Prayer Request

This is Arianna. She is Sean and Michelle's baby. She is 6 months old (this picture is from a couple of months ago). Blood work was done and the tests show that Arianna’s thyroid is not working right. Her pediatrician will be consulting with a specialist about the choices they have for treatment. Sean and Michelle are concerned about the long term effects of putting Arianna on medication. They are very worried about their little girl and need prayer that the Lord will take care of Arianna. Please also pray that it will be clear to Sean and Michelle what the best course of action will be.

I will post updates as I get them.

Woo Hoo!

I have received a very special award from ComfyDenim. Apparently she thinks I rock and has given me the Rockin' Girl Blogger Award. I absolutely love ComfyDenim's blog and so I am thrilled that she picked me. I couldn't be more excited!! I happen to think that she rocks too! So, now I get the privilege of picking 5 of my blogger friends to receive this award. Without further ado here are my choices (in alphabetical order, because I'm organized like that):

Carrie's Crafty Cottage- I know we just met last week and I don't want to be too forward, but I just love her blog and I think Carrie ROCKS!

Military Mommy- I can always count on a smile and a laugh when I visit this blog and I think Michelle ROCKS!

Mindless Chatter of a Busy Mom- Now this is one busy lady who makes time to write great posts and I think KC ROCKS!

My4Kids- Another blog I love that always has cute pictures and great videos and I think Terri ROCKS!

The Butler's Wife- She is a fellow member of blogaholics anonymous and I think Becky ROCKS!

So, there you have it. My 5 picks. Actually I think all of my blogging friends ROCK, but rules are rules and I can only choose 5 of you.

Firsts

A couple of weeks ago we took Hailey to the beach for the first time. Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure. Hailey feeling the sand between her toes.

Hailey and Rich checking out the water. The water was only about
58 degrees, so it was much too cold to go in.
Checking to see what the sand feels like.

Trying to decide if she likes the sand or not.

After we finished at the beach Hailey tried out the baby swings.

She was full of smiles and giggles.

Wordless Wednesday # 11

Grand Canyon 2003

Click here for more Wordless Wednesday fun.

Book Giveaway

Stop on over at Overwhelmed With Joy to check out her book give away. She is giving away The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards. Click here for more information.

May Day Weight Loss Challenge- Weigh-in # 7

Weight lost this week- .5 lbs
Weight lost since the start of the challenge- 3 lbs
Total weight loss since Hailey was born- 36 lbs

It was another bad week filled with too much snacking and so I only lost half of a pound. I don't know why I do it. I don't even enjoy the snacks because I feel guilty about what I am eating.

So, it's a new week.

1. I will eat only healthy snacks.
2. I will continue walking everyday.
3. I will drink more water.

Time to go check in at Tales From the Scales.

19 pounds to go!

Blogaholic

Hi. My name is Melanie and I am a blogaholic.

Everyone: Hi Melanie.

Me: It all started after Hailey was born. I just wanted a little place to put up pictures of her for my family and friends to see.

Everyone: It always starts so innocently.

Me: Then I had found some other blogs that I enjoyed reading. I made sure to read them everyday. Only a couple of blogs, it didn't take much of my time.

Everyone: Mhmmmmm

Me: Soon I found some more blogs to read. Then I started leaving comments and other people were leaving me comments.

Everyone: That's not too bad.

Me: No, it wasn't too bad. But, before I knew it I was addicted to blogging. I post almost everyday. I have five ten twenty too many to count blogs that I read once in a while everyday. I leave lots of comments. I check my email a gazillion times a day to see if I have any new comments. I even dream about blogging.

Everyone: That does sound pretty bad.

Me: Oh, it is. As soon as Hailey goes down for her nap I start my blogging. I try to tell myself that I will only blog for 15 minutes because there are other things to do- like folding laundry and dusting the house. Before I know it, an hour and a half has passed and Hailey is awake.

Everyone: You're right, this is serious.

Me: Sometimes when Rich is hogging the computer and I can't get my blogging fix during Hailey's nap- I start to twitch.

Everyone: It's worse than we thought!

Me: Yes, it is bad and I don't know what to do!!

Honor Your Husband 30-Day Challenge- Week #2

It's week 2 of the Honor Your Husband 30-Day Challenge. It's not too late to join- so if you want more information go on over and visit Christine at Fruit in Season. This week I am going to continue to work on my goals from last week. When I was trying to decide what my new goals would be, I used Christine's idea and I asked Rich what I could do better to honor him. Without hesitating he said, "Nothing." So, I asked him if I was perfect. He responded, "Yup, you're just right for me."

I thought about dropping out of the challenge since I am, you know, perfect. Then of course I realized that I am not perfect and that he was saying that because he thought there could be some consequences for being open with me. Which brings me to my first goal for this week:

1. Listen and respond to Rich in a way that makes him feel like he can be totally open and honest with me.
2. And if Rich was to be open with me I know one of the things he would want me to change is all of the nagging I do. If only I could train Rich to do things the first time I ask him, I wouldn't have to nag. So, my other goal for the week will be to stop some of my all of my nagging.

Sunday Seven # 11

Sunday Seven is a weekly meme for giving thanks and/or for noting important events in our lives. Click here to see more Sunday Seven.

1. Brooke left for Washington DC yesterday and will be there until July 2nd for the National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC). I know this is going to be a great opportunity for her and a wonderful learning experience. I am so thankful to our many friends and family members who gave money to help out with the cost of the trip. Thank you for helping out to make this trip a reality!

2. A couple of weeks ago I posted a prayer request. I am so thankful for my blogging friends who immediately responded. It is amazing to know that there were people all around the world who were praying for little Emma.

3. I am thankful that Christine over at Fruit in Season has started the 30 Day Honor Your Husband Challenge. In Christine's words, "Honoring and respecting our husbands is at the heart of our marital responsibilities as godly wives. We are called to do our husbands 'good and not harm' every day, but often our husbands are not the first priority. And even when they are our first priority we can always do more to show them how we appreciate and honor them as the head of our family. No matter the circumstances in your life right now, how long you've been married, how busy you are, or how many kids you have, now is a great time to make respecting your hubby a top priority!" Isn't that great? It's not too late if you want to join the challenge, so click here for more information.

4. Hailey has not been sleeping very well at night for the last few weeks. She has been waking up every couple of hours and not wanting to go back to sleep. Apparently she thinks there is some exciting stuff happening around here in the middle of the night and she doesn't want to miss it. Last night she slept for 5 hours straight and I am thankful that I was able to get a little extra sleep.

5. This morning as Rich and I were reading the newspaper we were talking about all of the bad news that was being reported. Car accidents, shootings, other mindless violence, and the list goes on and on. Although we know we are fortunate, sometimes we just need to be reminded that even though we think we may have it a bit rough from time to time- we have it pretty good.

6. I am thankful that school is out. Although I have been home with Hailey since October, I am still thankful for the teachers who work so hard and often get very little appreciation. They are finally having their well deserved summer vacation!
7. It has been a wonderfully relaxing weekend for us and I am thankful for that!

Days Are Long

Last night Hailey was awake from midnight until 2am. She was up again at 5am and then up again at 7am. Since it takes me forever to fall back asleep, I got about 3 hours of sleep- at the most. After a long and exhausting day, which is sure to followed by a long and wakeful night, I am reminded of this quote that my cousin, Lisa shared with me:

“The days are long, but the years are short.”

July 4th Giveaway

The ladies over at 5 Minutes For Mom are having a huge July 4th Giveaway. From now until July 4th they will be posting various contests. So, head on over and check it out!

Wordless Wednesday # 10

(Click on the picture to make it bigger and get a better look at what the bad doggy did!)

Click here for more Wordless Wednesday fun.

May Day Weight Loss Challenge- Weigh-in # 6

Weight lost this week- +3 lbs

Weight lost since the start of the challenge- 2.5 lbs

Total weight loss since Hailey was born- 35.5 lbs

I was not happy to see the scales today and they were not happy to see me. If there was a window in my bathroom I would have thrown the scales right out onto the ground below.

There is one word needed to tell you why last week did not go well- snacking.

Last Tuesday, after my successful weigh-in, I decided that since I had an entire week before I had to weigh in again that I would indulge and eat just 2 Chips Ahoy cookies. Then of course, just 2 more. And then 2 more. Before I knew it I had eaten half of the box of the cookies. Wednesday I ate the other half. Thursday was good because, well, there weren't any cookies left. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday I found many other things to snack on, none of them healthy. I have been a bit stressed this week, but that is no excuse. Just because I feel stressed does not mean I should stuff my face. Most of the time I was snacking I was not even hungry.

The good news is that I still walked everyday. I really enjoy my walks with Hailey, so it's not even hard for me to get that done.

It's so discouraging that it took me so long to lose that weight and in one week I gained 3 pounds back. I thought about just giving up, but then I looked at one of my pre-pregnancy skinny pictures and I know that I felt so much better when I was that size. So, here I am ready to get back on the wagon. I'll continue my exercise, make better food choices, and drink more water.

Time to go check in a Tales From The Scales.

19.5 pounds to go!

Honor Your Husband Challenge

Christine over at Fruit in Season has issued a 30 day Honor Your Husband Challenge. Here are the rules:

Throughout each day, put aside negative words and bring good to your husband by words and actions. Notice things he does for you and your family and show your appreciation. Compliment him. Speak well of him in public, both in his presence and when he is not with you. Give him the opportunity to be your hero and praise his masculinity. Tell your children (if you have them) how wonderful their daddy is. Accept his decisions with grace and really support them, even if you don't fully agree. If you have a disagreement, show respect by maintaining a pleasant tone of voice and eye contact. Serve him first at the dinner table. Don't be insincere, but surprise him by withholding a typical negative reaction in favor of a God-honoring one.

Choose a few small goals for yourself each week and make sure to post them. Write them on post-its and put them on your mirror, in your car and your purse, or anywhere else you'll see them. Keep a journal for the month about successes and struggles. What is hardest for you to do? What comes easily? How is your husband responding to your efforts?

So, here are my goals for the first week:

1. Each day when Rich comes home, I will stop whatever it is I am doing to greet him with a hug and a kiss.
2. I will say something positive to Rich everyday.
3. I will think before I speak. Many times I react too quickly and end up saying things I later regret.

Will you join us? Click here for more information.

The Day After Father's Day

Happy Father's Day

What A Dad Will Do For His Daughter
by Cheryl D'Aprix

What a Dad will do for his daughter is rock his sick baby girl until the sun peeks through the darkness letting him know the night of worry is over.

He will take her small hand in his and walk slowly as she takes her first walk to the ice cream shop to share a cone full of heaven on earth.

He will sip from the tiny tea cup she has set in front of him and in harmony with the stuffed animals carefully placed in their seats he will sing the praises of her great hospitality.

He will sit through dance recitals and fashion shows where he is the only audience and will clap with the enthusiasm of a thousand people.

He will take her fishing and play soccer, and introduce her to the world outside as if just experiencing it for the first time himself. Perhaps he is.

He will sit with her through sweat and tears over homework that was supposed to be turned in the day before and he'll smile as they finish, seeing her relief.

He will place a firm hand on the shoulder of the young man that comes to take her to the school dance silently letting him know where he stands and what he expects.

He will watch with overflowing pride as his young lady accepts her high school diploma and will silently pray to God to calm his fears and get him throughout the day.

He will be full of conversation and more than happy to listen when she calls home now and then. Even when the game of the year is on.

He will gently fold her arm around his and with all the courage and faith he can hold onto he will stroll down the aisle, giving her hand but keeping her youth.

He will be the first one in the maternity ward, at the nursery window, carefully inspecting the activities of his new family member. Another part of her, another part of him.

He will reassure her as time rages on and the signs of his old age start to frighten her.

He will caress her hand with a passion to which she has never felt as he whispers his last wishes to her.

He will come to her heart for all her life as she sees his manner in herself or his features in her children.

He will live in the smiles that grace her face as she remembers the things he did for her.

Happy Father's Day to the two best Dads I know!

Happy Father's Day & Happy Birthday

Since we will not be able to see my dad on Father's Day or his birthday (June 28th) we decided to celebrate both occasions last weekend.

Although he tried to act like he didn't enjoy it, everyone who knows my dad knows that he loved it when the waiters and waitresses sang to him.

Opening some presents
Grandpa helps Hailey take a little walk outside the restaurant.
Brooke and Hailey pose for a picture.

Check This Out!

If you want something good to read, you should check out Boo Mama's blog! She is one funny lady. The other day she posted about baking a cake. Who would've thought that could be funny? But, it was! Click here to check it out. Add her to your favorites and make sure you read Boo Mama everyday! She never disappoints.

Family Time

The day after Matt and Ellie's wedding (my brother and new sister-in-law) we were able to spend some time with some relatives we don't get to see very often.

Hailey gets a ride from Great-Grandpa G.
Hailey with Great-Great-Aunt Winnie
Hailey with Great-Grammy Delores
Great-Uncle Dave poses for a picture with Hailey.

A quick group picture (minus my dad) before we had to leave.

Just in case you did not get to see Matt and Ellie's wedding pictures you can see pictures from the rehearsal dinner, getting ready, the ceremony , pictures from my wordless Wednesday post, Could I Have This Dance and Happliy Ever After.

Worldess Wednesday # 9

Go here for more Wordless Wednesday fun!

May Day Weight Loss Challenge- Weigh-in # 5

Weight lost this week- 1.5 lbs
Weight lost since the start of the challenge- 5.5 lbs
Total weight loss since Hailey was born- 38.5 lbs

I had a really good week. I exercised everyday. My food choices were pretty healthy. I have finally reached that 5 pound loss which means I can get my button. WooHoo!!

Once again I did not drink enough water, I really struggle with that. So, again for this week my goal is going to be to drink more water- at least 8 glasses each day.

Time to go check in at Tales From the Scales.

16.5 pounds to go!

Please Pray

This is Emma with her daddy, Joel on Easter this year. Emma is very sick with a high fever that will not come down. Joel and April (Emma's mommy and daddy) are missionaries in Haiti and they are not anywhere near a hospital. Please keep Emma in your prayers.

Update 6/11/07: I just got word from Joel that Emma's fever has gone down and she is doing much better today. Thank you all for your prayers! Isn't God good?

Joel has asked me to ask all of you to pray for April. She has had a terrible migraine since yesterday and last night a fever was starting.

Please keep this precious family in your prayers.

Did I Say That? #4

I never thought I'd hear myself say, "Hailey, please do not bite Mommy's knee."

June 7th- 8 Months Old

Hailey is 8 Months Old! If you want to see how much she has grown you can see her next to Tigger at 7 months, 6 months, 5 months and 4 months. At 3 months she is sitting next to a teddy bear, but you can still see how much she has changed.
See what I can do!
Playing with her shape sorter.
Getting ready to go on one of our daily walks. Hailey really enjoys our walks!

Checking out a peony.

"Please don't make me eat that awful baby food."

Peak-a-boo Hailey thinks that Dottie is just wonderful. She laughs at Dottie everyday. If Hailey can get a hold of one of Dottie's paws she giggles and giggles. Dottie is very tolerant of Hailey!

Thank You!

See what came in the mail today?

Woo Hoo!! It's my book that I won from Laura over at My Quotidian Mysteries. Thank you so much Laura! I love to read and I am always excited to have a new book! Now we are definitely "bloggie-best friends or something!" Thank you, Laura!!

Wordless Wednesday #8

May Day Weight Loss Challenge- Weigh-in # 4

Weight lost this week- 1 lb
Weight lost since the start of the challenge- 4 lbs
Total weight loss since Hailey was born- 37 lbs

I did really good this last week.

I got lots of exercise. I took Hailey for a 2 mile neighborhood walk everyday except for one. We also shopped walked at the mall 3 different days. I walked on the treadmill most days too. So, I did plenty of walking. I'm afraid I may have overdone it though. My knee has been hurting the last couple of days and last night I noticed it was quite swollen. So, I hope it will not bother me so that I can continue with my exercise.

I also did pretty good with my eating. I had some junk food snacks that I probably should have skipped. But, I didn't overdo it.

I need to work on my water drinking. I did not drink nearly enough. So, that is what I will focus on this next week. Drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday.

So, why didn't I lose more pounds this week? I don't know!! I lost inches, and I know that is what matters. It is just frustrating to see the scale moving so slowly.

Time to go check in at Tales From The Scales.

18 pounds to go!

Babies Don't Keep

I originally posted this on March 3, 2007 but I needed to be reminded, so I am posting it again.

When I was a baby, my Grammy shared this poem with my Mom. Now my Mom has shared it with me. I say this poem to myself everyday- especially when I get a little behind in my housework.

Cleaning and cooking can wait 'til tomorrow,

For babies grow up as we've learned to our sorrow.

So, quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep,

For I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.