On Monday

My very own John Wayne....

My knees still go weak whenever I look at him. He could have chosen any other girl, but he chose me. He chose to stand beside me, to hold my hand, to kiss me goodnight, to spend the rest of his life with me.

I love the holidays as they remind us of happy, joyous occasions. Holidays hold some of our fondest childhood memories. They illicit that feeling of comfort and warmth, the taste of Mom's cookies, the sharp, fresh, earthy smell of the pine tree, the anticipation of Christmas morning, and ultimately, the celebration of a babe in the manger. Just as Thanksgiving lends itself to a day of gratefulness, Christmas is a day of pure adoration and love.

I could sit here and say that Thanksgiving was a tip-top perfect day, and that there was an overwhelming, all-consuming feeling of gratefulness. But truth be told, my feet were swollen (ah, pregnancy!) and my hands were chapped from all the dishes, there was the fine orchestration of the food in and out of the oven, and despite my cooking for days, it took mere minutes to devour.

But the act of thanks-giving is something I try to practice daily. I thank God for my John Wayne, for our son, for our health, for our home, for Molly. As cliche as it may sound, there is always something to be grateful for, always. Nothing is a given in life. Over the past week, I found my mind wandering down that dark path of 'what ifs'. The path I try not to venture down, but daringly tread down til I find my way back to Him. Back to the only one who knows it all. My home is my home for today. There is food for today. The bills are paid for today. We are here for today. We love for today.

We live for today.

This Man

I love him more than I could ever say, and today when I placed my head on his shoulder, I knew my life is just as it should be.

I love him more than I ever thought I could, and everyday I fall in love a little bit more. Swoon.

Monday's Thoughts...

I just spend some time putting together a little virtual baby registry, since most of my family lives far away from me. We have decided to do a virtual baby shower, one that can be done from even thousands of miles away.

(My beautiful Mama workin' away in her kitchen!)

I have been busily getting things put together for the nursery. In my brain, I must have things done now, so I am trying my best to take day by day. There is so much to be done, but I am trying to simply prioritize and accomplish :) Sounds like a mission impossible!

In all the baby books, there are so many items recommended to buy, but I just do not feel the need to buy every.last.thing. Seriously, some items seem more like a waste of money and a waste of space....so here is my question, what are items that I should have?

Just last night, I told my husband that I wasn't prepared to be a mom. That I didn't know enough. That we hadn't taken enough classes. How would I keep track of all the baby products, little man things, swaddling, getting the house even cleaner, adjusting Molly to all of this, lining up a pediatrician, birthing techniques, breastfeeding, gizmos, gadgets, galore! So in the middle of all this, my husband looked over (lovingly) and smiled. He reminded me that no one has all the answers. That is God's job. And then he reminded me that there are plenty of people who I can call with a question or two. ahem my mom!

This is one of those moments when there is a much bigger lesson to be learned. A lesson fixated upon the establishment of "you cannot prepare for a life altering event....you can only trust in your abilities". So, here I wait. Here I trust. Trust myself and my instincts. Trust in my husband to support me. Trust in those around me to lend helpful advice. Trust that everything will fall into place. Trust in the Maker of the Universe.....after all, He entrusted us with this little man.

Tomorrow will be spent much like today, gearing up for the Thanksgiving holiday. While it is never easy to be away from loved ones, I find myself turning my thoughts towards all I have to be grateful for, and thanking God for giving me this wonderful beautiful life.

May your table be surrounded with those you love.

Sayin' Hi....

Not only am I thankful for my husband and my Molly girl, but also this one....

There is so much to be thankful for. And I am so very thankful for all of you too. You all have been absolutely wonderful to me.

Monday's Notes

We have been in full holiday swing over here! Just this morning, we spent the our time over coffee discussing the feast to come next week. The hubby and I are going to cook the whole meal, we are going out to the nines! And the best part is we love cooking together in the kitchen, so I get to spend some quality time with my main squeeze. Yay!

Just this past week, my husband was walking in from work, when he came inside and said, "I love our home. Seeing the house lit up, and knowing you were inside, made me feel unbelievably happy. Our home isn't much, but it's homey and warm, it's where we belong." I know, I know, he is amazing. At the end of the day, that is all that matters.

Wednesday marks 26 weeks, I can't believe it! But I am so grateful for this time, for my wonderful husband, for quirky Molly girl, for our little man, for health, happiness, love, and above all, God. He is the one who has made all this possible. He is amazing.

Everyday miracles.

Friday Photo Op

Just a quick photo of the bump. He was sitting differently, so sometimes I look round and other days it appears as though I like doughnuts too much.

May you all have a wonderful weekend!

My Monday on Tuesday

I had every intention of posting last night, but yesterday was more than a little interesting here in Texas. We have felt the earthquakes from Oklahoma and yesterday we were on a Tornado watch all day long! There were a few times, we thought we might have to go underground, but we were spared. (I hope and pray every one else was as lucky.) We had quite the thunder and lightning storm, so sleep was nearly impossible.

The earth seems quiet now, and I am happy to be going about my day once again. Of course, I will be doubling up today since yesterday went completely unplanned. Ah well.

Lately, I have been keeping a pad of paper nearby to write down whatever may come to mind. There seems to be so much to do before the baby gets here, that sometimes my head feels swimmy. You see, I am the girl who had her wedding planned within two days of being engaged. I had my home ready to move each time within 48 hours. And yet, I do not have the nursery completely set up. I have a list of pediatricians, but our insurance is still wonky right now, so I'm in limbo there. We are receiving some second hand furniture (for free!....Hallelujah!) in order to reorganize and make some room for the little guy. I have a list of things he needs and family members who want to give it to him. I've got meals planned for our first few weeks, but I still feel like I'm treading through mud.

So once again, I'm Praying Like Crazy.

One thing is for sure, I have the holiday bug bad this year, and I feel so liberated knowing that I don't need to buy gifts and wrap them. My niece will be the only one receiving a gift, since we decided to only buy for the kiddos this year. Seems everyone's pocketbook leaves a little to be desired.

I know some women can't wait to have their babies here, and wish their pregnancy would be done and over with. I, on the other hand, love, love, LOVE being pregnant and wouldn't mind if time slowed down.

I am determined to soak up every single moment and leave my "Lists of To Dos" at the feet of Christ. He will sustain me and He will be the one to determine when all is said and done.