Happy Mothers Day

Um, yes I'm wishing you a Happy Mothers Day a few weeks late. I've been wanting to do this post for a while, there is so much to say about this day. Let me begin by telling you about my Mothers Day.
Joseph and Klayton bought me a Mothers ring and I love it! This ring was made to be stackable, so next baby God gives us I can get another ring and just add it to my finger! The reason we did this is that when I die I can leave the ring to my children. Now obviously Klayton isn't going to wear it; but I pray that I will one day have a good relationship with his wife and I can leave it to her to wear. After church my boys took me to lunch at The Outback and it was yummy. Then we went down to Iowa and surprised my mom by spending the rest of the day with her. It was a wonderful day!
Now, let me get to the sappy part of this post. For some ladies Mothers Day can bring a little "controversy" to the heart. Its a day that reminds them of their inability to concieve a child, a day that reminds them of the death of a child that is not here to celebrate with them it is a day that reminds them of the gift that they long for and they have no answer as to why God is asking them to wait. For ladies that have never been a part of any of those three instances, you will never understand how this day effects them and to be honest I am thankful that there are some who have been spared from these feelings. Its a day that should be celebrated and in spite of "controversy of the heart" ladies who are in those instances agree with the celebration of Mothers Day. I speak from both sides of the fence.
I still remember like it was yesterday, the day we decided we wanted to start our family. I remember thinking in just a couple of months I would have a baby in my tummy. I remember talking about the baby names we liked or didn't like...there were so many dreams forming in our hearts for the baby that would soon be in my tummy. Weeks started to pass, then weeks into months passed and still no baby in my tummy. I remember sitting in church on Mothers Day of 2009 and the choir singing about a Mothers heart, my heart strings were being pulled and the tears were puddled in my eyes as I thought about how thankful I was for my mom; but as I also wondered if I would ever be celebrated as a mom. We soon hit the year mark of waiting and we were at my parents preaching conference that is held at their church every year. A group from the college I attended was there singing, one of the songs they sang was A Greater Yes and that became my song. (The song is on my previous post, I found that version on youtube sung by another college group, feel free to click on the post and let it play while you finish reading this current post) The song spoke of praying with believing and I really believed that the nights I cried upon my husbands chest, nights that I cried out to God that I believed that He could give me a child in my tummy and I did believe that there must be a greater yes in my life. And I was sure it was just right around the corner...but once again months passed and my greater yes was nowhere in sight. February of 2010 had now made its appearance and I learned once again of another friend that was pregnant. I remember that night like it was yesterday: we were at my grandparents when I heard the good news and as my heart instantly sank, I was mad at myself because I really did want to be excited for her and yet all I could do was cry. I remember crying out to the Lord, I had reached the bottom of my barrel, I was done trying and I needed the Lord to rescue me from that pit. As I gave the desire completely to the Lord, I remember a sense of helplessness overwhelming me as I realized that it was no longer my battle to fight if that meant there was just months more of trying, or years that would turn into God taking my desire to carry a baby in my tummy away. What I didn't know at the was as I was giving my desire for a baby to the Lord, He was molding my Klayton Matthew in my tummy. Just a couple weeks later we learned I was pregnant.
As Mothers Day approached this year I was so excited and thankful that I could be honored as a mommy. But, truthfully I don't need a day to feel honored to be Klaytons mommy, I feel honored every day and I thank the Lord every day that I GET to be a mommy because I've learned that we don't all get to be mommies, we don't all have the same task. I choose to be thankful for dirty diapers because there is someone wishing that she had a dirty diaper to change.

10 on Tuesday

1. Yesterday we had a lazy, fun day. Slept in, grilled burgers, watched a movie and spent the evening with friends.
2. I'm still working out my first giveaway...don't worry I didn't forget.
3. My mom and I are going to do a garage sale this summer and I'm thinking about making up some jewelry to sell in it. Kind of a way to test out peoples reactions.
4. This Saturday is the 5k...remember the race I had started training for and then slacked off on? Yep, that one. I just might die of a heart attack.
5. Tonight I get to go to a Celebrating Home party, should be fun!
6. Klayton is already very independent. We have been working on feeding him apple rice cereal in the mornings.and in the evening time we introduce new foods to him, last week we started introducing fruits. Any way, we have learned he does much better eating if we let him hold the spoon along with us-crazy kid!
7. We have also been slowly introducing the sippy cup. Yesterday we tried a new cup and it was a success. He didn't drink to much out of it; but he was willing to keep it in his mouth!
8. We love to grill out in the summer...I think we have burgers once a week. Last week we tried potatoes on the grill and they were pretty yummy. What do you like to grill?
9. Joseph has been trying to stay out of trouble by making phone calls for fall meetings.
10. I love comments from my readers and I would love to hear from you about subjects you like to read about and marve I can blog about it in the future! Happy Tuesday!

A Greater Yes

10 on Tuesday

1. Congrats to my sister Kayla and her husband Kenny on the announcement of her pregnancy. Looks like Klayton will have a cousin to play with next January or February.
2. My husbands parents are here for a visit. Klayton has already been spoiled and Joseph has already hit the golf course with his dad.
3. My baby is growing so fast. Josephs mom and I sorted through Klaytons closet and packed an 18 gallon tote of clothes he's outgrown.
4. Tomorrow we are getting family pictures taken.
5. My 5k run is quickly approaching and I am still very out of shape...I might want to consider getting into some shape before June 4th.
6. Why are clothes SO expensive to buy? I would love to get some new tops for summer; but even with "sales" I'm still cheap.
7. I need to do some serious scrapping...last week I got 150 prints from Snap Fish for just the price of shipping. So, that means scrap booking is now in order.
8. I am officially behind on the Mothers Day post, my brothers wedding post and the giveaway.
9. Klayton loves squash! Thats the last veggie to introduce and later this week we can start introducing fruits!
10. I hope you all have a Happy Tuesday and I'm off to watch my baby play on his grandpas laptop!

30

Sometime back I announced that I would do my very first giveaway when I reached 30 followers and it seems the time has come! You would think that I would know exactly what I would be giving away; but I don't! So, be on the lookout for a giveaway this week!

7 Months

Klayton you are 7 months old...where is the time going?

This month:
*You attended your Uncle Calebs wedding.
*Took a road trip to Oklahoma with Grandma and Grandpa Thrasher...of course we went along as well!
*Went in a pool for the first time.
*We discovered you are allergic to carrots.
*Met yet another set of adopted grandparents, the Goforths!
(This picture was taken last week!)

You:
Weigh 15 lbs 6 oz
*Are 26 1/2 inches in length.
*Wear size 2 diapers.
*Wear 6-9 month clothing, some 3-6 and 6-12 depending on the style and who makes the brand.
*Love taking baths...I think you are going to be a water baby. When we took you in the pool you kept sticking your head quickly into the water and back out with a smile on your face.
*Two top teeth popped through, giving you 4 teeth altogether.
*You usually sleep from 10-7.
*Still hate tummy time and prefer to sit up whenever possible.
*Love to chat.
*Love playing with your toys.
*You like it when daddy and I fly you through the air.
*You are STILL a flirt!
*You have a fascination with my lips...you are always touching them, grabbing them and pinching them.
*I think you are finally beginning to like your cereal...Grandma Thrasher found you apple rice cereal and you seem to really like it. You also like sweet potatoes and green beans!
*You love going for walks in your stroller.
*When we take you to restaurants you now sit in the high chair.
*You love the outdoors.
*You are always so happy and always have a smile to share.
*If something is within reach and you want it, you will be sure to grab it!
*When you decide you are done eating your cereal or other baby food you lock your lips in such a way that there is no way of me getting that spoon in! I don't know where you get your stubborn streak from! ha!

Dear Chunky Monkey,
It still amazes me that God has blessed me with you. I'm loving these days with you and while I would love to keep you a baby forever...I know its not possible! I also know that you are going to love discovering how to crawl and being able to be on the move!
I must admit this month you made me cry...kind of hurt my feelings. I was holding you and you just started crying, wouldn't even open your eyes to look at me. I tried everything to soothe you and nothing worked. So, daddy said he would give it a try. As soon as he pulled you onto his lap you opened your eyes, stopped crying and gave me the biggest grin...it wasn't so much that you wanted daddy-it was that grin. It was as if you were laughing at me. I realize that most of the time its me you cry for; but if you decide to cry for daddy, please don't grin at me like that okay? Mommy can't handle it.
With each month that passes it reminds me that we are that much closer to your first birthday...I'm glad its still five months away because I am so not ready for that day. I want to keep you my baby forever...don't worry I know that I can't and I won't as I said I am just loving these days and most importantly I'm loving you and loving that I GET to be your mommy!
Love Ya, Babycakes,
Mama

Meatloaf for 2-4

Today at Kellys Korner she is doing Show Us Your Life, Main Dish recipes! So, I thought that even though I have been a bad blogger...I could start to redeem myself and post one of our favorites!
My husband is not a big fan of meat loaf because it is usually dry, however he claims this recipe to be edible and moist-what a great combination!

Meatloaf or Turkeyloaf

Preheat oven 350

Ingredients:
2 beaten eggs
3/4 c milk
2/3 c italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 c finely chopped onion
2 tbs parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sage or basil
1 lb ground beef (i substitute ground turkey)
1/4 c ketchup
2 tbs brown sugar
1 tsp mustard
1/8 tsp pepper

Directions:
1. In bowl, combine: eggs and milk, stir in bread crumbs, onion, parsley, salt, sage/basil and pepper. Add meat and mix well.
Pat mixture into a 9x9 baking dish.
2. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. I cover it to help keep it moist. In bowl combine ketchup, mustard and brown sugar. Spread over meat mixture and bake 10 more minutes.

10 on Tuesday

1. Yes, I have been horrible with blogging. But, I have lots of excuses why...wanna hear?
2. Well, last Tuesday we were on the road traveling down to Oklahoma City for my brothers wedding. On Tuesday we drove half way and stopped in Topeka for the night.
3. Wednesday we finally made it to Okc and I enjoyed seeing lots of old friends. As it was in Okc that I attended college from 2000-2004.
4. Thursday, was spent with family. I introduced my mom to Panera Bread, that is one of Joseph and I' s favorite places to eat.
5. Friday, was wedding rehearsal and dinner as well as bridal showers.
6. Saturday, the big day! The bride wore white, the groom showed up, the mothers cried and my little brother is now a married man!
7. Sunday, Joseph shared our ministry in 2 supporting churches and we had a great time with those 2 meetings!
8. Monday, we went to lunch with friends or as I call them adopted family. Then after lunch we took off to Haven, Kansas.
9. We arrived here last night and will be here until tomorrow. We are having a great time with our friends.
10. See, I told you I had lots of excuses...were any off those acceptable?

Bad Blogger

Lately, I have been slacking. I want to do a Mother's Day Post with pictures; but I will do that later because I am wanting to take one more picture for that post.
Anyway, I just thought I would let you all know that I was interviewed for Ministry Monday so click on the link and check it out!
Happy Monday!

10 on Tuesday

1. Well this one will be easy, yes I know its Wednesday and not Tuesday....I'm a little behind.
2. Did you know May is national scrapbook month and that Saturday is the main day for it? I asked Joseph what we were going to do to celebrate...I didn't get an answer. Maybe I will observe Saturday by scraping all day...and I'm really hoping and yes I prayed that just maybe I would win the giveaway at the scrapbook store on Saturday.
3. Training for the 5k is coming along...I don't know that I'm necessarily making great success; but I'm trying!
4. It's beginning to look like South Dakota finally got the memo on this thing called warmer weather.
5. My parents are coming up this weekend. My mom is going to come to a Mother/Daughter brunch with me. I think the added bonus for her is that she gets to see Klayton.
6. Speaking of Klayton...it appears he is allergic to carrots. I introduced carrots to him last Thursday and he broke out in a mild pinpoint rash. So, no new foods for him until that rash is gone.
7. I can't believe it; but my brother gets married in a week. No one left to marry off in my family.
8. Have I ever mentioned how I would rather clean my bathroom then do my dishes? I hate doing dishes and my dishwasher has once again gone on the fritz and isn't working. I hope it gets fixed soon.
9. I'm slowly working at introducing Klayton to sippy cups. Any suggestions? He's not to crazy about them. Since he's only 6 months I'm not pushing it. As of right now I only give him a sippy cup with juice after bath time.
10. Well, have a happy Wednesday, I'm off to find new sun glasses for Klayton since I broke his.