Monday, April 06, 2009

Easter Week Day 2

Sweet Harper in her Easter bib. She got this from a sweet blogger friend. Is it not adorable????
Thanks for all the tips on the paci. She took one for a little bit last night. Progress! I do have a huge assortment of kinds so we are trying them out one by one. If nothing else - you all made me feel better. Sometimes I just need to know I'm not alone in my mothering issues. :-) Don't we all?

Today - Jesus is my refuge and my hiding place. I struggle with anxiety and worry and there are times when there is nothing I can do but just pray and put my worries in His hands. I am not so afraid when I can hide in Him and know He is in control.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

I love Phil Wickham and I literally listen to this song over and over and over. "Divine Romance". When I found it on you tube - it was set to go with the "Passion of the Christ". How fitting is this video for Easter? Jesus loves us so much and desires a deep relationship with us. What have you done lately to show Him how much you love Him?


Finally - Candice and Steve Watters are a couple who work for Focus on the Family and they have recently written a book for couples who are thinking of starting a family or wondering whether they should have children. They have been doing a series of interviews on their blog of other bloggers - (some of your favorites - Big Mama, Angie Smith, Rocks in My Dryer, and MckMama). They interviewed me today (so not as interesting ......but scroll and read the others!). I'm giving away FIVE copies of their book. Go HERE to see how you could win!

81 comments:

Daddy Dale and Mommy Jen said...

Kelly,
Love Love Love the bib. Harper is getting so big. Thanks so much for sharing your day to day experiences with us. Hope your week is off to a great start!

Heather said...

Such a cute picture of Harper! You are very interesting and I can't wait to go and read about all y'all! I would find it odd to say I loved the movie The Passion becuase it was hard to watch at times the suffering He went through for us, but I love the story, that He would lay His life down for mine. I love this time of year.How grateful I am for His love for us.

rachel said...

Kelly-thank you for being so honest about everything! It is so refreshing to see that I am not alone on struggles in my walk with Christ! Harper is so precious! I love all of her sweet Easter outfits-I can't wait to see her Easter dress!

Rathi said...

Love the bib, too adorable! Can't wait to see the winning outfit.. Thanks again for the email last night!! Truly appreciate all the encouragement! Have a great resat of your week!

Lara said...

I'm usually just a lurker, but I had to comment on the paci situation!

My son was born at 40w6d and was 9lbs2.5oz... he also had a NICU stay before he was allowed to come home. While in the NICU the nurses gave him one of these http://www.gumdroppacifier.com they were the best!!! They are super soft and you can buy vanilla scented ones!!!

Mason was a happy gumdrop paci baby... and even has his picture on the website!!

Good luck with your journey with the paci!!!

Beth said...

Kelly,

I read your blog everyday and love to see what Harper's up to. I have a 3 year old boy and a two month old little girl.

I LOVE Harper's outfits! Where do you get her leggings? I live in Ohio (it's snowing here today:) and have never seen anything like them . . .

By the way, my son loved his paci, but my daughter was a little more hesitant. She eventually gave in and loves it now.

At one year of age, we decided to wean my son from his. By this age, he was only using it during naps and at night. That night, we just didn't give it to him. It took him a little longer to fall asleep that night, but after that it was smooth sailing. I think it was harder on me, than him:)

Take care,
Beth Evans
Ohio

The Hatfield Family said...

I love reading your blog. With the struggle my husband and I are going through it is so comforting to come and read your blog and know that there is hope. Infertility is such a hard struggle but seeing your pictures shows me that it is all worth it! That sweet baby girl is so precious and I love seeing what she is gonna have on next.

Kelly Taylor said...

Another beautiful picture and a very touching post. I'm a worrier also and it IS very comforting to know I can hide behind His word and rely on Him to carry me through.

The Pelhams said...

I posted that video on my blog a long time ago, the song is one of my absolute favorites by Phil Wickham and the video makes me cry every time I see it! Have a very Happy Easter knowing that Christ took the cross to save all of us!

AKat said...

So sweet, Kelly! I am loving your Easter Week posts. And Little Harper and her Easter bib are just too precious!

Unknown said...

Kelly, I just love reading your blog! After I started reading it, I have really become closer to God. I just want to thank you very much for that! I LOVE the fact that you are writing about Easter week and I love seeing what your favorite Praise songs are!

On another note, I just LOVE Harper's bib and Easter dress! You have the cutest taste in clothes (and awesome friends who make/give them to you :-))!! Can't wait to see how Harper does on Easter Sunday!! I'm sure she will do great!
God Bless!

Rachel said...

What a cute Easter outfit. I love the songs you are recommending. It is really helping me to prepare for Easter this weekend!

Julia said...

That's exciting! I actually listen to that blog, so I can't wait to hear your interview!

Molly W. said...

Right as I started reading this post "Divine Romance" came on my ipod. :) Awesome. Great message today Kelly -and I'm feeling like you are espeically talking to me as I sit here in my apartment in Ireland waiting for a very important phone call that will hopefully determine where my family will move to in mere months. The Lord knows. Thanks for the encouragement.

Jess :) said...

Just too precious! That bib just looks adorable on that cute as a cupcake face!! :)

Love it!! :)

Alexis said...

I'm a huge fan of both you and your sweet angel. All the best to both of you!!!

Love Being A Nonny said...

Divine Romance is one of my very favorites!!!

Kristin said...

Look at those beautiful bright eyes and precious little smile! LOVE that Harper-girl!!!

Anonymous said...

Kelly,

Love this IDEA for EASTER....You are making a huge impact on this world..Keep up the good work!!
Love your blog today!!
Diane

Sarah said...

This is my first time commenting on your blog. I really enjoy reading your blog, you are such a source of encouragement for your readers. Thank you for sharing your story for us. Harper is such a beautiful blessing!

Unknown said...

Harper is just adorable, as is that bib - just precious! Thank you for sharing the song/video. It's a very special week leading up to Easter...

Jennifer said...

Kelly:

I'm glad she took a paci for a while last night. Some words of wisdom I got from a mentor mom in my life is to celebrate the small stuff. Celebrate the small victories..... if she only took if for a few minutes..... whooo hooo! Praise her. She'll learn from your small encouragement. They are really smart and before you know it she'll prove it to you:) Enjoy it ALL as it goes way to fast. I have a 2year old that had to run back to me from nap time to tell me she loved for the first time. I honestly NEVER thought I would hear it. Momma love you was what she said, and let me tell you everything is heart melting and thankfully GOD is there for us when we feel defeated.

Roan said...

What a great idea for a themed week!

The Stockton Crew said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the hairbow!!!! Where did you get that?? I think you are interesting and I can't wait to go read about everyone. I am enjoying the Easter blogs, keep them coming!

Niki said...

Kelly,
Harper's bib is so cute!! She seems to smile bigger and brighter in every picture you post! I love that song by Phil Wickham!! Thank you for being so inspiring!

Leza said...

Harper looks adorable as usual. She has the most perfectly shaped, gorgeous face. Watch out Arkansas there's a heartbreaker on the loose.

Thanks for sharing the video. I have not seen that movie since it came out, but now I'm reminded of how much it impacted my life...I'm going to rent it tonight.

I hope Harper has a great first Easter.

LOVE the pictures.

Valerie said...

She is too cute!!

Mrs. J Manny said...

phil is my fave! my favorite song is Beautiful. I get to see him in just 4 weeks and I cant wait!!!!

Anonymous said...

She just gets cuter every single day! What a blessing! My Ethan takes the pacifier from the hospital. When he was in the NICU they gave it to him like candy lol so he loves it. And it was the only one he would ever touch! I'm glad she's working on it lol =) It's been a savior for me sometimes! I'm listening to the song while I'm writing and it's beautiful almost haunting music. Thanks! I so look forward to reading your blog every day!

Becky said...

don"t give up on the paci. my little one started taking 1 after being a thumb sucker at 8-9 months!!

Jennifer said...

I really hope Brody gets married to a girl as cute and sweet as Harper!! Haha!

The interview was great! I'm so amazed at how God has used Harper's story to touch so many lives. It's so awesome!

Immeasurably More Mama said...

I just LOVE this theme week idea, Kelly! Harper looks adorable in both of the outfits you've shown us!!!

As a boy mommy, I'm having to live vicariously through you. (:

Together We Save said...

Love the bib. So cute.

Gail said...

Harper is soooooooooo adorable! Thank you for this theme week,I so enjoyed this first day and am looking forward to each day. Wait! I can't say I enjoyed the video it brought tears to my eyes.Just to think about the suffering He went through for me! Grateful just doesn't seem enough. Thank you for sharing your life with us. It's a joy for me to read your blog!!

Lea Liz said...

Love the bib and of couse her big bow!!!!!!

I love that song and video, so touching !!!

I may just have to get a copy of that book!!!

rae said...

Too Cute!! I love the bib...and Harper of course!!

Fabulous teacher said...

Hi Kelly,

Our son never really took the paci, but when he did it was only the ones from the hospital. He didn't like the others. He sucks his thumb, and around 6 months (I know this doesn't help now) he became attached to his teddy bear. It goes with him everywhere. The only way we could keep him calm the first 4 months out was in the Snuggli. That saved our lives. He also will only sleep with a floor fan and a sound machine going. Hope this helps. Also, you inspired me to give church another try...especially during this beautiful season. Apparently, God had other plans for me since I threw out my back on Friday. ha Not fun taking care of a 2 1/2 year old with a bad back. Loving your blog entries this week. I need them! Thank you!

ClintandGina said...

I love the Easter pictures of Harper. She gets cuter & cuter everyday.........and makes me SUPER excited for my own baby girl to arrive on July 1st.

Amanda said...

Hi Kelly. With you mentioning that sometimes you just need to know that you're not alone in your mothering issues, I wanted to give you an idea...
Have you thought about attending a MOPS group? MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers and all moms (prego through your last child finishing Kindergarten) are welcome to attend. It's Christ based, and still outreach oriented - so you get to build relationships with other moms that are in the trenches with you. Harper is still little, but as she grows, she'll be cared for and you'll get to have "Kelly" time. I am a coordinator of a group here in FL and it just blesses my socks off! I wanted to encourage you to check it out. Go to www.mops.org and on the left you can type in your zip code and locate MOPS groups in your area.

Just a thought!

Staci said...

I love that bib! I also love how you link to the person that so lovingly gave you these gifts. With all these freebies you should have some giveaways. lol I am just a sucker for giveaways!

Anonymous said...

Kelly,
Your blog brings much joy, smiles and laughter to me each day! Harper is the most precious little girl and I love seeing all of her adorable photos. You love and faith shines through in every journal and is an inspiration to many.
Hugs to all of your family,
Linda

Amanda said...

Hi Kelly! Love "Divine Romance", but I suggest you check out Caleb and Sol Rexius. They are from Eugene, Oregon, which is where I am from, and their music is amazing. Their mom was my teacher in elementary school! They are on iTunes now, and developing quite the following. It is beautiful, original worship music!!!

Jen said...

Once again...Cute as can be!!

~Mrs. Guru~ said...

Such a great song!

Laurie said...

Cute cute picture and bib!

Unknown said...

Kelly, I've been lurking here awhile, I got your blog from a friend I follow on Twitter. I've only been on since right after you had your wonderful Baby Harper. I have to say that reading your blog is inspirational.

And I have to say that there were many nights holding on to my daughter while she cried that I could do nothing but pray & rock. As for paci's my boys never took to 'em & my daughter discovered her thumb before I could get her a paci. though my SIL is going through the "taking a paci" thing. If she finds anything I'll pass along the info.

Krista said...

AHhhhh!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Phil Wickham! I've seen him in concert...and ever since I heard his song Divine Romance, I've always pictured that song at my wedding... so this June, in only 68 days from today, that song will be played at my wedding! I am thrilled! I want people to see that my fiance & I put Christ first, above all else - despite how difficult that is at times.
Anyways. Reading this made my day! Blessings from sunny (& WARM!)Seattle,
Krista

Amanda said...

They also have a blog (calebandsol.blogspot.com) I am not at all affiliated with them, it is just some of my favorite worship music

Courtney said...

I love Harper's bib. They make such cute stuff for girls. I have been looking for a cute one for my nephew.
Courtney

Claire said...

Oooh, that bib is precious! Such a pretty girl!

Cxx

Pippa Faz said...

Hi Kelly!
I know that you get tons of emails/comments every day and I just want to say that you truly are a beautiful person. I love that you share so much with us about how GOD is working in your lives. He is awesome and faithful and your blog shows us that! Have a great wonderful week!!!

Katie said...

Hi there, Miss Harper! Look at you in your big, pink, "diamond"-studded bow! :o)

I have never seen "Passion of the Christ." I have wanted to, just never have yet. I really want to see it sometime this week.

Miss Sweet Tea said...

I love seeing Harper's new pictures everyday!!! You guys are having so much fun :)

Tori Squires Gilliam said...

Kelly,
I have not commented often but I love your blog!! I am a speech language pathologist and would recommend picking a paci an sticking with that one. It can get a little confusing for the little ones if you keep changing up the nipple (since different ones require different suck "styles"). I also had to train by babies to take one LOL....and had no regrets. Carter takes a nuk and Riley liked the mamm.

Good luck!

Jenna said...

That bow. That bib. That beautiful babe! All 3 are doing my soul good at this moment. :-)

Your interview was so great, and I loved what you said in this post about Jesus being a refuge and hiding place - oh the peace knowing that brings! Thank you for sharing that, sweet friend - I am loving this Theme Week!

Ya'll have a great night!

by: Allison said...

Thanks so MUCH for the bible verses today. I needed those words to get me through the day. I love reading your blog daily and all the great info you share. Keep it up and enjoy Harper daily.
Allison
www.jansens-journey.blogspot.com

Angie R. said...

So cute!! Just keep working at the paci, my daughter was a thumb sucker, so we were determined my son would take a paci. Took a few weeks of working with him, but he finally used it to soothe himself.

Oonie said...

Oh, Kelly, you outdid yourself with this one--this is just about the sweetest baby face in internet history! I lurve this photo.
Happy Easter!

Becky said...

Hi Kelly!
I absolutely ADORE Phil Wickham and his song was even more powerful set to the movie.

Thanks for sharing that with us!! A great reminder this week.

Alissa said...

Divine Romance was my favorite song for a LONG time! I even had it as my ringtone on my phone for a long time!

Unknown said...

Hi Kelly,

I love what you're doing on your blog this week. What an awesome way to celebrate Holy Week! Thanks for sharing the wonderful worship music/videos. I love the sweet pictures of Harper. She looks adorable in her Easter attire!

MBKimmy said...

I tried so hard to leave a comment on the paci post - it wouldn't let me ...
so ... I just wanted to wish you luck and to tell you that you are NOT ALONE! I FINALLY got my son Bowden to take a paci at 6 months ... TOOK forever, but really it is so so much easier to go in public and to be out and about. So many people told me I was nuts for pushing it, but I just needed some QUIET - don't give it - she will take it soon - I gave up for a while and I wish I wouldn't have!

Angie said...

Cute bib! Keep trying with the paci. She'll let you know if she wants it. My little boy is 11 months and he would never take the paci. He did suck his thumb for about 4 months, but when he got mobile, he completely forgot about the thumb (he was too busy getting into everything!). So don't stress too much. They are so much smarter than we are :-)

Unknown said...

Kelly, I am finding great comfort in your Easter posts. I am grieving right now over the loss of my brother-in-law, and am trying so hard to learn on the Lord and let His love comfort me. Harper is cute as usual!

Sheryl

Mommy3 said...

She is super cute! Oh and I found a brand new baby Harper if you want to donate some outgrown things to her! I know you mentioned that in a different post. I Love the bows on her!!!http://corbyandlauren.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-03-21T06%3A25%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7

Lauren said...

LOVE that bib! What a cutie pie!

Unknown said...

Love the song! Thanks for sharing it. I have enjoyed reading your posts this week and can't wait to read the rest of your Easter posts this week.

Blessings!
Paige

Traveler said...

how exciting!!!

Jacquie said...

Cute pic of Harper (as usual!)

That's a great song - I'd never heard it before. And I enjoyed reading through the Watters blog.

PotsandDots said...

Her face is so precious. You can just see God's love all over that sweet face. I also love the fact that your a big bow momma!!

Ryan said...

Love your blog! My little girl, Evie, is a tad younger than Harper, so it's fun to see what we have to look forward to!

Anonymous said...

I always put a little applesauce or something sweet on the paci so she would love it! ;)
That song is GREAT!

warmfuzzies said...

How absolutely precious!!!? I love it!

Kerri said...

You know my second daughter NEVER took a paci or a bottle for that fact. She would just refuse them. When I went back to work she still refused the. I am a nurse and work 12 hour shifts and that little stinker would hold out until I got home from workand than eat all night. I jst adapted my schedule. I work 2 days a week and I just made sure I never worked 2 days in a row. She is 4 and still is stubburn, but I wouldn't change her a bit. She is too funny.

Vicki said...

You may not ever get around to reading this, but I was so glad (yes, glad) to read that you sucked your thumb until 12 (were you serious), my grandson will turn 11 in a couple of weeks, and he still sucks his thumb. Call it crazy, but it was comforting to read that in your blog. And yes, he just had an expander put in his mouth, and he manages to find a way to suck his thumb!
I love reading all about Miss Harper and you are such an inspiration!
Vicki

Cary Hairbows said...

Kelly,

I am enjoying your Holy week reflections.

Your interview was so not boring (really!)...loved reading it. I craved Mexican night and day with my first baby. She, to this day, is a fiesty, strong willed lady (can I blame all that spicy food? LOL).

Your sweet mom emailed me yesterday to say a quick hello...it made my day. You are all (no, make that "ya'll" lol) sooooo precious.

trishandwade said...

When my husband & I got married in October, we had Divine Romance played during the ceremony while we took the Lord's Supper together for the first time as husband & wife. I love this song!

valerie said...

Harper is just about the cutest little thing! I can't believe how she's grown. I was looking back at some of my old posts last night and saw one where I posted a prayer request for her while she was still in critical condition. It's so wonderful to see how God has healed her little body. What a testimony her precious life has been already.

It's so hard not to worry. I'm 49 years old and just recently am making progress in that area. :) I think one of the best lessons I've ever heard is Beth Moore's series "Who Will You Trust" that I ordered off Life Today (James Robison). It's very good. Beth has taught me to pray God's Word and it gives such peace and comfort.

When you have little ones there is a lot of extra worry. I'll keep you in my prayers.

I'm thinking of the song that I heard on another blog this morning "His Eye Is On The Sparrow." I love the message in that song.

Have a blessed day....you and sweet little Harper.

Valerie in Oklahoma

The Cohen's said...

I read your blog every day, but lurk more than I post! Sorry.

I wanted to comment on the Gumdrop paci too! My son tried about 11 or 12 different pacies, and since he was coming to work with me, I couldn't let him comfort nurse all day like he wanted to. I ended up buying the gumdrop as a last resort, and he took right to it! Now we're wondering how to get it away from him. HA HA! But, they are GREAT and very cost effective!

Harper is GORGEOUS! I prayed and prayed while she was in the hospital, I'm so glad she's healthy and home!

the Paisley Moon said...

love your blog! She gets more beautiful everyday! Thanks for sharing your life with us!

Amber

Anonymous said...

your blog makes me smile everytime! my husband doesn't understand why I want to read about a perfect stranger... I just said, "she's no stranger"
LOVE IT!
ps. what's up with that horrible ad floating accross your blog?