No joke

It's no joke. This is the card I just created on Shutterfly, and I placed my order of 50 for free! If you're a blogger, you should take advantage of this opportunity.

Count Your Blessings Christmas 5x7 folded card

Shop Shutterfly for elegant custom Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

How about that for a 100th post?

Photo Keepsakes

I've used Shutterfly for birth announcements and Christmas cards in the past, and I've always been pleased with the cards! I'm working on getting my 2010 Christmas card together this year. Sadly, I didn't do a card last year, so I'm determined to send one out this year.

I'm not sure if I struggled doing a card last year thinking maybe Brett would make his debut shortly after ordering cards and he wouldn't be on them or if the thought of postage for both Christmas cards and birth announcements soon thereafter was a tough pill to swallow or if I just wasn't motivated enough at nine months pregnant to get my act together. It's likely the latter with a hint of the first two thoughts.

This is a recent family pic I'm thinking of including on our Christmas card this year.



The big task at hand is selecting from the MANY wonderful designs Shutterfly offers for their Christmas card. These are a few of my favorites. What's your favorite? You just might see it again...with a few familiar faces on it, of course!

Did you know that Shutterfly is offering 50 free Christmas cards for bloggers?

Why not head over to Shutterfly to see what fantastic photo creations you could create?

I've been collecting a folder of my favorite daddy-kid photos so that I can make a photo book as a special gift for Craig. Have you made one? I'll likely make his for Father's Day this year as a very unique gift of favorite daddy-kid moments.

I'm also thinking of making my first-ever photo calendar. I know that I'll LOVE to turn the page each month and reminisce over my favorite photos I've included for that month. What a great way to centralize your favorite photos over the past year! I'm thinking this would make a great grandparent gift, too! Now, how do I narrow down my favorite photos? Good thing Shutterfly will let me include the number of photos I want for each month. I can make it simple or include a collage!

Shutterfly is easy and simple to use, not to mention a great virtual storage for your photos! The awesome promos and products available are enough to lure me in! They're running a free shipping promo right now, too, so head over and get started!

Then to Now

When I sadly escaped the blogging world way back when, this is what our family looked like:



Now, this is what the Morris family of five looks like. (A preview of our Christmas card, perhaps?) We've changed; we've grown! Some have grown bigger and taller, one has the need to accessorize with glasses, one has lost some baby weight, and one little someone has grown enough hair for pigtails! I've got so much to update!

I'm planning to make a comeback! Boy, have I got my work cut out for me!

Stretched

Okay, so I feel a bit stretched in many different directions, especially since I tried Pilates for the first time tonight.

I'm being stretched as a wife. I've been reading Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, and I'm really enjoying it when I have the time to read a few pages at a time. I've already taken away so much!

I'm being stretched as a mommy these days, adapting to new schedules and routines and more demands on my time for each of my three children.

I'm being stretched financially. Even when things don't seem to add up, God always provides.

I'm being stretched with my time. I'm sad that I've let life fly by without documenting what has occurred lately. I'm committed to keeping this blog updated for my kids' sake. I want to be able to look back at my journal entries and remember the sweet, tender moments, the crazy days, and the fun activities we do.

Most of all, I'm being stretched as a Christian. God is teaching me through very tough situations how to be patient. Remember the old saying, "God doesn't give you what you can't handle"? Well, someone gave me a different way to think of that, and I love it: God gives you what you can't handle so that you have no choice but to lean on Him.

I can't handle it on my own, and I don't want to handle it on my own. I need guidance in all that I do. I desire to be a Godly woman who's being formed into His image. I've got a long way to go because I have so many faults, but I'm ready to be stretched. So, God, mold me and stretch me!

Happy Birthday, Brett!

Brett Charles Morris

On December 30, 2009, at 8:22 a.m., we welcomed Brett to our family. He weighed 5lbs 4oz and was 17 inches long.

Brett's birth story, including information about his week-long stay in the NICU, will soon follow.

Alyssa Rose

Welcome to the world, Alyssa Rose!
Friday, November 20th, 2009
8:16 a.m., 6 pounds, 13 ounces, 19.5 inches.

My beaming sister, Rebecca, with her daughter.


Keith, the excited big brother on his way to meet his little sister for the first time.


Daddy, Bryan, helping Keith hold and love on Alyssa.


I'm an aunt again! Oh, and I have major baby fever now. Good thing I have less than six weeks to wait before our son makes his debut!

First Date

10 years ago today, I went out on a date with my husband-to-be.

Who knew 10 years ago that we'd be happily married with a growing family of our own. I'm grateful God knew and brought us together when He did.


Craig, I love you with all my heart!

Surprise!

Last Saturday, my dad and I threw a surprise party in the hut for Mom and Craig. We had family, some of whom drove more than four hours to attend, and many of Craig's closest friends, even a couple that flew in from other states to celebrate with him!

Craig used to celebrate his birthday with his mom because their birthdays were only one day apart. Now that his mom is with Jesus, he celebrates with my mom, whose birthday is only a week from his. Mom and Craig have always had a special relationship, and I'm so grateful for their bond.

Singing Happy Birthday to each other.


May all your wishes come true!


Later in the evening, some of the guys hung around to play poker together. Some great guy time! Around the table is Craig, the goofy photo-poser; his brother, Brian; friend and neighbor, Omar; brother-in-law, Bryan; uncle-in-law, Ray; brother-in-law, John; friend, Gary. Craig is such a home-body, and I really do appreciate when he has opportunities to have guy-time. He doesn't do it often, and I think it's important for us to maintain our individuality. They had a great time together!


These two crazy brothers playing air guitar. If only I could remember what song they were playing. Two peas in a pod, these two!

But today, November 1st, is my sweetie's special day.

If only I had written these words myself:

Just think,

you're here not by chance, but by God's choosing.

His hand formed you and made you the person you are.

He compares you to no one else - you are one of a kind.

You lack nothing that His grace can't give you.

He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation.
---by Roy Lessin

Craig,

I'm grateful for this day, a day to celebrate you. You're a fantastic husband and daddy, and I thank God for you every day! I pray for many, many happy birthdays yet to come!

Trick-or-Treat '09

As is fitting, Nolan had to be a baseball player for Halloween this year. I'm not sure this is much of a costume for our baseball-loving son. Doesn't he make such a cute ball player? (This pic was taken before we got his black-out on.)



Ella the bumble bee. We couldn't get her to wear the antenna headband early on, but as you'll see, she finally warmed up to it.


This was their sweet ride down to the neighborhood block party. I only wish Daddy could have pulled a second wagon for this seven-month prego mama!


Nolan remembered Halloween last year and jumped in with the trick-or-treating like nothing else. He had no inhibitions and didn't have a shy bone in his body once he was warmed up!

Miss Ella caught on quite quickly. She wanted to eat each piece of candy instead of putting it in her bag and moving to the next house. She was as cute as could BEE!


The excitement was so high that I couldn't get both of them to look at me for a cute picture. Oh, well, the candid shots are the most true-to-life shots anyway!

I can't believe we'll have three kiddos to dress up and take around our neighborhood next year. So fun!

Pumpkin Fun

On a cool, Fall day with no naps to be had, what's a Mama to do?
Well, we had some pumpkin fun, of course!

We had three pumpkins, and we decided to carve one of them. Somehow, I knew the interest would fade quickly in the goopy stuff. Why don't my kids like to get their hands icky and dirty? I didn't mind, though. I ended up cleaning it out myself while Nolan and Ella moved on to the next project.


This year, I let Nolan and Ella have at their pumpkins with paint. Of course, the intended project was to paint a face on the pumpkin, which is what kind of started to happen.


Then the thrill of painting set in, and every piece of the pumpkin needed some paint on it. (You've got to love Ella's arm!)


So much joy in fun projects even if they can be exhausting for Mama. That's what makes the great memories, right?


Our finished products!

T-Ball

Nolan's playing t-ball in a 3/4-year-old league. He's had a passion for baseball since before he was two, and he's LOVING playing on a team! His team name is Thunder, and one of his good buddies, Zane, is on his team.

Proud Nolan before his first game.

Nolan's warming up with Daddy on the field. They love to play catch together!

First time up to bat, and he smacked the ball and cleared the bases! Go Nolan!

Running home.


His first time up to bat, and you can see what happened! This is so funny. It'll be fun to look back in years to come at his first experience at bat.

We're so proud of our baseball-loving son!

Melanoma Update

I had my post-surgical follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Anderson, this morning. I am grateful I can say that I am cancer-free! My pathology report shows no residual! Praise the Lord!

Here are a few things I want to remember:

Back in late April '09, I was a part of a Relay for Life team, which raises money for cancer research. The challenge was to relay walk for 12 hours straight. Initially, Craig was going to be a part of it with me early on in the evening and then take the kids to my parents' house for the night and pick me up in the morning. It ended up that my parents took our kids home with them, and Craig stayed the night to relay with us.

Our team fizzled out, but I was determined to fulfill my commitments. I was encouraged to just throw in the towel and be done for the night. I couldn't do it. I was committed to walking for the people who had donated to me. I was honored to walk in memory of those who have/are fighting a battle with cancer.

Craig and I finished the relay, and I was so grateful to have him by my side. (Side note, Craig says flip-flops are not the best shoes to be wearing for a 12-hour relay. What a trooper! Remember, though, the initial plan wasn't that he was planning to stay and walk with me.) I'm grateful Craig was there walking along with me through the night. Looking back, it was yet another foreshadow to me. I have married my best friend and soul mate, and he'll always be by my side, no matter what we face together.

Little did I know.

Little did I know that I very possibly had melanoma at that point since my PCP had mentioned that I "should probably get that looked at before I got pregnant" in mid-March. I didn't know that I was already pregnant with the child who'd be instrumental in my discovering that I, too, will call myself a cancer survivor.

As I walked and prayed that night, I felt a conviction. I was convicted to persevere. I was convicted to be a part of this 12-hour relay in years to come.

Now I know why.

The word or theme, if you will, of the relay was HOPE. That word resonates with me. I don't know if Hope will be a part of this baby's name if we're having a girl, but I know that this baby has given me new hope.

As a 30-year-old mother and wife, I never thought I'd have to announce that I'm cancer-free, but I'm so grateful that I can. I have hope for a long life because I know God's not done with me yet. I have a husband to stand by, love, and respect, and I have three young children to raise in His image.

God was never surprised by my diagnosis. I am amazed at His timing and ever-grateful for this precious blessing that I believe one of his/her purposes in life has already been fulfilled, to help save his/her mommy's life and discover the melanoma before it was too late.

Thank you for praying with us and being part of this journey with us.

Praising God for His healing and timing of our third child!

First Day of School

We registered Nolan for the three-year-old pre-k class at a church close to us. Although we don't feel he needs school yet for academic reasons, he will benefit from it socially, we're sure!

With his backpack and nap mat, he's ready to go to his first day of school.


Of course, we feared this was going to happen. Once we got to school and walked in the doors, he started to clam up. Not surprising, but still not the way we hoped this morning would play out. It was a tearful goodbye as we took Nolan to his class. He was clinging to Daddy's leg, and the teacher had to pull Nolan off of him and drag him into class as he's crying. Of course, it broke Mommy's heart watching him go off to school being drug into his class crying for us.

The June Cleaver in me came out, and I baked some cookies as a first after-school snack.

Mighty to Save!

As we were driving to visit my mom and sister for lunch today, we were listening to our local Christian radio station, KLTY. I was singing, the kids were clapping, and I didn't think much of it.

About three or four hours later, as Nolan and I were putting his train set together, I recognized he was singing Mighty to Save by Hillsong. I have always loved this song, and when I hear it, it sticks with me for quite some time.

Sweet Nolan had been paying attention (although, this isn't his first exposure to this song), and he knew many of the lyrics! I started singing it with him, and he soon became embarrassed.

A little while later, as I was working on the computer, I could hear him singing it to himself again while playing with a truck. I wish I had my camera next to me to catch it on video. It was the sweetest, most innocent sound!

This evening after Craig got home, we were singing it a bit more. I then heard Ella chiming in with the words "save" and "King" at the appropriate times.

My heart is full.

It's not an everyday occurrence that you feel and clearly see you're making much of a difference as a stay-at-home mom. Tonight, I'm fully aware that what my children hear matters. How I act and treat others makes an impact.

This is my job, to raise our children in a loving, Christian environment so that they will become followers of Christ. To see that Nolan is paying attention and being quite the sponge, I'm grateful I have the job I have; to be an example for our kids everyday. It makes me strive to be a better Christian role model in all I do, whether I'm being watched or not.

Everyone needs compassion
Love that’s never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations


Saviour
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave


So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender


Shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing
For the glory of the risen King
Jesus
shine you light and let the whole world see
were singing
for the glory of the risen king

I pray you know our Savior who is mighty to save!

Summertime Lull

"Lull" might be the wrong word to use in this context because our summer has not consisted of much sleep, rest, or relaxation. It seems my blog hasn't been on my top list of priorities this summer.

I have so much to document, including our annual family vacation to Lake Whitney, some firsts for our kids, pregnancy progression, everyday activities, visitors, our wedding anniversary, and so much more. It seems I fall into this blogging slump every summer because it seems we're always on the go. I remember there being a list of things I wanted to blog about that I resolved to "get to later" but never found the time to post about them as I had intended.

I will post about many of those earlier listed things. I just won't tonight.

My blog is primarily my documentation of our kids. Tonight, I'm blogging as an outlet for me.

This afternoon, I was informed that the mole I had removed yesterday is a melanoma. WHAT?? REALLY?? I never suspected this. In fact, had it not been for other reasons due to the pregnancy, I can almost guarantee that I wouldn't have seen a dermatologist anytime soon. Now, that's scary!

Here are the facts as I know them now:
*The melanoma I have is called a superficial spreading melanoma.
*It's relatively thin. It measured .5mm, which anything less than 1mm is pretty local.
*I will see a plastic surgeon on August 18th for a consult regarding removing at least 1cm of tissue surrounding where the mole had been "residing."
*I will have that 1cm of tissue removed more than likely the end of August/beginning of September.
*It seems as though the melanoma was found and removed before it metastasized throughout my body.

I ask that you pray with our family. I will keep you updated as I know more.

Memorable Memorial Day!

What excitement there is in seeing and hearing your baby's heartbeat for the first time.

As of this mornig, we're blessed to have experienced that joy THREE times now. Yes, we are pregnant with our third child! He/she will debut in late December, and we couldn't be more thrilled.

God's timing is beautiful.

Free Money

Seeing as though I've got about three readers, one of which is my mom, I'm sure this post isn't worth much.

Seriously, you should try out Diapers.com. With fast, free shipping for a purchase of $49 or more, why leave the comforts of your home for anything baby related? You can buy diapers, wipes, lotion, soap, books, clothing, bottles, pacifiers, toys, etc. For those of you who might not have kids (hint, hint mom), you can purchase gift certificates through them, too, for those people you know who do have young kids!

If you place a new order using my referral code by May 25th, we'll both benefit. As a first-time purchaser, you'll get $10 off your first order, and I'll get a credit for referring a new friend. Then once you become a customer, you can refer your friends and earn credits, too. They even have an opportunity to redeem your coupons through them, too!

Even if you only order once to try it out, what does it hurt? You'll instantly get $10 off your first order!

Head on over to Diapers.com, place your order, and include my referral code, JUMX8787, before you checkout. It's that easy!

Then let me know what you thought about it!

18 months

From this...

...to this


Our sweet Ella girl is 18 months old! It's hard to believe how quickly time flies.

At 18 months, Ella...
*eats very well with utensils and still has a healthy appetite. (See chocolate donut picture above!)
*sleeps 12 hours at night and takes one mid-afternoon nap for about 2 hours.
*always sleeps with a paci and her blankie.
*says some words besides family members' names: Amen, backpack, foul ball, car, shoe.
*is cutting three molars at once, which makes her nose drip like a faucet!
*loves to play with Nolan.
*is becoming quite vocal and independent.
*will squeeze my neck with the most wonderful hug when she wants to cuddle.
*makes some of the silliest faces!
*loves wearing bracelets and necklaces.
*has a smile that will melt your heart!

Ella, our lady bug, you are such a delight! You put joy in our hearts that's indescribable. We love you so much! Mommy and Daddy

Mother's Day 2009

Mom, you're an inspiration and an example to follow. I cherish our relationship, and I'm so grateful you're my best friend. Thank you!

I love being a mom, and I thank God for these beautiful children!



Happy Mother's Day!

The African Violet

This is the African violet I gave my grandmother on Mother's Day in 2001.

On January 2nd, 2009, exactly six years to the day after the passing of Craig's grandfather, Grandma Kling entered into eternal life, too.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:15-17

To me, this violet is a reminder of the true meaning of life. When I gave this plant to my grandmother nearly eight years ago, it was a small, young plant needing nurturing and care for growth. Through the years, with the love and attention from my grandmother, it has grown and flourished and bloomed regularly, much like what parents provide for their young children.

Though recently, the plant has been through a period of pruning and sparse growing. I'm sure, that's primarily because I've taken over the care of this fragile plant. I was saddened by the idea that I may not be able to keep this plant alive as my grandmother had for years.

Don't we all go through some period in our life that felt as if we're unproductive and trying to find our way? Some of us stay in that time longer than others. Though once we've experienced the pruning in our life and have found our way, new life begins and we can once again flourish.

I went to water the plant today and noticed these beautiful blooms! I was filled with hope that this plant will once again return to its healthy state of life.

Although Grandma Kling has left this earthly life, I know she lives. She is living a glorious, eternal life with our Savior! With the forgiveness and grace of our Father, we too will live an eternal life, not because we deserve it, but because we believe in Him and that He died for our sins, and therefore, we will not perish.

I feel this post is scattered. I've been rolling around ideas through my head all day and finally decided to publish what I've come up with. Although it may not be the most eloquent, fluent post I've ever written, I pray the message I'm seeking to convey is clear.