Our Blessed Life

Preparing for Anthony and Missy's Big Day!!!

2010-07-10T21:59:00.005-05:00

Got the pleasure of attending some of their showers!!!

The Bride and Groom to be!!

Them with Anthony's parents

Sasha and Honey with Lacey

Me and the Bride to be!!!

Missy with her Mom and Mother In Law to be!

Missy, her mom Vicki, Teresa (Honey), myself, and Lacey

Women of Joy Louisville

2010-07-04T11:28:00.004-05:00

Well the time came for Mommy and Lacey to take a trip to Louisville with Sasha and Donna!! I had to work the day before and was a little stressed. Garrett had just began to feel better, I had packing to do and was just not feeling great. We were going to the WOMEN OF JOY conference. Garrett's dad --Papa-- works with the conference. We were going to hear speakers, including Sarah Palin...and concerts from Stephen Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith!! So my precious mom had pepped me up a bit and came and played with Lacey the day before we left!!

Here is Lacey and all her friends her and Sasha had found!!

AWWW she has grown so much since this picture!!

Lacey and our cousin Kendall, Donna's daughter swinging on our front porch!

Sarah Palin!!! I got to meet her and get a professional pic, so I can't post it....but her speaking was amazing. It was so touching to see God speak through her so naturally!!

Sasha, Lacey, and I

Donna, Sasha, and Lacey

Tired Baby!!!!

Donna and I with Michael W. Smith

Donna and I with Stephen Curtis Chapman

My cousin Donna and I, she is so special to me!!!!

Lacey getting ready for the ride home!!!

Daddy showed up in the middle of the conference. We were very excited and so thankful he felt up to it!! We don't seem to have many "Family" pics we need to work on that!!

Sasha and Donna getting ready the last day!! Kinda scary?

Family time!!

2010-07-04T11:10:00.004-05:00

Just some random times that I am behind on....just to show ya'll how she has grown!

Uncle A and soon to be at the time Aunt Missy with Lacey!! Now it is official!!! Her shirt says "If you think I am cute you should see my uncle!" LOL!!

Papa, Honey, and Lacey on one of their weekend visits!

Honey and Lacey

Lacey with Honey and Papa

Lacey's First Easter

2010-07-04T11:02:00.002-05:00

Well the Easter Bunny visited!!! (Lacey's Papa and Honey) It was supposed to be a Glorious day, celebrating the Resurrection!! I was very thankful for it, but couldn't get my mind off my sick husband. Garrett's parents were in for Easter and we all had plans to go to church; however, the night before Garrett became ill again....see a few posts back for the details (he is much better now). Sooooo since we did not get to go, we dressed Lacey up for her first Easter and played like we did!! I hope that as Christian parents we will have fun during this special holiday in the upcoming years, but really try to teach Lacey and focus on the reason we celebrate!!!

The Presents!!

Whew doesn't Mommy look all dressed up in her robe??

Lacey with Papa and Honey

Our pretty little bunny!!

Lacey with her bunny!!

Road Trip to Alabama for Daddy's Spring Break (Late March)

2010-05-01T10:53:00.004-05:00

Gotta say "Roll Tide" when I am with my Daddy!!

Arrived to spend some time with Grandmother Shirley and GaGa

Using her travel swing for the first time!

In the car on the way to Daddy's ballgame!

Getting and giving some LOVE!!

Sleeping with some cousins!!

Lacey's first time to meet Grandmother Edith!! (Papa's Mother)

Grandmother Edith and Lacey

Some Visits from Grandparents Weeks Ago

2010-05-01T10:44:00.004-05:00

Papa and Lacey

Honey and Lacey

TBonz and Lacey

Sasha and Lacey

GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!

2010-05-01T08:43:00.003-05:00

Well all I can say is alot has occurred since my last post!! God has truly put our family through some trials to strengthen us, to help our faith grow, to be better servants, to not take life for granted, to love each other more, to cling to His word like never before, and many many more reasons I am sure. These trials have consisted of several things, the most difficult being Garrett's health. As I am typing this today he is feeling great, and God has done a major work in his life. Our marriage was not bad before at all; however, it has changed so much for the better in a way I never thought possible. There was a day when we felt so close and that day does not compare how great I feel about our relationship today! Garrett passed the test and allowed this trial to improve his spiritual leadership in our family, to improve his love for life, to be a better daddy and husband, to not sweat the small stuff, to have a total different perspective on daily living, and to build a stronger foundation for us to know to trust God always. Words can never express my appreciation to our family and friends for their prayers, help, support, and love during this difficult time. It amazes me that when God placed us in our particular family and friends circle years ago up until now, He knew what we would go through and who He would use to meet our needs. I was overwhelmed by the peace God provided for me when Garrett was weak and vice versa. "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young a devotional book that I have been given twice was such a refreshing read daily!! The two songs that spoke to me in a very special way were:

"The Words I Would Say" by Sidewalk Prophets

Be strong in the Lord and, never give up hope, Your gonna do great things, I already know, Gods got His hand on you so, Don't live life in fear, forgive and forget, But don't forget why your here, Take your time and pray, these are the words I would say.

"Before The Morning" by Josh Wilson

Would you dare, would you dare to believe, that you still have a reason to sing? 'Cause the pain that you've been feeling, It can't compare to the joy that's coming, So hold on you've gotta wait for the light, Press on and just fight the good fight, 'Cause the pain that you've been feeling, it's just the dark before the morning

Well at this moment I know that God is orchestrating something major in our life. The anxieties rise and I have to remind myself to walk the talk and rely on God. Knowing He is in control and He is giving us what we need for today is one thing, applying it is another. I want to try my hardest during our families daily life to let His light shine and others to see our dependence on Him. We know we were chosen to go through these specific difficulties for a reason and I hope we are able to learn from them and help others through similar things. We would be thankful for your continued prayers!!

Saying all this to say there is no way my brain can go all the way back to her 2 month. As bad as I wanted to have it all recapped and documented, I would be overwhelmed to go that far back. I will begin hopefully today to post some recent pics and happenings!!

Recap Happy 2 Month Birthday February 17th!!!

2010-03-20T07:44:00.005-05:00

Happy 2 month birthday Lacey Ruth on February 17th!! Gosh my love for you is indescribable!!! I wish mommy had done better keeping up with things this month, but since I am still playing catch up on the blog I am writing this by recall. We have had another month that has made our life better. You have been a different baby since Mommy learned to lay you down awake and kinda follow a "Babywise" routine. Life has been much calmer. I started this at the 5 week mark, but the last month also brought many travels so kinda hard to stick to the "routine". We had our first trip to Birmingham to meet your Honey's family. We had our first trip back to Mommy and Daddy's home town to meet your Sasha and TBonz's family and other friends. You are such a good traveler.

--You have not had as many visitors at home this month, you have been going to see lots of them though!! You have also made your debut at Daddy's ballgames several times!!

--You love your carseat, we can put you in it and you will just grin! You travel great as long as you are not hungry! Sometimes when I am getting ready to go somewhere shortly I will just put the carseat on the bed with you in it and let you stare at the fan until you fall asleep. When I am ready we will all go to the car!

Lacey and her Aunt Missy to be!!

Lacey looking up grinning at her Uncle Anthony!

--By the end of month one you were balled except the hair line at the back bottom of your neck had quite a bit! You don't have any hair on your back any more and just a little on your ears. I can see how new hair is sprouting up top and it looks pretty dark!

--I am still so addicted to your smell!!! I just give me chills to think and imagine the smell if we are not together.

--You only take your passy when it is time to go down or when you get up and a little fussy and I am trying to postpone eating. Once you are asleep the passy gets spit out!

--One of my favorite things as I continue to have many favorites is after I feed you during night or say early early morning you want take your passy. I swaddle you and you seal your lips shut like you are playing a game and you make these precious little noises and then just smile so big!!! It never fails this has happened so many times!

--Now that you are becoming more alert you seem to like your bouncy seat and swing more. When mommy has to shower and it is "waketime" I just move the bouncy seat in the bathroom and let you play.

--You still sneeze often and get the hiccups so much!! I have tried Gripe Water for the hiccups, but it only works at times.

--Your finger nails still grow like weeds!!!

--You have definitely found your hands and suck on them often!!

--You are alot happier during diaper and clothes changes.

--My favorite times are the mornings when you have your random smiles. You are so alert at this time. Our morning usually starts for good around 7 or so.

--You are sleeping about 5-6 hours straight most nights. With a few nights only about 3-4. This may be the growth spurt days.

--You are eating every 3 hours still during the day. You nurse for 5 mins on each side and you are done and content for another 3 hours. Man you are a fast eater! I love this bonding experience too!! I could not imagine having to give this up right now and am pretty emotional about it. I thank God he has allowed breastfeeding to work for us.

-- You are still loving bath time, we have moved you from just the little foam cushion, to the baby bathtub with the cushion down in it. If I was not worried about you gettting chilled I would let you stay in there forever!!

--The fan and light still grab your attention alot. You will just stare and make all kinds of faces. When basketball is on the big TV it never fails to grab your attention. Your daddy loves that!! I guess it is all the colors and fast action, the news doesn't catch your attention like that.

-- You still have episodes of gas and we will give you the Mylicon often. However, since mommy figured out how to tell the difference between a cry for sleep, a cry for food, and a cry for pain or dirty diaper...I have used the Mylicon alot less! Sasha has taught me to play with your legs and push them gently towards your belly and hold to help you "poot". It is pretty comical.

-- Your nap is about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Your average cry when I lay you down is from no cry to about 6-10min cry. Sometimes you are asleep in my arms before I can get you to your basket.

-- You love to be swaddled, arms and all!! It is a precious site. Mommy has learned that when waketime is up, swaddle you, pat your bottom, sing a little, and walk towards the basket.

-- You are still little and wearing newborn diapers and clothes...don't want to rush it, but can't wait for you to wear some of your cute outfits!!

Her First few times at the Church House!

2010-03-14T22:47:00.002-05:00

Lacey got to go to church the first time at our home church on Valentines day! FBC Milan is very special to Garrett and I! We both accepted Jesus as our Savior there , we met there, we went through youth there, and we married there. Our families have gone there and held positions there for years. Garrett’s family has just left the past 2 years for his dad to take a new position in Alabama. We enjoyed this Sunday, getting to see many friends for the first time since our “Little Lacey” was born. I love sitting in church with family, it was a special time for her first church experience!

Here is our Little Valentine on her first Sunday at church!

The next Sunday we got to take Lacey to our church we have joined here in Nashville. Grace Baptist Church, it is the 2nd church we have been a part of since moving here . We were invited there by some friends we have gotten close to in the neighborhood. We love the Sunday School class and the other people we have gotten to know. Everyone is so supportive of our new addition!!

Mommy and Lacey on Sunday morning

Our Family on the first Sunday at Grace Baptist Church

One of my best friends Lauren with Lacey, we met a couple years ago at Summit. We are neighbors and have grown to be very close friends. I am so blessed how God has placed her in my life and will cherish our friendship forever!!!

Daddy and Lacey on Sunday morning!

Another Sunday at church!

Her first time to wear her booties! Still in Newborn!

Mommy and Lacey

On the way to the Church House!

We got to be spontaneous one Sunday and meet Donna and DC my cousins for lunch at Septembers it was wonderful. The visit and the food!!! LOL!

One Special Lunch

2010-03-14T18:33:00.004-05:00

02/11 Well, I never knew when the phone calls were made to meet at Picasso for lunch how special this time would someday real soon mean to me. While we were back home Lacey and I got to meet our cousins Donna, Denice(Nicey), and her daughter Kelley for lunch while Sasha was getting her hair done. Just a normal day and a normal fun talking lunch, while they loved on Lacey. Donna and Nicey were more like my mom's sisters and my aunts. We were all really close when we were growing up and now. We had a great time and so thankful for all the pictures we were able to take. Congratulations were in order for Kelley, her and Jacob got engaged!! Until later that night I had never met him, but he seemed precious. Days later when I am writing this, the family has grown to love him even more. Their date is October 16th, so excited God has placed Jacob in Kelley's life and she is getting to experience such an exciting time. One week after this lunch, Nicey's heart suddenly stopped one night at home, to make a long emotional prayer filled week for the family short, she went to be with Jesus about a week later, a little over 2 weeks from today. This was very sudden and shocking, but we are all having to trust it is God's will and give Him glory for who she touched during her life. Also giving Him glory for what He will do in the coming days in people's life that are familiar with the story. My heart aches and she will be missed, but my heart aches even more for the people hurting that was part of her daily life. Her husband Bill, kids Jason and Kelley, and sister Donna. I continue to lift them up in prayer that God's peace and comfort will overwhelm them. Please if you read this blog, lift them up as well. The bottom line is enjoy every moment!!!! Act now, share your feelings now, tell them you love them now!!! I would have never thought it would have been our last conversation, our last hug, her last time to see Lacey, the last time to see her smile until we meet in heaven one day!! Enjoy the pics I will treasure them forever!!!

First Trip Back Home with Family and Friends!!

2010-03-14T12:11:00.003-05:00

We took our first trip to Medina and got to see lots of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends...here is a glimpse of our visit with some descriptions of each picture. We had so much fun and love each one and wish we could see more of them.

Our Couples Party!!!

2010-03-14T09:24:00.003-05:00

We are blessed to have such wonderful friends!! When Lacey was 6 weeks old we had our first trip back to our home town. Many of our friends had not been able to meet Lacey yet. Garrett's family is in different directions at this time, because of several things so they were not able to be there, we went to birmingham the week before to visit them. My parents were willing to cook and have all of our "couple" friends over for dinner on February 13th. We were so excited it worked out so well. Everyone got to come except for two couples. We missed Brittany and Joseph, and Jason and Lyndsey, but so glad to see the ones that could come. It was such a great time of fellowship! We love each one of them, and pray for them often as they go through out their daily life and we share concerns and praises with one another. We miss them and get togethers alot; however, God has also blessed us with great couples in Nashville!!

Back the First of February

2010-03-11T08:51:00.001-06:00

Just some pics from February. Not much to explain, I am doing that in other posts…just some pics in between our trips etc.

She is definitely “filling” out!!!

My friend Danielle came over this is her little girl “Addie Jo”, isn’t she adorable!!! She was about 6 months here. Wish we were with them more, I hope as Lacey gets bigger and they can interact we can take advantage of the opportunities!

Danielle and Lacey

Our Visit with Brittany and Ellie Grace!

2010-03-09T13:36:00.003-06:00

02/11 One of my most precious friends Brittany found out she was pregnant about a month after we did. I was so excited to be going through such a special time with such a special friend. My due date was December 19th and her due date was January 13th. Well on our first visit back to our home town we made arrangements to visit Britt and Ellie Grace. Both of our moms were able to visit with us and Britt’s Nana. We had so much fun, it was so crazy when I am not used to comparing babies to see the individual characteristics each of them had, I guess growing up I thought all babies looked just alike, LOL! It was so funny we laughed and smiled so much my cheeks were so sore. When one was happy the other was fussy, and when one was awake the other was asleep. We got some pictures we will cherish forever. I have enjoyed having a friend who we are on the same timeline and can discuss the current happenings, feelings etc. Suzanne Britt’s mom brought Lacey the matching outfit that Ellie Grace was wearing…see pics below, exact same size so funny how it fits so different with just over 3 weeks between them. Britt and Ellie Grace we can’t wait until our next play date!!!

Our First Trip to Birmingham!!

2010-03-02T21:25:00.002-06:00

From the moment we began to discuss trying to get pregnant, I envisioned "Delivery Day" and who all would be present. I am such a family relationship kinda gal and wanted everybody there that circumstances would allow. Very high on the list of wants was Garrett's grandparents. His precious Grandmother Edith, I kinda already knew would not make it due to health issues (sight,strength, etc), which she already had when we got pregnant. However, since then she has been struggling with other things and is in the nursing home. So still to this day she and Lacey have not been able to meet...but we have sent pictures and we talk about "Grandmother Edith" to Lacey. It is so hard at this stage to watch our grandparents age. Garrett's other grandparents, his mom's parents had all intentions to come up until the day before delivery. That day they had to evaluate "GaGa or Ralphie's " health and what all it was gonna take for them to get to us (driving, traffic, etc). So we got the call the day before Lacey was scheduled to arrive that they were gonna sit tight in Birmingham, AL and wait for pics. I was sad but understood and did not want to stress their feelings and bodies just to have them there. Since Lacey was born until February 6th weekend we had just been sending pictures, but then it was time to take our first trip to BHam! Another thing that brought us there was Garrett's mom, Teresa also called "Honey" just had double knee replacement at an AL hospital, so of course we were going to visit her also. We were so excited to get to visit all the family.

Garrett's grandparents are always standing in the driveway as we arrive unless it is in the middle of the night, but I made them stay inside so I could video their first time meeting Lacey.

This is "Grandmother Shirley" talking to Lacey for the first time

Garrett's cousin Madison came by for a visit, she is a Senior in high school, what an exciting time in her life.

Garrett's cousin Tracy and her husband Mark came for a visit

Pops (Garrett's Dad) getting his hands on Lacey for the first time in about a month

Lacey and GaGa (Garrett's mom's dad) holding hands, so precious!!

Our precious girl!

Mommy and Lacey, she wasn't a happy camper.

Pops and Lacey

Grandmother Shirley and Lacey

Garrett's cousin Elizabeth and her family(minus Alex) and her boyfriend came over for Jim N Nicks Barbeque. We enjoyed our visit and them getting to see Lacey for the first time. We got several presents while we were down there, I love every one and appreciate it so much!

Listening to GaGa

Precious, talking with her Great-Grandparents

Lacey and her "Lovie" with her Great-Grandparents

Getting ready to head back to Middle TN

Saying bye!!

Lacey with her Daddy and Grandparents

We had a wonderful trip, wish so bad we could have had Honey at their house with us, but we visited her in Rehab(physical therapy for her knees). I am so thankful for the relationship we have been blessed to have with GaGa and Grandmother Shirley. They have treated me as their own since our first meeting. We look forward to our next visit so much!!!!

The Rest of January

2010-03-02T20:02:00.000-06:00

This was the first time I took Lacey to my work--Summit Hospital--to visit! She was so good!!! Everyone was so complimentary, we will do it again soon...I do not go back to work until March 24th. I am so thankful and blessed to have had this time with my little girl.

Lacey loves her daddy, she just doesn't get to see him enough during basketball season, soon we will start going to games.

TBonz and Lacey

This was hilarious, Lacey had her head buried here and was asleep for a while, not real sure how she was breathing, but she was. I always remember as a little girl I thought Dad was an electric blanket, guess she is thinking the same about her TBonz!

Just got Lacey up from a nap, this is how I swaddle her each time I lay her down.

This is her stretch when she comes out of the swaddle. I love watching it!

Mommy and Lacey

Our family, one night when Daddy had just gotten home.

Lacey LOVES her Sasha!!!!!

Lacey's First Trip

2010-02-18T08:15:00.000-06:00

Garrett called me one day from school and proposed the idea of Lacey and I going up to Knoxville with him to a DCA basketball game and spend the night on January 21st. I was just sick at my stomach, I wanted to be excited and I was so happy he was wanting to be spontaneous and take us with him. However, Lacey was not even going to be 5 weeks old yet. Taking her to a ballgame in a gym made me so uneasy. I shared with him my thoughts and he shared with me his. Usually his was just trying to make me see my thoughts from a different perspective. I just didn't want to make a irresponsible decision and our little girl catch a bug, when we would have been fine staying in. Well after her one month checkup and talking to different people I chose to go!! We had such a fun experience!!! We left Friday about noon, loaded everything including her moses basket and stand. She slept the entire way to Sevierville where we decided to stay the night, thanks to Pop for getting us hooked up with a free room!! We check into hotel and had a couple hours to waste. Lacey took a short nap and then we all took off to game.

Lacey playing on the hotel bed

People were so sweet and complimentary. Since this was a far away game there wasn't to many people that would want to see her. I wore her in a sling, to help her be a little more confined these early weeks.

Mommy and Lacey heading out

Her pretty blue eyes just sparkled as she looked up at those bright gym lights and blinked. She slept the second half of game. Then we went to eat with friends. We had our first experience of nursing in the car, it wasn't to bad. She was sooooo fussy at dinner, usually after she eats she is pretty content for a bit, but she just screamed and screamed. By this time it was 10:00pm, I felt like I had been so selfish to stay out, I should have already been in the room settling her down. Once we got to hotel she ate, went to sleep, and slept 6 hrs : ) . Saturday we took our time, checked out and headed out to the outlets to do some shopping!!!

She tolerated her Snap and Go stroller so well, just slept the entire time, it was such a gorgeous day. Lacey got all the goodies, we didn't buy anything for ourselves. We ate at ChopHouse and headed home.

Pooped after all the shopping!

The ride home was a little more eventful, we stopped to feed her when she got fussy, then on down the road she spit up and we had to pull over and change her clothes. We were so ready to arrive home by this time. Overall I was so thankful Garrett had this idea, we made it so good!!! I will always remember our first trip as a family, and I appreciate all the help Garrett gave me to make it happen without many mishaps!!

Mommy Needed Help!!!!!

2010-02-18T08:10:00.000-06:00

The Thursday before we were going to take our first trip as a family, I was having a very tough time. Lacey had been held so much by all the family, whom I appreciate their love and desire to hold her. However, she then wanted Mommy to hold her all the time once everybody left. I was pretty stressed knowing we had a trip and I had to pack myself and Lacey for the first time. Thursday afternoon came and I had pretty much held Lacey for 36 hours except maybe 5 hours, which is what her little naps/nights added up too. For a while I blamed it on her tummy. I would console her, bounce her, give mylicon, ride her in car, feed her when I sensed it was time, and nothing gave her a long period of contentment. I was so sad, this is not how my baby had been acting....is something wrong? is it colic? what can I do? will she be like this forever? Wednesday night I had been an emotional wreck, knowing on Thursday I would be by myself for 15 hrs while Garrett was teaching and coaching. How am I gonna be ready to leave at noon on Friday??? Will I get any sleep so I can function?? Does he understand what I am going through and feeling??? Guess you can call it a pity party, but it was such reality!! So Thursday I tried the bouncy seat and she screamed and screamed, I picked her up and she was asleep in my arms in 3 mins, she was so exhausted. So I called a couple mommy friends. I had read the book BabyWise, but had talked myself into the fact that it was too early to let this little baby "cry it out". Well after picking up the book again and talking to these friends I decided I would let her. I told myself if after 15 mins she was still crying I would check on her. Over the next 2 hours, which was in between feedings, she cried off and on, but it was never for a straight 15 mins. Then I fed her and gave her the "waketime" BabyWise speaks of afterwards and swaddled her. Normally we swaddle her body only, but my mommy friend Kelley said "Leah try to swaddle her arms in", SO I DID!!!! AND SHE SLEPT 3 hours for the first time in 2 days only crying about 10 mins when I laid her down drowsy. Then that night she slept 5 1/2 hours where she hadn't been sleeping a complete 3 hour straight. I was feeling so much better, Praising God for those mommies and that book that gave me the wisdom about what I could do for my tired fussy baby. Friday morning, I fed her at 6:30, she took a morning nap til 9 while I got a shower!!! I was packed and ready for Garrett when he walked in the door!! I was so excited it was such a wonderful feeling to conquer a tough time, remembering God had helped me through it and given me my reward : ) . I was refreshed and ready for our first family trip!!!

Happy 1 Month Birthday and Checkup!!

2010-02-17T18:14:00.000-06:00

Our precious baby girl Lacey!! Happy 1 month old to you January 17th!! It was the most special life changing month of mommy and daddy's life!! Lots of ups and just a few downs!! Sasha was here almost the entire month and all the other immediate family was able to come and go as their schedule allowed.

--You had your first bath at home when you were 5 days old...after the initial shock you seemed to like it, however you were still so sleepy from being jaundice. Sasha gave Mommy a training session on how to bathe a newborn! Great learning experience, Sasha is an awesome teacher/demonstrator!! I had to watch several times before I felt really comfortable. You have now showed such enjoyment during bath time. The lights by the mirror are your favorite!!

--Once you woke up you began to nurse almost every 3 hours like clock work, nursing went great the 1st month!!! You didn't have to take a bottle other than when you were jaundice and we were trying to get anything we could down you and when mommy and daddy had a date. I have loved the nursing experience so far, it is an incredible bonding moment and I am so thankful it is working out so well for us!! When you place those precious little perfect hands and fingers on mommy's chest while your eating my heart melts!!

--Sleeping was wonderful during month one, Mommy got lots of rest!! Sasha was your bed partner every night she stayed with us, she would sleep down stairs on the couch and you in your moses basket. She would text Mommy when it was time to nurse.

--You had several episodes of gassiness and we have learned to use Mylicon drops. Mommy has been able to pinpoint a few things that get to your tummy.

--Your first smile I noticed was on Christmas Eve when you were 1 week old, I know you had no idea what you were doing but it was the most precious thing I had ever seen at that particular moment.

--You are so easy to lay down, we rock ya and hold ya a bit and then just place you in your basket and you will sleep anywhere from 2-4 hours.

--Mommy has to work on just trusting God with your life, I was so obsessed the first month on checking to see if you were breathing.

--You are wearing all preemie clothes. Everything you have worn has been bought for you since your birth, Mommy never thought she would have such a petite baby. I can't wait to show you one day how tiny these outfits are!!

--You still have hair on your ears and back that is very noticeable and your hair on your head is still dark brown with the majority of it on the back.

--I am so addicted to your smell, it sends this amazing feeling through my body when I smell you!

--At 3 weeks you started sleeping in Mommy and Daddy's room by our bed in your basket. You began to get congested, so we added a cool mist humidifier and a fan. They both put out such noise that I feel makes you sleep better.

--You very seldom take your passy. Usually when you are gassy and right when we start rocking you to sleep then you just drop it.

--We swaddle your body, but keep both your arms out, you pretty much immediately through them up by your ears kinda like saying "TOUCH DOWN"!

--You haven't become fascinated with your swing yet. We have tried the bouncy seat out a couple times, it works okay for you.

--I can tell you like the light, but you still have your eyes closed often.

--Your umbilical cord fell off sometime around week 2, Sasha was here with ya and when we got home she showed Mommy and Daddy the surprise!

--Your fingernails grow like crazy Sasha has helped Mommy cut them several times.

--You are so cooperative when your other grandparents and family come in town that want to hold you.

--Your eyes get bluer everyday it seems.

--Your skin still just kinda wrinkles and hangs off some of your bones.

--Your coloring has turned out so beautiful once all the jaundice went away.

--You absolutely HATE!!! having your diaper changed. You cry so hard and throw your arms out to your side like your are thinking you are falling. You have done so good with your wet and dirty diapers. Both of them you have frequently. You are wearing Preemie Pampers until we ran out and NB Pampers seem to work, Mommy is not a Huggies fan yet.

--As I have said one thing or another thing is the most precious thing! LOL!!

For real I am in love with when you are in my arms dozing off and you get "HIVEY"? Granny says it is an old wives tale?? Who knows, but it is when you roll your eyes back in your head, sometimes you wink, sometimes smile, and sometimes get to laughing, all while you are sleeping.

I am sure I have missed something that stuck out at the moment, but these are the main highlights. Lacey, Mommy is so in love with you and have never experienced the feelings I am right now. So much fear that I struggle with letting go and letting God. A feeling that I am going to miss or forget something you do. A stronger feeling for the bond I have shared with your Sasha and so blessed to have each of your grandparents to experience this with. When I get to watch your daddy with you, I fall more and more in love with him!!! GAH!!! I can't wait till you can talk to him and tell him what you are thinking about him. I pray so hard ya'll can have the relationship I have been blessed to have with my daddy!!! I pray you always notice the love we show and feel towards each other! And my heart stays so heavy with such a desire for you to love me as I love my mommy. I am sure there will be days in the future, far to soon, that I am not going to be your best friend! But I will always pray that God will fill me with wisdom and discernment as I attempt to disciple you to be a godly woman, and teach you better by me learning from my mistakes. I trust that he will lay what needs to be prayed for in your life on my heart each and every day. I hope we can grow so close from the time you know I am your mommy, until the time we meet Jesus face to face. I feel so privileged God has given me you for this season!! And I pray he convicts me when I forget you are completely His, He has just loaned you to me!!! Gosh, having you is a dream come true.

I LOVE OUR LIFE AND I AM SO EXCITED FOR EACH AND EVERY MOMENT AHEAD!!

This is a pic from Lacey's first bath at 5 days old!

This is a pic from Lacey's bath on your 1 month birthday!

Daddy and Lacey on her 1 month birthday!

"Its my 1 month birthday and I am growing so fast!!!"

Pop and Honey got to be here on Lacey's 1 month Birthday!

January 19th the day for Lacey's 1 month checkup!!

On her way to her 1 month check up!

Mommy and Lacey just after she has been weighed!!! She weighed 7lbs 3oz and is 20in long!! We are so thankful for her growth!! Mommy's milk is fulfulling her tummy!!! She gained 25 oz in 21 days of eating, Dr. Mehrotra was very pleased!!!

Dr. Mehrotra, Mommy, and Lacey after her first shot since her birth.

Ready to eat and shop with Mommy and Sasha after her checkup!!

Getting ready Mommy and Sasha to take her on a walk, it was a beautiful day!!!

Bringing in 2010 and The First Weeks of January

2010-02-16T19:34:00.000-06:00

New Years Eve brought a new addition to our family!!! The most exciting thing!!! Anthony, Garrett's brother proposed to his girlfriend Missy!!! Here is a pic with them and Lacey on her first day home, wish I had a newer pic. We are so excited and thankful for this happening!!! We have prayed for Anthony to be led to the one God had waiting to be his mate, and boy are we blown away by His answer!!! I have always wanted another girl in the family, well now I have a great one!! They will be tying the knot May 9th, 2010. They have just bought a house and going through all the wedding planning. Can't wait to post more pics during their happenings!!

Mommy and Daddy got their first date night when you were only 2 weeks old!! We went out with 3 other couples to Demos'. It was wonderful, but we were ready to get home to our little girl!

TBonz and Sasha, the babysitters with Lacey

Lacey bringing in 2010!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

The following pics are just some random ones from the first couple weeks of January until she turns one month old!!

Had her in her hat from hospital because we had coated her head with Aquaphor to help with cradle cap, hadn't had a problem with it since!

Great Grandparents and Other Visitors During Lacey's Early Days

2010-02-05T15:37:00.001-06:00

I am very fortunate to have grown up with two grandmothers and three granddads. I have such a special love for each of them. My dad's mom remarried before I was born so I had her husband as a granddad to make my third one. He recently passed away August 2009 after battling lung issues for several years. My dad's dad passed away in 1999. I have so many wonderful memories with each of them growing up. My mom's parents have been married over 50 years and have such an amazing relationship. Their names are Geraldine and Charline she is 4'10'' and he is 6'6''! She is truly "one of a kind" in so many ways and he is known as the "gentle giant". I can remember when I heard him say "crap" and cried and cried because before that I thought he was so perfect, LOL!! My dad's mom is Wilma, she is precious and has such a kind heart. We have had many good times also and great conversations. Below was their first visit to see Lacey!

My mom's mom, known as "Granny"

My mom's parents and us, "Granny and Papa"

Granny and Lacey

My dad's mom, known as "Mawma"

Dad, Mawma, Lacey and I

***So sorry if you visited and your missing, several cameras have been used, we appreciate your visit so much and will try to get pic when you visit again. :)

As I have said several other times on the blog, God has blessed us with AMAZING and MORE than we ever imagined support and friend`ships!!!

"Coach Bertie" and his family, he is the Baseball coach at DCA, Garrett seems to have such a good relationship with all the coaches. I am so thankful for that as his wife.

Coach Dorris, another on of Garrett's coworkers/buddy. Kim his wife came over another time, didn't get a pic, he also has 2 boys.

The Nasons, who were in town from Memphis. Matt was Garrett's big brother in the fraternity at college and grew to be like a big brother to me. Our friendship is so special and I wish so bad our paths crossed more often. We didn't meet Tiffany until they were getting married, but look forward to being around them more in the future.

A very special friend Dale. We met Garrett's freshman year of college and our friendship has just blossomed. She was in our wedding and we did not see each other from 2005 until 2009 when she was passing through, however we did pretty good keeping in touch. Now we have learned we can visit via Skype!! Her and her husband, Michael are stationed in Colorado.

My darlin Heather! Her husband and Garrett are best friends and lived together in college. We have so many memories from the time they moved in. Our friendship has grown over the years and I am so thankful to where God has brought it today. All of us were in each others wedding and have continued to have times together, the distance and busy schedules keep those times rare. They live in Huntingdon, where she teaches and he is Middle School Principal!

"Kee" and Heather

My mom's sister "Aunt Judy" we have a very special relationship, she never had children of her own...until she married and gained 2 stepsons. Micah and I got to be her children. We have so many memories, especially in her single days, LOL! We just don't get to see her enough now.

Mommy, Aunt Judy, and Lacey

Matt "Valley" and Kortney, one of our couple friends we are very close to...they stopped by on their way home from Gatlinburg where they just learned they were EXPECTING!!! :)....In the mean time they have learned they are EXPECTING IDENTICAL TWINS!!!!! We are so excited for them and their days ahead! After just experiencing one newborn, I can't imagine having two. But I know it will be a handful that will bless their lives in so many ways. We went to college with both of them, however they did not become a couple until we were already married and out of college. Kortney and I got close over the years and she was in our wedding. We got the priviledge of both being in their wedding and have had many wonderful times together!! I look forward to future times with our little ones.

Lacey and The Valentines

Two families who have showed us such love and support during our time here in Nashville. The Pitmans and Johnstons. This was Lacey's first outing to the Johnston's for games and supper, she did so good. Some of them came to the hospital, but I chose to put these pics up instead.

The whole gang!

Lisa Johnston, Julia, and Lacey

Lacy, Colin, and Julia--The Johnston Kids and Lacey

Kim Pitman and Lacey

Mrs. Roney--DCA High School Secretary

Kathy(Garrett's coworker) and Christy Loftis

They were so sweet to bring us a meal and visit.

Back To The Doctor (DEC 30th)

2010-02-05T15:23:00.000-06:00

12/30 Leaving for her second Dr. visit to have her weight checked. Praise the Lord nursing is going great and Lacey has been eating!! At this point she is nursing every 3 - 4 hours, we are still having to wake her up from her naps to eat at times. I always wake her up by that four hour mark for sure. We knew she had to have gained some, just unsure what Dr. considered enough. Mommy and Daddy took her and Sasha stayed at home. Well Lacey did great at the Dr. and he was very pleased she had gained 7 oz, after eating for 7 days!!!! He would have been pleased with 1/2oz to 1oz a day. We will go back January 19th for her 1 month check :).

Lacey's Newborn Photo Shoot

2010-01-26T10:55:00.000-06:00

I was going to use a college roommate and friend Elizabeth for our newborn photo shoot, but since she lives in Memphis and I live in Nashville, and Lacey arrived at Christmas, and Elizabeth is expecting....it just didn't work out. Check her out she does amazing photos and I will use her sometime in the future! However, Sasha was given a camera on her birthday from TBonz, by Mommy's suggestion....I have a feeling this is why.....

Lacey's First Christmas

2010-01-26T08:40:00.000-06:00

Backing up a bit, I have been meaning to mention what favor God showed over our circumstances. Garrett was out of school from Lacey's arrival date until January 5th, she could not have come at a more perfect time. I loved having him home not just for assistance, just knowing he was there to experience these first 2 weeks together. My parents jobs are very flexible. Dad works in Nashville and out of the home alot of the time and Mom has closed her business every year for the week after Christmas. Mom stayed 3 weeks from the time we brought Lacey home, she was able to have her business calls forwarded to her cell phone. This was an amazing time I will always cherish and am so thankful for. (I will elaborate more on this in a later post) Garrett's parents also had such flexibility. They were here from Lacey's arrival date on Thursday until the following Sunday, and then able to come back the entire weekend of Christmas. If you know me very well you already know that I LOVE FAMILY time and SENTIMENTAL moments, let me tell you there was alot of them.....and they continue. We are so thankful for the love, support, encouragement, many prayers etc that our parents have shown towards us! (again I am sure I will elaborate more on this to in a later post)

Christmas got here pretty quick after we arrived home from the hospital. My immediate family was here on Christmas Eve day and night (the only holiday we have truly had a tradition for over the years), and Garrett's immediate family came Christmas day and his parents stayed until Dec 27th.

We had a wonderful memorable Christmas, everyone just looked at Lacey at times wishing she could talk about Baby Jesus and at other times loving her little 5lb size!

Since Lacey's arrival was so close to Christmas we did not travel anywhere. Family that could just came to us...we really enjoyed staying at our home during this special time. The only negative thing was not getting to see our grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins....the time will come.

Daddy, Mommy, and Lacey on Christmas Eve

TBonz, Sasha, and Lacey on Christmas Eve (my parents)

My immediate family on Christmas Eve

Mommy, Sasha, and Lacey on Christmas Eve

Daddy, Mommy, Uncle Micah, and Lacey on Christmas Eve
Uncle Micah showing a little love to Lacey

My precious brother, whom I am so thankful for!!!

Time to Cook!!!

Dad and Garrett did the majority of the cooking
The finished product!! My favorite Beef Tenderloin!!! Also rosemary shrimp, baked potatoes, salad and bread!!! DELICIOUS!!!

TBonz and Lacey sleeping on Christmas morning

She is alert for Christmas morning

Santa Came during the night!

Honey and PaPa arrived!! (Garrett's Parents)

Honey trying to get Lacey to talk

PaPa and Lacey

Garrett's family minus Missy (Anthony's better half :))

Us with Garrett's Parents

Honey, PaPa, and Lacey

Daddy, PaPa, and Lacey

We had a very special Merry Christmas!! Garrett and I realize again and again ho much we have to be thankful for!!

Our First Days At Home

2010-01-18T21:21:00.001-06:00

*** So sorry if you stopped by and we didn't get a picture, so many pictures have been taken and I am sure some are missed or are on my mom's computer and not mine. I didn't back up to hospital visits, I started when we got home....more to come! I am going to attempt now that we have a "routine" and I have some free time to catch up...somedays there may be multiple post from the past!

12/19 So we walk into the door Saturday for the first time as a Mommy and Daddy, after spending several minutes trying to unlatch the car seat and Lacey screaming by this time the girl is starving so I nurse her before we even begin to settle in. Garrett's parents are here waiting for us to arrive home. My family is in town, but out and about. Teresa, Garrett's mom has broccoli noodle soup waiting and helps with Lacey and allows me to shower. The shower was so refreshing at home, but overall I was feeling really good!! We unpacked, set around just looking at her, I was so surprised climbing the stairs was so easy!! My mom came in and she had already been to wolf camera and was stuffing photo albums, man was I thankful for her to think of going out and getting started on that while we visited with Garrett's family.

Lacey after getting home from hospital

Visitors stopped by and my precious friend Amanda came to stay a few nights.

My cousin Denice and her husband Bill

As we left the hospital Saturday we were told to make a pediatrician appt for Monday because Lacey's bilirubin was up and she had a touch of jaundice. Even though I am a nurse, I had no idea what to expect the next several days. Lacey had a good feeding at midnight Saturday and then just became lethargic. My mom chose to keep her in her moses basket down stairs and text me to come down when it was time to feed. Hours would pass and I was getting good sleep, but Lacey was not waking up to eat. When she would arouse she would not latch on and would not stay awake for long.

12/20 Sunday arrived, more visitors came and family was still hanging out. One of our closest couples Amanda and her husband Mitch

My hairstylist and very special friend Stephanie, and her family

My cousin Donna and her daughter Kendall came to stay the night. I had a really uneasy feeling about Lacey, she had not had a good feeding in over 12 hours. She was jaundice on her face, lethargic, and just limp at times. I made a phone call to the pediatrician for the first time as a mother. She was wonderful and informative and recommended I give her some milk via a syringe and come in as scheduled on Monday.

Cousin Donna and her daughter Kendall

Part of the Reeves Family came for visit!!

With the help of some family and visitors it took an hour at least to get 15ml of milk down her and then wondering if the majority of it ran down her neck. I felt better just that the Dr. was not overly concerned or freaking out that she was not eating. Sunday night was uneventful just a sleeping baby.

12/21 Monday came Kristin arrived to see our precious girl. With everyones help we got Lacey dressed, packed diaper bag, loaded in carseat and Mom, Garrett, and I headed to Dr. office.

My sweet friend Kristin

Lacey and her daddy!! I ADORE THIS!!!

He is not mentioned much in this post, but please know he has been such a support and encouragement!! He shows us so much how he loves us, there just isn't much happening for him to be involved in yet!

She had a weight check, she was 5lbs15oz when born and that morning she 5lbs3oz. The Dr. said that was expected. Lacey was still just "out of it", she had a heel stick for her bilirubin level and I have heard most babies go crazy and she did not even wimper. As her mommy I wanted her to scream and cry to let me know she was okay. We will follow up 12/30 for a weight check if no problems before then! We left there awaiting a call with the results to find out if bili light therapy was necessary. We got back home, Kristin and Amanda were waiting and ready to assist me in trying to get more down Lacey. We were choosing to do a syringe to avoid nipple confusion. I began to pump, up until this point I had just been doing manual expression. The doctor's office called and said her level was normal, PTL!!! When Amanda and Kristin were holding Lacey her eyes would roll back in her head, she would get in this blank stare and not blink, then she would just go to sleep again. I was scared to death, tears were running down my cheeks. I was able to talk to a girl I know who works in Baptist nursery and she said I was describing a storybook jaundice baby. I felt much better after talking to her, she explained to me the goal would be to push as much fluids as I could. During the night she just was letting the milk I had pumped run down her neck when we would do the syringe. So I decided to give her the bottle. I pumped and mom fed her the bottle, her tongue just seemed to quit it stayed rolled back in her mouth and the challenge was to get the nipple around it. During bottle time she seemed to still be very lethargic even though she did a pretty good job sucking.

12/22 Tuesday morning arrived and after an emotional night with attempting to nurse and not being successful I knew the goal was to get Lacey to eat, so...was still giving her the bottle. I was calling the pediatricians office because I was so concerned that they told me her level was normal but she seemed even more lethargic and jaundice than before. In the midst of waiting for triage nurse I was attempting to pump. When I picked up the tubing and realized the $300 pump I had borrowed from a friend had a part that had broken off from it over night, I had BREAKDOWN #1. Whew I cried and hung up phone and cried and cried!!!! Mom was just looking at me pretty much crying herself, as she held my little baby I felt like such a little baby. I have never in my life cried so hard. Now in my mind I was going to have to go spend $300 to replace my borrowed pump and give it back to my sweet friend Lauren(who has let me borrow so much). Mom said "Leah you needed to cry", well I did and I showered and cried even more during it. It felt good to cry after it was all over, however I was still sick about the pump situation. My cousins were coming over this day so I dressed myself and got control! LOL!! I spoke to the nurse finally and the issue was Lacey's level had gone up since discharge from the hospital but it was in range where no treatment was needed, which explained her symptoms worsening.

The sun seemed to be shining so we placed Lacey in her moses basket next to the window.

Cousin Jim

Jim's wife Jill and little girl Allie ( a little over 10months)

Their son Aden (4 1/2 yrs)

Jim and Aden

Jill feeding Lacey or attempting :)

Later in the day more visitors came! Lauren stopped by and we realized there was a customer service number on the pump and they agreed to overnight the part free of charge! :) I was feeling much better!!
My sweet friend Holly, she came over with several premie outfits since I was not prepared for this little peanut!

Deanna, a friend from the village. She just had a baby 2 weeks ago. They brought over dinner.

It was still a struggle with the bottle, but that night a friend Lacy was here and we had a very successful feeding, she took the 1oz bottle in 10mins!!! This was a record. Afterwards my mom returned from errands and we bathed her for the first time. She seemed to like it and she was more alert!!!

Our precious friend Lacy

Look at these hands, guess Lacey was joining Mommy in praying for her jaundice!!

First bath time! She finally began to open her eyes a bit!

12/23 Lacey began to nurse and we were not even having to offer the bottle.

My sweet friend Kelley came over, brought dinner and a very special gift..it is a framed print with Lacey's name across the top and a prayer calendar.

Kelley, Emma, and Georgia

Next post Christmas time!!!

Lacey Ruth Arrived December 17th, 2009

2010-01-11T11:48:00.000-06:00

The most incredible experience and amazing day of our lives thus far!!!

Us on Easter weekend 2009 when we found out we were expecting!!

Preparation of the Nursery

On our way to the hospital to deliver our little girl!!

Well we arrived at 6:15am to the admitting desk at the hospital. We were all smiles!! Our parents were at our house and the hotel so it was just Garrett and I taking it all in. I felt good considering it was the end of my pregnancy. God blessed me with such an amazing complication free pregnancy, I would do one like this again in a heartbeat, well I pray I get to do it again regardless. We are blessed also to have the relationship with our doctor and his family, knowing them before the pregnancy made this experience extra special to us.

Warming table all ready for her

At 7:15 he broke my water and Pitocin was started. I arrived at the hospital dilated to 3 and 40% effaced. Dr. Presley told me to get the epidural whenever I was ready, I asked him his opinion and he said probably ask for it in about an hour. Well the next two hours was the worst pain I have ever experienced, not that I have experienced alot in my life. I made the choice to take advantage of the recommended medical interventions to make this experience more comfortable, and I am so glad I did. After my supportive husband holding my hand and letting me be emotional by 9:00am the epidural was in and I was saying "I feel good!" I am such a family and friend lover, so I was so glad I felt so great and could visit. Thanks to everyone who came and called on delivery day and after, I hope to get some pictures up eventually of some of our visitors! At this point the baby had not dropped yet and so he was not promising me a vaginal delivery. I for sure would go with whatever would be best for us both, but really wanted to be able to birth in the room and family be with me. I was checked pretty much every hour making progress each time, which I felt was a positive sign. By noon, Dr.Presley said we will probably have a baby by 4:00pm whichever way she decides to come out. A special friend Kelley chose to follow God's leading, I am sure after she noticed my emotion, to lead us in a prayer. At that point I remembering peace coming over me and I was reminded that God had a perfect plan. She still was not dropping like he wanted, a couple hours later blood was noticed in my catheter and the nurse said we need to get it out sometimes that is a sign that the baby is dropping. Well by 2:30 I was at a 10 and starting to push for the nurse off and on. They spoke of my birth canal being narrow and was not sure if her head would mold through. Well by 3:30 the nurse said we are going to have a vaginal delivery!! Praise God!!!! Here came Dr. Presley! I had such wonderful coaching and support from Garrett, our moms, the nurse and Dr. Presley. At 4:09pm Lacey Ruth McElroy was delivered, such a healthy little miracle! How can people ever question if there is a God??

Our "First Moment", nothing I can put in words!

Our first family photo!!! So thankful!!

The hospital visit was wonderful!! To many things I am afraid I will miss if I back track so just jumping our going home!

All ready for her first car ride to her home!

We are home!! IT'S A GIRL!!!

Thankful For Our Thanksgiving Break!!

2009-11-29T16:57:00.000-06:00

As I sit here on Sunday afternoon while Garrett is watching Titans game, tears are just flowing. I have always been an emotional person and I am so surprised the few times I have cried since being pregnant. I can't really put my finger on why tears are flowing right now, I am just experiencing a whirlwind of emotions mostly good, some bittersweet!

To update you on the latest progress I am going to go back a couple weeks..... My pregnancy has been out of this world amazing with no problems at all!!! Praise God!!! It has allowed me to continue working full time hours, for those of you that know I only get paid when I work, no paid time off for the position I am in. I have been able to travel, enjoy all of our showers, giving showers, visiting family, cleaning, really do anything I wanted to. So at my 35 week appt. a couple weeks ago I was told I was dilated to 1 and 20% effaced. He said I was good to go back home that weekend to give a shower for a friend. I went and felt pretty good. I could tell the car ride about got me on the way home as my spine and hips ached pretty bad. We were going to be faced with the decision to go to Birmingham with Garrett's family for Thanksgiving the following week. I was supposed to go to see Dr.Presley the Tuesday before and he said we would discuss it then. My mom just happened to be in town and went to my appt. Tuesday with me for no particular reason and my pressure just happened to be elevated. Everything else in his office checked out great and no progress had been made, but he wanted to send me over to Labor and Delivery Triage to be monitored for a couple hours and for lab work. So thankful God placed Mom there that morning, we just hung out as I was monitored, which allowed Garrett to just hang tight at school unless something occured that caused him to come to the hospital. By the time I was admitted and hooked up my pressure was already down, I kinda had the "why am I here and how much is this costing?" feeling. All was fine! At this point I am probably having some Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing painful and she hadn't dropped much. The bottom line of that visit was no trip to Birmingham and no work for that week!

So Tuesday night started Garrett's Thankgiving break after a win over FRA. It was a bittersweet feeling, we wanted to see family and be with family, but to know I did not have the car ride ahead of me was wonderful. Everyone was so understanding of course putting Lacey's health a top priority. We just got in the mindset that we were really going to enjoy these 5 days of no agenda and remember our life is fixing to change, for the better of course!! But in a way that we will never have this feeling of "just the two of us" again. It has been wonderful....sleeping late, cooking breakfast, watching movies, hanging things, washing Lacey's clothes, putting together gadgets, organizing drawers, napping, early suppers, late night snacks, sleeping on the couch til 1 or 2am, then crawling in the bed to do it all over again the next day. Oh how I love my husband!!! And oh how God has blessed these last 4 1/2 years of our marriage!!! It is so bittersweet as I laid there last night thinking about today being our last day of break and school starts back for him Monday, memories played over and over in my mind and how much we cherish our "couch time"! I know that greater days are ahead!!! But choosing to be very transparent I can say I cannot phathom this love that people speak of that is just going to take over our lives, and probably safe to say he can't either. Saying all that to say that is where the whirlwind of emotions are because I would love to meet her tonight!!! We are so excited and so blessed that God chose to give this life to us so quickly, knowing so many people struggle to conceive and not understanding why. I also am filled with the conviction of knowing how days go by and I let time pass not taking the moment to realize how amazing the work of God's hands is!! I pray so hard to be a spirtual godly example to my daughter and to be that godly wife I desire to be on a daily basis!!! You can get so overwhelmed with thinking about tomorrow and the future and the obstacles and the what ifs, but I have to remember God is with me every step of the way as much as I allow Him to be!! I am thankful for this outlet to empty my thoughts and would appreciate any readers out there to pray as we make this transition into a family. As of today I still am not feeling much different, a little more pain in the groin area/spine..but not much action occuring. Trusting Gods timing is perfect and praying for patience and peace as I wait! Going back to the doctor Tuesday, will try to update our progress!!!

BabyShowers

2009-11-05T15:46:00.001-06:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

We Are Back!!! See Slideshow Above!!

2009-11-05T12:18:00.000-06:00

Well alot has been going on and life is crazy!!! I am trying to get back in the swing of things now that our computer is in its permanent place and our precious arrival is coming soon! I do hope to use this as a journal for our life and hope our family and close friends enjoy it. Some days I hope to use to write about what God might have layed on my heart our taught me and other days I hope to share pics of some of our happenings. Hopefully I will be able to keep up and not wait 8 months to post again. I have been playing around on shutterfly and think I have figured out an easy way to post pics, slideshows, videos etc. This is a test below of some of my showers with some precious friends and the start of the nursery. Hope to update more soon! Thanks for stopping by and all your prayers will be appreciated in the coming months!!!

GUESS WHAT THE EASTER BUNNY BROUGHT!!!

2009-04-24T07:24:00.000-05:00

After months of praying and conversations with Garrett we decided in February to start NOT preventing pregnancy. Being a women and so aware of the many issues I have reminded Garrett of the unknown fertility and any other issue that could arise. I wanted to make sure he was aware it wasn't like we start trying and BAM we are expecting!! Garrett was at a basketball game and I was just running around by myself. I had made stops and Barnes and Noble, Lifeway, and Books-a-Million. I was looking for a Christian based book written for couples who were at the point in their life where they thought it was time to start a family. I found parenting books, step parenting, adoption, infertility, multiples, pregnancy, every thing you could think of but a little Christian insight on making the decision. I know God's Word is the ultimate form of wisdom, but I believe He uses His Christian authors to assist in guiding His children through some decision making. So on Monday April 6th I went a common blog I read Kelly Stamps, she is doing a giveway on this book below!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness I just sat there at the computer tears streaming, being so aware of God's presence in our situation. My mind was saying I am going to register to win 1 of the 5 books, however if I don't win it I will just go by it. I was so anxious to see if it would just fall into my lap. She was going to draw Friday April 10th, so I just waited till Friday afternoon. We were back in Milan-our home town- and I signed on Friday and out of 264 entries my name was drawn as one of the five!!!!!! I couldn't believe this!!! Not that I won a contest but how I felt God was providing that desire right in my lap!!!

So on this Friday night I new it was a possibility I could be pregnant. Since we were home for Easter I was anxious to take a test because we had all the family in person!!! I had already decided especially for our first experience we would probably tell immediately. I am the type that is very close to my family and friends and don't think I could hold it in. If things were great we would have lots of excitement and if things were bad we would have lots of prayer and support!! I took a test and the positive line was so faint, it was hilarious, Garrett and I were getting the instruction paper out and seeing if it said anything about a faint line. It didn't, so we just decided I would retest Saturday morning. So I just went to bed wondering is this the time???? I tested again Saturday morning at 6am and it was another faint line! AAAAAAAHHHH!!! I ran to Walmart and got a digital, took it and it said the word PREGNANT!!

Garrett was still asleep, I ran and said you have to open your eyes and look at this!!! He was excited as he could be waking up from a dead sleep. I knew I wanted to tell our parents that afternoon. So I got easter eggs and put pacifers in them. See pictures below!!! My mom is not in the picture because she had that mother instinct and guessed it before I even could give her an egg!! Everyone had tears and laughed and were so supportive!! So I guess this is the beginning of an exciting journey!! Please pray for us and the health of our baby!!! Our first appointment is April 30th! Easter weekend we celebrated two wonderful miracles: Our Risen Lord! and the News of our coming baby!!!

Garrett and I on Easter

My Family on Easter

Anthony and Missy on Easter

God has been doing some amazing things in my life, I can't wait to share with my readers some of the things He has brought to my attention and taught me. However it has been busy the last month so I am trying to get all my thoughts together on paper first!! Todays my 25th birthday and my mom is here, so we are going to enjoy the day! Hope to post more this weekend!!

Time is Still Flying By!!

2009-03-17T08:32:00.000-05:00

Whew, Praise the Lord for a job and continuing to provide. I have been working alot, at the time when I know the next day is overtime, I would prefer to be on call; however, I am very thankful when the check comes. Trying to recap all that has gone on over the last month.

My mom came for a night and the next day we went and kept Aden and Allie. Is this not so precious!!! Aden is so much fun and at such a good age to play with. He and I did not stop that day.

This is Kortney and I in Flordia last summer. We had a nice time to catch up a few weeks ago she was coming through Nashville and we met for lunch. The more time passes the busier we get and the harder it is to get together. We needed this I was very thankful the timing worked out.

Then I got to keep Hudson by myself one day while his mommy had to run errand. He is so precious and growing and smiling more everytime I see him. For those of you who read often, be praying for Lauren she has to start back to work next week and is really seeking God's direction on making some decisions.

Thats about all that has happened over the past 4 weeks. Maybe I will do better this next month keeping up!!!

Just FYI, you will see in the next post at Garrett's Birthday party I was trying to grow out my hair, Oh well, not happening. I have an appointment today to get it cut, first time since October. At least I know I tried but I cannot handle it!!

Happy Birthday to The Love of My Life!!!

2009-03-17T07:33:00.000-05:00

After much planning and anticipation our surprise party happened!!! Garrett's family and I have been planning to surprise him and bring all of them here this past weekend. He was shocked all he could say was Wow! Wow! He had come home from school Friday afternoon and decided before we went to eat he was gonna shower and shave, to make a long story short when he got out of shower I had laid a shirt and shorts there and told him make sure to dress because Lauren had come in. When I heard him drying off I said "Come in here I want you to see something" and all his grandparents, parents, brother, brother's friend, cousin, and myself said Surprise!!!! He honestly had no idea. Our wonderful weekend started there. I had Pizza Hut bringing pizza, pasta, and wings and I had made some cupcakes. We just hung out and played some games with the fam.

Garrett and his Dad enjoying pizza

Anthony and Missy, first time for her to meet all the fam

Saturday came and I took the grandmothers and Teresa, Garrett's mom, to Cheesecake Factory and several little shops at GreenHills. They loved it, we could have eaten alot more, but we were trying to save room for our grill out planned for Saturday night.

Teresa and I

Grandmother Edith and Grandmother Shirley

Dinner Saturday was so fun!! I loved being hostess and having everything prepared. We had a salad and potato bar, fried okra, four cheese rice, rolls, 5 NY strips, and 4 Ribeyes. It was great!!! Even went all out and had paper plates and bowls!!! LOL! They were so precious and complimentary. I can't wait to have all of them again. This was the night we were going to celebrate Garrett's Birthday.

I loved his ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins.

Anthony and Shirley grabbed a cone.

Garrett hugging his momma after opening presents.

Us with all the grandparents

Garrett's fam before me!!

Then after all of the family left for the night our friends "The Johnston Family" came over for leftovers and I popped in a rotisseree chicken to add to them. They cleaned their plates I was so glad the came we had so much leftover. We just hung out played cards, Garrett and Lacy had a dance off, Joe and I were scraping wallpaper in the kitchen at 2am. Man fun times!!!

We are so thankful God allowed everything to fall into place. In the past when we have had some family time it has seemed like something has always gotten in the way such as health issues, car wrecks, scheduleing, etc. We cherished this weekend so much and hope we are allowed much more time all together.

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-18T10:52:00.001-06:00

We had planned for Valentines to go to Morton's Steakhouse and to the Predator's Hockey game with 2 other couples from our neighborhood. We had a great time and did some good eating. Garrett had planned a night a Music City Sheraton and a breakfast buffet as a surprise. We had a great weekend!!! I couldn't ask to be anymore in love or to be given anyone who loves me anymore. I am so thankful for our marriage and look forward to the plans God has for us in the future!!!

Us waiting for dinner!

Garrett's Porterhouse!

Paul's Lobster!

I LOVE FAMILY TIME!!!!!

2009-02-18T10:20:00.001-06:00

Well Allie was born on Thursday and my parents and brother were going to stay until Sunday. We didn't have any definite plans. We knew alot of eating and maybe some shopping.

Thursday afternoon, mom got to go to Lauren's and meet and hold her precious baby Hudson. My he is growing so much!! Then we met a friend of mine Stephanie for dinner at Fulin's Asian Cuisine.

Friday I had to work and then that night Garrett had a basketball game. When I got off my parents, brother, and I went to eat at Demo's Italian Restuarant it was great as always!! On the way home we went a back way and mom and I saw several stores we wanted to hit on Saturday. I was on the prowl for two rugs, two side tables, two lamps, and whatever else might jump out at me. She was on the search for a ring guard to fit her three stone wedding band. Well Saturday morning came and we headed out to Gallatin Pike which is where we saw the stores Friday Night.

Our first stop was Trees and Trends. There I found a rug for my dining room. Then my mom suggested getting them to make an arragement around the rug. So I gave in, and I am so glad I did. It feels so good to have a room for the most part complete. I still have more wishes like a china cabinet and drapes, but money only goes so far.

Then we stopped at this estate jeweler and mom found her ring guard!! She got a deal and it is gorgeous!! Sorry no pick of that.

Then we passed a place that had all of this furniture sitting outside, she told me to wheel in there. I found the two tables at each side of the couch and the four metal wall plaques, I was very thankful the seller was willing to wheel and deal!!

Home Goods is where I found my living room rug. It was probably what I wanted most, because when you walk into empty hardwood floors in there I just felt it wasn't welcoming at all. I also got that tree back in the left corner above just for a filler.

I have had so many dustbunnies in this room, a friend recommended a Shark floor vacumn, found it at Kohl's and LOVE IT!! It works on hardwood and carpet, makes cleaning so much easier!!

Our last stop was Hobby Lobby where I found the two lamps 50% off. I had already bought the mirror there for 50% off a few weeks ago. That is the place for bargains. I don't ever buy full price stuff there because you know it will go on sell one week out of the month.

Garrett got the TV he wanted back in January, so now that we have this room complete this is where we spend most of our time!!! It feels so wonderful to have a room complete and put together. However, in the midst of all this buying and how I am so thankful for the bargains and finds, I do realize these were all just wants not needs at all!!! Even though it seems as if I didn't pass up much, I promise I left alot at the store I could have brought home. My mother had a ball that day, she would pick out and I would pull out the checkbook. It used to be the other way around. Thanks mom for the time and the fun!!!! I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else!! You give me so much energy!!! Come around more often!!!

That night we went to TGIF's to celebrate Micah's 22nd birthday, I am so sad I didn't take any pictures. Guess I was too tired from the shopping. Then we played the fun game of UNO ATTACK!! I think I have them hooked!!!

I worked Sunday and then we got to see Garrett's parents afterwards for dinner at Longhorn. They were in town for a conference and took us to dinner with his brother. Then they came over for a few minutes to see what we had done to the house, they hadn't been here since before Christmas.

Man I love Family!!! I am so thankful for all the times I have had with them and look forward to the many more God has planned for us!!!!!

ALLIE LYNNE MOORE

2009-02-18T10:08:00.000-06:00

Last time I posted I was getting ready to head to the hospital for the arrival of Allie Lynne Moore. She arrived that morning perfect and healthy. She weighed 6lbs 15oz and was 19.5in long, which just happenend to be exactly what her big brother was when he was born 4 years ago. It was so precious to watch this family as they welcomed her into the world. I was so honored and blessed to be able to be there that morning.

How precious is this!! Her daddy Jim and big brother Aden just crazy over her!!

He wants to hold her all by himself daddy!!!

Then this past Monday I made the drive to Springhill and spent the afternoon with Jill and Allie. She is such a sweet baby I didn't want to put her down. I can't wait to watch her grow and watch Aden interact with her. Her she is 11days old!!

Whew Time Flies!!!!

2009-02-05T07:06:00.000-06:00

Well, January has flown!! As you can see below we had a new arrival!!!! Other things occured I either didn't get pics of or I am just late posting.

Heres a quick run down:

First PRAISE GOD FOR A HEALTHY HARPER!!!

If you read my blog, mid January I put a request out for Kelley and Family, well Harper is going home today, you can read more from their story on the link above.

January 10th my best friend from 5th grade came to Nashville and I got the joy to help her pick out her wedding dress. She found one!!!! Kristin is so special to me, I can still remember the day we walked into that 5th grade classroom where our friendship first began. We have been through so much together!!! I don't know what I would have done without her. I am so thankful we have done so well keeping in touch over the years! Her wedding date is August 22nd, she is marrying a precious guy name David. They are both so special to me and I pray so many blessings for their marriage. I don't have a pic from the day on my computer yet but here is a pick from this last fall.

Then that night our friends Drew and Allison came in for the Preds game so we got to meet them for dinner!! It is always so enjoyable to visit with friends you can't see often. No pics from the night but here are some pics from our summer vacation!!

My dad and brother came into town the next weekend on Sunday. Lacy from a previous post was able to join us before she headed back to Samford. We had so much fun, eating as always, playing cards, etc. I love them so much and am always anxious for the next time they come visit.
A couple times this month I got to visit with my mom and her parents. They had to come for a doctors appt. for my papa, Praise God for a healthy Heart!!!!!

The next weekend our friends Amanda and Mitch, who got married in May, came up!! We had a blast!! Below are pics of us playing dance dance revolutions. They are so special to us also. I am so glad we were spontaneously able to work out a weekend for them to come up. I can't wait to experience some more live with them!!!!

I was suppossed to get my hair cut and colored by a great friend Stephanie who is my hair stylist, but thanks to a great favor from her earlier in the month I didn't really need anything done to it. So during that scheduled time we got to visit and eat lunch at Panera. That was special since we don't get to be just the two of us often.

This past weekend Garrett was at school all day Saturday! After cleaning my house, I had a much needed outing with my friend and mentor Teresa! Heres a pic of us a Women's Luncheon in November. Thank Jesus for her so much!!!! It is amazing how I see another reason each time together that God has placed us in each others life.

WELL its Super Bowl Time. Last weekend Garrett broke down and spent money on a TV for our front living room. He has been wanting one since the apartment but we always said we would wait until we get a house. Well now we have one and he knew exactly what he wanted. The Johnstons, a family I have shared about a couple times previously came to eat and watch game with us.

Well I think I am all caught up, today as I leave we are waiting on the arrival of a baby girl Ms. Allie Lynne Moore. My first cousin and his wife are expecting their second today at 0900. They already have a precious son Aden. See pics below.

Will update on this little miracle later!!

I am so excited due to several happenings both of our parents and my brother are coming into town this weekend!!! I miss them so much and look forward to our time together. My brother Micah is turning 22!!! Will post pics next week!!

Preparing For and The Arrival of HUDSON ROBERT TUNNEY!!

2009-02-03T22:05:00.000-06:00

Back in February 2008 at work a pharmacy student who was there doing her clinicals asked me a questions about my shoes. I thank God daily for my Dansko Shoes!!! What a small world it was, that day we learned she and her husband were from around Jackson (really close to my home town), we knew many of the same people, decided to exchanged numbers so maybe we could become "work out" buddies at the gym, and one of the most important things I learned even in our first conversation was how important her church was to her and the desire she had to be in God's will. There was something about that conversation that I thought God might have answered a prayer. I have met some amazing people since we have lived here, it just hasn't seemed to be someone who we have clicked immediately, been in the same phase of life and around the same age, our husbands have things in common, both were in the medical field, and our desire to know God more always increases when you have someone with the same desire. I had been praying for most of these things over those past 2 years. Well one year later I consider this precious girl to be one of my closest and dearest friends, Lauren Tunney. Well so much for the workout partner 2 months from our meeting she finds out her and Jeff are expecting their first child, but that didn't stop us from creating a relationship and being there for one another. Over the last 10months we bought a house in there neighborhood and have shared many hours talking, walking, eating, crying, laughing, praying for the trials we have stumbled upon etc. As we all got anxious for the arrival of this precious baby boy the Lord had created, some girls in the neighborhood gave a baby shower. Thought I would share some picture below.

THE FOOD!!!

Me and the MOM TO BE!!!!

MOM TO BE with all the hostesses!

HUDSON ARRIVED JANUARY 16th 6:30ish pm!!!

7lbs 8oz 20.5in

Just getting to go into his mommy's arms!!

His Lulu(Lauren's Mom) and Granddaddy

Me and the precious boy!!!

AT HOME SAFE AND SOUND!!!

It is so exciting, I actually have gotten to spend the afternoon with Lauren and Hudson it was such a joy!! He is adorable and his parents are doing so well transitioning. Sorry no pics of mommy, but there will be some in near future :)!

My Heart Is So Tender

2009-01-18T17:07:00.001-06:00

It has been an emotional weekend.

My precious friend Lauren had her baby. It all began Friday morning at 12am. Hudson was born Friday night at 6:34pm. Oh what a perfect and healthy baby. Praise Jesus!!! Lauren had a few difficulties related to the way our precious Lord made her but He was so faithful and carried her all the way through. I was able to see her today and she is doing great. She is blessed to have a wonderful husband and lots of family surrounding her daily. The plan is for her to go home Monday. I have pics from her baby shower at my house and pics of this precious new life, they will just have to come a later time.

Then my heart goes out to kelly and her husband. She is a blog friend I have followed over the last several months. You can go there to read her complete story. I have never spoken to her, I just came across her blog and her love for the Lord and her friends and family was so appealing. She had her "miracle" baby after trying for five years on Friday also. Kelly seems to be doing great, but Harper was rushed to Tulsa to a Children's Hospital. The details are on her blog, but I am asking anyone who reads this to trust that this family needs prayer. I truly believe God will show His faithfulness whatever the turn out.

This morning God was speaking alot to me regarding moving forward and not ever moving back in our spiritual journey. I know what to do and I know the desires of my heart, Satan just wins over and over again and I become so inconsistent. I was very emotional and I am very determined not to let this continue to happen. The Sunday School teacher spoke on trials and crisis and how God uses pain to make His purpose known. It is so important that we have a foundation built on his promises so that when crisis come we are prepared.

During the service because my heart was already so soft, a man in his 30's i am guessing went to the altar. You could tell he was so burdened, he is not someone I had seen at church before. With a short sleeve white tee on and jeans, not judging at all just trying to make the point that he looked new to the environment. No one was with him and no one acknowledge him. He just walked down, knelt at the altar, then got up after a few minutes and walked out the side door crying. My heart was just aching wondering what is he hurting over.

Lord I pray for this man right now. I pray that the people around him become aware of his burdens. Lord I pray if you are working in his life that you continue to. Fulfill the areas he needs fulfilled. Lay people in his path that will route him the right direction whatever his crisis might be, AMEN.

As I read blogs, women are so amazing how they make Jesus so well known to others. I am praying daily that I get to know Him more so that when other people are hurting I can guide them and give them the correct word of encouragement. Thanks for reading and letting me share my heart.

Happy Happy NEW YEAR!!!

2009-01-11T18:08:00.001-06:00

On the way home from Christmas we planned a New Year's Eve Party for our neighborhood. I got the bright idea that I wanted to paint the back den since I have been disgusted with it since it was finished. SO....here is the before and after. BEFORE

AFTER

Below just a few house pics before the party

BRINGING IN 2009!!!!

SOME OF THE FOOD!!!

GAMES AND LAUGHTER!

Cranium

Catch Phrase

Jeff and Lauren are going to have a baby soon!!!

Landon and Kelley

Paul and Amy Jeff and Lauren

Garrett and I

Laura and Joe

Some of the men, don't they look excited!!

THE GIRLS AT THE START

THE GIRLS AT THE END!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD BLESS!!!!

Lots of Christmas Travels!!

2009-01-07T14:58:00.000-06:00

Well, Christmas was great with family and friends. We were all so blessed with good health and safety!!! Praise the Lord!!! We had a few days with my side of the family and then went Birmingham to Garrett's side. I am posting some pictures. Not a whole lot to talk about. It has been a couple weeks now so I am sure I am forgetting some of the random happenings. We got to see some friends and family that we treasure so much and ate a bunch of food so I am trying to get back on the wagon since I am feeling like I am suffocating!!!

This was the tree at my parent's house where I grew up.

Garrett and I at my parent's Christmas

Two of the MOST PRECIOUS men in my life, my husband and brother

Another precious man in my life, my DAD!! We surprised him with the USQUEEZE from Brookstone!

My Amazing Mother!!! Who I would love to be more alike on a daily basis!

In the two pics above my mom has been preparing for grandchildren!!! :) Some day in the future!!!!

The tree at Garrett's grandparents in Birmingham

Us opening gifts at Garrett's Family

A new thing was sitting around the piano and singing Christmas carols! That was and will be a precious memory! This is his mom's mother Shirley.

This is Garrett's precious parent's singing carols!

Garrett's brother tried to crack a joke and give him a sweater as a gift. The joke was the sweater came from a "Tacky Christmas Party" his brother had attended. Garrett caught on pretty quick!

Us preparing to fight the crowd at the mall the day after Christmas!!

We got to see several couples who we hadn't seen in a while, for some reason I just didn't get my camera out...I need to do a better job with that. Well until next year hope everyone had a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Preparing For CHRISTMAS

2008-12-22T08:57:00.000-06:00

Well, didn't get to work anymore this week. However, gave me some extra time to prepare for the holidays!!!! I had a checklist and I was almost through by Saturday. As I awoke Saturday morning I ran Garrett to the school and started my day. I began to clean my house, it is always so nice to come home to a "mostly" clean house. Garrett's parents stopped by they were in town to see the Opryland Shows. This allowed them to be able to see our tree, new couch and other decorations. It meant alot that they came a little out of their way just to swing by and take a look!! Then I finished up my wrapping and started getting ready for a wedding that afternoon. I had snapped a few shots of our house at Christmas, thought I would share.
Our little tree, hoping to catch a sale after Christmas for a bigger one

All my wrapping

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO US!!!! Thanks to ZGallerie!

We decided to go in and get us something for house instead of individual gifts!

This is at Garrett's Big Brother in Fraternity's wedding on Saturday. I was taking pics of the bride and groom when our digital camera we have had since 2003 decided to break. Oh well, I made a trip to Best Buy quickly, I can't have a blog and go through the holidays without a camera!!!

Well as I am typing this we are in Medina,TN at my parent's house. We will have Christmas here with both sides of my parent's families and then will travel to Birmingham to Garrett's parent's families. Then we will come back to my side to do one more thing before we head home this next weekend. WHEW!! Lots of road time.

Hopefully I will choose to spend my time wisely. In January I am starting Kay Arthur's precept on Matthew bible study with some friends in neighborhood at a local church. Kinda nervous, Kay can get pretty deep, but I know God will choose to reveal the things he sees necessary. Well I will post pics later of where I grew up and our families here!! Hope you and yours are enjoying this holiday season!!!! Will be praying for good health and safe travels!!!

He Will Provide, Above and Beyond

2008-12-18T05:33:00.000-06:00

My NLT Bible

"And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2Corinthians 9:8"

I should probably go on and explain my work situation. This is something I will ask each of you, to pray for me to be given discernment as each day passes whether or not I should be looking at other job opportunities. I love my position as an RN at Summit Medical Center. When I hired on I chose to be PRN (working on an as needed basis), but when meeting with the directors on the two floors I would be working on I spoke of still wanting to work pretty much full time hours, which is 3 12hour days per week. So that they would have the needs for me I would have to be shared between the 2 floors. In October of 2006 this started. There are benefits and risks of working PRN. You get great flexibility, only work one Winter Holiday and one Summer Holiday, 2 weekend days in a 4-6wk period, and the pay is greater than fulltime. Living away from family and with Garrett being a coach I sure did want the flexibility, and the fact that it paid more and the low requirements on the Holidays were also appealing. I get benefits elsewhere so that is not an issue. The risks include, when the census is down and they don't need someone who is scheduled I get called off first. Well Starting in July/August the census has been low and high. One week I might be called off 2 days and one week I might have overtime. Not real sure this wild ride of a schedule is what I was looking for. If I get on call I have to show up within 1 hour of being called in. This is an example of being on call: 0450 Leah your on call today we are several away from needing you, 0530 still lying there thinking what if I don't get called in, I really need to work, 0630 Garrett's leaving for work and I am probably back to sleep by now, 0800 probably waking up and making sure my scrubs are ready and I am showered incase I get called in, 1100 Wonder if they are gonna need me today?? Should I go to grocery?? What if I get in line with my frozen things and they call me in and I have to get home un load, dress, etc. Well I could go to the gym, but what if I get called in during my workout and have to race home shower and get there, hum....what to do, I guess just hang out here, do laundry, wrap presents :), organize, clean, Get my drift?? Usually by 3pm if I havent been called in then I probably want be and I will then do the things that I was holding off on. HOWEVER****if I do get called in while on call you are paid time and a half. Our check periods are for 2 weeks. The bottom line is every week God has provided through sometimes providing overtime one week, or call back pay another, or the most random ways some weeks that can only come from above. Some time I will share some crazy ways God has provided. When I was home a couple of weeks ago after discussing options with Garrett I sat down with my dad and with a calculator. To not go into to much specifics we determined that it just didn't pay to go fulltime. I was at peace about it hearing if from someone else. Then this week I was on call all day Monday and Tuesday. I was scheduled yesterday and at 0450 they placed me on call and at 0520 they had a call in so decided they could use me. Well during those 30mins when I could have slept I worried. Man such a struggle of mine. It is hard right now to plan for tomorrow but not worry about tomorrow.

My NLT Bible says:

- "Don't worry about anything; instead,pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he ahs done. Philippians 4: 6"

-"...Your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. Luke 12: 30-31"

Well PRAISE THE LORD for my 12 hours yesterday!!! Will appreciate your prayers as I see what the New Year brings at Summit!!!

Our Fun Weekend, All Happenings Very Spontaneous

2008-12-16T17:22:00.000-06:00

The weekend was great. Friday night we went to some friends house in the neighborhood for what they call "Neither Day". Neither Thanksgiving or Christmas. It was a Mexican theme and we played games and watched all the kids run around. Hate I forgot my camera, but i will post one pic of a couple of these precious kids.

This is Emma and Georgia Darnell, Kelley and Landon's kids, minus Nate.

Then after staying up late Friday night I was looking so forward to sleeping in!!! Garrett had to be up at school for elementary intramural games so I had nothing I had to do. Well the phone started buzzing at 8:04am, it was Garrett saying "you wanna go to preds game tonight". I responded with I will go and support and have fun if you wanna go, you can make that decision. Well off we went that night! I had just a blah attitude at first, but we had so much fun. Even though we don't have kids, we get caught up with lounging and not doing much just the two of us so it was a great date night!!

Predator's Game December 2008

Then Sunday came after a great day at church and a Sunday afternoon nap, I decided I needed to move my body a little. So I bundled up and went outside to get a little exercise. After the Titans lost, Garrett was pretty upset. Didn't take him to long to get over it. Later that night we went to our friends church to see there girls sing. (The girls in the pic above). Then the family the Johnston's I had spoken of earlier, came over for pizza and snacks.

Whew our abs were sore after all the laughing. They were so precious to help assist in our photo shoot, very unprofessional, for our Christmas Cards.

Then the week began. Garrett has had exams this week for his students, and I was suppossed to work and have been home on call. The hospital census has been so low. But man God has provided this far. I will talk more about my job and praying for discernment on whether or not I need to look at other hospitals. Well enough for now, Garrett and I are headed with friends to Christmas shop and EAT!!! (what we do best)!!

A Little Bit of Our Travels

2008-12-16T16:56:00.000-06:00

We have done many fun things since we have been married. However, there are many things left on our wish list. Just thought I would post some photos of some of the trips we have been on.

This was our first traveling experience together it was wonderful!! Other than coming down with a left kidney infection, man was that a memory made with the jamaican Dr. We went on our honeymoon to Negril,Jamaica in May 2005
Our year anniversary took us to Chicago. Garrett is a Cubs fan and I had been to Chicago before with my family so I was excited about the shopping and eating!!
My first trip with his family. Summer 2006 to Destin. This Garrett's parents who pretty much treated us to this trip and his brother Anthony.
We then went as chaperones on the 9th grade trip at DCA to Washington D.C. in March 2007. I had been in 8th grade but appreciated it much more since I was older.

My second family trip. This is us in Destin Summer of 2007 with Garrett's precious grandparents. We went to Gulf Shores Summer 2008 with friends from "Back Home". I am on the left with Allison in the middle and Kortney on the right. We had a great time. I will elaborate more in a coming post about our relationships "Back Home" with several couples.

These are the husbands, mine is in the middle, Kortney's is on the left and Allison's is on the right. We love them and are so thankful for them, even when they complain about us making them take pics!!

Garrett, myself, my brother Micah whom I adore, and my Mom! We are eating seafood in Seattle in October 2008. My darling dad who pretty much treated us to the trip got stuck taking pics.

Us on top of the Space Needle.

Us at Pike's Place Market. It was so much like a movie, I wish we could experience something like this close to home.

We would love to make it to New York City before we start a family. Garrett has been but I have not. After buying a house though I have feelings of wanting to put the money into things for it. So who knows if we will cross New York City off our list anytime soon.

GOD'S TIMING IS ALWAYS PERFECT!!!

2008-12-15T18:06:00.001-06:00

Three years and we were still renting. Somedays I would struggle and let my flesh tell me we needed a house and so on. Finally I quit thinking about it. I had become content with telling myself we were in the exact place God wanted us to be. I bought a new centerpiece for out apartment table and hung a few new pictures. Well 2 months later we closed on our first house. It was a situation that had been prayed over in a very short amount of time. I had met a girl at work named Lauren, she was doing her clinicals for Pharmacy School there. We bonded immediately. She told me she lived in "The Village" and that it was near one of my coworkers Kelley. One Sunday night we were invited over for a cookout and that next week we were meeting with a realtor just to look :). And the next week we were making an offer. To make a long story short, my bubble was busted and they didn't take it and decided they were gonna take it off the market. Tears were shed and prayers were prayed, but I just had to trust God that it was not for us. 24hours later sitting at our favorite little mexican joint in town, the phone rang and it was our realtor saying some changes had come about. Oh the feeling I got inside, but oh so hesitant because I knew what had happenend just a few days ago. Well July 10th 2008 we were offically home owners!!! It is this little neighborhood with sidewalks and neighbors that have been there for 30yrs and neighbors that have been there for a couple months. It is just its own little community. At this point in my life I love it!!!

MY HUBBY LOVES

2008-12-15T17:50:00.000-06:00

Overwhelming Love

2008-12-15T17:30:00.001-06:00

WEDDINGS,WEDDINGS, and more WEDDINGS!!

Some we attended, some we were in alone, and some we were in together. It was fun but man it kept is busy. I apologize in advance if we are missing yours I was not always good at taking my camera places, but I will get better.

Alison and Russell McNab's Wedding May 2006

Jonathan and Heather Kee's Wedding June 2006

Allison and Drew Yates' Wedding July 2006

Kortney and Matt Valentine's Wedding November 2006

Emily and Kizer Clemmer's Wedding November 2006

Brittany and Joseph Brasher's Wedding September 2007

Amanda and Mitch Sims' Wedding May 2008

Blessings From Above

2008-12-15T17:15:00.000-06:00

We have met many great people along the way!!! DCA families who have been so supportive and welcoming. Our church does a mentor/mentee program and I was blessed with a wonderful mentor. You know a women's stressor is finding a hair stylist when you move far away and boy have I ever, she has became one of my best friends. Many other women have touched my life in this short period, two others are Jennifer and Christy whom we met mostly during a financial class we were taking at church.

One of the most precious families, The Johnstons!!

Me,Christy, and Stephanie (my hairlady)

My precious mentor, Teresa

There are so many other people and families who have been placed in our life for some reason and who we are so thankful for. I just don't have pics of all of them. I am sure of they hang around long enough I will talk about them sooner or later!

As A Relocation Occured on Earth, God Was Moving In My Heart

2008-12-15T16:04:00.000-06:00

Whew, God has done some amazing things in my life as an individual and our life as a couple. Life moved on after moving here and as each day passed it began to feel more and more like home. God helped us adapt to the things here and we grew closer together since it was just the two of us and no one else we really knew. We joined a church after visiting several times and that was so great to help us get acquainted with couples our age and couples who had a few years on us. I began getting involved with the women's ministry and met some amazing godly women through it. Some of them have blogs I follow. Garrett has loved his job, this is so important to me that my husband is happy in his career. I also love my job and the flexibility. I work 3 12hour days/week most of the time. It was always fun to pack up and travel back to West TN but within a few days we got used to the feeling of wanting to go back to our home. Both of our families have been through some emotional, exciting, scary, situations since we have been here. I can't wait in the coming days to be able to share with each one of you the things God taught me and continues to teach me as I have fallen to my knees.

Looking Back and Catching Up

2008-12-15T11:25:00.000-06:00

This is us in our dating years I believe we were engaged at this time.

We began dating when he was a Senior and I was a Junior in High School. The greatest thing was the great friendship we already had from the beginning. He stayed close around in college and so did I. We had good times and bad times like most young relationships!!! Man was it a learning experience. Then once the engagement occured, reality set in like it never had before and I knew this was the man God had meant for me to spend the rest of my life with. Since May 10th 2004 I can honestly say our relationship has been wonderful!!! We have had to give and take in many situations and had many discussions when there might be a conflict but overall the "next level" after dating has been greater than I could have ever imagined.

This is at our church shower before our wedding.

The Most Amazing Day of Life Thus Far!!!!
May 28th 2005

It was perfect!! I did lose my shoes so I went barefooted the entire time. And we did have a groomsmen faint, but oh well it just gave us another memory!!

This is where our life began!!! In this little duplex in Milan TN, so many mermories were made here!!

Garrett has officially graduated!! He started looking for a coaching and teaching position. This pic is of us and his parents. Not sure where his brother Anthony was.

I had offically graduated and would start my RN position after I passed boards later on that month. This pic is of my parents, brother Micah, and us.

After almost a year we when our lease was up we thought we would move in with my parents who had so much extra room and it was kinda like an apartment expect we would have to share a kitchen. We thought this would be smart to save money, as Garrett looked for a job and we looked for a house. We did not know God had other plans for us. After our one
year anniversary trip to Chicago we planned on moving in with them.

However Garrett began to interview in the Nashville area and before long we were packing our bags and moving to Nashville. Whew what a whirlwind. It was difficult and the first several months were such an adjustment not being close to our family. I was still driving back home to work until I got a job in October at Summit Medical Center. Below are some pics of our apartment.

Where to Begin

2008-12-15T11:17:00.000-06:00

Well, I have been wanting to do this for a while now. Living several hours from friends and family I thought this would be a cool way for those who are interested to keep up with our life. I also thought I would kinda start from the beginning of us for those that might stumble upon this blog and wanna know.