Parenting.......It Takes 3

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-04T09:28:00.002-04:00

So, due to allergies we aren't able to have a live Christmas tree in our home. Growing up one of my favorite things to do during the holidays was to go with my mom, dad, and sisters to a tree farm and pick out a Christmas tree. Unfortunately Adley wont be able to experience that, so Andrew and I decided that we would go to the pumpkin patch every fall and let herpick out a pumpkin that we can carve together.

We visited Lyda Farms in Hendersonville, NC. They had farm animals, and a big hay bug kids could crawl through, not to mention endless pumpkin, apple and fresh produce selection. Adley enjoyed it so much, and so did Andrew and I. The people there were so friendly and we got the best apple fritter i have ever eaten!

We were so glad we got out of the house and the every day routine of things and did a fun family activity. It just reminds you thata God has created all these beautiful things for us, we have to go out and enjoy them with the people we love!

Gospel vs Religion

2011-08-29T14:41:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, Sunday 8.28.11, Pastor Bruce Frank of Biltmore Baptist Church taught a sermon on the difference between being of the gospel vs being of religion. Something so many Christians get confused.

He started by introducing the story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector from the book of Luke. (Luke 18: 9-14)

Two men, a pharisee and a tax collector, both went into the temple to pray.

The Pharisee prayed to himself "I am thankful I am not like other men-robbers, evildoers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all i have."v11-12
--Its as if the Pharisee is saying, wow God you really did a good job when you created me. Well done. Bragging upon himself while loudly and obviously putting down on others around him who cannot do the things he does. (specifically the tax collector)

The Tax Collector prayed to God "God, have Mercy on me, the sinner." v13
--How humble of the tax collector to openly admit his thoughts and raised his mercies up to God.

verse 14 gos on to say "I tell you that this man (the tax collector) rather than the other (the Pharisee), went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
--Being justified means, through Christ God makes you Righteous (clean, blameless). You are more than forgiven. You have His mercy. Through the Gospel the tax collector understood this. (2 Cor 5:21)

RELIGION-I obey so I'm accepted.

GOSPEL-I'm accepted, so I will obey.

Obeying simply because you feel like you have too to gain acceptance completely defeats the purpose. When you truly obey, you do it whole heartily. Not because you are trying to gain acceptance, but because you know you already have it!

NO matter how many things/deeds we do God can never love us more, and he can never love us less! Being a Christian needs to revert back to being more about the Gospel than about Religion. You are already accepted, you do not have to do ANYTHING to gain it!

So how do we come more about Gospel than Religion???
1-Stop comparing yourself to others.
2-Humble Yourself.
Be OK with being overlooked
Serve Someone

I pray that i don't fall any harder into the "obey because I have to" mode. I need the mindset of I "obey because I want to". we are all guilty of this in some form or the other! I pray that you revert for the gospel and obey because you are accepted, not because you want to be!

The power of 3

2011-08-22T12:38:00.002-04:00

Mothering is a partnership between me and God.
Fathering is a partnership between my husband and God.
Parenting is a partnership between me, my husband and God.

To be the best mother/father you can be to your child you must co-exist with Jesus. Without Him you will never be all you can be as a parent. You are merely his tool, he is doing His will through you. So, without him you are and can do nothing!

I recently started a study by Denise Glenn called: Freedom for Mothers. It has been such a great learning experience for me as a new mom. I am only in the second week but already i have been gifted with so many new insights, for example:

-God is the vine. I am the branches. Through him i can do anything, but without him I can do nothing.
-Jesus can fill all of my emotional/spiritual needs.
-Trusting the Lord with everything sets you free!
-Through every situation we must remain in Him still. NOTHING should separate us from our Lord.
-Jesus lays out for you all the qualities you need to have to be a good.Godly mother. Galatians 5: 22-23.
-Rely on Jesus for Help.
-Jesus is the answer to ALL of our needs. Not anything or anyone else.
-Jesus didnt come to be in our life, He came to BE our life.
-Do not dominate with discipline, do it gently and carefully.
-You cannot be selfish to be a good/effective wife and mom.
-Being of the flesh (me, my self and I) is not living spirit-filled.

Is it not amazing how much God can teach us each and every day. Something new in every moment. I am so eager to learn more! And what a blessing that is.

Changes

2011-08-16T22:39:00.004-04:00

So, as you can see i have changed the title of my blog. Parenting.....it takes 3. I want to change the direction of my blog into not only a tool for myself, but something other parents can use to see how having Jesus as an added parent in a family makes such a big difference in raising your child, and any family relationship for that matter. I, personally would be nothing without Jesus. He makes me who I am, and that will mold my daughter into who she will become. My Husband and I are equally yoked which is so important when it comes to bringing up children! In our house we want Christ to be the center, so n my "new" blog I want to share our experience as parents with the help of God.

Experience 1:
The first experience i would like to share is more of a personal one. I have always suffered with anxiety. As i have gotten older it has gotten worse. I never knew after giving birth to Adley that i would experience something far more devistating. Post Partum. For anyone who has ever experienced this, you know how brutal it can be. I can whole-heartedly say that without Jesus i could not have been as strong or maybe even gotten through the experience. How can you get a beautiful, healthy baby home and feel so depressed? or have so many negative feelings? I'll tell you.......hormones. One minute i would be crying the next i would be overwhelmed with terrible thoughts. I couldn't get away from it. Luckily, I had a hiding place from it all. Going to God in prayer, and this is the truth, is the only way i got through the depression. When an uneasy feeling or though came to me, i would pray through it. I was always okay if I did so. My husband was such a great support. He would listen to my feelings, pray with me and for me. Finally i pushed through and with prayer and family support I am happier and less anxious than i have ever been. Jesus was my refuge in a storm i didn't know i could survive. People always say, everything happens for a reason. And because of this experience i know it really is true.Looking back on it all i see why I Jesus had put this in my life. No matter what circumstance or struggle I may be going through, I never failed to fully care for my little, helpless baby girl. I put myself last and my daughter first. What a testimony to how Jesus put himself after everyone else. I know i can never begin to fathom his sacrafice, but even a small glimpse of what He has done for me through my post partum experience was well worth the struggle. I know now, more than ever, whatever i may be going through, good or bad, Jesus is my rock. With him i can do anything, without him i can do nothing. That includes being a mom. Jesus makes me the mom I am. I hope and pray i can fulfill his will for me!

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and myfortress; my God, in Him I will trust." Psalm 91:1-2

Re-Cap

2011-07-12T12:30:00.002-04:00

So, it has been a while since i have posted. sorry! Life gets a little busy with a 14 month old running around!

June was such a great month! Highlight: our beach vacation with the Taylor's. It was so fun, relaxing and needed!We went to Charleston--one of our favorite places. You can never go wrong vacationing there! Wish we could've stayed longer. Adley absolutely loves the beach!

On another note: My older sister Melanie and her Hubs Trey had a little babby girl, Macey Brooke, on June 29th. It was definitley a new experience being the one waiting for a baby to be born. Adley was so cute when she saw Macey for the first time. She just wanted to keep giving her hugs. I cant wait to see them grow up together. I know they'll be close. As they should be! Congrats Mel and Trey. You two are such great parents. Macey is a blessed little girl!

I can't believe July is here already!
Happy late birthday (July 8) to Brandon Gilliam--Adley's Uncle.Your a great uncle, banana! Hopefully July won't go by as fast as June did. Summer is going by way to fast!

I hope everyone has a blessed week!

Something Funny......Have to Share

2011-05-18T13:45:00.003-04:00

So, i went into the kitchen to fix adley a bite to eat while she was occupied watching the Disney Channel. When i come back over this is what i see:

She had one foot in my shoe and was stading on it with the other. She cracks me up. It made my day. I don't think i have laughed that hard in a long time. It's the little things that make life so special!

catch up...

2011-05-11T14:54:00.004-04:00

so, it has been an absolutely crazy busy last few weeks so here's a "catch up" post on all events that have happened in our fabulous lives recently.

1-Adley's First Birthday
I cannot believe my little girl is 1! So blessed to have her.

2-Mother's Day
I am so blessed to have so many amazing women in my life to share mommy's day with! I'm even more happy to know they are all in Adley's life too! So, Happy mothers day today and every day to my mom, my mother-in-law, all of mine and andrews grandmothers, my great-grandmother, my aunt's,Adley's aunt's, and to Adley's godmother. You are all awesome, godly women. Wouldn't trade any of you for the world!My sweet hubby and daughter got me women's golf clubs for mothers day. They ARE the greatest! Love them so much.

3-We finally are getting a new car!
A 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor. Gray in color. Leather Interior. Remote start.Great on gas. Super Excited.

Events I'm looking forward to:
-My BF's Bachelorette Party (G-rated of course)
-My Birthday, which includes and a golf date with the hubs
-My sis's baby shower
-My BF's wedding
-BEACH TRIP with the Taylor Family in a little over a month! YAY!
-so much more to come.....but im only looking to June haha.

Oh what a life, full of fun. I'm so blessed!

The Power of Prayer

2011-04-28T15:52:00.002-04:00

Monday, April 25 Adley and I woke up like we always do and snuggled in bed for a little while before we got up and ate breakfast. After breakfast we watched disney channel for a bit, got dressed and began to leave our house to go pick up our dog, max, at the animal shelter because he had ran away afew days earlier. Once we picked up max we got in the car and started heading back home. About 10 minutes later and older gentleman pulled out of a car dealership, turning left as we were driving down the two lane road he attempted to turn left onto. Unfortunately, as we were afew feet in front of his truck he also began to turn causing us to slam on the brakes, but that wasnt enough. We hit. It was almost ass if the whole wreck were in slow otion. I saw it coming. I shouted out, "Oh Lord" as the front of our car hit into the side of the ans pick up. It was the longest prayer i could get out. As soon as our car stopped i jumped out an ran to get Adley. Praise God, she was okay. Max, who had flown from the back of the car to the back seat was okay too. I was a little shaken up, but was fine. As i stood there looking at Adley waving at the firemen and laughing at the sirens I realized that prayer had saved us. Right after Aldey was born I began reading the book Power of a Praying Parent. After reading a chapter on protection I began to pray daily for God to watch over my baby. I lifted her safety up to the Lord in prayer, and was satisfied in knowing that no matter what may come our way she would always be protected. There was an Angel with us that day, and I convinced it was because of all my protective prayers and faithfulness in knowing Gods hand was always on y baby girl. If the timing hadn't been exactly what it was during the accident the an would have crashed into Adley's side of the car. I would hate to even imagine what wouldve happened if that were so. Thank you God for being all knowing. Your timing is perfect. I a 100% convinced that y prayers saved us. Prayer is a powerful thing.

Happy Birthday Aunt Megan

2011-04-18T09:16:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to Adley's Aunt Megan! You are such a blessing to our family. Hope your day is wonderful. Wish we could be with you to celebrate!

A thought to share

2011-04-11T10:19:00.002-04:00

As I was watching my daughter walk and toddle around, not having a care in the world i began to think about God. God sent his only son to this world to be loved, hated, mistreated, persecuted,killed, and rise again. This act alone shows the strength of our God. As a parent i could not imagine sending my child to a place such as this, knowing their destiny, and watch it play out. How obedient is our God to us that he would go through this for you and for me. I wish i could be so strong. Here is a scripture i would like to share with you:

(God to Abraham)"Take your son, your only son, Issac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of those mountains I will tell you about." Genesis 22:2
(After Abraham had taken Isaac to the mountain and was about to sacrifice him)"Do not lay a hand on the boy, he said. Do not do anything to him. Now I Know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Genesis 22:12

God gave Abraham a glimpse of what it may feel like to sacrifice his only son, so that we may know the ultimate sacrifice God himself would have to make. Yet, the Lord stopped Abraham before the sacrifice was made. God does not want us to suffer such as he or his son had to. How amazing is our God?

Chapter 2: Shaping Influences

2011-04-05T16:27:00.002-04:00

Shaping Influences: the events and circumstances in a child's developmental years that prove to be catalysts for making them the person they are.

The disciplines of childhood will harden into concrete, adult lives.

The person your child becomes is shaped by two things:
1-life experience
2-interaction with that experience (or response to the experience)

THE Shaping Influences:
-Structure of family life
-Family Values (Col 2:8)
-Family Roles
-Family conflict resolution (Prov 12:15-16)
-Family response to failure
-Family history

scripture readings:
Col 2:8
Prov 12: 15-16
Jeremiah 2:12
Prov 4:23

Application Questions:
1)What would your children identify as the values of your family? What are things that matter most to you?
I am hopeful that my daughter will identify our Christian lifestyle as the values that our family sees. you must always sensor your words and modify your actions so that your child may see Christ though you. The things that matter most to me are modesty, spirituality and kindness. These are characteristics/values i hope my child sees in me; and maintains herself.
2)What constitutes success or failure in your home?
Our definition of success: to live your life as God sees fit, and to pursue all things you believe God has in mind for you. Our definition of failure: living your life in a way that is disappointing to God and his commandments. Material things do not determine success of failure to us such as money or grades. Success and Failure, to us, is determined by how you live your life according to Gods vision for you. Yes, everyone sins and makes mistakes. We are not blind to the fact that our child will. But, we want our child to live for God. That will be a lifelong success.

Shepherding a Child's Heart & Chapter 1

2011-04-02T18:24:00.005-04:00

i have begun to read a book by Tedd Tripp titled Shepherding a Child's Heart. Adley is to the age now where discipline is a factor in every day. Therefore, i have began to read this book as a disciplinary guide. We want to discipline the right way and it all beings with God; as do all things. So, please join me as i study this amazing read on biblical childrearing. This is a blog for you to read, as well as notes for me as i read through the book. I strongly suggest purchasing it and reading along with me!

Part I: Foundation of Biblical Childrearing

Chapter I: Getting to the Heart of Behavior

The heart is the control center of life

Prov. 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

The behavior a person (even children) exhibit is an expression of the overflow of the heart.

Your childs needs are far beyond what they express in their outward behaviors.

You must look at the heart that drives the actions.

Matthew 15: Jesus denounces the pharisees who had honored him with their lips while their hearts were far from God. He prescribes that they are people who wash the outside of the cup yet the inside is still unclean.

In disciplining our children we must not only address the outward issue but get to the root of the problem within.

Your concern is to locate your childs sin, helping them to understand how their actions reflect a heart that has strayed from Jesus.

You must go to the scripture for answers.

You must understand your children in relationship to the two broad sets of issues that affect them:
1) The child and his relationship to the shaping influences of life.
2) The child and his relationship to God.

Questions from Tripp at the end of Chapter I:
(my personal answers)
1) Explain the importance of dealing with the heart in discipline and correction of children.
If you read through Matthew chapter 15 you better understand that it is not the outward actions that make a person clean or unclean it is what is on the inside-or in your heart. A childs problem goes deeper than a single action, it is a matter of the heart.
2) Describe the centrality of the heart in directing behavior.
The root of every issue is embedded in the heart. To use a key you must find a door. The door to your childs behavior is the heart, the action is merely a key. Just like a lock changes so does the action.

Scripture readings;
Prov 4: 23
Mark 7:21
Luke 6:45
Matt 15

Compassion

2011-03-30T14:24:00.003-04:00

Pastor Bruce Frank @ Biltmore Baptist Church just started a new series this past sunday: Jesus Loves People. We will be looking throughout the new testament, studying encounters Jesus had with people. Not just people who followed him but sinners too.

Sunday, we began to look at Matthew (Levi). He was a tax collecter and when Jesus came upon him he decided to become one of his disciples. Jesus came to dine at Matthews house; where Matthew had invited his associates (sinners-tax collecters). The Pharisees could not understand why the son of God would be dining with the unworthy. Jesus responded by saying "It is not the healthy whho need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrafice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:12-13)Pastor Frank explained; as Christ followers we need to be passionate for people who are far from God.

If you are passionate about Jesus you will naturally want to spread your passion to those around you (especially those who need it most). But how do we lose our desire to reach non-Christians? We forget how it feels to be lost. We get set in our ways. So, how do we regain a love for people? We pray for them, spend time with them, we invite them to church and fellowship opportunities, and we help meet their needs for their thirst for compassion-through directing them to Christ.

Everyone needs compassion especially those who are far from God. As a Christian we need to have Passion as a character trait. Jesus loves people. So should we.

related readings: Matthew 9: 9-13, Romans 5:8

BBC services live sundays @ 9:15, 11 & 6 www.biltmorebaptist.org

Happy Birthday Grandma

2011-03-28T09:37:00.002-04:00

Adley is so lucky to have so many people who love her. Today is Andrew's moms birthday, Adleys Grandma. She is an extra special person in Adley's life. One of Adley's absolute favorite people. We are so blessed to have such a Godly, kind and loving women in our lives and so happy that Adley has such an amazing role model for a Grandma! So, Happy Birthday Grandma! We love you!

Welcome Spring and Good Feelings

2011-03-23T11:34:00.002-04:00

Andrew and I were sitting in our living room yesterday and were discussing how much we love the weather when its warm and sunny. It's just one of those "feel good" moments. The atmosphere changes to a happier one, and it makes moods brighter and smiles wider. I love winter, dont get me wrong, but something about sunshine and blooming flowers makes me a happier, more excited person. We have been able to go outside and do more active things as a family. I love that. For example; we bought adley a little plastic set of golf clubs the other day. If you know my husband you know he loves the game of golf. Anyways, behind our house is a large open field. We all 3 went outside and practiced our golf swing and hit balls into the open field. It was so much fun. Great family moment. Spring gets me so excited and enthusiastic. It just feels different. Something about being couped up inside and having to layer clothing to even get out seems so unappealing. The freedom of sunshine and 70 degree weather is just unbeatable. Thank you, Jesus for the springtime. Truly a wonderful gift to show off your beautiful creations. Happy Spring!

By Faith

2011-03-16T21:58:00.002-04:00

Have you ever thought to yourself what does having faith really mean? Well, if you read Hebrews:11 you will have that question no longer. It tells the tales of biblical heroes who by faith conquered their fears and succeeded in God's plan for them, including: Noah, Abraham, Samuel, Moses and many many more.
These men of God truly lived by faith alone. My prayer is that i may be so obedient.

Milestones

2011-03-14T10:51:00.002-04:00

It is so amazing to watch a childs progression. From a little tiny helpless newborn to a toddling toddler each accomplishment is as great as the first in a parents eyes. Here are a few of Adley's milestones and ages:

3 months-rolled over from front to back
4 months- rolled over from back to front
6 months-began to crawl (army style)
7 months-began to crawl on her hands and knees
8 months-began to pull up & got her first 2 teeth
9 months-began to walk with help (always held on to someones fingers)
10 months-walked on her own

These are only a few of her milestones so far; but i think its amazing how much babies do in such a shortammount of time. I am a proud mommy! I'm so greatful to God that she is healthy and happy and so smart. What a blessing.

Old School

2011-03-07T10:49:00.002-05:00

Andrew, Adley and I have been attebding BBC since we moved to Fletcher and we love it. Because andrew works most Sunday's we cannot attend church in the mornings, but BBC offers an awesome worship service at 6pm with the same sermon as the morning service. It's called vertical and we love it!

Over the past few weeks Pastor Frank has been teaching on the subject of "Old School"-classic characters from back in the day. It's nice to focus on the old testement, because i myself dont tend to stray to that part of my Bible. I need to change that. There were so many important characters and stories and teachings from God even before Jesus came that can teach us great lessons. It's nice to study those old school characters.

Last night we looked in the book of Judges and the story of Samson. I had always been familiar with the whole story of Samson and Delilah, but i had never looked further into it past the whole "femme fatale" and such.

Anyway's, Pastor Frank taught on the aspect of how Samson continued to stray from God through his marriage and sentuality. But, Samson always thought he was invincable. Although he kept doing all these unholy things he still had Gods favor. In Judges 16:20 when the Philistines were coming for Samson he awoke from his sleep and automatically thought he could revert back to his old ways and "shake himself free, or get out of this mess with the help and strength of God. "But he did not know that the Lord had left him". --When it says the Lord had left him it does not mean he forgot about him or left him stranded it simply is saying: God will let us go to show us how futile it is without him. This is why some Christians struggle with the same issues as non-Christians or why Christ followers stray from what is right. But, if you read later in the chapter God came back to Samson and gave him strength. He never really leaves us. He only wants us to see how hateful life and the world is without him.

Biltmore Baptist Church streams live sundays at 11am and 6pm. To view sermons click here

Thank you Lord for being ever faithful.Even though we stray from you, you are always there for us when we want to return. Praise God for his commitment to us. If only we all could have the same commitment to Him.

Happy March

2011-03-01T22:22:00.002-05:00

Well, March is here and I have set a few goals to try (fingers crossed) to accomplish this month:

1-Send Adley's Birthday Party Invites.
2-Send My BF's wedding shower invites.
3-Finish planning both events.
4-get adleys 1 year photos made.
5-Organize all of my missed match socks. Don't judge-you know you need to, too.
6-Read a good book.
7-Get a new bathing suit.
8-Exercise daily.
9-Devote at least 30 min. per day to my awesome God.
10-Keep my head on straight.
(The above are in no specific order lol)

Hopefully I will accomplish all 10. Top priority: God time. Bottom priority: Socks-for sure.

Wish me luck-prayer needed at the utmost!

I'm a do it "yourselfer"

2011-02-28T18:29:00.004-05:00

Adley is having a tinkerbell themed first birthday party. So, i figured why not get her an adorable outfit to wear. Then, i thought to myself I could make one of those cute little bday outfits myself. So, I am (with the help of my little sis who has amazing sewing abilities). We started working on it today and here is what it looks like so far:

It is only pinned together at this point, so Paige still has to sew it and perfect it, but i think it looks awesome thus far! We made the bow too!

Here are the steps we took:
1--Cut up 4 diffferent colored chiffon fabrics into 6 4x10in strips.
2--Fold in half and bunch speratically along shirt and pin.
3--attach ribbon around top.
5--add bow to top of shirt and bottom of leggings.
6--bow: cut 4 pieces of ribbon into 8 in strips. Fold in half and sew the middle of each piece of ribbon. Make flower shape with all 4 pieces. Sew in the middle. Glew tink fabric to button. Glue to center of flower. Glue clasp to back.

love that we accomplished this!

Steps

2011-02-25T22:48:00.002-05:00

My Baby Girl is starting to walk all by herself and she isn't even 10 months old yet. Im such a proud mommy!

Powerful

2011-02-24T09:28:00.002-05:00

"Oh that our home on earth might be to them the pathway, the gate to the Father's home in heaven. Blessed Father, let us and our children be Thine wholly and forever. Amen."
-Andrew Murray
-A prayer found in "Baby & Child Care" by Dr. James Dobson from Focus on the Family

Favorites

2011-02-22T09:07:00.003-05:00

My top 5 Favorite Places to shop for baby clothes:

1--Target
2-Babies 'R' Us
3-Gymboree
4-Old Navy
5-Childrens Place

I love the fact that you can shop online at all these stores and that their sizing is pretty true to size. Target is my most favorite simply because its cheap, durable and stylish. You cant go wrong with target! Babies 'R' Us is amazing, they have THE cutest stuff with accessories to match every outfit. Gymboree is a little more expensive, but if you hit it at the right time they have great deals, they also have the cutest swim suits. Old Navy always has stuff on sale, who doesn't like that? Childrens Place is adorable too, they always have great prices aswell.

Here is one of my most favorite items that Adley recently got from Gymboree (Mimi-my mom- bought it for her)

Lessons Learned

2011-02-20T17:21:00.002-05:00

This morning we attended Biltmore Baptist Church for worship. We have been attending for a while now since we moved to Fletcher, but today was the first Sunday we left Adley in the nursery.

Andrew and I had discussed how important it is to have an uninterrupted worship experience, so we finally decided to let go and leave Adley in the nursery.

BBC is soooooo big, so of course i was a little worried about crowded rooms and someone picking up Adley and taking her who wasnt supposed to, but as soon as we were educated on how their nursery opperated i had no worries and was super impressed. Since it was Adley's first time in the nursery we had to fill out a form with things like her age, allergies, parents, phone number's, etc. Then, she got her very own number and name in a sticker that went on her back. They also gave us a sticke with the same number on it to give the worker when we came to pick her up. so, the only people that could get her were the ones with the matching number, meaning us haha.That was so awesome. Plus, if your child got upset and they couldnt reach you on your phone, they would put up your childs number on the screen in the worship service. They also had sign in sheets in each room where you listed anything your child may do or need while you are gone. It was so awesome and so organized. I was actually excited!

She was fione when we left her, just playing with toys and getting some social time. The best part was, Andrew and I got to have a focused worship experience and left feeling so refreshed with the Holy Spirit. I mean lets get real, it's hard to focus when you have a squirmy 9 month old wollering you during worship!

After the service we went back to the nursery with our sticker and got Adley. She was crying when we got there, but the nursery volunteer said she had just started and had done great the rest of the time. I could tell she was sleepy, she always gets fussy then. I was just happy she was good 3/4 of the time plus got some time with other kids.

So, Andrew and I learned to let go and take some time for ourselves to have a good sunday experience, baby and interruption free. This was much needed and will surely be a weekly occurrence.

Parents: It is OK to leave your baby for an hour or two. Thats why the nursery is there! Get your God time in, really, because we know you cant take full advantage with a young baby or child. We learned 2 lessons today. 1-the nursery isn't so bad, just the seperation. 2-A distraction free worship environment is more fulfilling.

Take Time

2011-02-16T12:55:00.003-05:00

Taking time for yourself when your a mommy is so important. Don't get me wrong i would rather spend time with family and friends more than anything, but me time is so important. Especially since you must be happy yourself to make those you love happy!

When Adley takes naps I:
-Catch up on my shows (love DVR)
-Read my Bible and Devotion (I should do this more often)
-Clean around the house
-Cook
-Check emails and other internet stuff (facebook/blog)

A lot of time she only naps for 20-30 minutes at a time so i obviously cant do everything i need to at once. So, the most important things such as cleaning,and cooking take priority. I need to devote more time to God for sure. As a mom its hard to realize that things like cleaning should just be put off when you dont have much time to yourself. You have to make it a priority to have your "God time".

As a treat for myself usually once or twice a week i will take a long, hot bubble bath. While I'm in the bath I will read a devotion or get caught up in a great book while andrew and Adley are enjoying some daddy/daughter time. Even the simple things like a warm, un-interrupted bath can make you feel so rejuvinated. I am very lucky to have a husband that pushes me to take these moments for myself. He will sometimes even go start my bath water and pour in the bath salts he put in my stocking for Christmas.Ladies, he's taken. haha.

You also need to have alone time with just your spuse. Andrew and I hadn't been out by ourselves in so long, so we decided to leave adley with mimi & papa (my parents) and go out to dinner. It was so needed. We got to reconnect as a couple and have true adult conversation. Talk about our hopes and dreams, wants and needs. It was so amazing. We want to strive to go out, just the 2 of us, atleast once a month.

Remeber: TAKE TIME for: God, Yourself, and Your Spouse.

Useful Discovery

2011-02-09T14:07:00.004-05:00

Adley has been eating baby food for a while now and the type she likes most is Plum Baby. It's an organic baby food that combines fruits and veggies and still maintains a smooth texture. No added sugar, salt or artificial ingredients. It's actually very tastey (yes, i have tried it). The cool thing is it comes in little squeezable bags which makes it very conveniant. I recently discovered an attachable spoon that screws on the end of the pouch. This makes it very easy to feed a younger child on the go, in a restuarant or even at home without having to use a bowl. I have been out shopping before and adley has gotten hungry so i simply feed her as im walking around while she is sitting in the buggy. It is so easy and so great to use! The attachable spoons are just an added bonus. You can squeeze the food into the babies mouth without the spoon attachment too, but it's a little bit messy! As your child gets older they can also self feed with Plum baby food by holding the pouch themselves and sqeezing it into their mouth. How great of an invention is this?!?!?! I definitely recommend this type of baby food to everyone!

Here are some pics to give you an idea of how great it really is. (Oh and I find the food at Target & Babies-R-Us)

About Time

2011-02-08T14:41:00.003-05:00

Well here i am finally with a new post in over 9 months! Since i last blogged Adley Grace was born on April 30th, 2010. She weighed 81bs and was 21.5 in long. Now, nine months later she weighs 17 lbs and is 27 in long! It has taken me this long to get into the swing of things and start to even think about blogging again.

I cannot even begin to describe how wonderful it is to be a mommy. Adley has now started to give hugs and kisses, and smile when i enter the room ( and even cry when i exit). It is such an intense, warm and joyful feeling. Seeing her beautiful smiling face just remindes me everyday how much God has blessed me and my family and how much of a miracle our little Angel Adley is.

Everyone knows that a mother worries about a hundred million things. Always making sure your baby is breathing while they are asleep, making sure each bite is chewed and swallowed, picking up every speck off of the floor where they will be crawling, sanatizing toys and so much more. Worrying about every little thing is exhausting, and not to mention depressing at times. I found a tool to help me with this and many other mommy "woes" so to speak. it is a book called Power of a Praying Parent-by Stormie Omartian. It is an amxiety cure! I would suggest not only every mother, but every parent to a child should read this on a daily basis. Its not just for parents of babies it covers children of any age. Plus its important to start praying fir your baby's future now! The book talks about how to deal with things like parent anxiety, family drama, friendships for your children, your childs heartaches and so much more. It shows you how to handle all of these things through the power of prayer and scripture. How awesome is that? It is truly a spiritual life-saver.

A note to all new mothers & mothers-to -be: Prayer will get you through anything and if you start praying NOW for your child it will do the same for them! Be a great mother by being a Godly influence that they can SEE.

2 days until due day

2010-04-27T11:50:00.003-04:00

I cannot believe that 40 weeks of pregnancy has gone by so fast. Although looking back upon the experience, while being pregnant it has seemed like an eternity, it is hard to believe that 9 months has already passed. Many times were hard, but most of the experience was a good one. Needless to say though, i will be so glad when I am not preggo anymore! 40 weeks at a time is plenty! The last 4 weeks have been for sure the hardest. When you are anticipating the arrival of something so great time seems to pass so slowly. Being on pins and needles since 36 weeks has been a feat in itself. I get so anxious about things, and thinking everyday for 28 days that your daughter could be born at any moment has been extremely hard. Pray has been my stronghold, and knowing that God does have a time and a way for her to get here is comforting but hard to accept when I selfishly want her to be here NOW! @ more days until the due date, hopefully she will be here on time!

39 weeks

2010-04-22T20:29:00.002-04:00

Well, 39 weeks today and she still hasn't decided to make her appearance! I know that God has a plan for her arrival, and I know i will find out what it is eventually! I feel pretty good today, but thats today! My comfort level is not high, but it is well worth it for her sake:)
Adley, daddy and i are ready for you whenever you want to come!

Doctor's Visit

2010-04-08T11:40:00.003-04:00

So, today I am 37 weeks preggers. Adley is officially considered "full term", which is amazing! I was so excited after leaving the doctor today because of such an awesome report:

--Adley has dropped
--80% effaced
--2 centimeters dilated
--Having some (irregular) contractions
--Healthiest person he'd see all day (according to the doc)

Hopefully she will come within the next few days or so.....but who knows!

Nesting????

2010-04-06T22:02:00.002-04:00

So, i had always thought that "nesting" during pregnancy was and old wives tale. Throughout the entire past 8+ months i have been so unmotivated to do any type of housework what so ever. As i was l laying awake in bed last night (like i do every night) i couldnt help but to make a mental list of the things i needed to get done a.s.a.p--for exapmle: get our hospital bags packed, clean out the bathroom closet, get adley's room completely done, get a head on the laundry and get rid of old clothes and shoes i didnt need. What???? I have never been this motivated to clean and organize in my entire life. I got all of the above done today, and I'm still not even tired. From what i have read....(you can trust these kind of things or not) you have a burst of energy for about 48hrs and feel like there are a hundred things you need to do. This is a sign you are close to labor (or so they say). So, we will see i guess. If i end up going into labor within the next few days, or even week I will believe the tales about nesting. Who knows, it may have been an urge for spring cleaning, but I'd like to think of it as nesting. Hopefully the "facts" are true and Adley will be here very soon!

3 weeks & 4 days left......or is there????

2010-04-03T17:25:00.002-04:00

So, Andrew and I got to go to the doctor on thursday 4/1. The report was amazing! Sally, the offices midwife, told me she didn't think i would go over or last until my due date! This was music to my ears because i am so uncomfortable, and i have to admit i have been complaining for the last few weeks about it. Andrew i'm sure is ready for her to come too, simply because he won't have to hear me whining anymore! Sally said i was 60% effaced (which means my cervix is over halfway thinned out) and that Adley was at a pelvic station of -1 (pelvic station (-3 to +3) is how far down the baby's head is....0 being ready for birth and +3 means the head is crowning) so.....hopefully by the next appointment on 4/8 we will be even farther progressed and possibly hear that we are even closer to seeing Adley!I definitely have noticed that she has dropped, and am starting to feel a little bit of contractions every once and a while. I can't wait until the day she gets here! It has been much anticipated. I just pray everything goes well and we have a good labor experience. I know God has his hand on us throughout all of this, so i am confident and secure.

I love my Husband

2010-03-31T11:41:00.002-04:00

I cannot believe I am so blessed to have married such an amazing man. Honestly, i am the luckiest woman on earth. Andrew is so good to me. In a time of instability in my individual life, he has stood beside me and supported me every step of the way. He always shows me what a great life I have myself and what a great life we have together. Adley is going to have the best daddy in the whole world. His love for me is so apparent, and now i am starting to see his growing love for her and it is so rewarding for me. Motherhood is going to be such a joy, especially when i have such an amazing man by my side!I love you Andrew!

hard decisions

2010-03-30T16:37:00.003-04:00

For the past few months something has been laid on my heart. I truly feel as though God is leading my life in a new direction. The only problem is, that direction is not what makes some of the people i love the most happiest. Over the lat 2 months i have felt that I should not return to school after this semester. I kept pushing those thoughts out of my mind, but doing so has made me depressed and ultimatley a less happy person. Although i know that not going back is the right decision for me, i feel as though i cannot go through with it due to the opinion of others. I should not have to feel this way. I am so focused on dissapointing others that i, myself cannot be a happy person. Should i sacrafice what God and I want for my life? I decided today that i cannot. I can't lose anymore sleep, i can't fet sick over it anymore, i can't let it consume me anymore. I need to implement my life plan so that i may become the person God wants me to be.I just wish i had the support and approval i needed, because without this I cannot be truly happy.

Adley is now my main priority. God has shown me that I am firstly a mother now, and I am happy about that. When thinking about school i feel depressed, overwhlmed, anxious and sad. I want to be close to my daughter. I want to be able to financially support my family, sooner than later. I want to be a good wife and mother and I feel that the oly way I can do that is to stop school and start a career. I am sure that God will open doors for me, I honestly believe this is what he wants for me. Whenever i think about it I feel happy, something i haven't felt in a very long time. I feel like myself.

5 weeks and counting

2010-03-25T17:04:00.002-04:00

I cannot believe that I am 35 weeks pregnant today! The time has flown by. Andrew and I both are starting to feel a bit anxious about becoming new parents. everyone always tells us how great we are going to be, but we honestly don't know what to expect. All we can do is look to God for guidance and try to put His will for us and Adley into play as best we can. We are so lucky to both have amazing Christian families, and friends to help us through this amazing but scary journey! Only 5 more weeks, we can't wait! No turning back now haha!

Today's Doctors Visit

2010-03-18T13:12:00.003-04:00

So today was our 34 week check up, hard to believe! I only have one more 2 week appointment then we start going every week! Last night i couldn't get any sleep due to frequent urination and back pain, so i learned at the doctor today that i have a kidney infection. yuck! I am being put on an antibiotic so everything should be back to normal before long. Although i had an infection Adley is doing great. Her heartbeat was perfect and her growth is right on track!I love to hear her heartbeat, it makes me feel so safe and secure. Each time i hear it I thank God for the amazing miracle he has created! God is so good!

Showered in Showers

2010-03-17T12:33:00.003-04:00

Andrew and I have been so blessed to have been given 3 fantastic baby showers. We wont have to buy anything for Adley, including diapers, for a very long time! Plus she wont have to wear the same outfit twice....ever! lol.
Shower 1: This was a shower given by my aunts.....Adley's great aunts: Mary, Trisa, Carolyn and Juju (julie)
--we recieved so many big items inculding: stroller and carseat, pack and play bassinet, bouncer, bedding, changing table. We also got a ton of diapers and wipes, clothes, blankets and hygene care items!

Shower 2: Diaper and Book Shower...given by Andrew's Mom and Sister

--Adley got so many fun books to read (or well, fo a while for us to read to her). Would you believe she didnt get duplicates of anything! How cool! We also got more diapers and wipes! Everything was decorated so cute. There were book charcters everywhere, icluding a life size clifford and curious george was hanging from the ceiling fan!

Shower 3: Church Shower....given by our wonderful church family @ Antioch Baptist Church

--My goodness did Adley get a lot, and i mean A LOT of cute little outfits! These church women know how to do it! lol. I didnt think we were ever going to get through all of the gifts, but we did eventually, and everything we recieved was so great!

We cannot believe how much God has blessed us throughout this pregnancy, and all of the wonderful support we have gotten. These showers just show how many people we have in our lives that love and care for us and will be great Godly influences in Adley's life! We love and appreciate you all

Nursery

2010-03-09T21:49:00.004-05:00

So we finally started to get the ball rolling on Adley's nursery! It is pink and brown, and if i must say totaly awesome! Now all thats missing is our little princess:) --only 7 weeks and 2 more days until her due date! not too much longer.

Only 3 more months

2010-01-26T14:50:00.002-05:00

I am so anxious for Adley to get here, but yet so unprepared. We have 13 weeks and 2 days (3 months and 1 day) until her estimated due date (April 29). We havent even started on her room yet........ah! We know what we want to do though. Her colors are going to be pink and brown. We are going to paint 3 of the walls pink and 1 brown. Everything at Babies R Us is so cute. We are registered there! We havent had any showers yet, but are starting to accumulate things rapidly. I can't resist seeing a cute little outfit and not getting it for her, neither can my mom lol. Andrew and I have started to get diappers whenever we go to target. We know thats what we will need the most of! My next drs appointment is on feb. 4th (next thursday), and i am way excited to hear her heartbeat again. I always worry until i do:) We are enjoying feeling her kick and dance around in my tummy. She is beginning to get very active, which i love! I have found myself constantly reading pregnancy books, and watching baby shows on TLC. wow. I keep thinking how long 3 more months is, but i can't believe how fast the first 6 have passed by. She will be here before we know it, and i cannot wait!

Prego Update:)

2010-01-14T20:51:00.002-05:00

So, i went to the doctor today. I had to be tested for gestational diabetes. The stuff they make you drink, well lets just say it is not appetizing! You have to drink this really "syrupy" liquid that tastes like Koolaid mixed with a whole bag of sugar. On top of the grossness of it all, you have to drinl it with in 5 minutes, and if you throw it up you have to wait an hour and start all over again. Fortunatley, i got it all down in 4 minutes and did not regergitate it. lol. So, my appointment was at 10:00 am. I had to start drinking the "liquid" at exactly 9:10, and record the time i finished, which was 9:14. When you go in for your appointment they have to test your glucose and hemogloben at exactly one hour from the time you finished the drink (10:14). Although it seems complicated, i was suprised how easy it was when it was all over and done. My tests all came back well, adley's heart beating 140 beats/min, and my stomach measured 25 cm (while lying down). At 25 weeks you are supposed to measure appx. 25 cm, so we hit the nail on the head! The doc even said i was most likely the healthiest person he would encounter all day:) I always worry about Adley throughout the 3 week period b/t appointments but every time i go back she's perfect! She weighs around 1.5 lbs and is about 13 in long! wow! only 15 more weeks! we're getting so excited! My next check up is February 4th, then i start going every 2 weeks, until the last month i will start going every week! It's getting so close! I am so thankful that everything is going well. Andrew and I pray for Adley every day. He always blesses her when we say the blessing before dinner (it makes me cry). He's going to be a wonderful dad! I am so blessed!God is good, all the time!

I unwrapped these little baby converse on Christmas morning. They were one of my presents from Andrew:) I cant wait to see her wear them!

And the baby is.....

2009-12-04T13:42:00.002-05:00

So, we had our second ultra sound today and were able to find out what our little tater tot is.

ITS A GIRL:)

we are overjoyed.

we love you Adley Grace!

Happy Thanksgiving.

2009-11-26T10:33:00.003-05:00

This holiday reminds me how much i have to be thankful for, from the smallest of things to the largest.

1) The love and relationship i have with my saviour! What could you be more thankful for?

2) My wonderful husband, Andrew. It is our first Thanksgiving as a married couple. Yay:)

3) Our little unborn baby, soon to be here in about 22 weeks!

4) Our awesome family. I am thankful for my family, and the wonderful family i have gained through andrew:) they are amazing.

5) Wonderful friends

6) a heated home, a warm meal, a hot shower, clothes, shoes, sight, speech, hearing, mobility and everything else God has blessed me with in this life (the list could go on forever)

Enjoy the day. Do not get caught up in the festivities without thanking God for everything you encounter today, and everyday. We all find the things to be thankful for on THANKSgiving day, but every day is full of things to be thankful for. Lets have thanksgiving every day (minus the large meal and family gathering!).......God Bless you today, and every day.

Happy Turkey Day.......live.in.love

Pregnancy Woe's

2009-11-22T00:16:00.001-05:00

So, as of thursday, November 19, I have been prego for 17 weeks. wow. how time flies. I think the first trimester has been the most difficult part of our journey so far. The sickness was not fun, but it is well worth it in the end. Now we are onto the second trimester and going strong. At our last doctors visit this was what went down:

1) Urine test (dehydration and sugar): everything was perfect:)

2) Weigh in: since Sept 18 gained 14 lbs.

3) fetal heartbeat: 152 beats/minute (very good)

4) BP:96/62....good

5)Schedule next app: Dec. 4th, Ultra sound to determine sex of baby!

Things are moving right along and everything has been amazing so far. We will find out what our little tater tot (what we are calling he or she) will be in 1 week and 5 days! ah. We cannot wait. We have 100% decided on names:

girl: Adley Grace Taylor

boy: Steven Gage Taylor

God is so good. It is amazing to think there is a little life growing inside of me. How miraculous.

Cravings i have been having include:

1) pickles

2) banana peppers

3) milk duds

4) orange juice

5) brown sugar and cinnamon pop tarts

how crazy is that mixture? haha

please pray for a safe and healthy remainder of pregnancy, and an even safer child birth! i am so thankful for all of our great family's support and love. what would we do without you?

-----We love you tater tot:).......

live.in.love

An Update

2009-10-27T14:50:00.000-04:00

So it has been a while since i have written anything, but a lot has been going on:

1) married life is awesome:) We have almost been married 3 months and i have loved every single second.

2) We're having a baby, he or she is due at the very beginning of may. it was a shock at first, but we are way excited and know that God has great things in store for us!

3) can't wait for Thanksgiving to get here and see all the family together.

4) we heard the baby's heart beat on October 9th, and then had the first ultra sound on the 16th. it was amazing to see. So unfathomable that there is a live being inside of me, that is part of me and part of the love of my life, andrew.

5) we will be able to find out what the baby is around the 23rd of November. Andrew thinks its a boy. I have no clue. here are the names we have picked out so far:

Boy: Steven Gage

Girl: Adley Grace or Alexa Grace (i like Adley the best, it means God's refuge)

we have been so blessed in so many ways. god is so good!

Live in love<3

Were Married!!!!!!!

2009-08-15T16:52:00.000-04:00

Our wedding was great! Now I can finally be called mrs. taylor:)

more pics to come

2 days 'til we tie the knot

2009-07-31T13:57:00.000-04:00

Wow. today has been packed already. Myself, Megan (almost sister-in-law), Desi (almost mother-in-law), Mom, Juju (my aunt), Lindsey (best friend), and Sandy (lindsey's mom) went to Hi nails this morning to get mani/pedi's. It was amazing. After that Lindsey, Paige (my younger sis) and I went to eat at apple crate cafe where we ran into Megan. haha. Now I am in Maggie and mine and andrew's home playing with the dogs and watching TLC. Later tonight is the bachelorette party:) We are going to wild wings then back to mom's house to play a few games. It should be a blast. I'm very excited. Tomorrow is going to be action packed as well.

8 am: leave for Lake Lure

9 am: arrive/hang out at the lake

12 pm: eat pizza

1 pm: decorate for rehearsal

5 pm: rehearsal

6 pm: rehearsal dinner

-----------------should be fun:)

Sunday will be the best day of the weekend though:) Wedding day! I just pray that everything goes smoothly and it doesn't rain.

New Tattoo

2009-07-25T13:37:00.000-04:00

So, here is a pic of my new tattoo!

It says Ephesians 1:7-which says " In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."

The dogwood flower represents Jesus' sacrafice for us. The flower itself represents the cross and the indention of each petal represents the nails. The center of the flower represents the crown of thorns.

Busy, Busy, Busy.

2009-07-24T01:56:00.000-04:00

On saturday, July 18th my two sisters, Melanie and Paige, threw me a lingerie shower. It was really cute. Green and brown decor and live flowers, and chocolate everything. yum:) It was a lot of fun. Alhtough i didnt think that opening up the gifts would be too difficult, it was! I recieved many great "things", but i was just so modest and shy about it. haha. It was kind of weird. I mean having my mother, andrew's mother, sisters, and friends there made it kind of uncomfortable because lets be honest, we all know what the gifts are for. lol. But, by the end of the day i did become more comfortable with the theme of the shower. I'm sure im not the only bride to be that had red cheeks after opening each gift!The next day I had a family & friends shower that my mother and grandmothers threw. It was very nice as well. This saturday, the 25th, I am having a blessings shower. It will just be women coming together and sharing encouraging words, stories, prayer and advice about marriage. It's going to be fun! I'm sure there will be many tears shed, but many laughs too! I'm looking forward to it! I cannot believe it is almost our wedding week! I am super excited, but i feel like i have so much to do! I have to get ready to move out, pack, finish up all the last minute decorating details, finish writing thank you cards, get a few more gifts, move my things to our house, and i'm sure many more things! I better get a move in!

Live.in.Love.

Great Trip to Ohio

2009-07-14T23:45:00.000-04:00

So, Andrew and I took a quick trip to Ohio. We left Sunday, 7/12 @ 6:30 pm and got home Tuesday 7/14 @ 8:00 pm. Although the trip was very short, it was a lot of fun. We got to spend some time with Andrew's sister, Megan, and her husband Brandon. We also got to have a marriage counseling session with Paul, Andrew's uncle and also got to stop by and see Farrah, Alex, Ansley and Eli (Pauls Family). It was awesome seeing them again! I hate that we all don't live closer. We had a really great time! Today is also Megan and Brandon's 2 yr anniversary! so, happy anniversary! We will get to see them all again in less than 3 weeks for the wedding, so im excited. I cannot believe that our wedding is 2 weeks and 5 days away! I am so ready. People have asked me if i am nervous, or stressed. I am neither of those, i am just excited and soooo READY! I don't know how you could be nervous or stressed when you are know that you are making a promise to your sould mate and our amazing God! so awesome.

Live.in.Love

Oh, how i love Andrew Steven Taylor

2009-07-08T23:50:00.000-04:00

So, last week Andrew and I picked out our wedding bands. We are keeping them in the safe at our house. I was watching TV and noticed he had the ring on. I asked him if just enjoyed putting it on, and he said of course I do because when i get to wear it for good it means i'll be married to you. He is so sweet. He always says the cutest things. I will never get tired of it.

There are only 25 more days until the wedding. I am just so ready to marry the love of my life! 25 days seems like too long to wait, although it is no time at all. I have found throughout the wedding planning process I'm not very patient. I have been wishing time away so that August 2nd will come quicker. And sure enough it has. I just can't wait to be Gini Taylor. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?

After this weekend (july 10-12) I have no other weekends free until the wedding, but I'm not complaining it will make the time go by faster. I am very excited about my lingerie shower coming up. It's going to be a blast. Our house divided shower went great, so much fun. It was awesome spending time with family and friends.

Have a great rest of the week! Go is good!

Live.in.love

Wedding Excitement: The countdown begins!

2009-07-03T00:24:00.000-04:00

So it is only 1 month until we say I do! I am so excited! Nervous and excited, but more anxious! i don't know how i feel! I'm just ready to marry the man of my dreams! Tomorrow my mother, my oldst sister, myself, my almost mother in law (love her), and my almost grandmother in law are going to Lake Lure tomorrow to finalize everything for the rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception. I can't wait to see how everything is going to come together. The wedding is going to be outdoors, so my biggest fear is that it will rain:/ but if it does it's okay, the venue is not the important thing:)

I feel like I have "shower fever". Andrew and I had the best shower ever this past saturday. It was a tailgate theme/ house divided theme. So much fun. We also got to see a lot of Andrew's family members that are from out of town which was a treat. Andrew's sister, Megan, got to come down from Ohio! We hadn't seen her in four months, which is four months too many! i love her! I am so blessed to be gaining another great sister! This Sunday we have another church shower at my great-granmothers church, July 18 is my lingerie shower, July 19 is a family shower for my family, July 25 is Andrew's tool shower and my blessings shower, and July 31 is the bachelorette party:) Whew. I thinks that's all of them!

Andrew and I are so blessed to have so many people that care about us! God is so good! Our house is beginning to come together very nicely. I have enjoyed getting things to decorate with! It's so great to know that it is mine and Andrew's home, together! Something unusual, new and so exciting!I can't wait to begin my life as Mrs. Taylor along side my wonderful husband.

We picked out our wedding bands on thursday. I got 2, 2mm white gold bands and Andrew got a titanium band (it looks very manly--suits him well). It was fun and stressfull at the same time because we wanted to please ourselves as well as each other in our choices!

So the countdown begins. Only 31 days to go! Thats 4 weeks and 3 days, or 744 hours. It seems like time has flown since January 9th, the day of our engagement, but I'm not complaining!

Live.in.Love

Just some thoughts...:..

2009-06-14T22:54:00.000-04:00

Hello. I know it has been a while since i have posted. i have been very busy/lazy. I know, to very contradictory things, but it happens!I am so ready for August the 2nd to get here. People keep telling me "oh wow, i cant believe your wedding is less than 2 months away"--as i'm thinking to myself "oh wow. i cant believe our wedding is still over a month away." I'm just so anxious to marry the man of my dreams. You know when you have something to look forward to, perhaps a wedding. The time up until the event seems to go in slow motion. Well, that is the way this is seeming. I wish it would just come already! But i shouldn't complain, the day will come soon enough! I am so excited for tuesday. Andrew has a day off so we're riding his knew motorcycle to lake lure, our wedding venue, to look around! Im so ecstatic about it. we haven't gotten to just drop everything and have a day together in forever. His new job requires a lot of time, but we are so blessed that he has one. Have a great week!

Live.in.love

Update

2009-05-26T22:59:00.000-04:00

So, it has seriously been over a month since i have posted. I am not a devoted blogger. I have no excuses! Anyways, here is a quick update of where I am at the moment:

My last day of classes for the semester @ WCU was May 7.

Andrew and I had a bridal shower at our church on May 16, and got so many amazing gifts for our home!--Andrew's Brummi and Popi (grandparents) came up from GA for it, it was so awesome to see them!

I subbed at THS for 2 weeks straight.

Had cheerleading try-outs at THS.

Monday, May 25, Andrew and I painted our house and broke out some of our lovely decor1

This weekend Andrew will move into our house!

Saturday, May 30, I have my bridal portraits.

......Thats pretty much it!

Have a lovely remainder of the week and God bless!

Live.in.Love

2009-04-25T23:02:00.000-04:00

so since Monday a lot has happened:

Tuesday: school all day, 2 papers due
Wednesday: school until 1pm, online homework, worked on cheerleading things
Thursday: school until 2pm, helped Andrew work (mow), went to Muner's (my greatgrandma's) to see desi try on her dress for the wedding, went to an awards banquet for Paige (little sis), went to wal-mart for grocery's, homework
Friday: school, sat in the IT center at school for 1hr 30 min waiting on a computer to get installed, got a take home test due monday, went to Tuscola to pick up cheer stuff, went home to work on cheer stuff, went with andrew/my parents to Quail cove for a cookout, we rode the motorcylce, came home and organized cheer stuff
Saturday: cheer try-out clinic 9am-3pm, Mom and I went to David's Bridal in Asheville to pick up the rest of the bridesmaid dresses, went to the fresh market to get some bok choi to cook for dinner, ended up buying a lot more than that, came home and cleaned/fixed dinner, ate, visited with family

tomorrow should be more relaxing:)----I love Sunday's!

Live.in.Love

Monday.....already?

2009-04-20T17:59:00.000-04:00

Ugh, mondays are definitley not my favorite. I really get un-motivated starting sunday night, because i know what the following day will consist of.....school. Although it only takes up a few hours of my day i do not anticipate it!

This weekend went really well. not much went on, which is a good thing most of the time! Sunday was fun. I taught the pre-k sunday school class. They miss behaved, but hey, what's new right? I really love those kids though:)

Church was different because Steve wasn't there. The youth pastor, Mike, who is also Andrew's Godfather did the sermon. He taught the lesson around Proverbs 17:6. it was about parenting, which was good for Andrew and I to hear for in the distant:) future, or however long God allows us without children!

The attendance was pretty low b/c most everyone went on vacation for spring break. But, it was still a great day:)

After church i came home and cleaned and did some hw, then andrew and i went and ate at Olive Garden...yum! Then we went over to my Muner's house (my greatgrandmother) for my cousin brent's birthday. He's 13.

Then, we went to Andrew's parents house to visit them b/c they had just gotten home after a week away.

I took some allergy meds and got tired so Andrew took me home and i went to bed.

My weekend was great:) Not too much activity, but some. Just the way i like it!

I'm glad monday is almost over. Once monday passes the week seems to fly by!

Live. in. Love

Date Night

2009-04-17T22:46:00.000-04:00

My handsome, loving, wonderful.....and any other good quality you could think of, Fiance took me out to a movie tonight. We really don't go out too often because we both like relaxing on the couch together more than anything else, but it is nice to get out every once and a while. We watched the new Crank 2, which is more of Andrew's "kind of movie", but i did enjoy the first one so i decided it would be an okay choice! Plus it would make him happy (my favorite thing). The movie was okay, but the time out with him was fabulous!

Tomorrow i am going to help Andrew mow, and then we are going to go play golf! The weather is supposed to be amazing, so im sure it will be a great day for both things. I love spending time with Andrew! So, if that means playing golf (which i never have done) then it shall be! haha I could even suprise myself and be good, we will have to see!Andrew wants to go golfing on our honeymoon so i need all of the practice i can get!

I hope that everyone has had a lovely friday and wishing you a saturday full of laughs:)

Live.in.Love

2009-04-16T19:13:00.000-04:00

So, to me this week is going by very slllloooowwwlllyyy. I keep thinking that each day is really the next. For instance, today i though it was friday. I wish:) I have had some fun things that have gone on in my week thus far:

1) i picked up my wedding dress.....it now fits perfectly

2) i got my new glasses

3) i only had one class yesterday and today

4) i moved a few nick-nacks into mine and Andrew's soon to be home

5) .......and I am look forward to going on a date tomorrow night with my wonderful Finace

It has been a pretty great week so far, but i'm sure the night out with Andrew will top everything, although getting my wedding dress was pretty exciting!

i am so ready for the temperature to get higher! bring on summer. It is supposed to be 70 or above saturday so i am going to try to talk Andrew into riding the motorcycle to the parkway (where we got engaged) and go on a picnic!

i hope everyone's week is going faster than my own! I think I am just rushing time, I'm so ready for August 2nd to come!

Live.in.Love

God is amazing

2009-04-10T10:55:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Night we had a Maundy Thursday service at church. It was amazing, moving, motivating and heart warming. Throughout the service Steve (Andrew's dad) preached an awesome message about coming clean. Through this he told about the passover and how Jesus washed each of his disciples feet. Then he encouraged the congregation to wash anyones feet who had shown Christ to them some how. It was so awesome. You could just feel that God was in the room. I felt called to wash my soon to be mother-in-law and father-in- laws feet. I appreciate thei display of Christ so much, they are two of the most Christ driven people i have ever met. In turn, Desin Andrew's mother washed my feet. Although i did not feel worthy of this action, i realized that neither did Peter when Jesus asked to wash his feet. Desi explained to everyone that she was so happy that her prayer had been answered to find her son a Godly women. This meant so much to me becasue above anything Andrew and I want our marriage to be Christ centered. It was awesome to say the least. It was quite possibly one of the most moving services I have ever been to. Atthe end of the service Steve explained the pleasure in serving rather than to be served, just as Jesus did, and throughout the service serving those people who had been Christ like examples gave me no greater pleasure.

to find pics like this go here

Wednesday

2009-04-08T10:59:00.000-04:00

Today i had to get all of the try-out packets ready for the cheerleading tryouts at Tuscola. I put a lot of work into it so i hope that everyone appreciates the detailed information!

I have to go to the eye dr. at 1:30 today. Hopefully it will go well. My vision just seems to keep getting worse every time i go back.

I am so happy to be on Easter break from school. Some relaxation/rejuvination time was desperatley needed!

I have been going to the tanning bed to try and help my very very very plae skin not be so blinding! I really want to be tan for my wedding and bridal portraits. I am aware of the negative effects of tanning, but i still want that golden tan (even though i probably will not get it). Wow, what women go through.............haha

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Wednesday!

Live.in.Love

What?!

2009-04-07T10:37:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe that it is snowing today in NC. On saturday it was 68 degrees, and today it is 31! I am very cold. Thus far i have already had almost 3 cups of coffee ( I am on my third now). It is so crazy that it is spring and the ground in covered in white powder. It is very beautiful, but right now i would rather be seeing sunny skies and blooming flowers! Oh well:) It is supposed to be 70 on thursady....what a bazaar weather pattern!
(to find pictures like this go here )

I am very excited for this evening to come because, both mine and andrew's parents are meeting with our wedding photographer. It should be fun.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful, God filled, Tuesday!

Live.in.Love

Update

2009-04-06T12:28:00.000-04:00

So this weekend was fantastic. Andrew, myself, my mom and dad, and his parents all got to go to our wedding location, the Lake Lure Inn, for a taste testing! It was absolutley amazing. We tried the food we would be having both at the rehearsal dinner and at the reception. It was such a treat! I also went to Knoxville, Tennessee on staurday to go to my cousin Shannon's wedding. It was very nice. Although, i did get car sick:(. The gorge is not a very fun place to ride through! On sunday I got to teach the sunday school lesson at church. I help out with the pre-schoolers so they are a bit of a handful, but it turned out great. We made crowns and talked about how Jesus died for us. (I'm sure their favorite part was snack)

I had a ten page research paper due today in my North Carolina History class. Needless to say, it is such a relief to have it finished and turned in!

I am so happy that easter is in less than a week! I was listening to Christian music on my drive over to WCU today and it really moved me. I have made a promise to myself to devote my time ion the car to Jesus. No use of cell phones or 99.9 kiss country:) just Christian music. I think it is going to be such a blessing!

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful weekend, and is looking forward to another fabulous week of life:) God Bless!

Live.in.Love

P.S. Andrew and I have a wedding website if you would like to check it out

Cheermania:)

2009-04-02T16:19:00.001-04:00

so........i did it! i got the varsity cheerleading position @ THS! im super excited! I have already started planning try-outs and all of that good stuff! I also made a blog for THS cheer so take a look:
www.tuscolacheer.blogspot.com

between planning a wedding and cheerleading i am keeping very busy, which is good because if im not then i get really anxious:(. my mind is really bad for wondering!

Live.in.Love

Pray

2009-03-30T23:11:00.001-04:00

So, tomorrow i have my final interview for the varsity cheerleading coach position at Tuscola High School. Please pray for me! I really think that the girls at THS could use a good role model, and i believe that I am the one for the job! I hope it goes well!

The Weekend

2009-03-29T22:08:00.000-04:00

This weekend was great! I had a lot of fun judging tuscola idol. Saturday with my bridesmaids, and carrie one of the junior bridesmaids were great. my only regret is that andrew's siter wasn't their with us!I wish we lived closer to one another!But i did get to go with her to pick out hers with she and Desi, Andrew's mom, so im glad i got to do that with her! Saturday was also Desi's birthday and Andrew and I had gotten her this really cute hoops and yoyo mug. (she loves them) I was so excited to give it to her! haha. Andrew was too. Today was fun too. Church was awesome as usual. Steve does such an amazing job! Then after church andrew and i went to eat at the haywood cafe, ultimate mom and pop resturant--the best in haywood county:). Andrew went to a Jeff Dunham show, and i went over to my aunt and uncles house to eat dinner.

That was my weekend in a nut shell! It was great, and now i am looking forward to next weekend! I am counting down the days to our wedding day....as of today only 126 to go! 18 weeks! wow its getting close!

I hope that everyone had as great of a weekend as i did! I love my life! God has blessed me so greatly with good friends and a loving family. Who could ask for more??

Live.in.Love.

Rain, Rain Go Away

2009-03-26T11:33:00.000-04:00

you know how last friday was supposed to be the first day of spring???? When is it going to seem like it! I am more than ready for flip flop weather. It seems like it has done nothing but rain for the past few weeks, and there are only a certain number of outfits that look okay with rain boots. haha. I am running out of options. I think that maybe march has itself confused with april, so maybe april will bring may flowers! Lets just hope.

Enough complaining, now to the good stuff. To repeat myself, i'm over excited about this coming weekend! Hanging out with all of my dear freinds and sisters is going to be great! My only regret is that Andrew's sister, Megan, will not be able to join us because she lives in Ohio. But i'm sure she will be there in spirit! (For those of you who do not know i am referring to our trip to Davids Bridal on saturday to pick out brides maid dresses!)

This week has gone by very slowly. Most likely because i am anticipating the events that the weekend holds! As of today there are only 129 more days, which is 18 weeks and 3 days, or 4 months and 7 days (whichever you prefer), until andrew and i tie the knot! It seems so close, yet so far away, but the time has flown already. I am sure that before we know it, it will be here!

Trust God this week in all that you do, put him at the center of your life and you will be blessed!

Live.in.Love.

2009-03-23T23:12:00.000-04:00

So, I have a few days to catch everyone up on!

The weeekend (3/20-22) was great! On friday Andrew and I just relaxed with each other, which is our favorte thing to do1 On saturday my mother and I took my great greandmother to asheville to pick out her dress to wera to my wedding, and then I went over to Andrew's grandparents house for several of his family members birthday's and his uncle Gary's last few days at home before he travels over seas to fight for our country. On sunday, we went to church and Andrew's cousin kriatana's, baby (Ahnysti) was dedicated. She wore the dress that Kristana, Megan, Alyssa, Caroline and Lydia wore (all of the grandchildren on Andrew's mothers side of the family) All in all it was a fabulous weekend!

Monday was school of course....and the same for the rest of the week:/ nothing too spectacular. I am very excited about this saturday (3/28) to com because:

1) I get to judge Tuscola Idol @ our local high school (THS)

2) I am going with my bridesmaids to davids bridal to pick out their dresses

3) It is my future mother-in-laws birthday, and Andrew and I got her a really cute gift i cannot wait for her to see!

Remember as you go throughout your week to take a look at the little things in life and notice how God is so great. Between the beautiful flowers beginning to bloom and the stars in the sky our heavenly father is so abundant in the blessings he gives. I was listening to 99.9 on the radio and the song I Saw God Today came on. This song explains exactly what I am talking about, listen to it. I thank God for the biggest blessing he has given me, and that is my soon to be husband Andrew! What do you thank God for every day? If you don't thank him for something every day start.

Live in Love---why? because God is Love

2009-03-17T13:43:00.000-04:00

So, today is tuesday. My seemingly longest day of the week. I have class from 8 am to 7 pm, then i take a dance class that my oldest sister, Melanie, teaches at 7 pm. The day seems to draaaaaaaaaaaaag. But, its alright. Most people have much longer days than i do every day, i only have to suffer through one!

Andrew and I are getting really excited about the wedding. Everything is coming together so well. God has blessed us greatly. We are getting married at Lake Lure on August 2nd. It is going to be so beautiful. Everything I have ever dreamed of! The ceremony is going to be outside by the pool at the Inn at LAke Lure, and the reception will be half inside and half outside. If you want to see it for yourself visit www.lakelure.com

I hope everyone has a fantastic tuesday, and a wonderful Saint Patrick's Day. If you aren't wearing green just imagine me pinching you:)

Live in Love!

Future In-Laws

2009-03-15T00:06:00.000-04:00

Today was the day we went to Ober Gatlinburg. Ice Skating was amazing...i didn't even fall:) i can't say the same for my younger sister. She busted a few times! haha. Overall it was a lot of fun, besides the rainy weather.

Tonight i went over to Andrew;s parents house. It was a lot of fun. For dinner we ate pheasant that Steve, Andrew's dad, and Andrew had hunted while they were in South Dakota. Andrew's mom, Desi, had purchased some decor for our rehearsal dinner that i got to take a look it at. She did such a good job. For our rehearsal dinner we are doing a coffee house type theme. Desi bought these really cute square coffee mugs and plates that match our colors perfectly. They are very modern looking, they are awesome! Its going to look so great. I'm super excited about it, as if you couldn't tell:)

Andrew has such a great family, and i am so glad that i get to be a part of it. His mom is great, she is an awesome role model, devoted Christian and an ulitmate prayer warrior. She is amazing. Andrew's dad is the pastor of our church. He is by far the best speaker i have ever heard. He is also a very devoted follower of Christ and would do anything for anyone. He is great. Andrew's sister Megan has an awesome heart. She is a nurse in a children's hospital and works with children who have cancer. It takes a really strong person to be able to do what she does. She is also an amazing Christ lover, and a really great friend. Megan's husband Brandon is really great too. His personality reminds me a lot of Andrew's, they get a long really well so thats great. And Andrew, well he is the most amazing person i have ever met. He is caring, loving, devoted, respected, respectful, and so much more. He is my best friend and my soul mate. God has blessed me not only by putting andrew into my life, but his family as well. I cannot wait to be called Andrew's wife, and he my husband:) I love that boy!

I am so fortunate and blessed to be able to have great in-laws. Most people don't get that...and i am going to, so i am very thankful.

Steve, Desi, Megan, Brandon, me (Gini) & Andrew

TGIF

2009-03-13T17:09:00.000-04:00

YAY....it's friday! finally. weekends are so refreshing! Everyone seems to always look forward to friday and wants the rest of the week to go by fast, but Andrew once told me that i would miss the great moments that happen throughout the rest of the week if all i focus on is friday coming, and i hate to admit it, but he is right. So, i am goimg to try and work on waking up every day and looking at it as another wonderful day God has given me, instead as....2 more days until friday, or what not.

Tomorrow I am going to Ober Gatlinburg with the THS cheerleaders just as a good job kinda thing. They did very well this year. It should be fun,they are all really great girls...plus we get to go ice skating. YAY1 the last time i ice skated was about 12 years ago in New York City. So im super excited about trying it out again, of course i will probably be like a new born deer out there haha.

I hope everyone has a wonderful friday! Get some rest, rejuvinate yourself, and try to celebrate every day of the week like its friday!

Live in Love

2009-03-12T13:14:00.001-04:00

Today i had to drive all the way to Cullowhee just to get sick in class and drive all the way back home within a couple of hours. Funny how things happen. Although i am not feeling my best, i still want to tell you about a study that i am doing at church.

Beth Moore....wow she is amazing.....does many bible studies and live sermons. She is the ulitmate "women's" speaker. The study that i am doing right now is on the book of Esther. It's called Esther: It's tough Being a Woman. Every woman should take this study. It is so eye opening and rejuvinating for heart,mind and soul.

To learn about things Beth More has done, or to listen to some of her lessons online go to
www.lproof.org

It will be wonderful, i promise:)

As you go throughout your day today, maybe right down a list of things you as women would like to work on or change about yourself. At the end of the day, read that list as a prayer to God. No i don't mean physical things like, i wish my hips were smaller or my lips were bigger. Talk to him about real things that you go through. For instance: one of mine was i would like to learn to be more patient as a daughter, soon to be wife, and future mother. Try it out, it will change you.

Live in Love!

Life is GOD

2009-03-10T10:40:00.000-04:00

So i was wearing my life is good shirt yesterday, and when i looked down i realized that yes, certainly life is good, but life is God. They need shirts that say that. Wouldn't that be a great witness?! Anwyays, that was just a thought.

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1183/991343324_8aeeead132_o.jpg)

Yetserday was a pretty bland day for me. Firts day back after spring break is always rough, especially when the time has just changed and you lose an hour of sleep. But hey i can't complain! I have it pretty easy compared to some.

Today i will be at school pretty much all day, but then i get to go to dance class:) my stress relief!

So as you go throughout your day today remember: yes, indeed life is good.....because life is GOD!

Beautiful.

2009-03-08T15:58:00.000-04:00

So, today is Sunday. The sermon at church today was amazing. Steve, my fiance's father, is preaching a segment of marriages,which took off from the movie Fireproof. It is sucha great movie!Andrew and I are learning very important things about marriage before ours has even started, so we are very lucky for that, especially learning about it from a biblical stand point.

Andrew and I took our engagement pictures yesterday. It was such a beautiful day, it seemed so perfect!

This one is my favorite:)
My aunt Trisa did a great job taking the photo's.

I also had a Mary Kay party yesterday. It was a lot of fun! Me, my mom, my 2 aunts, my ldest sister and my fiances mom were who the party consisted of, and of course the fabulous consultant.

I really like Mary Kay because their view on life is God first, family second, and work third.

that's awesome!

Introduction.

2009-03-06T16:07:00.000-05:00

So I am new to this blog thing. I find it very interesting, not only for other people to read, but for me myslef to review as well. I am not "tecnologically gifted", so it is taking me a little time to figure out how all of this works, but im going to give it a try! Anyways, hello. I am Gini Jones, soon to be Gini Taylor.....on August 2nd. I am getting married to Andrew Taylor. He is a great Chirstian guy, and i couldn't be happier. He also has a great family. His mom,dad, and sister mean a lot to me, and i am so glad to be gaining another family. My own family is wonderful too. We are very close. I have two sisters, of which i am the middle of 3. My mom and dad are great. I am a student at Western Carolina University where i am persuing a degree in elem. ed. Basically, that's all you need to know about me, so i will fill you in on my day.

here is my family:

I substitute teach on my days off from school. Today i substituted at Tuscola High School. It was interesting to say the least. I have been a sub there many times, but today the teacher had no lesson plans for me, so i knda had to interperet things from the note that the sub from the day before had left and kind of sail through the day. Overall it turned out okay, but high school is not my forte.

Tomorrow, my Aunt Trisa is taking our engagement photo's. I am so excited. Our dog, Max, is going to be in some of them.

remeber to live in love :)

Parenting.......It Takes 3

Pumpkin Patch

Gospel vs Religion

The power of 3

Changes

Re-Cap

Something Funny......Have to Share

catch up...

The Power of Prayer

Happy Birthday Aunt Megan

A thought to share

Chapter 2: Shaping Influences

Shepherding a Child's Heart & Chapter 1

Compassion

Happy Birthday Grandma

Welcome Spring and Good Feelings

By Faith

Milestones

Old School

Happy March

I'm a do it "yourselfer"

Steps

Powerful

Favorites

Lessons Learned

Take Time

Useful Discovery

About Time

2 days until due day

39 weeks

More than ready.........

Doctor's Visit

Nesting????

3 weeks & 4 days left......or is there????

I love my Husband

hard decisions

5 weeks and counting

Today's Doctors Visit

Showered in Showers

Nursery

Only 3 more months

Prego Update:)

And the baby is.....

Happy Thanksgiving.

Pregnancy Woe's

An Update

Were Married!!!!!!!

2 days 'til we tie the knot

New Tattoo

Busy, Busy, Busy.

Great Trip to Ohio

Oh, how i love Andrew Steven Taylor

Wedding Excitement: The countdown begins!

Just some thoughts...:..

Update

Monday.....already?

Date Night

God is amazing

Wednesday

What?!

Update

Cheermania:)

Pray

The Weekend

Rain, Rain Go Away

Future In-Laws

TGIF

Life is GOD

Beautiful.

Introduction.