Playing while we can

My friend Rebekah invited us over for a little play date today! I was SOOOOO excited because they are calling for a foot of snow here starting tomorrow and that means we probably won't leave the house again until this weekend.  So I was THRILLED to have some activities today. 

My friend Jennifer and her little sweet Jillian came and so did Laurie and Sarah Kate. Seeing sweet little Jillian made me anxious to have Hollis here and have a little baby again! She is SOOOOOO cute! Her big brother Brody was at MDO so we missed him.  I think Jennifer may be a little stressed after getting a glimpse into her future with girls.  Maybe it's not all girls - but all the girls I know are DRAMATIC! These 3 cuties: Harper, Sarah Kate and Cilla took turns crying and throwing fits over every little thing. We just had to laugh.  It's funny how you can see the differences in the sexes at such young ages!

We had a lot of fun playing and visiting.  Harper and I left there to make a trip to Target for last minute supplies.  I'm so glad we went there because it wasn't too busy.  I went to Wal-Mart yesterday and you would think it was Apocolypse Now.  I know all of you in the North or the West laugh at us but in the south - the world comes to an END when it snows. And the grocery stores are "enter at your own risk". 

So we are stocked up on a ton of food and ready for the storm to come.  Or as ready as we can be. I hope I will use a little time this week to get things done and not get cabin fever too bad.


Here is a schedule for SUYL Fridays for the next few months. I'll also post it on
www.kellyskornershowusyourlife.blogspot.com

February 4 - Tell us what you feed your toddlers/preschoolers - HELP!
February 11 - Tell us your hair and beauty tips!
February 18 - Tell us about your alma mater
February 25 - Tell us what you make (etsy stores, clothes, bows, etc)
March 4 - Tell us about your family - parents, brothers, sisters - feature them!
March 11 - Show us your kids’ birthday parties
Break because I will be having Hollis sometime around here
April 1 - Tell us about your church
April 8 - Tell us mother’s day/father’s day ideas
April 15 - Tell us what is on your book list right now
April 22 - Tell us how you stay organized
April 29 - Tell us about your favorite vacation spots (include places to eat , stay, what to do)
May 6 - Share your home school stories (how it works for you, curriculum, etc)
May 13 - Favorite Main course recipe
May 20 - Favorite Dessert
May 27 - Favorite appetizer recipe

And also - this is the sweetest book written about sisters and Erica felt led to write a whole series of books and each one has a memory making activity, along with a craft and a recipe to encourage more quality time.  If you know a set of sisters or have girls yourself - this would be a great book to have! I'm giving one away here on Friday - just come leave me a comment! www.kellyskornerreviews.blogspot.com

Warm Days, Frozen Meals, and a Fun Event

It's the end of January, right??? I'm so confused because we were in the 70's here today and it was beautiful outside. Of course they are forecasting a huge snowstorm next week. But we had to get out and try to enjoy this day anyway! We piled the whole family in the car and headed out for a city park but so did the other 30,000 people in my town. So we just kept driving past a couple of parks and ended up coming home and just taking a walk (after a stop at Sonic Happy hour!)

Also - you'll be glad to know Dawson got groomed today. I haven't gotten Harper groomed yet. (ha!) Dawson even got a report card with an A plus that said he was a "really good boy". I was so proud!

So - I mentioned a few posts back that I plan to freeze some meals before Hollis comes. I did this before Harper came and it was a HUGE help. Our Sunday School class brought us meals for about 3 weeks but even after that - it was nice not to have to worry about cooking. This time I'm thinking about the first few weeks and we have family staying with us - I don't want anyone worrying about meals. I have a few ideas of what I'll make and freeze - but I was wondering - do any of you have suggestions of things you have made and froze that worked out well? I figure if I can make a meal or two every week for the next 6 weeks or so - that would leave us well stocked!

And finally - this is for local girls - but I want you to put something on your calendar now!!! I know All of you or most of you probably read Angie Smith's blog (and if you don't - shame on you!)(ha!) She is an amazing, Godly woman with a huge testimony. Her husband happens to have a pretty awesome voice and is the lead singer with Selah. Angie has written a book about her story "I will carry you" and has just finished her second book. And she is about to start touring and speaking with Women of Faith. God's hand has really been on her recently and He is using her in mighty ways. And I love that because she is such a wonderful role model and also - she's absolutely hilarious. And she is so cute. It's a little too much actually. ha! She's also the mother to five precious girls (including sweet Audrey in heaven).
SO ........................the exciting news is she is going to be speaking at a women's event at my church (FBC Bentonville) on Saturday, February 26th at 9 a.m. AND I want you to all PLEASE come!!!! You will be SO blessed! Put it on your calendar now - tell your husbands they have to keep the kids for about two hours that Saturday (there is no football and no lawns to be mowed so I'm sure they will be happy to!) ha! I'll write about it again closer to time and give more specifics but if you live anywhere near me - I really hope you will come and hear what God will say through Angie and hug her neck!

Friday Night Serenade

Harper did a little bathroom serenade (and dance) for us so I thought I would share. Of course at one point her tongue becomes WAY more interesting to her than the actual singing.
(She made up her dance moves all by herself!)

Don't forget to scroll down to the next post for encouraging stories of adoption (or share yours!)

Show Us Your Life - TELL US YOUR ADOPTION STORIES

 I think Adoption is an AMAZING thing! I know that many of you have amazing adoption stories and many of you are thinking about or praying about adopting.  I hope and pray that many of you will share your stories here by linking up your blogs. IF you don't have a blog - please leave a brief story in the comments for others to read! 
I asked my friend Catherine to share her story here.  She doesn't have a blog and she is one of the sweetest, most Godly women I know and her story has given me so much hope and encouragement! I pray it will do the same for you!



"But as for me, it is good to be near God.  I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge.  I will tell of all your deeds." Ps. 73: 28

My adoption story is so precious that I am not sure I can possibly convey the wonder since I feel I must limit the length in this format.  It means so much to able to share the story that I will try, here on Kelly's blog, to tell you of how we have been blessed.  Thank you, Kelly, for inviting me to tell our story.  Our adoption journey began with infertility. For 2 years, my husband Jeremy and I waited, prayed, and puzzled over our failure to conceive.  At last, I became pregnant and with great joy announced the news to our family and friends. Just days later, we lost the baby and experienced the deepest pain and heartache.  After 2 more years of trying and consulting with a fertility specialist, we became pregnant again and again we lost our baby.

Infertility is the most painful experience of my life and no real reason for it had ever been discovered.   My faith was challenged in a way I had never thought possible.  After more trying without success, we began to consider adoption.  We approached this cautiously, not knowing if we could afford the expense of adoption; but wondering if this was the way that God had intended to grow our family.  Had He closed my womb so that we would be obedient to His plan of adoption for us?  Initially we researched on line and received advice from family and friends.  My husband's aunt, an RN, learned of a birth mom who was considering placing her unborn child for adoption.  We met with this birth mom, formed a special bond, prayed with her and agreed to an adoption plan.  She stayed firm in her resolve and when her baby boy was born, we were able to select his name to be placed on the birth certificate.  Our attorney had advised us to be cautious about taking immediate custody because there had been some doubt about the birthfather's consent all along.  We were excited but nervous and after a few tense days; the birth father appeared with an attorney and asserted his parental right.  Our dream of adopting this precious boy was crushed.

In the next year, we learned of other babies potentially available for adoption, but one by one, birth parents changed their minds or birth grandparents stepped in to raise the child.  We were even contacted by a lady who fraudulently misrepresented herself as being pregnant and ready to place her baby for adoption.  Thankfully, we had a very savvy lawyer who got involved and put a stop to the situation.  We learned that she was using this same deception on other couples as well.  It seemed that we would never become parents.  We were battered and bruised and I was almost unwilling to pursue another adoption.  We had paid an expensive fee to an adoption facilitator in CA, but no one had expressed an interest in our on line profile.  Many people from all across the country were praying for us.  A lady from my parent's church sent me a prayer line and referred us to her friend, an adoption attorney.  I was skeptical and inclined to just ignore this referral and wait for our facilitator, but my parents encouraged us to pursue this lead.  It was a small law practice in a small town and we live in a large metropolitan area.  I couldn't imagine what could come of that lead. We had a teleconferenced interview with the attorney and did not come away from it with any real hope.  Months later, we were surprised that a birthmother had chosen our profile through that law office and wanted to meet us.  We were as usual, hesitant, but decided to travel out of state to meet her.  She was very firm in her resolve to place the baby for adoption, stating she had considered abortion, but had chosen adoption since it was an available option.  The father also signed his consent.  We liked them both. The birth mom had a very funny and outgoing personality.  We began to attend Dr. appointments with her and were thrilled to see a precious baby girl on her ultrasounds.  

About 6 weeks into our adoption plan, I learned that I was pregnant again!  We were shocked, almost numb and as much as we wanted the baby I was carrying; we also wanted the baby girl we hoped to adopt.  Our Dr. was cautious about my ability to even carry the pregnancy but discovered that I had a blood clotting disorder and began to treat it.  We knew we had to be honest with the birthmother, but we feared she would change her mind and choose another couple to adopt her baby.  Many people joined us in prayer as we met with her to tell her our news.  She was actually excited about my pregnancy and said it was the perfect sequel to our story since she had not wanted her baby to be an only child.

Three months later, it was time for our baby girl to be born. The birthmother wanted us in the delivery room, which was our great privilege.  We prayed with her and loved on her and rejoiced in the easy and quick delivery of a healthy baby girl.  I cut the cord and, at the birthmother's request; our precious daughter was placed in my arms.  It was unspeakable joy, a moment of pure awe and praise to God.  Our hearts were so full, it is still indescribable.  She was and is the most beautiful and precious baby girl we have ever seen.  Our Anna Elizabeth makes us laugh every day and brings such joy.  We will always remember her birth family with love and we pray for them often.

Four and a half months later, I gave birth to a healthy baby boy.  Could there be any more joy for us?  Not that we could imagine.  Our sweet baby David was equally precious and our family seemed perfect.  For the next two years, we experienced every joyful aspect of parenting - birthday parties, Christmas and Easter, zoos and playgrounds to name a few.  Our hearts were filled with gratitude to the Lord.  We will never stop praising Him and giving Him the glory for the great things He has done.

Just before David's 2nd birthday, I was surprised to become pregnant again.  Our California adoption facilitator had recently contacted us to see if we were still interested in adoption through them since our fee had already been paid and was not refundable.  When we learned I was pregnant, we put any thought of another adoption on hold, but just a few weeks into my pregnancy, we had another miscarriage.  Seeing the sweet faces of my toddlers helped the pain to be more bearable but we still grieved our loss.  The same day we found out about the miscarriage, the adoption facilitator contacted us again and said a young woman had seen our on line profile and was considering us along with several other couples to parent her unborn baby boy.  We half-heartedly answered questions she submitted, thinking that she would never choose us considering we had 2 very young children already.  We were shocked and thrilled when we got a call.  She had selected us, and wanted to proceed with an adoption plan.  Her baby was due in 3 more months and would be born in CA. She and the birthfather were both quite young and agreed that they were not ready to parent and adoption was their choice.  We enjoyed forming a phone friendship with this young woman and made plans to attend her baby's birth expected to be around Christmas time.

Early in November we had a phone call - she had gone into labor probably 6-8 weeks early and the baby was about to be delivered.  We got our prayer warriors on board and I scrambled to fly to CA leaving Jeremy with our toddlers until grandparents could arrive.  Our baby Daniel was born weighing 4#,6 oz.  He was beautiful, another incredible blessing.  Jeremy and I stayed with him in the NICU at every possible opportunity and after 2 ½ weeks, on Thanksgiving Day; we boarded a plane with our tiny gift from God and came home.  Our two year olds and our parents waited to meet him and again we rejoiced at the goodness of God and His absolutely perfect plan.  Jeremy and I have never had more fun than we do with these 3 adorable children.  They are simply the smartest and most beautiful children on the planet.  :-)  And the grandparents?  Oh my - off the charts is all I will say!!!!  We are amazed at God's goodness and His provision for our every need.  We are not wealthy - my husband is a minister and I have been a stay at home Mom since the children arrived, but the Lord has richly provided our needs, sometimes in miraculous ways.

For us, adoption is God's answer to the heartache of infertility and for many, also to the heartache of abortion.  If you are considering adoption, prayerfully seek God's guidance, be open to the pain of possible disappointment, but hopeful for the joy of that moment when a precious baby is placed in your arms, entrusted to you for a lifetime of blessings.  Don’t let finances stand in your way, God will provide a way for you if you are open to His plan. God bless you as you seek Him in this journey.  It would be my privilege to pray for you if you would desire it, so I will have Kelly share my email with you if you choose to contact me with questions or prayer requests.   jerandcat@gmail.com

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all the generations, for ever and ever! Amen."  Ephesians 3: 20-21              Love in Christ,  Catherine

Play Group and Prayer Requests

We had play group at my friend Amber's house today and it was one of the best play groups we have had in a while. The kids all played together well and us moms all got to sit together at the dining table and really talk and it was just nice to be able to relax with my friends and visit and Harper had a great time playing. It's fun for her to go to a different house and play with things she doesn't usually play with - especially when it's a boy's house and she can play with Handy Manny tools and a drum set!

Harper and her friend Alex. I think she was helping him with his drink. She's real into "helping" lately. She wants to help us do EVERYTHING. She loves to help her daddy eat. She also loves to help pick up toys which is nice! She loves to help me empty the dishwasher and load the laundry. Sometimes her help makes my work twice as much work - but it's nice to see her wanting to help so I let her!

I've been sent a lot of prayer requests so I thought I would list a few for you to lift up. I think maybe after today I will probably begin to list all prayer requests over on www.prayergates.com and probably tweet them as well. I'm just not good about always getting them in blog posts so that's probably the way I will be handling them from here on out.

1. First - if you could pray for a family in my town. A 4th grader at the elementary school right down the road from me had a soccer goal fall on him yesterday and he passed away last night. It's a tragic loss for our town and I can't imagine how his family feels - if you could pray for them.

2. Pray for the Whittaker family. They are missionaries in Haiti and shortly after the earthquake last year - their young daughter was diagnosed with cancer and she has now been given just months to live. http://www.howcantheyhear.org/

3. Pray for the Kladitis family. They lost their infant son Anthony 9 days after he was born. http://dreamingnorth.blogspot.com/

4. Pray for a lady who's daughter has a rare disease, Cyntosis. The mother may be facing breast cancer and the daughter needs a kidney transplant. The mother plans to donate her kidney but now may not be able to. (I don't have names - just pray!)

5. Pray for Kelli Johnson and family. She and her 5 yr old daughter were skiing on Christmas eve and were hit by a snowboarder. The daughter was killed and Kelli has a traumatic brain injury. She also has a 5 month old baby boy and a 3 yr old daughter. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kellijohnson http://wyojohnsonjourney.blogspot.com/

6. 4 year old Caitlyn has been battling cancer for two years. Doctors have told her family the best thing they can do is to go home and live her life to the fullest. Her cancer has been spreading. Please pray for this sweet girl and family. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/caitlyn09

7. Pray for the Flowers family. The mom was 34 and passed away last year in her sleep. The dad died of a heart attack recently - leaving four boys ages 6-14.
http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/Tragedy_Strikes_a_College_Station_Family_-_Twice_113637854.html

8. Pray for this sweet family - they are expecting a little baby Grace who has several issues and may not live long after birth. Pray for a miracle and for peace and comfort for them. My heart goes out to them. http://giftsfromgrace.blogspot.com/

32 weeks

I'm 32 weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 32 Weeks

Size of baby: Hollis is the size of a sack of potatos (about 3.75 lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 14 lbs
At the Dr's office they said I gained 16 lbs but at home I wear the same thing every time I weigh in and at the dr I had on flip flops & a sundress the first weigh in and today heavy boots and clothes so I'm going to stick with my at home weight gain!

Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity jeans and pants but everything else is regular. I'm down to just a few things I can still fit into. ha!

Gender: It's a girl!!! Hollis Barrett Stamps

Movement: She is VERY active - especially in the afternoon and at night

Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty good!

What I miss: Nothing really - maybe sleeping on my stomach? Or bending over? ha!

Cravings: I've lost my appetite lately - I think maybe my stomach has run out of room?

Symptoms: Lately I've been having a lot of pressure - mostly because she is low and it's the second pregnancy. I think my morning sickness may be back.

Best Moment this week: Doctor's visit today and hearing her heartbeat! She is measuring right on track and everything looks good!

I had a rough day yesterday. I went to Bible Study and then Laurie and I went to visit a shut in from church and while we were at their house I started getting super nauseous. So I came home and slept while Harper napped and then I started having a lot of pain - maybe more pressure than anything. So as soon as Scott finished working - he took over taking care of Harper and I got in bed. I was SO sick. I thought maybe I had gotten the stomach flu but now I think maybe my morning sickness might be back? Thankfully after all that rest - my pain/pressure is gone. I'm trying really hard to slow down and take it easy but it's SO hard when you have a toddler and when I feel like I have SO much to do before Hollis comes - along with cleaning house and laundry and everything else that needs to be done. Right now I'm just so thankful for MDO so I can get a few hours of rest or a few things done and for Scott who is really helping me! I don't know how Mrs. Duggar does it - having so many babies! ha!
(I should add I saw my doctor today and I think I'm okay - just normal second baby/sitting low feelings. And I feel much better tonight!!!)

P.S. I'll try to get a full schedule up by tomorrow but Friday's SUYL is going to be all about adoption. I realize that doesn't affect most people but I thought it would be fun for people to share their adoption experiences and I know a lot of you may be thinking that way or considering adoption - and it might be helpful! Adoption is a wonderful thing!!!! So if you have adopted - I pray you will share your story with us on Friday!!!

Making room for baby

I'm about 7 weeks out from having Hollis and I'm making my lists and checking them twice.

Not only do I need to get the nursery finished and everything completely ready there but I feel like there are all these other things to do like..............

1. Bring down all baby gear from attic and set up (i.e. swing, bouncy seat, pack and play)
2. Schedule dentist appointments for me and Scott
3. Schedule eye appointment for me
4. Get taxes done
5. Make and freeze meals
6. Get Harper groomed UPDATE: (DO Y'ALL REALIZE HOW MUCH I NEED SLEEP ???? I meant get Dawson groomed. Thanks for pointing out what I wrote! Although Harper could probably use a good grooming too. ha! My mom let me know yesterday that I sent a thank you to my in-laws to their house instead. I'm losing it.)
MORE UPDATE: I drove across town to a baby shower tonight and realized I had left the present by the back door where I was sure NOT to forget it. ha! Had to drive home and get it and was 30 minutes late to the shower. LOSING IT!

I'm sure there are a ton more..............I'm working on my list. I feel like I need to get all these things done before Hollis comes probably because with Harper we unexpectedly spent a month away from home and even though I know that (hopefully) won't happen this time - I think it causes me a little panic. Also - I'm not sure I'll be ready to just jump back into the busyness of life with two kids right away.

I also had someone email me and ask me if I planned to do anything special for Harper at the hospital or give her a special gift? I want to do something - but I'm not sure what yet? Do y'all have any ideas for me? She just yesterday has started to point at my belly and say "Baby Hollis". But I'm fairly certain she honestly has no idea (even though I tell her several times a day) that an actual baby is about to come live at our house full time. You should see the meltdowns she has when Dawson sits on my lap. JEALOUSY! I told Scott today I can't imagine how it might cause drama for me to be nursing her new baby sister. She might need counseling. ha! Thankfully she will be getting a TON of attention at first from the grandparents which MIGHT help ease the pain?
What did you do for your firstborn when that second born came? Anything special?

Marriage

Today is a big day in our family - my parents are celebrating FORTY years of marriage! FORTY! In today's society - that's a HUGE milestone. And not only are they still married but they still really love each other. In fact - they still really LIKE each other! ;-) I'm thankful to have parents who have had such a strong marriage and have demonstrated to me what it should look like. They also try hard to encourage us to work on our marriage and offer to keep Harper so we can take dates or vacations alone to put our marriage first. I appreciate that SO much! Happy 40th Anniversary Mom and Dad! I love you so much!

Today has made me think about marriage. And maybe the singles day on Friday made me think about it too. Marriage is something God invented. It's amazing to have a partner for life to be with you through the good and the bad - to travel life's journey with. Marriage is also work. It's not always roses and fancy dinners and romantic music. And when you have very young children - it can easily fall into a routine of living like roommates. But marriage is also a covenant we make to each other and with God and it's NOT to be taken lightly. It makes me sad to watch celebrities get married knowing they probably won't last 5 years. It's something easily broken and thrown away in the world's eyes.

I've gotten a lot of comments asking why I don't talk about Scott more on my blog. My blog is really more to document my children because they grow so fast - I want to record our memories. And I don't mind being an open book because it's MY blog. But Scott is a private person. He doesn't like having his picture on here too often and I also feel like our marriage is sacred ground and something that doesn't need to be put out in public. We have a GOOD marriage but it's not perfect. There are days when I love him so much I can't hardly stand it and I feel so thankful for him and there are days (especially when I'm hormonal) when I think "I can not live with this man another second and how am I going to support these two girls on my own?" ha! Those are usually just fleeing thoughts because divorce is just not an option with me. We are in this thing together. I'm thankful that God brought me Scott and I love being able to spend my life as his wife.


I love this song by Andrew Peterson "Dancing in a Minefield" - it's a great song about marriage.

Praying for our marriages today. Mine and all of yours. Praying we all can celebrate 40, 50 or 70 years of marriage and still come out liking each other! :-)

Singles, Stomach bug, Snow days, Special parties, and Sibling Outfits

So first of all - don't forget to scroll down and check out the Singles Day post below! I think there are a few love connections in the works and I'm SOOOOO excited! IF you participated and meet someone and sparks fly and dates happen - PLEASE let me know. I think I speak for everyone when I say "WE WANT UPDATES PEOPLE!!!!!"

So we've had an eventful few days. Wednesday night we were up all night because Harper had the stomach bug. There is really nothing worse. Bless her heart - I HATE having a sick kid. You just feel so helpless. We didn't sleep but maybe an hour the whole night. And then Thursday it snowed. So we have spent the last few days at home.  We have stayed in our pj's and played with play dough, read books, watched Elmo DVD's and anything else I could think of to keep her occupied.

I've been working on cleaning out closets to make room for Hollis. I have started hanging up all of Harper's clothes for Hollis and I barely remember some of the outfits. They are so tiny! I can't believe she was ever that small.  I found my wedding veil and let Harper try it on.  Scott did not like the looks of that. ha!

We had a miracle night on Thursday night.  Harper was catching up on her sleep I guess and she slept ALL NIGHT and didn't wake up until 9:30.  Now I realize that is a normal thing at probably 88% of your houses when you have 2 year olds but it's once in a lifetime for us.  She even took a 3 hour nap on Friday.  I thought to myself  "So this is how most moms feel every day".  Be thankful if you have a child who sleeps. We were back to being up from 1-3 a.m. last night and basically no nap today.  I'm determined Hollis is going to be a sleeper. :-) I have all the books and sleep training programs memorized this time!

Today we had a birthday party to go to and I was SOOOOOO thankful because I get cabin fever when I am stuck at home for several days in a row.  I was so excited to go and play! It was basically all the same friends who were at Harper's party last week - same place, and same time! We all said we were afraid our kids were going to get used to this.

Neely and Sarah Kate.  Bless Laurie's heart - she had on the monkey shirt today. (she wants to wear it every day)

These 3 girls are best friends and I think they are so sweet. They had a sleepover last week and I loved hearing about it and thinking about how fun it will be in about 3 years when Harper starts having sleepovers with her best friends! I can't wait!

The birthday girl Ella Kate and her twin sisters Ruby and Molly.  These are the most precious girls!!!!

Harper and her friend Alex. They are a month apart and I think they are so cute. I thought it was so sweet because Harper kept reaching over and patting Alex on the back. 

OH happy day - cake time!

I had to share this - I got a package today from a sweet blog friend Rikki.  It's a small world because I went to college with her husband and he was the nicest guy. She sent matching outfits for the girls and I could die they are so cute! I thought I wouldn't get into matching outfits - but I have managed to gather up a few so far and I just can hardly wait until the day the girls can wear them!!! Thank you Rikki - this was SOOOOOOOO nice!!!!

We went out to eat with two families after the party tonight. It's been over a year since we ate out with friends with Harper.  I was just almost giddy to be able to go! And Harper did pretty good! I was really proud of her and told Scott maybe we could start venturing out into public again. At least until Hollis gets here and then it might be another two years. ha! Oh well - it's a season of life!

Show Us Your Life - Show us Your Singles!!!

(Note - I'm starting this a day early because............it's snowing here and we have been up all night with the stomach flu (just Harper so far) so while I'm still feeling okay and had a few minutes - I decided to get it on up. Plus I'm excited!)

I want to start this off by saying a few words and giving a few rules.

First of all - I don't want this to be any kind of meat market. This is an idea born out of my heart for singles and my desire for all my single friends (and all you bloggers) to find the right person. I have no idea if anything will happen out of this but I figure - I have a ton of readers all over the country - if match.com or e-harmony work - why not try this? Three couples are together after we did this last summer and two are engaged.
What my heart is that if you put your self out there and nothing happens - PLEASE do not feel rejected or deflated. The ONLY reason it doesn't work is this is NOT where God wants to you to meet that right person. But for the few people who might meet someone - PLEASE keep me updated down the road! I love to share with everyone the results and it might determine if we want to never do this again or if I want to quit blogging and start a full time matchmaking service. ha ha ha! Just kidding!

Okay - SO........
1. Link up your posts that you have written about a single friend, family member, etc. You should probably get their permission first. Tell as much (TRUTH) as you can about the person and include pictures.
2. On your link - please give info if it's a male or female and their age.
3. Please also give us the state at least that they live in.
4. All singles or friends or family of singles - browse the posts. If you find someone you think might be a good match - leave a comment telling about your self with your email.

Okay - now I have six very dear single friends who I'm going to tell about myself. I have prayed for these girls and I KNOW that there are six awesome guys out there that God has for them. If you are a guy and are interested or if you think your single friends might be interested - email me personally and I will work a little matchmaking magic. (kellyskornerblog@gmail.com) I promise I know these girls and they are ALL amazing women!

Melinda
She is mid 30's. She lives in NW AR. She has been a good friend of mine for over 15 years. We went to OBU together. She has a HUGE heart for the Lord and for serving others. She is very involved in her church. She comes from a great family who live in the area. She is so much fun. She loves movies and the razorbacks. She is super outgoing and easy to talk to.

Kim.
She is in her mid 30's. She lives in NW AR. I have known her for a long time. She is a teacher. She also has a great family. She's training for a half marathon. She loves football and the beach. She is an amazing Christian and loves the Lord with all her heart. She is so fun and down to earth. She's one of those people I don't see often but when I do it's like no time has passed. She's just easy to be with.

Shannon
She is about to turn 30. She lives in NW AR. Shannon is an accountant and also an amazing singer. She is very active in her church. She is a HUGE Razorback fan - especially baseball and football. I've known Shannon for several years and she always has a huge smile on her face and has the sweetest spirit. She is a great cook. She has a neat family also. She likes to travel and she also is just an amazing Christian girl.

Kate.
Kate is in her mid 30's and lives in Norman, OK. She works for OU. She is a HUGE personality and will make you laugh until you can't breathe. She is just so easy and fun to be around. She is an amazing hostess and decorator. She has a huge group of friends because people just want to be around her. She is so thoughtful and giving. She is very close to her mother and sister. She likes to travel. She would make anyone so happy and provide a life of fun!
Some of her friends helped write a post about her - go read more about Kate here!

Caroline
Caroline is in her 20's. She lives in the DFW area. She is an art teacher. Caroline is an amazing girl! She is artistic, she sings, she cooks, she decorates. She has two GODLY parents. She has a PASSION for Christ. She just got back from a trip to Isreal. She has travelled a lot overseas. She's fun, adventerous, and loves life. She has great style. She has a heart to serve God and is open to whatever form that might take. I can't say enough about Caroline - she is a CATCH! (all these girls are!)

Jenna
Jenna is in her 20's and works and lives in GA. She is a southern girl who loves football, family, friends and Jesus. She is just adorable! And I would let her family adopt me. ha! They are SO much fun! Jenna is hilarious. She is also so kind and thoughtful. She has a zillion friends too and it's because she just makes people want to be around her. She is going to make some cute southern boy very happy one day!

A lot going on...................

First and VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!
Friday we will start back our Show Us Your life series. I promise to get a schedule posted in the next few days but this one is SUPER fun because it's "singles day". Remember to post about your single friends or family - all ages!!!! A lot of you have asked me how to get involved if you don't have blogs - you can either a. have a friend blog about you or b. Come and check out the links and see if you see anyone interesting! If you do - leave a comment with all your information and telling about yourself. I have no idea what will happen. Maybe nothing. But then again - we could have some more couples meet, fall in love and get engaged. Stranger things have happened!!!

Harper went to MDO today and I had a busy day. My first stop was one of our local news stations - KNWA. My friend Sydney blogs for them and she is about to have sweet little Emerson in a couple of weeks so for 2 or 3 weeks while she is off getting adjusted - I'm going to guest blog! If you live in NWA - I'll also be skyping in on the morning news!!! I'm sure I'll write about this more soon but here is where I'll be blogging! http://nwahomepage.com/specialseries/blog
It was SUPER interesting to tour a news station. I felt like I was on "Morning Glory" or some other movie I can't remember the name of that maybe Michelle Pfiefer starred in?

Our church is having the most fun retreat for teenage girls in a few weeks and I'm helping (a little) with it so I had a meeting about that next. I would love to be fully involved because I love teenage girls but between Harper and being so pregnant I'm just not able to this year - but I'm hoping to help as much as I can. I think it's so great that our church concentrates on these girls and looks to encourage them in such a crucial time in their lives. I feel God pushing me more and more to get involved with teenage girls. I don't know what that will look like or how or when but it's something I feel like God keeps putting on my heart more and more all the time.

This afternoon Harper had her two year check up. She passed with flying colors! She is 95% in both height, weight and head. She was 33 lbs and 36 inches tall. She's a big girl but my doctor said she was proportional and it didn't mean she would weigh 200 lbs at 16. She actually has gotten taller but not really gained weight since her 18 month check up! I'm just thankful for a healthy girl!

I was so excited because Hollis' bedding came today!!! If I can get some things hung on the wall and her closet done - the nursery is ready! I love how it turned out. Just how I envisioned - sweet and serene. I'm PRAYING she will sleep better than her sister in that bed! ha!
I had her bedding made at www.polkatotdesigns.com. I used them for Harper's bedding too!
(Hollis will not be sleeping in her bed until the risk of SIDS is over with - so don't be worried about the bumpers)

I went to one of my favorite local stores today, Riffraff, and found this cute blue frame. I loved it as it was but decided to "girly" it up a little and add the flower that I also got there and some feathers. I love how it turned out. I am loving this blue girl's room. More than I ever thought!

We are supposed to get 4-6 inches of snow tonight so it looks like I may be snowed in for the next few days. Maybe I can tackle the laundry or closets................or maybe I'll just spend all day trying to keep Harper entertained and NOT destryoing our entire house.

31 weeks

I'm 31 weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 31 Weeks

Size of baby: Hollis is the size of a 3 lb bag of chicken

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 14 lbs

Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity jeans and pants but everything else is regular.  I'm down to just a few things I can still fit into. ha!

Gender: It's a girl!!! Hollis Barrett Stamps

Movement: She is VERY active - especially in the afternoon and at night

Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty good!

What I miss: Nothing really - maybe sleeping on my stomach?  Or bending over? ha!

Cravings: I'm just hungry - I don't have specific cravings. I don't really want sweets.

Symptoms: Mostly tiredness, a few Braxton Hicks, I'm starting to waddle, a few other things I would never say on the internet. ha!

Best Moment this week: Celebrating Harper's birthday and realizing the next time all the grandparents will be here is for Hollis' birth!

Lately I have been feeling like I did at the VERY end with Harper.  And I still have 8 weeks to go. By then end of the day I am so worn out.  Last night I went grocery shopping and I just knew I was going to go into labor right there in the produce section.  I'm trying to take it easy - I want Hollis to stay in there until the very last minute!

This morning I started a new Bible Study at church - "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan.  I LOVE FC (if I can call him that) so I know this will be good and just from the introduction - I know I will be challenged and learn so much.  It's all about the Holy Spirit. I'll have to share with you once we are done but I would promise if you need a book to read - this is probably a great one. Especially if you have already read "Crazy Love".  Or put it on your list! I'm excited about diving in!

 P.S. Found this at Wal-Mart last night.  This should help me get through the rest of the pregnancy! :-) YES!

Project Mirror

I finished a project for Hollis' nursery this weekend that I thought I would share! It's going to hang above the day bed and I just LOVE it!

I can not take credit for the idea. I saw it on this blog - http://buntfamily.blogspot.com/ probably a year ago and have had it in my head ever since that I was going to do something similar in a future nursery if we had a girl. Isn't this nursery to die for? (This is NOT my nusery - this is this sweet blogger's nursery. You can check out her blog for more amazing decorating!)

All I did was order a personalized monogram off of etsy by searching for "vinyl monograms". There are TONS to choose from. I have a friend that makes these also here. These are ones you could put on a wall but I LOVED the idea of putting it on a mirror. I wanted a chunky gold mirror and couldn't find exactly what I wanted so I ended up going to a custom glass place here in town and having them cut me a mirror to fit a frame from hobby lobby. And then I had Hobby Lobby put it together for me. The vinyl was hard to get on. There are air bubbles and it doesn't look perfect but I think it will look good on the wall anyway.

And the ideas are ENDLESS.

I could see this on a white or pink shabby chic frame

Or this for a boy's room on a white frame

I love this for a modern nursery or kid's room - with a modern shaped frame

And this is so girly for a girl's room in a big elaborate frame

Just thought I'd share a fun idea!!!!

Two Years

Dear Harper:

I can't believe that today you are TWO! It seems like so long ago that I spent so many days crying because I so desperately wanted a child. I bought little things with the name Harper on them and hid them away just daring to hope that one day God might give me a little girl. You will never fully understand how badly your daddy and I wanted you!
I wish I could think about your actual birthday with happy memories but it was the worst day of my life. The thought of losing you before I even got to know you was more than I could imagine.

But you have been strong willed and dramatic from the very beginning. You came in fighting and it's still a struggle of wills every day. I have a love/hate relationship with that. I love that you are so strong and that you have a mind of your own and that I am sure you will be a woman of confidence and leadership one day. But as your mom trying to get you to do things I want you to do - not so much loving it right now. :-) I think mostly because you are me all over again. You may look like your daddy but your personality is all me and it scares me a little! Your daddy will tell you I'm the most hard headed person he knows. And you must be second. ha!

Every day for the last 730 days with you have been a gift. Your smile lights up my life. I love to go get you out of your room every morning. You usually always greet me with a big smile and a "Hi momma!" or a "Hi Baby". You have the sweetest personality and are so loving. You live to make us laugh and you are a true performer. There is a sparkle in your eyes that no money could ever buy. I pray that sparkle is always there!


I love that at two you want to sing about Jesus every day. I know you don't know what you are singing about yet but I pray that soon you will. I don't care if you make straight A's or win Miss America or do well at sports - I want you to be HEAD OVER HEELS in love with our Saviour and for his light to shine through you in all that you do. I want you to let Him guide your life and I know you will be blessed.

Your daddy and I can't get enough of you. My favorite part of my day is every night when we go to bed and we never go to sleep without laughing and talking about you. I don't know what we ever did before we had you. You are not perfect but you are OURS! We adore you! I think you are the cutest thing I've ever seen in my life. I don't think I will ever kiss or hug you enough.

I can't wait to see what the next few weeks, months and years bring and to watch you grow and change. I know our days are numbered that we will have alone - just you and us. I'm trying to treasure my last few moments with you as my only child. But I know that you will adore Hollis and I pray you will be best friends. I can't wait to watch you as a big sister. I pray that you will have good friends and life and that God will bring you a boy who will adore you (when you are 30). :-) I want so much for you and I'm praying God makes me a better mother to you.

I hope one day you will read this and know just how much I love you. You probably won't understand it until the day that you have a little girl or boy of your own. And then you will realize how incredibly loved your were.

Happy Birthday precious girl! Momma loves you SO much!

P.S. I can't celebrate Harper's birthday without being SOOOOOOOOOOOO thankful and tearful at the thought of her wonderful doctors and nurses who saved her life, all of our sweet friends who drove to Tulsa to visit us in the hospital, all the blog readers who came to visit or sent amazing messages or gifts to us, and all the many, many people who prayed for her. I can never thank you enough. And I will treasure each of you for the rest of my life. I know a lot of you started reading when Harper was born - thank you for being interested in her little life! We love you all!!!

Happy Birthday Harper

Tomorrow is Harper's actual birthday but we celebrated today. Both sets of her grandparents were here and we ate lunch and enjoyed some time with her. We opened family gifts and then we had her birthday party this afternoon. This was her invitation!

Our families got her some fun things - some fun toys and puzzles and books. She was so excited about everything!

Scott's parents got her this precious baby carriage! I know she will love pushing this around!

Scott has been wanting to get this doll for Harper since he saw a commercial for it a few months ago. It's Baby "All Gone". She drinks apple juice and eats bananas (two of Harper's favorites) and says "All gone" and "Where did it go?" which are two things Harper has said forever. She loved it!

Our family of four. It seems like yesterday I was packing my bag to go to the hospital to have her - I can't believe we were packing up to go to her second birthday party instead.

My friend Robin made me some cookies to have at the party! They taste as good as they are cute!

It was SO nice to have Harper's party at a fun place and not at our house. I didn't have to clean before and after or stress too much. We just showed up with cupcakes and cookies and everything was taken care of! I hope all the kids had fun - I know Harper had the BEST time!

Her little Mickey outfit turned out so cute!

She ran around like crazy and just had a blast! I was SOOOOO thankful that I had all the grandparents there to help me! Scott was taking pictures and I was trying to set up things and visit and the grandparents followed her around and had fun with her. My mom was also in charge of taking pictures and we took several great pictures of Harper with her grandparents but they are on her camera so I can't share them. Harper is VERY blessed to be so loved.

We "tried" to get a group picture but trying to get 30 kids under 5 was impossible. I'm pretty sure this was the best one and you can see how great it was. Oh well - it's true life isn't it?

I got cupcakes from Sam's which are the best really and got cute little toppers off etsy for them.

Harper being sung to and about to blow out her candles. I don't think she ever REALLY realized this was HER birthday party. ha!

I'm pretty sure this was the best part of her day. She talks about cupcakes on a daily basis but only gets one every few months so I kept telling her we would have cupcakes at her party. She was thrilled!

Everyone getting sugared up

For favors I got Mickey Mouse coloring books at Dollar General and tied them up with a little tag.

These are just of a few of our friends who were able to come. I think there about eight other families there - but their pictures are on my mom's camera! ha! We are blessed with so many amazing friends! Thank you for sharing in our day with us!!!!

I'm tired!
I can't believe my baby is two!