Jenny's Songs

Last night about this time, I had crashed on the couch. When I finally woke up at 10:00 p.m I knew I would never go to sleep. I turned on the computer to check on our friend, Jenny. I spent the next 5 hours praying and checking my computer for updates. When I fell asleep at 3, I was thankful for that long nap. I think God was preparing me for standing united with many on the front lines as we prayed through the night.

If you don't know, Jenny was admitted to the hospital last Thursday after fighting the flu for a week. She was diagnosed with septic pneumonia and is in critical condition. Many of us have been praying day and night for God to heal our sweet friend.

Last night was a very critical night for her. All night long there were updates on her Care Page pleading with us to pray for specific requests. I believe God's presence was with many of us as we gathered around the computer, texted each other and waited for updates.

I was amazed with how many people had a paricular praise song playing in the background. Many of us were commenting on Facebook with our different songs.

Thanks to those comments and my ITouch genius list, I came up with a playlist that I like to call, "Jenny's Songs."

I wanted to share this list with you for those of you praying for Jenny so you could add to your music library. Also if you are looking for good, uplifting music, you will not be dissappointed with these.

1. Mighty to Save (Jenny's anthem) by Hillsong


2. God of This City by Chris Tomlin (my personal anthem)


3. You Never Let Go by Matt Redman


4. Here is Our King by David Crowder


5. What Faith Can Do by Kutless


6. By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North


7. Strong Tower by Kutless


8. Desert Song by Hillsong


9. Everlasting God by Lincoln Brewster


10. Prasie You in This Storm by Casting Crowns


11. Healing Hand of God by Jeremy Camp


12. Call Your Name by Third Day


13. Show Us Your Glory by Third Day


14. My Savior My God by Aaron Shust


15. Healer by Kari Jobe


16. Beautiful Lord by Leeland


17. He Reigns by Newsboys


18. You Reign by Mercy Me


19. There Will Be a Day by Jeremy Camp


20. What Do I Know of Holy by Addison Road

This by no means scrathes the surface of good songs out there. In fact, if you have a song that God has laid on your heart while praying for Jenny, please leave a comment. I would love to take my list and yours and compile one mega CD for Jenny and her family to "cling to" during this time.

God is faithful to bring us together to pray for a dear friend in her time of need.

This picture was taken this time two years ago, when a group of us ladies hosted a shower for Cousin Lauren.

My Closet Runneth Over

I have been so blessed with the generosity of those around me who are passing down their maternity wears to me. My closet runneth over.



The first week after my aunt found out I was having a baby she got three big bags full of clothes from a friend at work. I immediately started to wear the maternity jeans because they were more comfortable than regular ole jeans and I didn't have to undo buttons on the way to the potty. In the stash of clothes was this shirt. It makes me laugh!

And let me take a moment to discuss my hair! Ever since I found out I was preggo, it has grown in volume, not in length. It is the strangest thing. I have gone from volume-i-zing my hair to de-frizzing my hair. I just find it funny that even the texture of my hair has changed in the past 3 months.

Okay, back to the clothes.

My sweet cousin Paige loaned me her maternity wardrobe, two big plastic bins worth. Oh how grateful I am to you, P! I took a picture Saturday night while I was sorting through them because I just enjoyed seeing all the piles of clothes to last me through the whole nine months. Especially in light of the fact that my husband has been known to ask a pregnant friend, "Isn't one pair of pants enough to last the whole pregnancy?" (That was over a year ago and you can bet your bottom dollar I started praying this would not be his philosophy during my pregnancy)



I am grateful to have a closet that runneth over, thanks to the generosity of my aunt and cousin.

You girls ROCK!!!

And Mr. Budget, thanks you too! :)

A Love/Hate Relationship

Since I am using my blog as a means to document this new chapter of our lives, I feel it only necessary to discuss the one thing that sums up my life right now.

Oh the joys of morning sickness...

Morning sickness and I have a love/hate relationship.

I love that I am sick since that is something I prayed I would be able to experience. I hate that the "sick" feeling lasts all day long.

I love that I work at home so that I can "get sick" in the privacy of my own home. I hate that when I drive my car these days, I have to carry a bag with me for those moments I can't pull over.

I love knowing that the Little Youngster is healthy but am looking forward to the day where I can keep food down for more than 5 minutes.

This week I start my 11Th week. I am praying that there will be light at the end of the tunnel soon. Yet at the same time, I am thankful that I am finally able to experience the joys of pregnancy. Even if it means the porcelain throne is my home away from home.

Many of my friends have given me some great tips on things that helped them. I have tried them all but none seem to work as well as what I found last night.

I found a box of these cookies at my in law's house and helped myself to a few. They are delicious and do the trick. Of course, I should have known that the Youngster would love cookies. Baby's Daddy is a huge fan of sweet treats too!

And on a bit of a side note, I want to say something to those of you who wish you could experience morning sickness but haven't had a chance. I still have many friends in my life who are praying for a baby. I always hated when people would complain about their pregnancy woes because I would think "Really? You are going to complain when you have all that you have ever wanted, a baby." I would have given nothing to be in their shoes. In fact, I wouldn't trade this part of my journey with anyone because it just means that God has heard my cried and blessed us. I am truly thankful for this opportunity but for the sake of documenting my journey, keep it real as well.

Yesterday in church we sang one of my all time favorite songs, I Stand In Awe of You. Needless to say, I cried like a baby as I thought about all the ways I stand in awe of God in this season of my life. There have been many prayers answered in all areas of my life and I can only give God the glory. I hope that as I continue to document our baby journey, even the not so fun parts, that you will hang with me. My goal is to give God the glory every step of the way yet keep it real for my own memory sake.

And one last thing about morning sickness.

I love that I have lost 10 pounds since I have been pregnant, courtesy of my trips to the porcelain throne.

The Day We Found Out...

On the day we found out, Jeff started singing our new theme song. I laugh out loud every time I think of him laying in bed singing, "One day at a time...SWEET JESUS!" And let's face it, I am little in awe that he knew the words to this little ditty. Can we say old school?



He then was watching his "girlfriend's" Christmas special when she sang one of my favorite Christmas songs. As this song was being sung, he kept saying, "So true, so true! mmm, mmm, sing it Faith."

The song? Well, watch the video by clicking here

I swear this man keeps me rolling! I couldn't be more thankful to be able to walk this journey with him. He keeps me laughing--that's for sure.

And for those of you wanting a "belly shot", here I am at 7 weeks. In this picture, I refer to the belly bump as my Clomid bump since it has been super hard to lose that little added fluff that was added two years ago. Oh well, it was all part of the process that led me here today. Even though for me, Clomid was a big waste of time and did nothing to aid. (sorry I will stop before I get on a soapbox) I still can't believe that God finally opened my womb even when doctors said it wouldn't happen without medical intervention. Still amazes me...oh right, no soapbox, here's the picture.




To God be the glory, great things He hath done

The Post That I Have Been Praying to Get to Write

Sunday, December 13Th God answered a huge prayer for Jeff and I. After 4 Years of trying for a child, I finally got my positive plus sign. Sit back, relax and enjoy reading the post I have been praying I would be able to write for many years.

Not sure where to begin because how can I possibly put into word's all that God has done in our lives over the past few weeks. I guess I should start with the week before Thanksgiving. My grandmother was very ill and we thought she was going to die at any moment. I am happy to report that she is still with us and doing much better. The night after I spent the day at the hospital, I went home and pleaded with God to allow me the chance to tell her I was pregnant one day. This thought went with me everywhere. I wanted desperately to share with her the news that God had finally answered our prayers. I remember at one point, bowing on my knees and telling God that I would be happy with whatever the outcome because I knew He was fully in control. I knew from that point forward whatever happened God was sovereign and that He would give me peace to walk whatever road He has laid out for me.

Fast forward to December 7Th and still nothing (if you know what I mean) I was officially 2 days late at this point. Yet I was trying to put it completely out of my mind and soak up the holiday season. December 12Th comes around and I am officially over a week late. That Saturday night, I decided to let Jeff know what was going on. He had been my biggest support of the last four years so I didn't want anyone to know but him. We decided that Sunday would be the big day to take the test. That night we were talking about the what ifs and at one point Jeff said, "If you are pregnant it will be an absolute miracle." And I responded back saying, "If I am not pregnant then there is something terribly wrong with my body because I have never been more than 3 days late." I went to bed that night praying for God to give me peace with whatever the outcome.

4:30 a.m December 13Th--I woke up from a deep sleep and felt the Lord was calling me to take a test. Somehow at that point I knew I was about to get the best Christmas present ever. I did what I needed to do and took the test out into the living room to wait for the results by the glow of the Christmas tree.

PREGNANT!

I knelled on the floor next to our tree, covered my mouth and said a silent prayer of thanks to God for finally giving me a positive plus sign. Here is a picture of my journal entry from that day.

An hour later, I went in and woke a sleeping Jeff with the wonderful news. I still laugh remembering the state of shock he walked around in the rest of that day.

The thing that most of my family and friends have been surprised that I actually waited to share the news. There was many times that I wanted to call everyone I knew to tell them right away but I really wanted the memory of sharing with our families on Christmas Day. And can you blame me? I think after four years of negatives and tears I should be allowed this bit of joy.

But there was one person I rushed to tell, my grandmother.

One of the greatest joys so far is seeing her face when I told her the news. At first she thought I was lying. I swore to her that this time, it's for real and then she started to cry. I cried because I still couldn't believe that God would allow me this chance to share this news with her. She said, "I thought God stopped listening to me years ago but now I see that He has not."

To God be the glory!

I promise to start blogging again and share our journey with you.

Thank you to all of you who have been faithful prayer warriors for us. We have been blessed with friends like you who stick by us through thick and thin.

More of the story coming soon so stay tuned.

This song has been in my head all Christmas season. It is one of those songs that I love to sing while reflecting on God's goodness. Every year at this time, I read through the book of Luke. This year I find myself reflecting on the verses that say "Mary pondered these things in her heart." I wonder what it must have been like to be the mother of God, knowing one day that his life would end on the cross. Talk about a woman who had to surrender to her wishes and desires to God. Yet the Bible doesn't ever mention that she tried to runaway with Baby Jesus to protect her son's life nor does it say that she locked her son up in her home to keep him from harm. It does say though that she pondered these things in her heart often. I believe that she probably defined what it means to bloom where you are planted. She lived her life fully and served the King graciously, knowing full well what would happen, considering the book of Isaiah already told her the end story for the Messiah, her son.

So with all the hustle and bustle that tends to take over this time of year, I find myself reflecting more on God's goodness. I also in awe of Mary and her life of sacrifice. Her story is an inspiring one.

May you be blessed this Christmas season

This Time Last Year

I have been reflecting today on where I was this time last year. On this day, 365 days ago, my heart was heavy awaiting the news of Brooklyn Beaver's birth, a baby who had been diagnosed with Spina-Bifida just months before.


I wrote this verse down:

"Do not be anxious about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done." Phil 4:6


I prayed endurance for her parents wherever this journey takes them.
I prayed for the Lord to continuing blessing sweet Brooklyn with a miracle.

Over the past year, I have had many conversations with Brooklyn's mom that have left me crying tears of joy. I know God is alive and active because of what He has done in Brooklyn's life. Many things that the doctors said would not ever happen, Brooklyn has done. She is a hard worker and it I believe a large part of her success is due to the fact that Brooklyn will not give up until she has mastered whatever task is at hand.

Today on her first birthday, I am thankful for this little girl. I am thankful that God has answered many of our prayers over the past year. One of my favorite things in recent days is watching her crawl, standing ovations were happening on my side of the screen that day. I can't wait to continue to watch God's miracles happen in this girl.


And I end this special birthday post with Brooklyn's biggest fan, her mom. Oh how I love this MJ lovin mama. ( "I'm singing a Mich*el J*ck*s*n song!")


Thank you Lord for all that you have done & all that you are going to do!

Happy Birthday Elijah!

I can't believe that today you are four! It seems like yesterday I was rushing to your house to keep your big sisters while your mom and dad drove in sleet and snow to get to the hospital before you came.

You, sweet E are such a joy to be around! I love your spunk as well as your sweet spirit.

You make being being an aunt super fun!

I can't wait to see the plans God has for you unfold!

I love you dearly,

Aunt Sue Sue

Halfway There

I thought I had enough lights but one set is a total dud.

Thankfully I have a hair appointment tomorrow and it's located next to one of my favorite craft stores!

The goal for tomorrow is simple...finish my Christmas decorating so I can spend the weekend basking in the glow. :)

Tonight's movie: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

"This is what Christmas is all about...I'll park the cars, check the luggage...I will just be outside the rest of the season." Clark Griswold after the in-laws come to town

One of my favorite traditions of the Christmas season is watching Christmas in Rockefeller Center. Usually while the show is going on, I am decorating my Christmas tree or apartment. This year we purchased a new tree and it sat in the box most of the night and all my favorite little ornaments and ceramic Santa's are still packed in storage. I am hoping to pull them out today or tomorrow but to be honest, I am not in a huge rush this year.

Last night I took time to savor the slower pace, sit by the fire, sipping hot Apple Cider and waiting with anticipation of the lighting of the NYC tree. I am trying hard to get in the Christmas spirit. I look forward to decorating my tree and sitting in the glow of the lights but for now baby steps is all I can accomplish.

Please continue to pray for our family. My grandmother was admitted to a nursing home yesterday for rehab. I realize this is a blessing but my heart still aches for my grandparents who are facing the reality that life as they know it coming to a grinding halt. I will be honest and say I ache for myself too since Christmas is Granny and my season. So many of my holiday traditions are traditions I share with my grandmother. I am so thankful to have had many great memories with my grandparents especially during the holidays. God has blessed me with rich legacy of love and laughter.

So for now, sipping cider by the fire light with an unopened Christmas tree, watching one of my favorite holiday shows is just what I needed this year.

A Christmas Album MUST

I purchased this album a few weeks back because we are singing a few of the songs at church this month. I highly recommend this album if you are looking for something special to add to your collection

My favorite song is Emmanuel.

Seriously, if you are looking for a good Christian album to play during the Christmas season, this is the one for you!