In All Gods Wonder

A New Day

2011-08-09T10:08:00.001-05:00

Hi guys!! Wow - it seems like I haven't been here in a while. . .and really I haven't. I just reread my last post and it made me smile with such sweet joy. Oh that was such a bittersweet time. It was a hard time with an almost 1 yr and 2 yr olds and toddler attitudes but it was also so sweet because there is nothing sweeter than sloppy kisses and your toddler barreling at you as fast as he can with his arms outstretched towards you. . . hmmm good times.

So - now Jake is 3 and Jaxson is 2! All I can say is. . . it was the best of times, it was the worst of times! HA!! I love how indepedent they are becoming and how much they WANT to be independent but also very much needing us.

Jake (3yr) ready to go fishing with his Daddy!

Jake is a momma's boy! Jaxson is a daddy's boy! That has never been more apparent as it is right now in this season of our lives!! Thankfully Jake is potty trained and pretty independent. He is adventurous and LOVES being outside. The only thing that can be frustrating about him is he can be whiney!! It drive Eric bonkers!! I will sometimes have to intercept him so that his daddy doesn't go nuts on him about his whining but for the most part - great kid! He is very determined, head strong and likes to have it his way - I wonder where he gets any of these qualities from!?!

Jaxson (2 yr) playing in the car!

Jaxson - my sweet lovebug - He is now 2 and is following in his brother's footsteps. He very much wants to be a big boy like Jake. We haven't potty trained yet (at this very second, I'm summoning the umph to do this potty training ordeal again, it was super easy with Jake after a couple of days but the thought of cleaning soiled superman underwear again just doesn't sound like fun - but on the other hand, I will be so grateful when it's done!!) Anyway, Jaxson is a bit more laid back, relaxed and pretty much goes along with most everything Jake wants or says to do. But Eric and I are starting to glimpse a little master mind at work. He's so much more sly than Jake and it's funny to see him work a situation, even Jake, to his advantage. - Whoever said kids aren't smart. . . . yikes!

The boys are very much into swimming, jumping on the trampolene and sliding!! They love the park or indoor playgrounds, it's so funny to watch them interact with one another and other kids as they play!! - Sweet boys (for the most part)

Eric and I are doing well. (for the most part) Eric is going through a season of transition and it's taking a toll on him which of course has an effect on our marriage. He decided to close The Brand down after some deliberation and prayer and now is looking for a job. Right now he is doing some investigating work on the side for a Company in Midland. He would really like to stay with them but for now, they don't have a position open. - So we will see - Praying that the Lord will guide Eric to where he needs to be.

I am doing pretty good. I am still working at PPT and have also gotten involved with Women's Bible Study group that I LOVE. I so enjoy diving into the Word that is God breathed and also LOVE the comradre and fellowship of such sweet women. I have met several new friends through this study and look forward to continuing.

In fact since I last blogged or maybe shortly before my last blog, Eric and I have joined a church home, joined a life group (couples bible study group) and started teaching Sunday school to the 4 year olds. It's been life changing for the BEST! By no means are we perfect or is life easy but it sure makes a much better difference with the love of Jesus!!

Since I'm posting all the good stuff - I might as well tell ya what I am struggling with so you know that I'm not just candy coating to make my life sound so great or something. So. . . I am really struggling with my weight. sigh . Much like most women, it is an issue that I loathe, in fact I don't even wanna talk about it right now. BUT - today, I got my butt up and went an swam at the gym this morning before work. I know it's only the first day, but I did it and for today - I feel good about it. I have two sweet friends that will be meeting me at the gym tomorrow morning to swim a few laps and we will see how things go. Also - I ordered the book - "Made to Crave" so I'll let ya know how that goes.

I gotta get to work but you got the basics! Love ya!

A few of my favorites!

2011-04-21T17:56:00.001-05:00

Awwww Sweet Loving!!

Let's Play Mommy!!

Jaxson (getting more teeth!)

Jaxson

Jake 35 mths

Jaxson and Jake

Jaxson 23 Mths

Jake - too cool for school!

Jake-y (my sweet boy!)

I can't help but share a few pics of my babies!!

Trust Journey - Day 1

2010-10-17T22:44:00.000-05:00

Hi there. . . okay. I must tell you there have been some major stuff going on in my life but God is doing some awesome growing and stretching to Eric and I. I am believing in God, in complete faith that He is building our family on HIS foundation. It has definately not been easy. Turning away from sinful nature never is, but finally confessing and starting a new has been one of the most difficult things that I have done, HOWEVER, God is faithful and loving and full of GRACE!! (and it's been freedom) He has met me on my knees (actually on my face) crying out to him for healing, forgiveness and love. He has granted all this to me and I must say it's been amazing. I know for myself that Satan has tried to bring me down, break my heart and break everyone else's heart in the process and my God will NOT allow it!! He is our REDEEMER and friend and I'm so wonderfully thankful for Him and His love.

*side note* I leave on Friday to go on a women's retreat - "unveiled" and I'm so excited and very nervous!! I was just reading up on in and we are not to wear make up and not to bring hair spray!! (they haven't met this Texas gal)!! - but I willingly go and will do what is asked of me so that I can go deeper in my walk with my King. . . so please be in prayer that my heart be opened and renewed. Thank you so much!!

Day 1 in my Trust Journey . . .
1 Samuel 3:9 "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening." So Samuel went and lay down."

(excert from my devotional) "Today the Lord desires to speak to each of us. In our confustion we ask, "Why is it so hard to discern his voice?" Would it be easier if he sent a text message or posted it on some holy blog? Interestingly, it is when we quiet ouerselves long enough to listen that we hear his vioce. Like Samuel, rest in the assurance that God will speak to you. His love compels him to speak. In John 4:16, we read that "God is love". Love wants conversation and interaction. By faith, trust him, listen to him. Be ready to respond, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening."

Wow. . right!?! After I read my daily devotional, I closed my eyes and waited. . . . and waited. Then I thought, well I'll go ahead and start so I started praying outloud. I praised Him for the love and grace that He has brought me. I thanked him for being sufficient enough for me. I told him that I longed for Him that I wanted to discern His voice . . . silence . . . then, in a voice so quiet I could hardly hear it. I was straining to hear it. The voice inside of me that only God can use. . . Let me calm your seas. I am the Master Weaver and I know what I'm doing. Let me show you a love that's everlasting. Let me lead you into waters that lap against you with warmth and love. Let me guide you, in all your ways - lean on me. Don't listen to the outside. Don't listen to what everyone is saying, listen to me. I see what they can not. I love like they can not. I heal, I redeem and love because I am God and without me, no one else can do these things. (As I began typing what is in my soul, it's like . . it keeps coming. a little louder. . . )

I love you and you are mine. Of course I want to talk to you. You seem so busy with what you think is important but I want you to slow down. Look for me and I will reveal my face to you. You can not imagine the beautiful works I have in store for you . . . . stop. If you will let me love you like I can . . . . ohhhh you will not question me or my love if you will look for me and find me.

Is this not awesome!?! God is talking and I hear him!! Do you hear him?

Speak Lord, for I am listening. I know that what you say is important and necessary for me to hear. Let me respond in a way that is pleasing to you. Amen.

Life Group Tonight

2010-09-03T00:28:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends!

I write to you tonight listening to Eric's light snoring and George Lopez on the t.v. I decided to jump on here and tell you . . . .well, it's just amazing how God can really work within your life and marriage without major significant changes but looking back (even a few days or weeks) and see the affects of God's hands shaping and molding in your life.

In the past few weeks, I have really felt God stirring in my heart. I have been so . . . complacent. Not with just my everyday life but with my walk with God too. I didn't even realize it. I was just . . there. I continued to pray, catch church with my family when it was convienent (which was a hit and miss having to prepared not just myself but my two boys and husband too!) and just live my life.

But deep in my heart was a stirring. . . . . a hunger. I tried to quiet that still small voice.
I whispered back emphatically . . . "Who in the world wants to change life up right now!! I am working full time, a mother of two small children under the age of 2 and a wife with lots of daily life demands! I don't want to add anymore to my plate God" . . .

It didn't go away. (really!?!)

So, I went to Eric. I explained that I needed us to go to church as a family. I had given up my position on a praise team in my families church to go to church with Eric and the boys. We had agreed on finding a church together as a family, where we both felt comfortable. But, I succumbed to laziness and enjoyed the feel of my sheets and pillow instead of the hassles of fighting my boys to get properly dressed and finding everyones shoes to walk out the door to go to church. (It never fails, there is almost always a missing shoe that Eric and I are looking for *usually for the boys - can't seem to find and it leads to us fussing as we finally find it and RUN out the door, fighting mad at each other)

Eric and I both agreed that we needed to go to church. We both felt strongly about raising the boys in church and giving them a foundation in the Word. (as well as a foundation for us too).

So, after visiting a few churches and talking to several friends, we went to the first, original church that Eric wanted to go to. . . (gotta give that boy props).

We LOVED it!! The kids went to class and Eric and I held hands through the service and truly felt at home. When we picked up the boys from class, the teachers told us about the boys danced during Praise and Worship (Jake is a dance machine!!) and they didn't cry for me at all! (a small miracle for a NEW place)

On our second Sunday there, we ran into so many familiar faces that we just felt so much love and joy to be apart of such a wonderful, loving church home. We are facsinated by the sermons and it keeps both of our attention spans! Typically, one likes the music and one likes the preaching but we both liked both parts of the service. . . Praise the Lord!!

As we walked out of the service - we saw some friends of ours, Phillip and Jenna Knight, who has invited us to their life group a few times before. Well, once again they invited us to their group and Eric accepted. (I was so excited! Eric doesn't typically agree to anything "church related" and for him to take even a small step in being our spiritual leader was exciting for me.)

. . . . to make a long story, a tiny bit shorter . . . . tonight was our second Life Group meeting and I am just so blessed and encouraged. We meet twice a month and just within these two meetings, I'm starting to see small, maybe even tiny, changes in Eric and in our marriage.

Eric doesn't typically pray in public but within the last month he has prayed publically several times!! AND As much as I would like to say that we pray together every single morning before work, we don't (but most days this past month, we have). If we miss our prayers together because of the morning rush then we have stopped throughout the day and called one another and have prayed together as a couple. Do you know what that means to me and how much I love being in Gods presence and talking to him, holding my husbands hand? Joining together as one to praise, love and thank God for his grace and salvation. priceless.

So, tonight, I write in gratitude - to God. Thank you Lord for the small but GREAT changes in our family life. Thank you Holy Spirit for continually wrapping around my family and protecting our hearts. Thank you Father for continuing a good work in us. I praise you for your love and grace, Lord. For weaving your promises, forgiveness, love, grace, and salvation in our hearts and daily lives to make us new creations for Your Kingdom. Please, Father, help us stay on Your path and be obediant to you.
I ask and pray these things, In Jesus' name,
Amen.
. . . . oh and God, thank you for the victories. I give you all the praise and glory. Your word triumphs and defeats satan every time, which is so very important in spiritual warfare. God you are awesome! You win and the devil is a loser and a liar!! I praise you, Lord in gratitude and love. . .in jesus' name. amen.

*Once I start praying, it's hard to stop! I get going and just continually talk and think of more and more to say. . . *

You rock, Jesus!!

The upcoming challenge

2010-07-29T20:50:00.000-05:00

Wow! It seems like forever since I've been here and to be honest. . . it has!! I came on and read a few blogs and decided to go ahead and write a bit and quit putting it off. I used to write every single day and I must have hit a huge burnout on it. I'm starting to get a little twinge about missing it. This is so nice to vent and to keep up with all my sweet friends and family.

So, most imortantly - my babies have grown sooooo much. Jaxson is now a year old and growing every day!!! He is saying small words, walking and playing so much. :-) And Jake is now two years old and a sweet, demanding and cute mess. He love to swim, play, read and just be a boy. It's been such a treat watching him grow.

HOWEVER . . . the subject at hand. . . . The upcoming challenge. . . . (I feel like there should be a drum roll or fire works to announce this.)
August 1st marks the day of the BIGGEST LOSER challenge at work.
We have 90 days to see who will lose the most percentage of weight.
THE BEST PART - the winner gets an all expenses paid weekend getaway to the Gaylord Hotel in Dallas!! I can't tell you how excited I am!!! I love being competitive and I feel like I truly have a great shot at this. however, I must admit my concern. I am the smallest competitor in this competition so I will have to work really hard to get the weight off so that my percentage will be high. I will keep you posted on this challenge.

So what are you all up to? Please know I am making my way around to all of your blogs.

oooohhhh and I am learning how to cook!!! I will take pics and start reporting!!

Hugs,
Holly

Back from Vegas. . .

2010-03-04T09:07:00.000-06:00

Hi there! Miss me? . . . I must say that I have absolutely missed you. In fact, I have thought about writing for quite some time, just havn't taken the time, to jump in here and do it. You have my apologies. :-)

Well, what an adventure we just got back from. It was an extremely spontaneous trip for me (as you know I like to be a bit of a planner), but as life had it - I was surprised. Let me unfold the scene for you. Sarah, my fab sister, and her husband, Dr. Morgan had to go to Vegas for a conference that was a week long. So, their ADORABLE baby girl, Gracie Beth, came to stay with all of us here in G-town (gardendale, tx). We had her for the week and I must say we LOVED it. She played, danced, sang and even taught Jake and I a few new songs.

But alas, our time had to come to an end and her mommy decided that she had to be with her. So, we were going to have to take her back to Rockwall. - but wait! Nana (my mom) had a brilliant idea. Why don't we celebrate Nana's birthday and anniversary in Vegas and we could see Sarah and Joey and Dad could drive in and we could get the whole family together in Vegas! Eric and I were overjoyed! Of course we would love to go!! (we arranged for my sweet mother-in-law, Yaya to watch the boys)

So, Gracie and I flew way high up in the sky. We sang some more songs and ta-da! We were in Vegas!! Gracie loved the lights and all the people. . .and so did I. :-) As a family, we celebrated mom's birthday and dad drove in from Farmington, NM and we celebrated their anniversary too!! It was an absolute blast. . .I'll see if I can put some photos on at a later date. . . my camera broke! :-(

The boss, just walked in. . .gotta get to work!

The Big Serve . . . Give Back

2009-12-07T14:53:00.000-06:00

Hi there,

How's it going today? Well I started my day bright and early this morning. . well, dark and foggy but you get the point. I went to the 5:30 am Body Pump class! I must say that I HATE getting up so early to work out but absolutely love that I already have an hour of work out in by the time most are getting up. :-) That makes me happy. I feel like I am already so much ahead and it's my own little secret as I drive back home to wake my boys and start getting them ready for the day.

Anyway, I am wanting to share my day that I had yesterday with you. I participated in "The Big Serve" with the friends and families of Sewell Ford (both of my in-laws work there) and there were 7 or 8 outreach missions that we as a whole took on. I participated in 2 of the 7 I believe. Everyone volunteered for 1 but if you got done early or whatever, then you would go help others until each job was done.

I was on the Team that went to the Nursing Homes and delivered poinsettias and sang Christmas Carols. We had an AWESOME time!! I definately got more out of this than I could have ever given . . . I was so blessed by this.

When we finished up at the Nursing Homes, we had some time before we were all supposed to meet back up and eat, etc. So Kaleigh (my sister in law) and I went over to the Crisis Center - a home that takes in women and children. . . like wives or mothers that run away from their husbands that beat them and leave in the middle of the night with NOTHING. We sorted the donations . . . They really need help. So if you are able and in the West Texas Area - donate your time and energy to the Crisis Center. Wow. Talk about BLESSED.

Anyway - I gotta get to work and I truly apologize for the jerky way this post is because I'm at work and continue to be interrupted. Next time I will try to be much smoother.

Love to you,
Holly

Let it Snow!!

2009-12-04T13:27:00.000-06:00

Wow! First, I want to take a quick moment and say that I have thought about posting at random times, like at midnight feedings, driving to town for various errands, etc but actually getting here and doing it has been another story altogether. . . but I've thought about it (goofy grin) does that count?!?

Well - Life has fast and furiously RACED by and now Jake is 18 months and Jaxson is 7 months! Can you believe it!?! Me either!! hahhahaha It's been a lot of fun with tons of spit up, dirty diapers and a sleepy mommy folding lots of laundry after work and then jumping down in the floor and playing with my two sweet, happy, smiley little boys. :-) They are soooo much fun!! They smile and laugh or make "boy" noises ALL THE TIME! It's so funny! and what's even funnier is that when Jake makes noises (can you tell he's exploring noises and crashes and. . . (whisper) farting!) He laughs so hard. One of those belly laughs that you can't help but laugh too even though I try so hard to keep a stern face and give him that "stern, bored motherly" look but I haven't quite mastered that. hahaha.

Oh! and. . .Jaxson is crawling!! Can you believe it?!? I was SO not ready for two little mobile grub monsters!! They make such a mess! AARRRHHH. (owell!) Jaxson has started crawling WAY earlier than Jake did. . .Jake didn't crawl until the week of Christmas last year, but my Jaxson started seriously crawling last week. He's been working at it for awhile and doing what I call the "inch worm" and rolling to whereever he has wanted to go, but it's official! He is seriously crawling. Yikes! :-) (I'm not a proud mommy at all!)

Ummm. . . Eric and I have lost our ever-loving minds and have stepped out in Faith and have opened our own store, The Brand - in Midland. I know, I know, I know - we are nuts! But, truly it has been lots of fun and lots of worry!! :-) Please keep that little. . . who am I kidding. . . that freakin' HUGE endeavor in your prayers. For a worry wart like myself. . .I find myself in prayer A LOT! (and when you read "alot" I said it like on dumb and dumber. . . Wide mouthed seriousness of ALOT!) hahaha sorry, I'm so silly but that just helps me emphasize what I'm wanting to get across. hahahaha

See, The Brand is already a blessing. . . God and I are pretty close these days with all the talking and just random visits that I drop in on him. I thought I was a pretty strong prayer warrior before but now that I've had babies and have opened our own business, sheesh, I pray my old self under the table now! You can go see some pictures from The Brand on my facebook page or on my husband, Eric Bartlett's page.

Honestly - that's all that's going on. Work, My Boys, and The Brand. . there's not much time for anything else. Ohhhhh - Jake started "school" or "educational day care" this week and I think it's been harder on me than it has been on him! The first day. . ugh. Second day. . he wanted to stay and play but he didn't want me to leave. . the third and fourth day . . BYE! hehehe My little stinker!

I hear Mr. Jaxson in there about to let me know that he's ready to eat so I gotta run for now but I will jump back on later and post some pictures!

I love you all!
xoxoxox

Jaxson Evan Bartlett is HERE!

2009-05-14T09:58:00.002-05:00

This is an e-mail that I sent to a friend and I'm hoping she doesn't mind that I go ahead and post it here to save time. I am learning with two kiddos - there's just not much of it. So, for now, please forgive me for the "repeat" and I'm sure I will have more to talk about later with two sweet blessings that keep me busy! - Also, if anyone has any motherly advice, I'm all ears!!

How are you!?! I'm so glad you e-mailed me because I wanted to tell you that I had our second little blessing, Jaxson Evan Bartlett, May 7th. He was 7lbs. 2oz. and 18 inches long. My mom has the camera with all the pictures on it but I will be getting it back from her today. :-)

Let me tell you, having two kiddos is much more different than having one. I am a much more relaxed mom but at the same time, I'm worried that I'm not giving Jake the attention that he needs or really what he's used to, I guess. I am breastfeeding so it takes a lot of time but it's so enjoyable and so - for lack of a better word - "bonding". I had no idea! - Of course, there's also a flip side to that coin with the fact that sometimes I'm needed for something or Eric is wanting help or whatever and everyone just has to wait. I have to remind myself to slow down and not to be frustrated by the slower schedule.

I had my first outing with the boys yesterday and I must say that we attracted a lot of attention. Of course, anyone with a brand new baby does but with a second baby (or a almost 1 yr old) it causes quite a "grandma stir". We had sweet ladies from miles around coming to touch, poke, prod, smile, and grin at Jake and Jaxson. I swear it's like women that are in "grandma-mode" have a radar that senses children within a 20 mile radius. hahaha!

We went to Academy and bought Eric a few work shirts and some summer shorts and then went to Mardel (a Christian book/gift store) and I had names imprinted on the boys scrapbooks that I'm working on. (or intend to work on) It really did go quite well. I had my new double stroller out and I did it. I must say it did take a rather long time to load and then unload after that shopping but, . . . what do ya do? You just do it the best way you know how.

Anyway, it's time for a feeding and Jax is getting fussy so I will type "talk" more later.
HUGS!!
Holly

Kissing Cousins

2009-02-28T19:21:00.003-06:00

Jake and Gracie - (They have switched - She has his pacifier and he has her cup!) Aren't they cute? Jake is 9 months and Gracie is 21 months.

Happy Late Valentines!!

2009-02-16T09:45:00.003-06:00

Hi there!

Happy Valentines!! (I know a little late but worth it).

My hubby is so wonderful! Let me explain . . .

For Christmas, Eric bought me a new, SILVER wedding ring with a diamond band to go with it. I have been wanting a silver wedding ring secretly for a long time but I didn't want to voice it aloud too much because I really do love my original gold wedding ring, epsecially for sentimental reasons. Eric and I (really eric) picked out my original wedding ring as gold because gold is timeless however, all I wear is silver, except for my wedding ring. . . . How do you tell your husband, "Honey, I love the ring but I really don't wear gold." It's just not something I was willing to do or say because it would absolutely hurt his feelings . . . so. . . .

Christmas came around and lo and behold, seriously with no comments from me - Eric surprised me with a new silver wedding ring and band. I was completely speechless!! I was floored! I couldn't believe that Eric really knew that I wanted a silver wedding ring. (and not only knew about it but actually did something about it!!)

Well - for Valentines Eric gets up with Jake at 6 a.m. and let's me sleep in! I can't even remember the last time I've slept in!!! This alone made my day. Then I finally get up at 9:30am and Eric has made french toast and sausage with orange juice for breakfast. yum.

THEN, there is a basket that eric and jake jointly present to me, It has chocolate covered strawberries and a card. There is also Valentine cakes (one of my favorite things right now!) they are like zebra cakes - and a large Scrap Book page that was so cleverly designed! I was completely surprised that Eric did it all by himself!!

The page goes into detail and explanation that he bought me the silver wedding ring for Christmas to symbolize the two of us and the first diamond band to signify Jake and for Valentines he was presenting me with a second diamond band to signify our little expected blessing due - June 2nd. So - I got my wish - a SILVER diamond ring with matchind diamond bands on either side - Eric went into detail about how he wants my ring to signify our family and the love that we all share. . . . it was so sentimental and beautiful. :-) Isn't that sweet?

Okay - tell me, what did you get for Valentines?

Tag- 25 Random Things about ME!

2009-02-12T11:23:00.006-06:00

I have been nagged and tagged!!

Actually, Sarah has nagged me about posting to my blog and has tagged me to do a post of "25 Random Things about me. . . that the average Joe Blow wouldn't know" . . . hmmm
Here goes:
1. I secretly wish I were much more comfortable being outgoing! It's hard for me to just break out of my shell and just go for it. . . I have my moments, especially as I've gotten older that I've done this but I still have to force myself sometimes.
2. I HATE putting away laundry. I don't mind doing it or folding it or whatever but I really hate putting it away. . . why is that? Is it really laziness? I don't think of myself as lazy and actually like having everything in its place. . . weird!
3. I am scared that having this second baby will erase my freedom completely. When I had Jake I had to pray past the fact that I didn't have the same freedoms that you take for granted pre-kids. Example - Not sleeping in! For some people this no big deal but I LOVE to sleep in and I haven't really slept in our through the entire night since May 20th!
4. I feel guilty for #3.
5. Sending me flowers is a nice thing but really . . . . not a big deal to me like it is for some women. Don't get me wrong! I love to get flowers but I would much rather spend time together or do a chore for me or something like that - they say time is money but for me - time is love.
6. I hate clutter, but even I can't avoid it!
7. I love it when the a/c is turned down but you are all warm and cozy in bed with a heavy quilt. Good stuff.
8. I have to have a little something for breakfast! I love poptarts.
9. My favorite breakfast is fried eggs, over easy with a side of toast to sop up all that yellow goodness.
10. I really do miss playing softball. It was something that I was good at and felt food about.
11. I don't like working out really but I don't want to be heavy. and seriously, food is tasty.
12. God is a big deal to me. prayer is a big deal. I try to pray and talk to God continuously - even if it doesn't seem like it . . I talk to God in my head constantly. Sometimes I'm sorry for what I say . . or think. . . but, I'm real to him and I think that is why he gets real with me.
13. My wedding day truly was one of the best days of my life. I felt beautiful and really did have a wonderful day.
14. On our honeymoon, I really did think, . . . is this it? I was really bored! Eric isn't near as adventurous as I am. We went to Cancun and I wanted to do a lot of excursions and then play at the pool and I talked to a lot of people - it's easy to be outgoing on vacation! Eric got sick and we really didn't do much of anything. . . not even the "honeymoon thing". I was bored. - But I loved the scuba diving!!
15. I HATE that I get homesick. Honestly, there isn't anything more that I hate about myself than the way and fact that I get homesick - I disgust myself.
16. I really enjoy playing golf - it's one of my vents.
17. I hate my cell phone. . . actually it's a love/hate kinda thing. I love having it but I really do hate talking on the phone. seriously.
18. Money is always something I will worry about. It doesn't matter how much money we make or how much we have - I always worry. I'm a worry wart. Even when we really have nothing to worry about. . . I still do - it drives Eric crazy.
19. I love going to the lake. It's one of those things that we didn't do as a kid at all, ever and since I've been with Eric - we've been to the lake a couple times and I love it. I really like the care free attitude and the fun on the water and even though I'm in a swim suit - I can usually forget about my own cellulite issues when we are having fun.
20. I love getting to Jake first in the morning because he's always so happy to see me and I love to just get on the floor and play with him - being a mom is the very best thing that has ever happened to me.
21. Being a mom has made me realize how fragile life is. My deepest fear is that something will happen to my boys. My greatest and deepest fear is living without them.
22. My family truly is my support team. You grow up and aren't always nice to them, especially sisters - but they end up being your best friends.
23. I love it when I've done something for Eric that he's happy or excited about. It truly makes me feel good.
24. I still like to see my parents be affectionate to one another. I know that most kids hate seeing their parents kiss or whatever but if they are kissing then they aren't fighting.
25. I love to work. It makes me feel accomplished and important.
Okay. . . there you have it. . . .

TAG Posting from Sarah - "The 4th's Tag"

2009-02-12T11:00:00.009-06:00

Okay, now - my sister, Sarah - the "fun" of my life. . (get it. . . rediculous but truth!)

She's not the light or love of my life because those are saved for Jake and Eric but she is definately the "fun" of my life - she always makes me laugh. She helps me not to take life so seriously and helps me forget myself for awhile and just have fun.)

Anyway - Sarah has tagged me - she has challenged me to go to my picture folder - find my fourth file and then post the fourth picture. So. . . drum roll please: . . . . . .

This gorgeous picture is of Jake at 3 months - this picture is a cute because he had just eaten and his little belly was sticking out. :-) hmmm - My sweet little button! Isn't he cute? I know mommas say that about their babies and of course, I feel no differently. :-)

Okay - that's the first tag. Now onto the next post for Sarah's next challenge.

My little reindeer! 6 months - Jacob

2008-12-04T10:08:00.004-06:00

I wanted to share with you the sweet pics that were taken of Jake at Mother's day out! His teacher, Miss Margaret took these for me!! It was picture day that day so I sent a reindeer outfit to take his "official" pictures in but Miss M told me she couldn't resist grabbing a shot or two of him. I love 'em!! For your viewing pleasure!!

My Sister, Sarah's Sadness

2008-11-04T11:11:00.003-06:00

I write to you today with a heaviness in my heart. As I know alot of us have walked through this sad and dark valley too . . . my sister, Sarah, has miscarried for the second time (in a row). My heart is absolutely broken for her and her husband, Joey. I think that she has been doing well and she's incredibly strong. Watching her, I realize how much I want to be like my little sister. She is pretty, silly, funny, strong, courageous, EXTREMELY witty, and a wonderful sister. . . and objective. She is so good at seeing both sides or all sides of all stories, etc. She is so compassionate and endearing. . . she has so many awesome qualities. Of course with my crazy attitude, sometime I get frustrated with her but really. . . sometimes or really, most times - I wish I was more like her.

I ask that you take some time to pray for her and her husband. I pray right now that the Holy Spirit just wrap his loving arms around Sarah and her family and comfort them only God can.

I'm so sorry, Sarah. If you would like to read about her and her family, you can go to: SARAH . . . I hope I did the link right. . . . if not go to: http://www.fullofgracie.blogspot.com/

Thank you all for everything!!
Holly

In All God's Wonder

2008-10-07T09:46:00.005-05:00

Wow - I actually have a new blog home. It seems so weird! :-)

Well, I must say that life has given me some blessings and some lemons and I'm trying to make lemonade with the lemons and praise God for both. Life in my little corner of the world has been . . . . let's just sum it up with a little bit of craziness - most of it brought on myself.

Eric and I have been really working on our marriage after some rather large bumps in the road but, you know, God has a way of restoring what normally couldn't or can't be restored. We have been taking a little bit of a break - for two weeks now, Eric has been staying with his mom and Jake and I have been at our house. It has been extremely hard and frustrating but ya know, there has been some blessings behind the clouds. I have realized that I am worth it, worthy to be treated well, and so is Eric.

Eric and I went and saw the movie, Fireproof and WOW! I encourage each and every one that I come in contact with, young or old, married or single to GO SEE THAT MOVIE! It really hit some good points that I needed to be reminded of. Isn't it funny how God works!?! It's hysterical sometimes! - Eric and I are working on things and that movie spelled out so much of what I was feeling, and what he was feeling. . . it was amazing.

So - I have decided to do the Love Dare. I will be purchasing the book today and I'm going to do the Love Dare on Eric (go see the movie, Fireproof to understand.)

**drum roll please**

Eric and I have also been blessed and found out that - we are pregnant! Can you believe it?? I have always wanted my kids to be like my sister, Sarah and I. (Sarah and I are 12 mths apart and we have always been there for one another - I was probably a little too protective and sometimes expected too much. . . but we have loved one another and taken care of one another since we can remember) Sarah is one of my best friends. I don't always like what she has to say but she always tells me the truth!! - So that's how Jake and this baby will be. . .about 12 to 13 mths apart. (Lord help me!!) :-) AND - My sister Sarah is pregnant too!!! We will be having our babies just a few weeks apart!! Talk about close!!

Well, I really ought to get to work but I thought I would go ahead and make my first post. I hope that you all have a blessed day and love one another.