It's a...

Well, to start from the beginning:
We had my ultrasound two days before Christmas so we decided to have the technician write down the sex of the baby in an envelope and we gave it to Shaun's cousin to make us a cake with blue or pink in the middle. As you can see, we are having a GIRL!! I am glad for so many reasons...although at first I think I was nervous since all I know is how to take care of boys and I know that moms and daughters dont always have the best relationships. God has given me peace over those silly fears and I am ready to embrace all the pink! I'm excited to dress her up and teach her so much. I'm excited to watch Shaun with her - I know she will have him wrapped around her finger! I'm excited to watch her big brothers protect her. I'm especially excited for my mother-in-law since she never had a girl. My husband is one of 3 boys and his dad in one of 3 boys. We broke the 'curse' of boys I guess. I'm also glad because it makes it easier to stop at 3 kids. Although I really love being pregnant and I've had wonderful births, I think I will enjoy getting my body back in shape and moving out of the baby/toddler years (I know,all you moms out there are thinking that I'll regret saying that).
It is a new year, and although I am constantly coming up with 'resolutions' all year long, I do have a few I want to try to start at the beginning of this year. One of them is to not talk about myself so much, and ask people questions about themselves and their families. I realized I have not cared enough about other people. I know this isn't an excuse but having little ones to take care makes my mind run at a hundred miles an hour - there are always things on my mind but when I'm with others, I will try my best to focus on them.

This is my story and I'm sticking to it!

^Hebrews:1 "Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. ² And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe."

I'm EXTREMELY happy to announce that today was the first good day I've had in a long time! I finally confessed to the hubby that I think this (stress/depression/anxiety) is a very serious issue and he prayed over me and I asked him to remember to pray for me during the day while he's at work. I also talked to some ladies from our church last night and I'm sure some of them were praying for me today too. Have you ever felt like someone was praying for you and God was reaching down and giving you peace, or comfort or whatever you need in that moment?? It's an amazing feeling and I have really felt peace today. Not stress like I usually feel (almost every moment of the day). I can't say I have felt stressed at all today. Sure, there have been instances that didn't go the way I wanted but I didn't let it ruin my day. There have even been instances that Matthew and I have really bonded.

Thank you God for surrounding me with your presence and peace today! I love you!

talking the talk, and walking the walk

"Dear Lord, give me the strength and faith to keep praying for my child. Help me understand, though it might take years, You are a God who hears and answers the prayers of a praying parent. In Jesus' Name, Amen." (taken from http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/2010/02/wandering-children.html)

I made a commitment to start praying for my future children when I first got married and when I got pregnant and had Matthew it was so cool to pray specifically for him (and the future kids too still). I know this doesn't mean that all with go perfectly with parenthood, or that my kids will only make the best decisions. But I pray specifically that they will make friends with people who are also Christ-followers. People who strive to serve Christ better, that can be an encouragement to my kids. I pray the same for any one else I'm praying for, because I think that the friends you make are an important factor in who you are. I also pray for their future spouse to be not only a Christ-follower, but to be COMMITTED, and PASSIONATE about their faith in Jesus. I also realize that no matter how much I pray for them, the more important thing is that I am a good example of what a Christian looks like. An everyday Christian, not just a Sunday Christian. Therefore, I do make sure I pray for myself as much as I can!