Like Fingernails on a chalkboard

It started in the upstairs bathroom. It was annoying, but not THAT annoying. I didn't spend a lot of time in the upstairs bathroom, so I just walked away from the drip, drip, drip.

And then the kitchen. Though I don't spend tons of in the actual kitchen (hush), my desktop computer is right next to the kitchen and I do spend a lot of time on that thing. And oh, the dripping...it became more noticeable.

Noticeable went to annoying.

Annoying went to, "Oh, that's what that verse means."

God is a really great teacher, the best in fact. A great demonstration to help me know exactly how destructive it can be to be a nag. Not just to my husband, but to my kids and to my friends. I want my words to speak truth, to speak love, to speak peace.

Week #3 in Pictures

Sunday January 24, 2010
Jon and I could not bring ourselves to go to church this morning. We knew that we would have:
-a lot of questions that we don't have answers to
-people trying to act sympathetic
-people trying to act like nothing happened to us in the past week
-and worst of all....people giving lame lame lame lame advice.
INSTEAD: I went to Bigby and spent a few hours drinking a Caramel Mellow, spending time with my journal and studying scripture. What a great Sunday!!!

Saturday January 23, 2010
I don't have a picture, per say, but the link will have to do. For 3 days 2 boxes have sat in my entry way, and neither Jon or I had the gumption to open them. Their contents? Caleb's crib set. I finally opened them on Saturday and LOVE it. Praying that he will be sleeping in it soon.


Friday January 22, 2010
So apparently Albion students don't like their picture taken. Ah, stink! Friday and Saturday I was able to have a great retreat with some of the InterVarsity students at Albion College. We spent time studying scripture, praying together and growing in our relationships with each other. It was a great time, and God used it to minister to me as I remembered truths about the God I serve.

Thursday January 21, 2010
I really am not looking for sympathy, but I really do not have a picture for today. All I did was...cry. Trust me...you did not want to see my face.

Wednesday January 20, 2010
I was so excited to visit Caleb today! He had on a new outfit and was stunning:) I am really really hoping that this was not the last time I held him in my arms. It was today that I received the phone call saying that birth mom is changing her mind. We were asked to leave the hospital so she could come and visit.

Tuesday January 19, 2010
Kaya wanted me to know that she is ready for a baby in the house. If she can sleep with a 3 year old, why not a newborn?

Monday Jan. 18, 2010
After spending a week at the hospital with Caleb, I was so excited to have some girl time!!! Luckily I was able to spend time updating my scrapbook with Amber and Rachel.

Week #2 in Pictures

We had quite the week, but do not fret, the Week in Pictures will continue....they may just be posted a little late:) Enjoy:)

Sunday Jan. 17, 2010

Caleb and Big Jon(my dad) meet today. We had some great news!!!! Caleb is 3lbs 13.4 oz and could be released in 10 days. WAHOOOO!!! Saturday Jan. 16, 2010
Caleb meets Grandpa Bob. Caleb was very awake and feeling some love!

Friday Jan. 15, 2010
Jenna is the best sister ever! She was my partner all day. We started at 6:30a and went into the night. She kept me company in the hospital as only a sister can do. This is what I found when I walked out of the NICU at the end of the day. She said she was "studying".

Thursday Jan. 14, 2010
Jon had to go to work on Thursday and I stayed in NICU with Caleb. My mom was gracious enough to take work off on Thursday so that she could drive me to the hospital, and wait in the waiting room. BUT....the nurses were SOOO great and allowed her and Aunt Jennie Lyn to come in and hold Caleb.

Wednesday Jan. 13, 2010
We met our son today!!! This is our first family picture. If week 1 together it any guess, there will be MANY MANY MANY more to come:)

Tuesday Jan. 12, 2010
We found out today that we are going to be parents to a boy. We didn't know much about him at this point, but what we did know...it was time to say goodbye to our pink and purple nursery. I think the frilly girl in me shed a tear, but the mumma in me shed another tear of meeting my boy.

Monday Jan 11, 2010
If you have been following my blog, you know that I am working hard core on dropping 57 lbs. Here is a picture of my fridge right now......don't worry, it is not a "no eat diet" I just need to go to the store to fill it with some fresh veggies.

Sunday Jan. 10, 2010
Sunday, Jon and I were in the 2-3's room at church. Does anyone know how hard it is to get 2 and 3 yr olds to listen and to engage? I know, I know, they are kids, and I am not a great "kid teacher" but my husband on the other hand....the best.

My Week in Pictures #1

Welcome to my very own version of Project 365. I am hoping to take a picture each day to describe how the day went. It is mostly for my own benefit, because I will be scrapbooking about it later, but for now...you can check out our lives. Here is the first week. Enjoy:)

Sat. Jan 9, 2010
Today Jon and I spent time with his family, having a wonderful meal:) We were all in different directions for Christmas, so this was a time that we could all come together, catch up and cheat on our diets....(was I the only one that did that?) Jason, Jon's youngest brother is sporting a sweet new shirt from his other brother and sister-in-law. You want one too, don't you?


Friday Jan 8, 2010
I was glad I could stay inside all day today. It was cold and snowy.....I was not made for Michigan weather.

Thursday Jan. 7, 2010
Thursdays are my FAVORITE days! Why? Besides the obvious impending Friday, some of my favorite tv shows are on Thursday nights. It is a time to chill in front of the tv and to check out for a while. The other reason? ALAINA! God blessed me with this beautiful woman in my life a few months ago....and now....Thursday nights belong to Alaina...with lots of coffee and talking. I am pretty sure I had close to a pot of coffee last night.

Wednesday Jan. 6, 2010
After weeks of studying the Psalms of Ascent with Amber---FINISHED! It was a great journey. I NEVER ever knew about the Psalms of Ascent before this study and wow oh wow, have I grown in knowledge. Next step.....memorizing the Psalms of Ascent. I can't wait to hide the precious words of the Jewish sojourners in my heart.

Tuesday Jan. 5, 2010
I took the first step today in trying to figure out how to pursue foster care. We are still unsure what the future holds for us as far as adoption, but we are keeping all doors open until the Lord decides to close one. Our step today was to call a friend from church and get some information:)

Monday Jan. 4, 2010
If you saw this sight walking outside your house today, don't fear, it was just me trying to stay warm in the frigid cold while I DIED at the workout I was trying to complete. I mean, um, it was SO FUN!:) And yes, those are ankle weights strapped to my wrists.

Sunday Jan. 3, 2010
I started Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred today. I have a LONG way to go to lose my goal of 57lbs this year. I am following a plan created by my friend Alaina and once in a while throwing in some Jillian.

Saturday Jan. 2, 2010
Already this has been a year of journaling. I have always always always been a journaler, but it seems to be the thing that keeps me sane most days. It is something I look forward to, to pour my heart out to, to be real with, and process all that is stirring in my head. You may find me with head in my journal this year.....don't be offended, I will share what's in my mind....after I journal about it:)