Dear Emerson

Emerson -

As the day of your arrival comes closer, I can't help but wonder about you. Of course, like everyone else, we wonder your skin color, hair color, hair texture....but so much more than that, will you have your daddies calm and patient personality, or will you be like me, or a mix. Know this...no matter what, you are dearly loved and you are WANTED.

There are so many things I want to tell you, so many dreams that I have for you you.

First of all and most important, put your faith and hope in Jesus Christ our Savior. He took your place for your sins and wants you to have abundant life. May your life be for His glory and be a reflection of Him.

Be a leader...instead of following your friends, lead them. When you have a family, lead your family. Lead like Jesus, not domineering, but as a servant. Lead by example. With how you live your life, and how you treat others, with how you work.

Work hard. It will get you far in life. Even if you don't like the job or have a passion for it, WORK HARD. There will be many life lessons you will learn through this, but I guarantee you will have no regrets if you worked hard.

Choose your friends wisely. Choose people that lift you up, encourage you and make you a better person.

Put others first. You will have trials in many relationships and friendships, but if you put others first, you will know you have done the right thing.

Remain pure. This will be hard. There are pressures in relationships; from your peers, from the world, but your purity is worth the trials. On top of that I pray you are a man that keeps your future girlfriends pure as well. Don't pressure them. Think of them and there emotions. Keep them pure too.

Have compassion. In the world you will hear that men are to have strength, don't be confused, this doesn't mean you can't have compassion for others. Always put the needs of others above your own and give of yourself whole heartedly.

I pray you have integrity. Do the honest thing. It's not always the easy path, but it's the right path. That will mean you will need to own up to your mistakes. Trust me when I say that covering them up won't make them right or go away, but that it will only make it worse. Do the right thing, even when no one is looking and even if no one will ever find out (however, I will say, they almost always come out).

As your parents we will try to teach you these things and more. We love you deeply and want Gods best for your life.

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 3 - Toddler Gift Giving Guide

I've had the hardest time thinking of presents to buy people this year. I love to give to others, but I don't necessarily like it to be generic, but something they love. 

Here is my gift giving guide for a toddler girl! Toddlers love doing what you are doing. So what is better than a kitchen or a cleaning set! My little girl loves Dora and loves books! She also loves to nurture, so what better than a baby doll! 

Whats on your toddler gift list?? 

Dear New Mom/Mom To Be....

Dear New Mom/Mom to Be - 

I by no means have this mom thing figured out...in fact that is why I am writing to you today. I am not in expert; I'll let you in on a little secret, none of us are. Until about a month ago, I struggled with so much about being a mom. 95% of that is due to my expectations that I had on being a mother and about my expectations of babies. The other 5% is my natural instincts to achieve and have everything be ideal. 

So here it is, my advice to you....

...LET GO

Let go of all of your expectations. Let go of the thought that you have to nurse, or you have to cloth diaper, or you have to feed your baby all organic food, or that you child can't have sugar, or that your baby should sleep through the night by a certain time, or sit up or walk by a certain time, that they can't watch movies, that they have to sleep into a crib until they are two, that they have to cry it out, that they can't cry, that they won't through fits, etc.

You get the gist. I had expectations about all of these things. I'll be honest and admit that none of them have happened they way I expected. It made me tired, weary, frustrated, and let done and instead of enjoying each phase, I let it get the best of me and my marriage struggled and I got angry at my adorable growing daughter. 

The last month, I've been doing my best to let go of those expectations. Lia still doesn't sleep through every night, she sometimes sleeps in my bed, she is on a mattress on the floor, I sometimes set her in front of the i-pad/tv so I can get something done, she has thrown fits in stores, she's had timeouts/spankings, she drinks pop on occasion, she eats lots of popcorn, she eats rocks and sticks, ...BUT

Since I have learned to let go, I have more energy, I'm happier, my marriage is better and I've been enjoying my daughter more. 

Don't get me wrong, I still have my moments (we all do), but I just wanted to let you know, it's ok. It's ok and at the end of the day, we are all doing our best and loving our children. Loving your child is what is important...not the expectations!

You can breath! 

 

{September Goals}

Well, July & August came and went. Work was super busy and I tried to make every effort to live in the moment and enjoy our "summer". Because of that, the blog suffered! I'm back this month, and what better way to start then my monthly goals! I just had to use the fall pic of Lia from last year! Look how little she was...

Here we go with those goals!

1. Work trip to Florida

2. 100 of 1000 gifts

3. Help 5 - 7 more people reach their health and fitness goals

4.  Build my Beachbody Team

5. Attend a football game - I love football!!!

6. Take a family picture - Seriouslly we have like 2 total and they are selfies :(

7. Read 1 non-fiction and 1 fiction book

8. Another Round of 21 Day Fix - Want to do it with me? 

9. No spend September - Only spend money on the necessities. This is hard for me, I love shopping in the fall (reminding myself that we wear these clothes for 6 months)

10. Participate in Bible Study

11. Get Lia to sleep through the night  - Help this mommy needs sleep!!

 12. One date night before Harvest

13. Friday Favorites blog every week.

What are your monthly goals? 

{Happy 1st Birthday Lia}

Happy 1st birthday baby girl. 

I'm not sure how it is possible that a year has already passed by, but you changed our world and we've loved every minute. 

I love you more than I ever dreamed possible. I've tried to enjoy the last year: the sleepless nights, the snuggles, the cries, all of your firsts...knowing that it won't last forever. You are so independent, I know there will be a day, sooner than I would like, when you will say, "Mommy I do it myself." Part of that will break my heart, even though I know it is a good thing. 

You like to play in the water, you like to climb, you like to read books, you like cows, you like to play the guitar with your daddy, you like to be chased, you like to give hugs and kisses, you like mac and cheese, you like fruit. you like to drink out of a straw, you like to talk and you like your Nuk. 

You are independent, social, determined, and spunky. Your smile and eyes dance...you make people smile. 

I pray for you all the time. I pray that God will draw himself to you and turn your heart to him. I pray you are content and selfless. I pray you have a desire to give to others and that you learn to love. I pray you fear the Lord, but live with a reckless abandon towards Him. 

I love watching you grow and getting to know more of your personality.
God created you to be you! You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are not a mistake, you were planned and knit together by the All-Knowing God. 

I love you more than you will ever know. 

Mom

{Happy First Father's Day}

Claudy -

When we first met, I remember watching you with kids at different orphanages or schools we would visit and thinking, wow he is so good with those kids. Then, when we were engaged, I watched you take my nieces and nephews and make bonds with them. I would watch you play with them, tease them and just spend time with them. I always thought, you would make such a good dad. In fact, when I watched you with them, you reminded me so much of the qualities I loved about my own dad.

When we found out we were pregnant with our baby, you were so excited... you were connected immediately and you would talk to the baby, etc.

Then it was time for the baby to come. You were nervous and unsure you would want to be in the room, but like any dad, she came and you did great!!!

We really had no idea what we were getting ourselves into and how hard this year would be, but we have made it!


You love our little girl so much and it shows. You take time to play with her, talk with her, feed her, etc. There have been many times that I think, "Wow, he is such a good dad." I don't always voice it out loud, but you are so good to our little girl.

I love when she cuddles up next to you in our beds and touches your face to feel you near. I love when she gets fussy in the evenings and you take out your guitar and start playing worship music and singing together. I love when you play basketball and soccer with her. I love that she goes to sleep better for you. I love how protective you are of her. I love that you are making memories and forming bonds with her.

You have grown so much in this last year. Becoming a daddy has changed you. I loved you before you were a daddy, but my love for you has grown in ways I didn't even realize it could.

I'm so glad you're the one Lia calls DAD!!

I love you!

{Lia's First Trip to Haiti}

We just got back from a trip to Haiti and this was Lia's first trip! I didn't get a ton of pictures, but here are some of the ones that I took. 

Helping me pack her suitcase, she wanted to go inside. 

I was packing our supplies and she was taking it out faster than I could put it in. 

At the hotel, we all slept in the same bed, so I didn't have to load the pack and play at 2:30 AM

Obensen - she loved him. I think it looks like he liked her too!

The girls at the orphanage loved Lia. They were very curious about her and her daddy!

Sometimes a box is better than a toy!

Meeting Grandma!! Claudy didn't tell her we were bringing Lia, she was very surprised!!!

Playing in the Kivet to cool down. 

3 generations!

With "Uncle" SonSon

With Daddy and his Friends

Playing soccer. She will have to learn!

Daddy helping. 

With Islande's family. 

With My friends Quinton and Rebekah

We had a great trip! Lia did amazing! So fun to have her see her dad's country. 

{We Dedicate You, Lia}

Lia -
On Sunday, we dedicated you in front of our church, family and friends; to the Lord. We feel so honored that God chose us to be your parents. You are a gift.

We are asking them to pray with us, these specific things for your life.

* for your salvation

* for conviction of sin

* for a humble and submissive spirit

* a desire for God's word

* protection from evil

* free from the need of others approval

* security in your worth in Christ

* strong work ethic 

* a heart that desires to extend her hand to those in need

* a joyful heart

* wisdom and wise choices

* godly friendships

* future spouse

* for obedience

* sexual purity

* contentment

You are a precious gift to us. We give you back to the Lord. You are His. Our biggest desire is that you know Him and follow Him!

Love - Mom & Dad

{Friday Favorites} - April 10

It has been a while since I've posted. It seems like all of my pictures are of Lia these days and we stay in a lot :) But, now that it is getting nicer out, look for that to change!

1. The 2015 Masters tournament is this weekend. I know it's a little weird that I like to watch golf, but I do! Anyways, go to the Masters in on my bucket list of things I would love to do. Can we talk about that course...it always looks so perfect!

2. DUKE WINS!! I have been a Duke fan for a long time, but was a little torn going into the finals...They prevailed! Going to watch a FINAL FOUR is also on my bucket list. I love the last 3 weeks in March and all the basketball that we watch. On Monday night, it is always a little sad, when the last game is over. However, ONE SHINING MOMENT...is one of my favorite things each year. Each year, I'm always a little teary-eyed when I watch it. Here is this years video :) 

3. 60th Anniversary - On April 3rd, my grandparents celebrated their 60th anniversary. While the last 10 years, my grandfather has had Alzheimer's and lived in the nursing home for the last 7, my grandma has shown and modeled what it is like to love in all circumstances. She visits him daily, baths and shaves him, she truly serves him. It is such a picture of love and devotion (even knowing you will get nothing in return).

4. LiaMarie is Walking...seriously, she is not even 9 months, she was taking steps for a couple of weeks, but this week she really started choosing to walk. Time slow down!!

5. BBQ & Bikini's: We started a new April Challenge group. This month we are focusing on Summer!! We have a monthly meal plan all with delicious grilling recipes. It's been a fun group and I've seen some of my gals losing 10-15 lbs in the last month or so! It's so fun to see people reaching their goals!! 

Have a great weekend!!

Momfessionals

{Lia Marie - 6 Months}

Lia - 

Our first 6 months with you have flown by. You've changed my life in so many ways and made me see life in a different view. How you have no fears, only trust...you trust you will be taken care of and you love without hesitation. 

At 6 months you are very independent. You are fine playing on your own and you like to discover new things. I pray your independence continues - but that you know it is ok to depend on others and you need to learn to be dependent on Christ. 

You are a go - getter and are very busy. I know you get this from me. It's a great trait to have, if you don't let yourself get worn down. Remember that it is important to rest and to say no sometimes. BUT...keep aiming high! Work hard and never give up!

You are very determined. I love this about you. It's one of the traits that I love most about your daddy...like him, you're not going to let others put you down or tell you that you can't do something. The skies are your limits! Reach for them!

You are very happy. You have unspeakable joy. You smile, laugh and giggle all the time. Keep smiling. You will brighten peoples day!

We love you baby girl!

Just a little late! But never late than never :) 

{2015 Goals}

I haven't done yearly goals in quite sometime. I'm a huge planner and sometimes it controls my life. However, in the past couple of months I have gotten in the habit of Monthly goals and I have liked them...so we are giving yearly goals a try. 

1. Grow Closer to God

- Daily Bible Reading: I would like to try to follow the SheReadsTruth Read the Bible in a Year, but I've struggled with those in the past.

- Journaling and using my Journal Bible

- Memorize 1 verse each week. 

- 1000 Gifts

2. Growth in Marriage

- Go on Monthly Dates

- Pray together

- Encourage my husband more. 

 

3. Work/Personal Life Balance

- Be more organized

- Take weekends off (wohoo)

- 1 night early each week

4. Health and Fitness

- Workout 5 times a week

- Lose 5 more lbs. 

- Find more coaches

- Help others meet their health and fitness goals. 

- Run a half marathon or a full marathon (I still haven't decided if I want to commit to the training time of a full). 

5. Rise Early in the Morning

- My goal is 5:30, but that seems early, so 6:00?? 

- Read and workout during that time. 

6. Read More

- Try to read 1 book a month. 

7. Unplug

- Take one weekend a month to unplug from social media. 

2014 was a great year. It had it's challenges and bumps in the road. I've grown a lot and God is using parenthood as a way to sharpen and help me to grow. I'm excited to see what this year will hold.