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.

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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.

Happy Birthday, Nolan - part 1

Noble; the meaning of your name, which you are
Outstanding son and brother
Loving
Awesome baseball player
Never-ending energy

Happy 3rd Birthday to our doodle bug. We love you so much!

Teacher

Can it be true? Nolan is turning T-H-R-E-E tomorrow! My, how time flies.

Three years ago March 31st, 2006, was a Friday. I left my Fort Worth classroom in tears after dismissal that afternoon. That was my last day of teaching in a classroom. On my way to the hospital for pre-registration for my upcoming planned C-section on that Monday, April 3rd, I realized that my role as teacher was really just beginning.

You see, a part of my heart still remains in that classroom and for the very special students that I taught.

But I knew God had big plans for me.

My new student-to-teacher ratio was soon going to be 1:1. I was nervous. I was anxious. I was excited!

Since Monday, April 3rd, 2006, the day our son, Nolan, was born, I have tried to teach him all that I can. But more importantly, I have learned more than I ever dreamed!

I believe that you can learn anything from anyone as long as you listen. The mark of a good teacher is knowing that we never know it all, and we can always learn something new every day!

On the eve of the third anniversary of my first day as Mommy, I'm filled with many prayers.

I pray that our children learn to live Christ-centered lives and learn how to have a personal relationship with their Savior.

I pray that our children learn from our example how to love people and to be the living Christ in their relationships with others.

I pray that as parents, we listen for what God is trying to teach us.

Although I may re-enter a classroom in the future as "teacher," I know that I will always be His "student."