Times are Tight....an Introduction!

This Lent, I am striving to be more intentional.  I want to be a better wife, mother, disciple, and friend.  I feel God calls us to put our faith into action, and I have been looking for a way to do that. 

We are living in tough times (unless you've been living under a rock, you know just how hard these times really are)!  In my quiet time, I have asked God "why?" more times than I can count.  I keep asking Him to guide me in how I should respond to the needs of so many dear friends who are struggling in this economic downturn.  I can pray for them, and believe me I am, but I want to do more.  I am called to do more. 

Some of my friends have started small businesses that are threatening to go bust.  They've taken up a craft (or brushed up on an old trade) and are selling their creations on eBay and ETSY.  They are working hard to sell books and clothes and hairbows and paintings and scrap-books and burp-cloths....whatever it takes to make ends meet.  Some of them have lost their jobs or are worried about losing their homes.  We are living in very scary times, but through faith in our wonderful God....anything is possible!

After much prayer, I have decided to start a Giveaway Carnival where my friends can advertise, network, and get personal about their business, their story, and their faith.  Oh, and of course....

GIVE something AWAY!!!

It's a win-win-win-Win situation, friends!

(you, them, me...God)

Do you (or a friend) have a small business you want to advertise (for free)??  Please send an email my way (megan@holdituptothelight.com)!  There are a few stipulations, but my ulitimate goal is to have a giveaway once a month or so.  I can't wait to see what God is going to do.  We should be up and at it mid-March! 

Oh, and one more thing....  

Can you help me get the word out???  

For now, the best thing you can do is grab my button over there and post it on your blog.  It will link your friends back to my story, and get them involved.  Who knows, maybe one of your readers will become one of my featured posters!!!  It's like the ultimate in "Paying it Forward"!!!

Thanks so much friends....

I am so excited to have you along for this ride!!!

7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9: 7-8

The Best of Intentions

I have so many things running around in my head right now that I don't really even know where to begin. I had every intention of having this post ready to publish on Ash Wednesday, but that just didn't happen. Because my children have been sick this week, things have not gone as expected.

I didn't expect to have to change around my work schedule and work on Ash Wednesday (a day I was really looking forward to spending in prayer and fasting. But I was happy to spend time home with my kids when they needed me). I didn't expect to have such a busy day at work yesterday that I couldn't even pause for 2 seconds to reflect on the meaning of Ash Wednesday (much less eat lunch sitting down....such is a nurse's life), and I didn't expect to be so dog tired last night that I couldn't type a single word. Nope, I just couldn't do it last night.

Today has been just about as busy, but I am much more refreshed. 2 doctors appointments and 3 kids home from school makes for a hectic day. We ended the evening with massive meltdowns (well, not Greer...she really is the perfect baby), but now they are all snoozing away. I'm just thankful that everyone is feeling better, and that we actually got to get out and enjoy a beautiful afternoon. So, today is the day for me to fill you in....I didn't want too much time to go by without telling you my plans for Lent (and something else totally awesome that I have up my sleeve).

In Lentens past, I've just given up something random, something physical (and basically meaningless) ....one time it was chocolate, one time coffee, one time I drank nothing but water and milk. I have to tell you, I don't remember getting a thing out of those Lents (although I'm sure that at the time I convinced myself otherwise). There was just no point to it. After a few days, it wasn't that big of a sacrifice, and I didn't replace it with any real substance....I didn't use that time to focus on my relationship with my Father in Heaven.

This Lent, I am choosing to focus my attention on my intentions....confusing enough?

Let me break it down this way....

Intentional Prayer....I am choosing to take more time for prayer. I tend to pray when I have nothing else to do, or when I'm in a place where no one can disturb me (driving alone or in the shower are my 2 favorites). I want my prayer life to become more of a sacrifice and more of a priority (you know, sometimes I don't get a shower every day)! We'll see where that one takes me.

Intentional Time Management (specifically online)....I am finding that I am getting some great spiritual substance from many of the blogs and other websites I follow, but I also waste my time on a lot of junk. If I don't feel like something I am reading is really feeding my spirit, I am going to quit reading it...and try to find something more productive to do with my time online. If I run across a great post that is discussing Lent or Easter, I will link it at the top of my Right Sidebar....I already have a couple there that are worth a look. If you run across something great, please send it my way (my email link is under my profile).

Intentional Parenting....If I'm being perfectly honest with you, I would tell you that I don't spend enough time nurturing my children's spiritual souls. Sure, we say our blessings and our evening prayers, but I could be doing so much more....I'll let you know how that is going in case you may also be looking for ways to go deeper with your kids. I really want them to understand what this season of Lent is all about and I think they will get WAY more out of Easter (I know I do).

Intentional Marriage....We will celebrate our 9th anniversary in just one week! I am so blessed to have this man in my life, and I know it could be so much better. We're going to work on that one together.

Intentional Friendship....This one is a biggie, because it is truly my "faith in action" during Lent (and hopefully beyond). God has blessed me with some amazing friends, and I just want to give back to them in a way that is bigger than I could possibly imagine....the best part is, you get to be a part of it, too!!! I can't wait to fill you in on all the details....

Coming Soon....

Wordful Wednesday

It's Wednesday, and that means it's time for Wordful Wednesday (sponsored by Angie over at the 7 Clown Circus). Because I can't keep myself from saying at least a few things about my photos...this little blog carnival is just right for me!!!

Click that Picture up there to Enlarge

Notice the Lower Left Corner...Yes, all that Bread!

When my sister saw this picture I posted on the blog

last week, she left me these not so kind words...

Erin said...
Geez Louise with the loaves of bread in that pantry, Meg! Was there a slight chance of snow flurries? I'm just teasing. With the way Reeves is eating these days, sounds like you might need it. Love you!
FEBRUARY 12, 2009 12:45 AM

Wanna see the real reason for all that bread???

It usually takes me 2 or 3 batches before I get it right!

Seriously!!!

Sadly, we went through it quickly since cheese toast is the only

thing Reeves will eat when he is sick!!

I'm Stakin' It!

I'm a foodie at heart. I love it....everything about it. I love the taste, smell, texture. I love to plan my meals and I love to shop for the ingredients it takes to prepare them. I could stay in Whole Foods for hours!!! Trying something new is always an adventure, and it is rare when I taste something I don't care for. If I really let myself, I could be consumed by what I consume.....

(for more, click here to head over to Stake It!)

Pancakes and Prayers

Today is Shrove Tuesday (also known as Fat Tuesday to all those party animals in New Orleans)!  It actually is a big deal to those of us who observe the season of Lent.  Notice I said observe.  It is not a time of celebration (like Advent), but a time of reflection, sacrifice, and preparation for the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us.  I am prayerfully considering what I will sacrifice this lenten season, and I look forward to what that sacrifice will mean to me by the time we celebrate our Risen Savior on Easter morning....Oh what a beautiful day that will be!

For today, It's all about the pancakes!!!  

Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the ritual of shriving, when the faithful confessed their sins to the local priest and recieved forgiveness before the Lenten season began.

As far back as 1000 AD, "to shrive" meant to hear confessions. (Trivia note: the term survives today in the expression "short shrift" or giving little attention to anyone's explanations or excuses).  Historically, Shrove Tuesday also marked the beginning of the 40-day Lenten fasting period when the faithful were forbidden by the church to consume meat, butter, eggs or milk. However, if a family had a store of these foods they all would go bad by the time the fast ended on Easter Sunday. What to do?

Solution: use up the milk, butter and eggs no later than Shrove Tuesday. And so, with the addition of a little flour, the solution quickly presented itself in... pancakes. And lots of 'em.  Tonight we'll join our church family for a big pancake feast!  How awesome is that?

Hey, I'm not one to buck tradition!!!!  What about you?  

Do you observe Lent?  

(and no, you don't have to be Catholic...

I'm not)

Want to learn more?

Not me!, Monday

It's NOT one of my most favorite bloggy times of the week....and it is NOT so much fun (you should TOTALLY not join in)!

"Not Me!" Monday is NOT sponsored by one of my favorite bloggers (and dear friend), MckMama. It's a great way to NOT get all those little things off your chest that you totally did NOT do this week. I do NOT love reading the others, too. It DOES NOT make me feel better about some of the utterly insane things that DO NOT happen in my little life. I'm NOT all about being real, y'all! So, here goes....

Lucy.....NOT on the Couch!

Reeves....NOT in my bed....on NOT white linens!

Greer.....NOT without a bib...and NOT in a favorite pair of pajamas!

I did NOT give my very sick children endless amounts of Popsicles this week because of their various illnesses. I did NOT allow them to enjoy them when and WHERE they chose....just because. A sensible, reasonable Mama would NEVER do that!!!





And I did NOT allow them to empty all of the Play-doh containers, shape said Play-doh into "pretend snowballs" and have a massive Play-doh/snow-ball fight in our living room (those pillows and blankets were NOT their make-shift barriers). It did NOT thrill me to my soul that they would come up with something so very creative, and it did NOT bother me one little bit that they made a big, ole mess (it really didn't!). There is NOT anything fun about having the FLU (there really isn't)....you gotta do whatcha gotta do!!!


And, I did NOT let them drink their Gatorade out of Greer's bottles (while sporting Christmas pajamas) for the majority of today. It was NOT a creative way to get some fluids in, and they did NOT love pretending to be "itty-bitty babies"....Whatever, does NOT work, y'all!!!


And....I did NOT almost lose my mind after way too much time couped up a few days at home with all three NOT sick kids. It did NOT lead to one of the best afternoons I have had in a while....click here to check out what I did NOT do yesterday afternoon!

I am NOT praying for a healthier week!!! How 'bout you!?

Sunday Drive

The natives were getting restless around here today....and by natives, I am mostly refering to the Mommy variety.  Other than a quick trip to the doctor on Friday to confirm my flu suspicions, I hadn't left the house since Thursday.  I had been looking forward to slipping away to church this morning (all by myself) until Chris informed me (late Saturday afternoon) that he had commitments at both services.  With 3 kiddos still too sick to be in the presence of any human I care about, guess what that meant for Mommy?  

There is this church in town (a church that just happened to be the fastest growing church in the country last year) that I have been wanting to visit.  At about 11:15, I popped over to their website and found that they offer a 1:00 Worship time.  I sent the fastest text in history to my sweet hubby, said a prayer that his ringer was turned off, and hopped in the shower.  He walked through the door at 12:17, and I quickly spouted off the current medication and nap schedule.  I practically ran to the car (no one was gonna stop me now)....

The first joy of my afternoon journey was the drive.  For as long as I can remember, driving alone is simply a spiritual experience all it's own.  I have my closest times with my God out on the road....music blaring, prayers rising, God's beautiful Earth passing me by in the rear view mirror.  I don't care that people stare at me, or that I don't hear my phone ringing....it is my first act of worship before I reach my destination.  Now that I rarely have that alone time behind the wheel, I treasure it with my whole being.

The worship experience was as fulfilling as I had hoped....a message on Compassion.  I was challenged, inspired, and amazed.  It was just what I needed today.....what I've needed for a long time.  My cup was filled to over-flowing, and I feel an energy that will carry me for a long time.  I thank God for leading me there today.

I'll leave you with the lyrics from one of my favorite songs....they pretty much sum up my day! 

You are my strength when I am weak

You are the treasure that I seek

You are my all in all

Seeking You as a precious jewel

Lord, to give up I'd be a fool

You are my all in all

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame

Rising again I bless Your name

You are my all in all

When I fall down You pick me up

When I am dry You fill my cup

You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God

Worthy is Your name

Jesus, Lamb of God

Worthy is Your name

His Mercies are New Every Morning

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!

   His mercies never cease.

Great is his faithfulness;

   his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Lamentations 3:22-23

What a beautiful day we have here in Alabama!  It is sunny and crisp, and I am thankful for lots of windows to look through.  I woke up next to Reeves, and the sunlight was pouring over his sweet little face.  Did you hear?  He has not 1, but 2 strains of the flu.  The night was pretty restless for all, but today everyone is doing pretty well.  

So instead of being sad that we can't be out there enjoying this bright, beautiful day, I am choosing to be thankful.

Today, I thank sweet Jesus for.....

Tylenol, Motrin, Popsicles, and Gatorade an awesome Movie Library, courtesy of Honey (Chris' mom) super comfy floor beds, courtesy of Charcey (my mom) Pajamas my Dishwasher and Washing Machine Spare sets of Sheets Warm Baths Wii a Closet full of fun Games friends who bring us Chicken Noodle Soup (thanks Keith) and Veggie Lasagna (thanks Jennifer, and Happy Birthday)! Computers and great Websites for kids Lots of Books Paint and Playdoh bulb syringes iPods DVR Hide and Go Seek Not having to Work today Knowing that soon we will be Well, and the opportunity to Pray for those who aren't feeling quite as Blessed...

This is where you will find us for the next few days!

Pictures of Motherhood & Friday Funnies

Last week, I posted some pictures and stories about a day in my crazy, little life! I posted a few pictures that weren't the typical perfectly posed snapshots of childhood (or mommyhood for that matter)! Wanna see some from this week? Well, here ya go!

These might look like regular old action figures to you, but to me?

Well, they are my shower buddies most days of the week!

When you are sick with a temperature of 103 (like sweet Lucy was last night), you might get to fall asleep on the couch...whenever you feel like it (even if it's 6:30 in the evening and all you had for supper was a popsicle and hot chocolate)!

And, when the kids are all sick, and Daddy gets to be in charge while mommy is at work...

You might see a note on the fridge that looks something like this! Turns out, Mommy won't be working after all. Reeves woke up in the night with a raging fever and cough, too.

I just couldn't bring myself to leave Chris to deal with all 3 of them sick like this. Sometimes you just need your Mommy!

I know it's not something I should laugh at, but my kids are hilarious when they have a high fever. They are overly polite, sweet, and say some of the funniest things.

When Lucy was in a state of high temperature delirium (sometime around 3:36 this morning), I got some ice cold water for her in a sippy cup that she could keep right beside her. I snuggled up next to her and could feel her heat through my own pajamas. A few minutes went by, and I thought she had fallen asleep. I opened my eyes and she was leaning over me with cup in hand. In the sweetest little voice, she said....

"Mommy, could you please put my cup on the table?"

"But Lucy, aren't you thirsty?"

"Yes, Mommy, but this cup is colding me!"

I think it was meant to be some combination of touching me and cold.

It made me giggle!

Think my little moments were funny? (or completely pathetic)....

Check out the Friday Funnies over on Amber's Blog

I promise you won't be disappointed!

Congratulations, Lucy!!!

We are so very proud of our little Lucy!  She is the 2008-2009 preschool winner of the Finley Award (it's a big deal, y'all!).  Yay Lucy!!!  Come March 12th, we will have the honor of attending a big banquet where they will recognize all the winners....Lucy just can't wait to go shopping for her new dress!

Don't forget to go down to the bottom and pause my music first.

Reeves' commentary is worth it!

Stake it!!

My friend (and blog designer extraordinaire) has asked me to be a contributor on a new blog she started.....and I have humbly accepted!  Thanks for thinking of me, Danielle!
I am so excited about it, and would love for all of you to join us!  We're on a mission to be in the best shape we can be, and we're doing it together (who says we women like to sabotage each other?!).  Head on over and check it out....from now on I will post all weight loss/exercise related things over there.  I'll let you know whenever I post something new!!!
If you'll join us, the upcoming Alabama Summer won't be the only hot thing around here!
On another note, you may have noticed that my prayer requests have disappeared off the sidebar.  It doesn't mean I've quite praying y'all (quite the contrary), it just seems that I couldn't keep up with it that way.  I always felt like I was leaving something or someone out.  I think a better solution is for me to post prayer requests, as I feel lead and per your request, via Twitter.  If you don't tweet (and I really recommend it...very fun), you can still follow me (and lots of other cool people) or just check out my Twitter feed on the sidebar.  Is that cool with y'all?

Tasty Tuesday....Weight Watchers style!

Aspiemom, one of my faithful blog readers (who always leaves me lots of kind words....I love kind words!) checked out my blog this morning and wanted to know how things were going on Weight Watchers....

Well, I am happy to report that I am only 5 pounds away from my goal!!!! The greatest thing is, I am actually able to wear 99% of the clothes in my closet, and I am feeling really good about myself. It has taken me a full year to get the weight off (after baby #3 that is), but the way that I have gotten here has been much more manageable than in years past. Part of the success has come because I didn't put too much pressure on myself....knowing that I could do it if and when I set my mind to it. I don't do well when there is no end in sight! Knowing that I only have to focus a few weeks at a time motivates me to keep it up. I also treat myself to two or three one little cheat meal each week (no counting aloud).


The key to my success this time? I lost the weight in 5-10 pound chunks and took a couple months off in between (focusing on maintenance). When you've done Weight Watchers for as long as I have (I became a Lifetime Member back in 2002 after Reeves was born), maintenance is like second nature. I focused on sticking to it from March-May, basically took the Summer off, got back on the plan from September-November, took the holidays off, and since the beginning of the New Year I have been on the plan. I am planning on losing all the weight by the time we hit Destin, Florida in mid-March. It has REALLY worked for me, and I think it has been my key to success.


Another big key to my success this time has been my food choices. I am a Points Girl! Weight Watchers has introduced a few different "plans" over the years, but the points are essential to my success. I like the simplicity of it, and knowing that I can eat an entire jar of pickles for Zero points! The great thing is, since I lost all that weight the first time around (after Reeves was born), my points allowance has gone up. They now account for activity level, age, height, work load (running around as a nurse and mommy is finally working in my favor)....it is sooo much better!


I am also eating smarter. The food I use my points on is healthier, more substantial food. I start every day with scrambled egg whites & feta cheese and a Kashi waffle (4 points total), usually eat a Kashi bar or fruit for a snack, soup and a low point sandwich for lunch, another piece of fruit or veggie in the afternoon with a string cheese stick, and a reasonable dinner (we stick to wild rice or a baked potato and grilled lean meat) with a big salad. Those 100 calorie packs are for the birds (and actually REALLY bad for you)!


Try this soup recipe for very low points, lots of veggies, and a little kick!!!


6 cups chicken broth
2 - 12 ounce bags of frozen veggie mix of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots
10 ounces of 2% Velveeta Cheese (cubed)
1 can Rotel


Bring the broth to a boil. Add in veggies and cook to desired tenderness. Turn off heat. Stir in cheese till it is all melted. Add can of Rotel. Turn back on low till you serve it. ONLY 2 points for 1 CUP!!


If only I could do as well with the exercise...that's next!!! Thanks for keeping me accountable, Aspiemom!!!


My friend Lindsay is hosting Tasty Tuesday! Head over and check it out. You may find a few more fatteningly delicious recipes!!! This one may disappoint her faithful readers...sorry :)

It's actually pretty ridiculous!

If I told you the amount of mobile phones Chris and I have managed to go through in the past several years, you probably wouldn't believe me. Most of it is because Chris has to have the newest thing as soon as it hits the market (except for the iPhone....he's holding out till he can have it without having to go to AT&T).

When one of my phones has to be replaced, it's usually because of some sort of tragedy. Before the latest one, the last phone I lost was washed and dried after I left it in my back jean pocket....lovely!!!

Since I now have my new phone in hand, I can laugh about it all. I am going to try not to let history repeat itself....again! I will say, though, I got some crazy advice from a few friends that I just have to share. Desperate times call for desperate measures (or really good insurance!)....

If Your Mobile Phone is EVER Submerged in Water.....

Take it apart as much as you can. Wrap body of the phone in a towel and put the whole thing in a pillowcase. Place in the washing machine on the spin cycle (without water) for a few minutes (apparently this slings the water out). Blow hot air from the hair dryer in all visible holes.

- Matthew, my pedicurist (claims it has worked for 3

customers so far!) In my humble opinion, I think the

Salon should do a better job warning their customers

not to leave their phone in their lap during a pedicure!

Now THAT would be customer service!!!

Take it apart as much as you can. Bury in rice for several days. Remove and blow off all visible traces of rice and rice dust. Put everything back together.

-Angela, one of my best girlfriends (this one worked for her!)

toughgirl11 @HOLDitUP take the battery and sim card out of phone and oven or toaster oven @150 degrees for phone for 20min. x 2 if 1st doesnt work!!
9:08 AM Feb 15th from web

-April, a crazy real life friend via a Twitter message....I

was too chicken to try this one!!!

Anyone else have any brilliant advice???

Not me!, Monday

It's NOT one of my most favorite bloggy times of the week....and it is NOT so much fun!

"Not Me!" Monday is NOT sponsored by one of my favorite bloggers (and dear friend), MckMama. It's NOT a great way to NOT get all those little things off your chest that you totally did NOT do this week. I do NOT love reading the others, too. It DOES NOT make me feel better about some of the scary funny things that DID NOT happen in my little life this week. I'm NOT all about being real, y'all! So, here goes....

One morning after breakfast, I did NOT pluck all of the leftover/dropped Honey Nut Cheerios off of Greer's pajamas and eat them myself. I did NOT decide to count them as about 1 point on Weight Watchers....nope, not me!!

Greer did NOT get a hold of a bottle of clear nail polish while I wasn't looking, manage to remove the top, and proceed to NOT pour the entire contents of the bottle into her big sister's eye (as she lay on the floor watching Dora the Explorer). Lucy did NOT scream PURE BLOODY MURDER at the TOP of her lungs and completely NOT freak Greer out. Chris was NOT not home and I did NOT almost panic. All is NOT well, though....thank you GOD!


On another note of NOT horribly dangerous occurances.....Greer did NOT manage to find a pile of thumbtacks under her bathroom sink that her Daddy did NOT leave there after he painted her room (3 MONTHS before she was born). I did NOT notice her munching on something while I was straightening up her room and I did NOT do a quick finger-sweep of her mouth. I did NOT manage to extract 3 thumbtacks from her 13 month old mouth!!!! Chris did NOT get the 3rd degree about that one, and I am NOT afraid of what our mothers will have to say after they read this post.


Please, y'all.....do NOT call DHR on us (seriously, I beg you)!!! I promise we are capable of raising our three NOT wild children (you see, I was also NOT responsible for several near-death moments in my children's lives this week....)!!! Our mothers (their grandmothers) are NOT completely horrified at the carelessness of our actions.....we are NOT scared to death about what they will NOT have to say after they read this post....sorry Charcey and Honey!


I am NOT surprised that we haven't had a visit to the E.R. in a while....especially after my NOT crazy (very NOT unfortunate) Friday the 13th!!! Wanna see what did NOT happen?!...

Do NOT Click Here

What did you NOT do this week? Check out MckMama's blog for even more fun!

Bad Luck?

***Update***

Yes, I am sore today....really sore!

If I truly believed in bad luck, then today would have surely proven that there really is some truth to the fabled Friday the 13th!!!

'Specially since my sweet Greer almost ate cat poo, managed to grab a VERY sharp knife out of the dishwasher, and then nearly tumbled down the very long staircase to the basement all in a matter of just a few minutes this morning after breakfast.

I decided to treat myself to a relaxing pedicure today while the kids were all in school (a very short and crazy school day, I might add).  Mere minutes into that relaxing pedicure, I managed to lose my brand new Palm phone in the soothing spa botanical jet powered tub of water that my weary toes were soaking in.  So much for relaxing....I spent the next hour discussing with my pedicurist the best ways to dry it out (and stressing about telling Chris that I had ruined yet another phone!)  

And after a romantic meal and a really cute movie....I managed to tumble halfway down the movie theatre stairs, flat on my face.  I scraped my knee and bruised my shin and hip.  Many came to my rescue....

Too bad they couldn't rescue my ego!!

Friday Funnies - Modesty

Feeling the need to lighten things up a bit after that last post...it was good for me though. It brought me to my knees and I asked a lot of questions. In time, I know there will be answers....there already have been. God and I are on a journey, and I am thankful and willing to let Him lead the way.
Now for the Friday Funny....
I have spent the past couple of days with my good friend Angela and her precious kiddos, Maddie and Ben. What am I saying...we spend almost every day together in one way or another! A lot of times, Ang and I swap our kids so that we don't have to hire babysitters. It works out really well since our girls and babies are the same ages. Reeves is the entertainment and the "big boy helper".
A few months ago, Angela was taking care of Lucy, and the girls managed to get dirty enough to need a bath. After a good cleansing and great big soggy mess fun time, Angela decided it was time for them to get out of the tub.
She reached for the towels and said, "Hey girls, let's get out and put our towels on like Mommies do"! And she proceeded to wrap the towels around them just above their soon to be girl parts. The girls giggled and thought that was funny...especially when Lucy announced....
"That's not how Mommy does it, that's how DADDY does it!!!"
For Lucy knows the truth of our house....
Mommy is VERY immodest (aka, no towel needed) and Daddy is VERY, VERY modest (dressing as SOON as he exits the shower, underneath a "girl style" towel wrap)!!!
How embarrassing for Chris, not me!!!

Tate

I was just about to shut the computer and head off to bed.  But, I decided to check my favorite blogs one more time, and this is what I found over on MckMama's blog...

The tears started to flow, and I was reminded of my Tate.  Tate was our second baby, and went to be with Jesus before we could know him or her.  Tate was lost early, as many babies are, but this baby would always be OURS.  I seem to instantly attach to my babies the moment the line appears on the stick, and the surprise of Tate's conception was no exception.   

I am amazed at how raw that pain of loss still is.  I remember every single detail of my pregnancy... the photo shoot we had the day I took the pregnancy test (totally a coincidence), the anxiety of having a baby again so soon, being excited that my first two babies would be really close in age like Rachel and I were.  Seeing the blood on Easter morning, waiting to call my doctor, the horrible pain (both physical and emotional), the tears that wouldn't stop flowing, Reeves waving goodbye to me while my mother held him on the porch of our very first home.  

The rain.

The rain poured down.

And my mom was singing with him..."Rain, rain, go away, come again another day..."

He waved good-bye to me with his chubby little 11-month old hand.

I can't hear that song and not think of my baby.  My baby in Heaven.  The days that followed were very hard.  I remember Chris holding me night after night as I cried myself to sleep.  We have the pictures from the photo shoot hanging all over our house.  I know that my baby was alive in me in those photos, and looking at them somehow gives me peace.  

I see my patients who have lost and I know the number of miscarriages they have had by looking at their prenatal record.  I wonder how often they cry for those babies, too, and I am burdened to pray for them.  

I love you Tate.  I will always love you....and one day I will hold you in Heaven!

Pieces of Me

I had my annual performance evaluation at work today, and it went really well.  I have an awesome boss, and she totally made me laugh when I walked through the door...she knows me well enough to know what I'm feeling before I even say a word.  All of my close friends do.  

She took one look at me and said, "You know your evaluation is good....why are you so splotchy!?"

It's true.  I'm a splotcher..... and I always have been.  

My friends know it well, and can read me like a book.  In fact, they enjoy torturing me with it!  Friends, I am happy that you can have a good laugh at my expense!  I live to serve.

Chris knows that I mean business when the splotches start to creep up.  Don't believe me?  Ask him what happened the night that I professed my undying love for him....before we had even been out on one serious date.  Yep, that was a turtle-neck night (too bad it was August in Alabama)!  There was no hiding my true colors!!! 

I splotch when I 'm happy, sad, mad, embarrassed, excited.  I splotch when I have a glass of wine or when I'm given a compliment.  I splotch when I teach a class and when I am passionately kissed. 

I hate it!  

I want to be mysterious, but my skin always gives me away.  I want my students to know I mean business, but my skin shows that I am stressed out about something.  I wanted my skin to look milky white in my strapless wedding gown, but my heart was beating too fast to allow it. 

Oh well....so much for wishing!  It's just a piece of me.  

Pictures of Motherhood

Just another day in the life....


It seems Greer has discovered her arms and hands, and her new nickname is Octopus. She manages to completely unload my pantry, dishwasher, make-up bag, cabinet, laundry basket, tampon box, you name it - in five seconds flat. I spend her every waking hour making sure she doesn't absolutely destroy everything in the entire house. Or destroy herself. You wouldn't believe what I managed to "finger-sweep" out of her big 'ole mouth just yesterday! Let's just say, you would be completely and utterly horrified. It's so bad I can't even admit it here (it'll have to wait till Not Me! Monday I guess)....I get nauseated just thinking about it!


Keeping up with this girl is exhausting.


And while I'm on the topic....motherhood in general is exhausting! Don't get me wrong. I really do love it, but it can flat out drain a girl! Today I was driving to pick Lucy up from school (to take her to gymnastics where I would chase Greer around a nasty gym floor waiting for the class to be over), and I caught myself thinking...


"What in the WORLD did I do with all my time before I had the kids?"


I mean, how can you ever get bored!!! There are five dozen books I have started and not had enough time to finish, a yard in desperate need of my once upon a time green thumb, 4 movies I would love to go see, 2 new restaurants I am dying to try, a great little boutique in a suburb a few miles away that I can't manage to get to, a mission trip I want to go on, a complicated recipe that involves a trip to Whole Foods and the Fish Market, a box (or 8) full of pictures that need to be organized, and a conference that would give my spiritual side a much needed tune-up....the list goes on and on!


But after much prayer and pondering, I realize that God has me right where He wants me. I'm learning new lessons everyday, but mostly I am trying to treasure the little things.....and be thankful for the lives I am blessed to protect nurture.

Tomorrow I will move the canned goods out of reach...

those could bloody a lip, man!

Be thankful for the little things!

Here's the earring I've been looking for since last week...wonder how it

got there? That was one really nice surprise today!!

Make the most of naptime!

I did manage to catch up on a couple of my favorite T.V. shows while I

tackled this lovely pile of ironing during Greer's morning nap....

It's at least half that size now...

Yay for the little accomplishments in life!

It's what we mothers live for!!!

Thanks be to God (for He is the only thing that keeps me sane...oh, and coffee)!!!

Take a GUESS!!!

What happens in exactly 

100 days!?!

(it's actually 2 exciting things all in 1 BIG day)

Not me!, Monday

It's NOT one of my most favorite bloggy times of the week....and it is NOT so much fun!

"Not Me!" Monday is NOT sponsored by one of my favorite bloggers (and dear friend), MckMama. It's NOT a great way to NOT get all those little things off your chest that you totally did NOT do this week. I do NOT love reading the others, too. It DOES NOT make me feel better about some of the less than attractive funny things that DO NOT happen in my little life. I'm NOT all about being real, y'all! So, here goes....

WoW!  If there ever was a week for Highs and Lows, well....this was NOT the week!!!

First for the NOT lows...

A dear friend's husband did NOT lose his job this week.  Please pray for them!  God will NOT PROVIDE!!!

Sweet baby Cora did NOT go to be with Jesus...Neither did sweet baby Tuesday (my heart is NOT breaking for these families)!  Oh, and sweet baby Abby is NOT having a VERY hard week, too!!!  Please, please, please do NOT pray for these precious babies and their families!!!

Reeves, Lucy, and I did NOT have a battle of the wills this afternoon after a weekend (who am I kidding...WEEK) fueled by too much T.V., too many sweets, and too much time OFF the regular routine).  We (meaning Mommy, Daddy, and Kiddos) did NOT have a MASSIVE "Come to Jesus" this afternoon and decide that we were back on track for NOT good!!!  Yes ma'am....we sure ARE (and I do NOT mean business)!!!!!

And for the praises (aka Highs)....there are NOT too many to count!

I did NOT celebrate my 33rd birthday this week, and even though my baby girl did NOT have a horrible fever virus (which did NOT turn out to be Roseola), I did NOT thoroughly enjoy myself when my NOT precious mom showed up with flowers and gifts of boots and earrings and free babysitting!

I did NOT choose to eat lunch with my eldest dear child because he did NOT think that eating lunch with him in the school cafeteria would be the best gift I could ever NOT receive...it was NOT perfect!

I did NOT tell him that I had already eaten because I was NOT planning a trip to my favorite bakery to enjoy one of these.....

That is NOT the best fried green tomato sandwich you will ever NOT eat, and I did NOT also enjoy a cup of tomato-basil soup with it while I waited on the GREATEST STRAWBERRY CAKE known to man (which I did NOT purchase for myself from my most NOT favorite bakery because I was NOT afraid that I wouldn't NOT have a birthday cake)!!!!  I know....NOT too many "nots"

I did NOT carry that strawberry cake out to dinner with my sweet family (at my NOT precious husband's request) and NOT find a crowd of 30+ friends waiting to celebrate with me (thank you Chris....and I do NOT mean that)!!!

The restaurant does NOT have a ritual of NOT singing to the birthday patron VERY loudly while said birthday patron does NOT wear a rather large Sombrero.  Said birthday patron does NOT also have whipped cream smeared all over their face during said song.....

oops....that should have been a NOT low!!!

What did you NOT do this week?!

This Made My YEAR!!

After a long day at work Friday,

this email was in my inbox when I got home that night....

(via a FaceBook friend request message)

Hi Megan! You probably do not remember me, but I will never forget you! In October of 2000, I was admitted to {your hospital} for Prom {premature rupture of membranes} at 24 weeks. Being from {your hometown}, I was introduced to you along with others from this area. You were so kind and genuine! I delivered a week later. My daughter was dubbed the superstar of the NICU...for a short time. We lost her to NEC 8 weeks later. Then again, exactly 2 years to the date, I delivered a 20 weeker who died in utero. God has blessed me with 2 amazing boys! I tried to not let myself become a victim of circumstance. Some days were easier than others...I have definitely learned to Praise Him through the Storm!!

An interesting side note: {a doctor I love} was a resident then {when my first 2 babies were born at your hospital}. 2 1/2 years ago when I was pregnant with my son, she was my ob/gyn! I delivered at {another hospital in your town}... Insurance dictated...not my choice! and let me tell you...there is no comparison! Paint and fancy rooms do not replace genuine care and concern! {your hospital} has always been my safe place...I have remained friends with many of the nurses and Drs we met on our journey. God bless each of you!! I am so inspired by your blog. God has gifted you with great compassion. I just wanted you to know that you Make a Difference!!

Tonya 
Jeremiah 29:11

All for HIS glory!!!

This is why I do what I do (and blogging is just my other therapy!

Sometimes it can feel like a pretty thankless job.....an email like

this will carry me for a long time!!

Thanks so much Tonya.....that means the world to me!

Oh, and I asked her permission before posting this!  I also plan on forwarding

it on to my boss.....

ahem 

Is it SERIOUSLY February?

What a gorgeous Alabama Day!!!

65 degrees and the Sun was Shinin'

Sunglasses & Sunscreen

Swingin'

Riding and Smiling

and Sweet Treats

Ice Cream and Milkshakes all around!

Give me a "D"!

Danielle is playing the letter game, so I asked for a letter so I could play, too. It's a fun way to get to know a little bit more about me, and in turn....I can learn more about you!  It's sort of like a modern day chain letter - with a twist!

Danielle assigned me the letter D....which was a LOT harder than I thought it would be! Some of my answers are stretching it a bit.....but you'll get the jist! As I was trying to come up with my 10 things, I kept trying to figure out ways to make my letter work for me. See if you can figure out which ones are a s t r e t c h.

If you want to play along, just leave a comment on this post letting me know. I'll leave you a comment and assign you a letter. Post ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter (and let me know when your post is up so I can stop by and read all about you!). When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on.

Here we go...

Walt Disney World

Who doesn't!?  We are planning our next trip for 

May of this year...and we can't wait!

Decking My Halls...and Mailbox

I love Decorating for Christmas.

It's my favorite time of year!

Dining Out at Delicious Restaurants

I am a freak about good food...it depresses

me to eat something that is not just fabulous!

DVR

I would never see an episode of The Bachelor without it!

(sorry for the pathetic picture...I am NOT a professional blogger)

Destin, Florida

Our family vacation spot since I was knee high

to a grasshopper!

No prettier beaches anywhere else in the

Continental U.S., friends!

David Wilcox

If it weren't for him...this blog wouldn't have

such a cool and inspiring title.

I have been a bit obsessed with him since 1994.

The song by the same name is on my playlist below.

Driving

Hey, it would be way cooler if the picture above had no

top and no sliding doors, but I'm in the the mini van 

phase of life.

I love to drive around singing at the top of my lungs.

One of my most favorite past times...

especially when I can do it all alone!

Delivery Days

My own and those of my patients.

There is nothing greater than experiencing the miracle 

of birth on a regular basis...I am so amazingly blessed!

The Heart of Dixie!

We don't get near enough respect...it's a great little secret!

Date Night

We need a LOT more of these!!!

Leave a Comment and I'll give you a letter!

Here are the friends who've already taken the challenge...

check out their lists, too!

Beth

Kristin

Ginger

Brandi