another post. Aug's snoozed another 10 minutes and then went straight to whining and crying as loud as possible for "milk" and "eat" and "Nana" {banana}. This crying woke up her sister. We were all awake by 6:40am. Now my eager preschooler is asking over and over... "are we gonna do school now?" and I'm struggling to smile and act excited - because I'm not and honestly, my eyes hurt from being awake. Ah, but enough of that - we already know that part of being a momma is not sleeping and having your own plans change on the dime. And I know full well that I am blessed beyond measure that I even get to lose sleep over these precious ones. 

After breakfast we headed upstairs to the school room. It's nothing fancy and right now has zero decorations or school type things in it. I'm still working and planning a scheming ideas. But the kids table was up and our school bin was filled with workbooks and sharpened pencils. :) I had hoped to start each school time with prayer and a few songs - like I would have done in my preschool, sans prayer. The 4 year old announces that she doesn't want pray and then refuses to sing "this is the day" with me. I press on. Augs is now attempting to dig out all the pencils from the school box. How does one home school with more then 1 child?! I admire you. What went on from there was half chaos/half fun/very precious/memorable/totally amateur. But, we went through 3 workbook topics and Ava was SO eager. She just kept wanting to do and do and do. Which, tell me I need to plan some more! My heart kinda aches as I realize now I didn't get a picture of her "First day" and I'm annoyed that August was such a distraction and Ava was frustrated with her. But, it's also all good. I'm convicted that I could use my personal time better to plan and organize this for both of them. But ultimately, all that matters is that we made a memory and we have finally begun! 

Preschool: Day 1. In the bag. Here's to many more better days! This afternoon I found this quote in my email and I'm so thankful for the awesome reminder :

“You know, motherhood has caused me to come face to face with my less-than-wonderful qualities. Sometimes my kids bring out the worst in me. However, God doesn’t waste a thing. He uses my kids to bring me to Him. When I come face to face with my shortcomings, my weaknesses, and my sin, it’s a reminder of my need for a God who wants me to be more like Him each and every day.” 

–Jill Savage, NO MORE PERFECT MOMS

Hearts at Home... {squeal}

Yeeeeeee! Tomorrow is the day! Myself, along with several other women from church are loading up a van and heading to MN for the Hearts at Home conference. :) I've never been able to go and have always wanted to. SUCH a treat for this Momma! I applied and got the scholarship, which was a huge blessing, and now I can't wait to just sit and drink it all in.

Perhaps I'm most excited about sitting under this gals wisdom, even for just a session or so. :)

I'm a fan of their show and just really value the bits and pieces that I have heard her speak on, about raising children, and the value of capturing your children's hearts. I have much to learn! 

And, let's be honest...

A van ride, a hotel stay, and a conference all with friends. I'm practically giddy for some girl time :) 

Here's to a fantastic weekend, challenged hearts, and memories made! 

It's day FIVE up in here!

Half way point! Wooooo hoooo! 5 more days till hubs is home. We are all so eager to see and hug our daddy. We've kept busy and I'm actually feeling a little tired this morning. But, I'll blame most of that on the new Janette Oke book I started last night. It's an oldie but a goodie.... "A Woman named Damaris". Anyone read that... in the 90's? :) {btw, don't really click to look...just snagged it for an example} I def burnt a few hours of the late night candles to get part of the way through it. A few weeks ago my friend Andrea handed over a stack of these Oke "classics" and I've already polished off one!

 

We have kept busy around here. Yesterday we had a play date and lunch at a friends house. It was lovely. The kids feasted on Mac n' cheese and hotdogs while the mommas had those AH-MAZING Berry almond salads from Wendys :) Both our hubbys are away this week, so its wonderful to have each other to talk to, laugh with, and share heart issues with. I'm so thankful for those kinds of friendships the Lord is allowing me to build.

Last night Ava and I did some balloon painting - that was highly anticipated and asked about every half hour. ;) She did a great job and I was impressed with how she took her time and focused in on her task. Once it dries we'll frame it up and add it to her bedroom. 

And, not to be left out... little sis clawed at my legs for attention the whole time. :) 

After painting and all that fun - I found the girls doing this... 

Folks, I think we've entered the "tea party" stage. I'm so excited! I have Ava a few real glass tea cups and you would have thought I'd given her bars of gold. They play at this table all the time now - even now I'm watching them pretend to serve each other. Well, at least, Ava is. August is just smiling at the fact she's allowed to sit in the big girl chair.

I love these girls. I love this awesome responsibility. 

Continuing on with birthday gifts - today I got to open another one. 

So far I've opened: mint oreos & tissues - for times when I felt like crying I could grab a cookie instead, 30 gold coins for my 30th and golden birthday, and today... those amazing super soft sugar cookies with pink frosting. The card was so sweet and went with the cookie theme - about being a tough cookie while Brad was away, but to be a smart cookie if I needed anything. So creative! I love these people! And yes, all 3 of us have already had a cookie...before 9am. Hey, it's a special week after all! 

Today is kind of a down day, in the sense of not much going on. This morning is supposed to be play group at the beach day - but, wondering if the day off just might be more appropriate. I need to go to the store as we are completely out of fruit and I don't really have a plan for lunch or dinner. I'm thinking of turning half of our unfinished basement into a workout space, or, painting the upstairs hallway, or, doing nothing and just enjoying time with my ladies. 

5 more days... 

We can do this.

When you listen to that "tiny" voice...

Heeding a call...
Listening to a prompt...

Call it what you will - but, I had one of those opportunities just today. A chance to listen to that sometimes whisper of a voice and find the full joy in doing so.

It was 11 o'clock and the countdown to lunch was on. I had been up early for one of my OB visits and was now on my way home with little girl chatting in the backseat. I had only mentioned the possibility of stopping by the church to see if "daddy had a few minutes to chat" when the same little girl insisted we stop. I paused. I was tired {but, what's new there?}, and still had lunch to pull together all before nap time. Sometimes these stops by daddy's work went just fine, sometimes they turn into a little mini-battle to get a certain little girl back OUT to our van. :) For some reason - I went for it. That little voice seemed to give a nod of approval - if voices nod.

We went in and chatted with some ladies for a few minutes. Daddy's meeting had already started so we wouldn't be able to see him afterall. We made our way to the library room and found a fun DVD to check out for later that day - and then it was time to head home. As we were leaving the fellowship hall some ladies were cleaning out a closet for one of our specialized ministries. I stopped by their table and made small talk - just connecting with some new faces. One of the new(er) faces asks me, "Do you need toothpaste?" as she extends a Walgreens bag to me. Hmmm... random. But, like a good young mother I said something witty like, "oh sure, saves me a trip down the road." To which the older lady smiled and agreed - pushing the bag into my hands. I didn't think much of it - but said thank you for the "toothpaste" and then grabbed up munchkin and headed out for the drive home.

Once everyone was loaded up I peeked into the bag just to see what exactly had just been given to me. To say I was blown away would be an understatement! I WAS SURPRISED and HUMBLED all at once by what I saw. 2 TUBES OF TOOTHPASTE, 4 TOOTHBRUSHES & 2 PACKS OF FLOSS!

It was like dental Christmas! I did a quick mental tally and figured out just what a real blessing this was. Wow! And all name brand items... All because I took the time to stop and listen to a little voice prompting that it might be nice to just "stop into the church". Now isn't our Jehovah Jireh a creative one? He sure blessed the socks off of this momma today.

It doesn't end there, either.

Upon arriving home and already feeling giddy about this blessing - I checked our mailbox. Inside it was a giant blue package from Similac - ya know, the baby formula company. They sent me two canisters of baby formula as I'm on some kind of mailing list. I just smiled. Not even surprised. And even though I'm planning to re-attempt nursing this baby... canisters of formula almost always come in handy, and they aren't cheap! The package also had several $5 off coupons for future purchases, etc. What a day of unexpected blessings and provisions!

I busted out our composition notebook that I keep to record every blessing we encounter and quickly wrote this all down. I can't wait for Ava to read this someday and see just how our God provides and cares for us... even for our teeth!

Our every "need"?

This morning as I chatted with my mother on Skype - I was reminded of how thankful I am to live in a country and in a day when such communication is possible. She is in Ohio, I am in Iowa - so, not exactly a "stones throw" away - and I value our conversations, I miss her...and my dad. I even miss their dog.

I always imagined that when I "grew up", got married and had babies that I would be raising them near my family. I always thought thats just what you do when you had kids. Imagine my surprise to find out that, actually, not many people are blessed with that at all. Sometimes, especially at church on Sunday, I feel my heart tug a little when I see friends who DO have their parents around them... to hold their babies, chase their toddlers and just be there for support. Not that that's all parents are good for - but, they sure are good at it ;) I always wonder what it would be like to have parents over for Sunday lunch or...something like that? But, after saying all that - I am so thankful to be where we are and in this stage of life. God allows me to build my "family" with so many brothers, sisters and even mothers in this family of God. I am thankful.

My personal God knows my personal needs and He fills them in His time.

Recently I've been working on the beginning stages of planning Ava's room. I've mentioned that before. I really want to make it special. I want it to be a place of love and a room where she can grow into that little girl-ness that she's already started. I want to teach her to read in there, show her how to dress herself, how to organize hair things and shoes... stack books, play baby dolls and mate socks. I love having a girl. We don't have loads of extra $ for all the frills and cutesy things I'd love to buy her - and, that's probably a good thing. We want her to grow up to be a thankful child. But, you know how when you have your heart set on something... and you just can't get past it? That's how I've been with bedding. Silly, I know. There are so many other important things in life. I know that. But I so love the Hannah bedding at PB Kids. I say love lightly - though, it is a strong affection. I love it's simple classy look. I love that its reversible. I love the quality of it... knowing it could be passed down from daughter to daughter and still look great. I hate the price.

My mother... is a giver. She's always been a giver. Generosity is in her blood. And I'm not even joking around with you when I tell you - that much admired bedding is now on its way to my sweet 2 year old, compliments of Grammy. And I'm not even kidding when I tell you... that my eyes misted over when I read the text, "the quilt is on its way". Wow.

Today I feel like my mom is living next door. Like we had coffee together this morning and chatted about that quilt. I'm so thankful. Another "need" done. Another "something" cared for...

And, I have to share a pic of this quilt that I'm going ga-ga over.

I know Ava's room won't mirror this one...
but, she will have a special quilt - just from Grammy - to keep her warm at night. :) That's enough for me!

...19 weeks.

This morning we are having a lazy day at home - home, being my parents home. Ava was up most of the night sick with a high fever and coughing - and time seemed to stand still as I propped up next to her in our bed stroking her hair and asking God to be gracious on my little one. She was miserable. But in the middle of that misery a few precious things happened that I'm tucking away into my heart...




1) Every few minutes between her feverish doze-off's Ava would reach out to feel my face or hand... just to make sure I was there. Or she'd whisper my name and just turn her tiny face toward mine - as if just by having me there made it all better.


2) "May" baby has become quite the active kiddo this week. I was getting kicks, bumps and full body rolls most of the night. Since I was awake anyway... it was wonderful to just lay there and enjoy. If I press on my belly - baby kicks back - it's a fun game we have going. I love it. And although lastnights circumstances were not ideal, what a precious memory this momma has of spending time with her TWO babies. :)





Speaking of baby "May" - I got my 19 week update this week in my email box. I'm still confused about how to count the days and some newsletters say I'm 20 wks, while others say 19, and one still says 18... so, we'll stick with the middle number and wait and see. Anyway, check out this incredible picture of a baby at 19 weeks gestation - awesome.

This isn't our baby, just a pic Pregnancy Weekly sent me for a visual. But, isn't it breathtaking?! I'm itching for our ultrasound on the 5th!!! Poor baby "May though" - we've done a terrible job keeping up any sort of picture documention of the belly and I haven't begun a baby journal yet as I did with Ava. It's just SO different this time around. We got our first baby gift on Christmas Eve from my Grandpa - a snowy white baby blanket, a couple of "neutral" outfits and some receiving blankets. I just held them and kept touching them over and over, every stitch, feeling so surreal that God has blessed us again!

Christmas is over. All those months of anticipation and planning are done with - and now its time to relax and enjoy. Today I'll be enjoying snuggles with my little sicky girl, time spent chatting with mom and watching my husband enjoy endless hours of free reading time. I have a zillion ideas for things "to do" around my house when I get home and I can't wait to share some Christmas pics on here... but, another day. Celebrating 19 weeks today!

...so, yea, our life got a little more exciting...

Blah, Blah, Blah... I cannot think of an interesting enough opener for my BIG news... so rather then trying to be creative I'm just gonna blurt it out!

WE GOT A VAN!!! God has provided for us in a HUGE way and I am so very thankful!

A 2005 Chevrolet Uplander - it's now sitting in our driveway. The heat works. All the windows open {that should}, and I actually get radio stations... I'm just still kind of not believing it! I keep peeking out my kitchen door at it, "yep, still there". I'm a nerd like that. This van is such a blessing to this momma's heart as every time I stepped on the brake peddle of our current car that moaning, creeeeking sound would start. "God, we cannot afford a new car...". "Lord, how can we make it through another winter with this vehicle...?". He always knows and always has an answer. Though it may not be in our timing. ;) Needless to say I'm BLOWN away by the timing of this one!

So, wanna see it? Ok. And, please note how excited our little lady is... she thinks she's the driver.

We took a ride downtown in the van this morning to do the title transfer and all of that - and still have a few more paper work things to do later this morning {working with Brad's schedule}. But we did get celebratory doughnuts and I did really enjoy feeling heat while in a car. Not to mention the fact that if we wanted to... we could pop in a DVD and watch it...right in the van. We are rejoicing in God's awesome provision! Thanking him for where He has in life right now and how He continues to show Himself faithful time and again. Praise the Lord!

So many reasons to THANK God

I had a really rough night from the hours of say, 11-2 and then 5-8am this morning. I've had this weird cough/phlegm thing going on for a few days now, only, it's not really days at all...always nights, always when I just want to crash in bed and drift off peacefully, always, always, always. So I hack and cough and make all sorts of hideous noises until my hubs says, "you ok? Need me to do anything?" And I sigh, "no" and wish there was something he could do. I roll over and think if I prop up a leeetle bit higher the pointless coughing will end... nope. So that was from 11-2am. Then, at 5:20 I hear a little girl talking in her bed. Ava ALWAYS sleeps till after 7/7:30. Dreaming? So I perk up and sure enough, she's kinda whining, talking and saying, "momma". So I ask Brad what time it is... 5:20?! NO way! I peek in and she's curled into a perfect ball with her hiney up in the air - arms tucked beneath her, shivering. Poor poor baby girl. I thought I could use her summer PJ's one more time. You know, the ones with a short sleeve t-shirt and silky pants. In a home where the thermostat is set to 64 tops! Wrong again. So I tucked her huge blanket up around her and she went back to sleep, whew! {still confused on how those kiddos can't stay under a blanket twice their size... but oh well} So, Ava was taken care of... but now I was fully awake and, yep, you guessed it, the coughing was starting up again. Rather then annoying my husband for the next two sacred hours of rest - I headed to the couch. And there I attempted to rest until 7ish when a certain little girl was awake again and a certain handsome guy was getting ready for work. NO REST FOR THE WEARY. I couldn't fathom moving off of that couch - did I even sleep lastnight? And, I have a very busy little one - who, if I don't get off of this couch - will take everything out of every drawer, cupboard and basket.

But, now, a few hours later while Ava is down for her nap and Brad is at work and I may {or may not} have Christmas music playing throughout the house... I'm just feeling thankful and its taken over my exhaustion. I have so many reasons to thank God today.

-my coughing is just a nagging cold
-my daughter is alive, healthy, and dependant on me
-my husband has a job to go to
-we have beds and couches to lay on when we are feeling ill
-I have a daughter
-I have a husband
-we have blankets and heat and a home, which is more then over half the world can say
and the list goes on.

Am I tired? You bet. But, so many good reasons to be tired. I'm a blessed woman and so thankful today for all that God has done in my life.

It's a Labor Day Miracle!

Ok, perhaps not a real miracle...but, definitely a blessing! Do you remember a few months back I blogged about the blessing of toilet paper? Someone gave us massive amounts of toilet paper just out of the blue - and it was very timely as we were out! Well, those same people have lavished upon us again - only this time with...

Yep, count 'em... 6 boxes of name brand, sweet, and delicious cereal!
{don't mind the mess behind them} This is just such a generous blessing to us this Labor Day weekend that we are thankful to God for. I don't usually get to buy brand name cereals and we LOVE those Reeses Puffs! What a joy to know people who just love to give... and who challenge me to be giving, too. :)

Life is Sweet!

The sweetest moments in life....

are common, everyday, blessings.

Today, mine was watching my 1 year old enjoy her lolly!

Ah, my Ava girl... you are a blessing from the Lord -

My reminder to not take life too seriously.

I love you.

My brain is going to explode

Well, that's a pleasant title, eh?

But, it IS how I feel. I'm learning so much right now {and all at once}... about faith, God's provision, theology and sound doctrine, how to be a wife, how to mother a daughter, roles and responsibilities... the list goes on and on.

This last week I was bowled over with two specific acts of kindness and generosity. Just completely left with head spinning and overwhelmed. And, maybe I shouldn't be... because these things DO happen all the time - but, they just especially touched my heart and left me challenged.

See this gathering of shoes....
Ava was in a big need of shoes. We had a pair or two of sandals for this summer...but, I could NOT find affordable black dress shoes or "get dirty" tennis shoes anywhere. {why exactly are baby shoes $13-15 dollars, again?!} Anyway, a friend sent this bag o' baby girl shoes home with Brad one day last week. I had only mentioned my frustration of shoe shopping in passing... but she took it and ran with it. I was completely overwhelmed with her generosity and thoughtfulness! Ava's shoe collection has been filled. Another need met. Praise the Lord! The humbling part of it is... I had this little secret half fear/half stress in the back of my heart of this need for my girl, but, I hadn't even gotten to start praying about it yet. And... as always... my God provides!

Story #2 - I'm a pastors wife. Pastors wives, generally, and their children arrive at church separately from the pastor. And in our case... this is true. Brad leaves for church about 30 minutes before we do. So that leaves me the glorious responsibility of not only getting myself fed, clothed and readied...but, a little Ava girl, too. Not to mention that before both of those things we fed, clothed and readied pastor daddy ;) Anyway, sometimes {ahem...many times} Sunday mornings become SUPER stressful as the crunch is on to get everyone ready and to church ON TIME. I usually end up arriving right at 9 as church is seconds from starting... managing a diaper bag, purse, bible, coffee mug, child and endless amounts of other things belonging to her - and in the winter this is combined with HUGE winter coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and the whole 9 yards. Needless to say - it's tough. I'm getting better at it, but, still tough.

Yesterday as I pulled into the church parking lot (5 minutes EARLY) I was followed by another couple from the church. I don't know them very well, yet, but we have chatted a few times and they are super friendly, love the Lord...and their grandkids. :) I parked the car and began the "Great unloading" process. Set all of my bags, bibles and mug on the back of the car and then went to retrieve Ava. Upon popping my head back out - I noticed that the wife of this couple was walking towards us. She grabbed my stuff and began to tell me that she knows what its like... to be a mule. ;) How cute is that?! So I was just blessed beyond what I could express to her, for this help! And she carried my stuff all the way inside and even to the nursery. The family of God, when behaving as they should, is a wonderful thing. :) This woman, just like my friend with the bag o' shoes, saw a need and filled it how they could. Isn't that so challenging? It is to me!

"Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? ³⁸ When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? ³⁹ Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ " Matt. 25

Little blessings

I keep a composition notebook on our bookshelf here at home. I think I got it for .99 at Walgreens upon moving to IA last summer. The point of the book was to record each and every blessing we experienced as a family. Right away it felt like we were filling out pages as we watched the Lord provide "things" and people...

We've written paragraphs about cars, furniture, money and food - and, I never thought I would have a page in our "Blessings Book" about toilet paper, but, God can bless however he wants to!


We were given this the other day...

(note: my camera keeps stamping the wrong date...annoying, but, disregard!)

Yep - toilet paper...and a LOT of it. There were additional packages other places in our house that didn't make it to the picture. But, I think you get the point. A generous friend of ours had a "surplus" and wanted to share. What a unique blessing, right?! I get a giggle each time I think about how funny this friend must have looked buying carts full of nothing else but TP. But, what a blessing this is to us! TP is expensive and another thing I can cross of our grocery list for this month. Praise the Lord for all his blessings...but, today, especially for our pile of TP!

Looking back a year

Lastnight on the way home from a quick mall outing - Brad and I were chatting about what our life was like just last year at this time. I was VERY pregnant, we were very tight financially, Brad was battling with his job and wondering just exactly what God had waiting for us...because it couldn't have been that for much longer.

And although things were so rough - we still had so many reasons to be thankful. We were surrounded by good, godly friends that loved us. This picture was at our Thanksgiving dinner last year - with the Jackson/Crocker families :) I think there were like 30 of us so we met at the church. So much good food and fellowship!

I'm amazed at how the Lord's timing is always perfect. Our Ava came 3 weeks later...

Today, the day before Thankgiving, my heart is so tender to the fact of how blessed we are. We have family, we have a home, we have a job, we have an adorable daughter, etc. This past year has been quite the chapter in Pausley Land Adventures thats for sure. We are eager to see what this year holds!

Playing in leaves

Aren't weekends great? Well, I mean, the ones where you don't have a thousand errands or things to get done? We just had one of those really relaxing weekends a few days ago (sigh). While I was finishing up some dishwasher loading/baby feeding time Brad got to work outside raking our leaves. We had to buy a rake after we realized as home owners...its just one of those things you HAVE to spend money on if you own...a yard, with a tree... that sheds thousands of leaves a day :)

I found myself stopping and watching him a few times. Stuffing massive amount of miniature yellow leaves into those huge paper bags. This is a dream come true. It's always been my childhood dream to 1) own a house 2) have a yard 3) have a yard with a TREE in it. So now at 27 years old it felt good to watch my hubby take care of things outside and just breathe out a "thank you" to God for providing such wonderful, everyday moments of blessing.

The most fun was letting Ava have her first experience in leaves. I remember being very little and doing some pretty impressive diving into huge piles of the crunchy fun things... and I so hope thats a part of her childhood as well. Every kid needs to experience dried up leaves in LARGE piles :) Did I mention it was like 70 degrees that day? So we stripped off her socks and plopped her right down in the middle of pile of leaves - waiting to see her reaction. At first, she just layed there....like, "what is this? and, why are you two idiots smiling at me like that?". Then she slowly moved around, never touching one specific leaf - just feeling out her surroundings. It was adorable to watch her take it all in. "hey, this could be fun".

Then....Daddy sat down. Have I mentioned that recently Ava is ALL about daddy. No sooner had he reached the ground when Ava lunged to him for protection from these silly, crunchy, leaves. It was heart melting. And, it gave this momma just another glance of what my walk with the Lord is like. Lunging to my Heavenly father when life is scary, or...in this case... a little uncomfortable. Brad, of course, scooped her up and began the tickle/kiss game which she just loves. And again, I found myself (behind the camera) thinking... God rejoices in ME just like this daddy joys in our Ava. Parent hood is an amazing window into understanding my relationship with God.

The leaves were a hit...especially now that Ava had daddy rolling in them, as well. :) I am truly, truly grateful for days like that. When the world and all in it just seems to stop so we can enjoy these very special moments that we only get once. There will be more - but, not like this one, exactly.